It just keeps making more sense

This morning I went a company wide meeting at my employer. I fully expected to be bored with the content as I'm involved in many of the initiatives being announced. Instead I found revelation about my personal financial life.

Just to give some background, my wife and I have become students of Dave Ramsey. We've been reading his books, watching his show and trying his principals to better our financial situation. It's early days, but it's helping.

The topic of the economy is on folks' minds and our CEO addressed it directly. Here is a selection of what he had that to say that directly affected employees:

• No layoffs - in fact, a modest 2% growth in staff
• Merit raise in April as normal
• Company will absorb the increase in health insurance premium
• No benefit cuts - including no cuts in 401k
  
• A new computer on every desk in 2009
• The existing computers will be given away to employees
• Bonuses should continue
  
• And oh yeah, we're going to reduce prices by 10%. (That's on top of last year's 15% reduction.)
  

So, how the heck do you do all this in an economy like the present one? It hit me - this company has managed finances well for over 20 years and as a result has no debt and big reserves. The economic conditions may be awful, but the good management or stewardship of your finances can prepare you for those times.

While they may not be following Dave's baby steps to the letter, my employer has followed them in principal - spend wisely, pay down debt, build savings, invest conservatively.

It all showed me what could be done once you get your financial house in order.