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Rick’s Mod to Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps

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  Rick’s Mod to Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps Building Wealth Is Great, But Don’t Forget to LIVE THE DREAM! About 20 years ago, I made a decision that would significantly change the direction of my financial life. I started following Dave Ramsey's 7 Baby Steps . And I'll tell you something right up front: They worked! Those principles helped me develop financial discipline, eliminate unnecessary debt, save money, and ultimately put myself in a pretty darn good position in life. For that, I'll always give Dave Ramsey credit. But here's the thing. Twenty years later, with a little more life experience, a few more gray hairs, and a much different financial perspective, I've come to realize that while Dave's advice is excellent, I don't necessarily agree with every single part of it. And that's okay! Financial advice isn't necessarily one-size-fits-all. What works for someone struggling with debt might not be the best strategy for someone who's financiall...

Airbnb, Secrets, and ........

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Airbnb, Secrets, Motorcycles… Damn, We've Done Some Traveling! 🌎🏝️🏍️🍹 Yesterday, I got into a discussion about Airbnb after sharing a post about some of the changes they've been making, particularly with their fees. I've been aware of those changes for a while, but the conversation got me thinking. So, I logged into my Airbnb account and started looking back through our travel history. HOLY CRAP! We've done some traveling! 😂 Looking through all those reservations, I realized just how many trips we've taken over the years, staying in some pretty incredible homes and properties thanks to Airbnb and their hosts. And here's the kicker… the list isn't even complete! At least two of our previous stays don't show up anymore because those properties are no longer part of Airbnb. Naturally, that got me thinking it would be pretty cool to put together a collage of all those places we've stayed. So, I did! 📸 But then my brain started wandering… WAIT A ...

Remembering Riding the Yucatán 2025

Two Wheels, Good Company, and a Yucatán Adventure Some trips don’t take much convincing. Mention motorcycles, Mexico, and a week of exploring, and I’m already checking the calendar. In early December 2025, my cousin, Lucy, and I headed down to Cancún for a riding adventure through the Yucatán. I’d learned about it earlier that year through Adam Sandoval, who was planning to participate. My cousin and I jumped into the fray and got our reservations locked in ASAP. It did not disappoint. We spent a week riding, enjoying daily excursions, staying at all-inclusive resorts, and venturing into parts of the Yucatán we’d never personally explored. We covered fewer than 1,000 miles, but the mileage was only one piece of the experience. Having time to get off the bikes and enjoy the places we’d come to see made the trip that much better. Lucy and I have spent plenty of time enjoying Mexico, but exploring by motorcycle added a whole new dimension. There’s something about being out on two wheels t...

Secerts Playa Blanca trip; third time in 12 months

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Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres – Seven Days of Paradise, Great Friends & a Birthday Celebration! October 17–24, 2026 | Costa Mujeres, Mexico Another Mexican adventure filled with sunshine, swim-out suites, fantastic food, great friends, new friendships, birthday celebrations, and a whole lot of fun! Six Months in the Making! Well, here we go again! Another trip to beautiful Mexico, another week at one of our favorite resorts, Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres , and another opportunity to enjoy the good life! Lucy and I had actually planned this adventure about six months earlier. Everything was booked, reservations confirmed, flights arranged, and we were counting down the days until we could trade the everyday routine for sunshine, swimming pools, tropical drinks, and that wonderful Mexican hospitality we've come to love. Then, about two or three months before our departure, our good friends Barry and Rita approached us about taking a trip to Mexico together. Our respons...

🌴 NINE SECRETS RESORTS IN MEXICO: THE ULTIMATE COMPARISON

Beaches, Pools, Restaurants, Luxury, and the Best Vacation Experiences By RickkciR | October 2026 If you've followed my blog for any length of time, you already know one thing about me: I LOVE MEXICO! 🇲🇽🍹🌴 Give me sunshine, beautiful beaches, excellent restaurants, cold drinks, great service, and a gorgeous resort, and I'm a happy camper! Over the years, my wife Lucy and I have enjoyed some fantastic vacations throughout Mexico. As members of Unlimited Vacation Club (UVC), currently at the Impression Black membership level , we've had opportunities to experience several beautiful Secrets resorts. And naturally, people ask me: "Rick, which Secrets resort is your favorite?" That's not an easy question! Some have incredible beaches. Others have spectacular swimming pools, outstanding restaurants, or breathtaking ocean views. Some are luxurious, while others simply have that special atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again. So I decided to put...