A foreclosure does not define you financially.

My husband and I are pretty good at leaving money alone until we need it for what we've saved it for.

We know intellectually that money can't buy happiness yet we spend and go into debt as if it does.

I knew I had found my life's passion after writing my first column for The Washington Post. The response was like nothing we had seen in the business section. Everyday people were writing that finally someone was speaking to them in a way that was understandable. I think we were all shocked at how many readers wrote in to say that they too had a Big Mama who taught them about money.

I use my financial values to set my limitations. I have three children I want to put through college debt free. So that means I can't spend wildly or with disregard.

I think you can save and spend to live for however long you live. You just have to be flexible if things don't go as plan.

We all fall - even me.