They resolved that situation by returning to the Kansas City area, where Bob Kimbrough pursued a new career as a software training consultant. That seems relatively lavish compared with what they started with, but not much of a match for a brisk financial agenda they have set for their future. There's college to consider for Abby and a younger brother or sister someday. The Kimbroughs also would like to be financially independent, or nearly so, by the time Bob, now 30, is 55. The couple also plans to make improvements in a home that was bought last year and would like to sometime soon take the honeymoon trip that couldn't be afforded when the Kimbroughs married.
Reality intrudes, of course.
They still have student loans to finish paying and a credit card balance that never quite goes away. One of their two vehicles probably will need replacing in the next three years. Their current cash reserves would last less than a month if a calamity occurred. But if you set priorities and develop a spending plan, you will be able to reach the goals you've set. Koesten and his associate Matt Starkey, who also is a certified financial planner, are among many members of the Financial Planning Association of Greater Kansas City who volunteer their time and expertise to create the free financial plans that Money Makeover participants receive in exchange for sharing their stories with readers.