Most people don’t think about where laws come from until those laws affect them directly. I recently found myself in that position with Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-3-213, the section that governs veteran license plate benefits.

After looking closely, I realized there was room for improvement. Room to make the statute fairer and more meaningful for Colorado veterans. Instead of simply shrugging and moving on, I decided to see what it would take to actually propose a change.

Why This Matters
As a veteran and a Life Member of VFW Post 4051 here in Colorado Springs, I know firsthand how small legislative details can make a big difference in the lives of those who served. Sometimes the law is written in a way that leaves veterans shortchanged, even though the intention is to honor them.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about making sure statutes reflect the realities and sacrifices of the people they’re meant to serve.

My First Steps
I started by drafting a proposal for how the law could be amended, and then began reaching out to the organizations that represent veterans at the state level. So far, I’ve contacted the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Colorado, the American Legion state leadership, and the Disabled American Veterans Colorado office, requesting their support.

My goal with these first steps is simple: build support within veteran service organizations (VSOs). If they stand behind this amendment, it strengthens the case when approaching lawmakers at the Capitol.

What’s Next
Right now, I’m waiting for responses from these organizations. I’ve set reminders to follow up in September. From there, the next step will be reaching out to my elected officials in the State of Colorado with a solid backing from the VSOs.

Why I’m Sharing This
I wanted to document the process publicly, because many people don’t realize that ordinary citizens can play a role in shaping the laws of their state. It takes persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn, but it’s possible.

This is just the beginning of the journey. Whether or not my specific proposal succeeds, I hope it serves as an example of how veterans, and all citizens, can raise their voices when something needs fixing.

Right now, I’m in Baby Step 2, working on paying off debt with the snowball method. But I’ve already started looking ahead to what comes next, because Step 3 is a big one: saving 3–6 months of expenses in a fully funded emergency fund.

This step is about creating a strong financial safety net. It’s there to cover the big “what ifs” of life; job loss, medical expenses, or major home/car repairs, so you don’t slip back into debt once you’ve fought your way out.

Why I’m Thinking Ahead
I recently heard Jade Warshaw (Ramsey Solutions coach) talk about this step, and she made a great point: once you reach Step 3, the money shouldn’t just sit in a regular savings account. It belongs in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA).

Here’s why that stuck with me:

• Easy access when needed. Emergencies don’t wait, so it has to stay liquid—not tied up in CDs or investments.
• Earn while you wait. Right now, Ally Bank offers around 3.5% APY, compared to my local credit union’s 0.25% APY. That’s a big difference in how fast the fund can grow while it sits untouched.
• Keeps it “out of sight.” Having it separate from your everyday bank account reduces the temptation to use it for non-emergencies.
  

How Much Is Enough?
Dave Ramsey recommends 3–6 months of expenses (not income). That means looking at what it really takes to keep life running: housing, food, transportation, insurance, and other must-haves.

Three months may be enough if you’ve got stable work or a dual-income household. If you’re self-employed or just want extra cushion, six months gives you more breathing room.

Looking Down the Road
I’m not there yet; but thinking ahead helps me stay motivated. Knowing that Baby Step 3 is waiting gives me a vision for the kind of peace and stability I’m working toward. When the time comes, I want that money in the right place... growing, safe, and ready for whatever life throws my way.

Politics often feels like something distant. Something that happens at the Capitol in Denver, decided by lawmakers and lobbyists. But in reality, Colorado’s legislative process was designed to include everyday citizens. Lawmakers rely heavily on input from residents to make decisions that affect schools, healthcare, transportation, taxes, and more.

The Colorado General Assembly even publishes “A Citizen’s Guide to Effective Legislative Participation,” which explains step-by-step how anyone can get involved. Here are some highlights and practical ways to make your voice heard.

Understand the Process
The first step in being effective is understanding how laws are made. A few resources worth exploring:

• How a bill becomes a law in Colorado.
• Committee hearings, where bills are debated and shaped before reaching the full House or Senate.
• Guides on how to read a bill and track its progress.

Once you’re familiar with how things work, the system feels much more approachable.

Learn the Issues
If you care about a topic, whether it’s public safety, education, or environmental policy, do a little homework. Knowing who is affected, what the arguments are, and how the issue connects to your own community will strengthen your position.
Personal experience combined with a few facts is often the most persuasive approach.

Connect With Your Legislators
Your representatives are elected to serve you, and hearing from constituents is part of their job. You can:

• Attend a town hall meeting in your district.
• Send a short, respectful letter or email explaining your concerns.
• Request a meeting or phone call to discuss an issue.
• Testify in a committee hearing when a bill you care about is being considered.

Consistent, respectful communication builds credibility over time.

Work With Others
A single voice is powerful, but a group of concerned citizens working together is even more effective. Look for community groups or organizations that focus on the issues you care about. Collaboration helps amplify your message.

Stay Respectful and Constructive
Advocacy is most effective when it’s civil and solution-oriented. A few reminders:

1. Be prepared and concise.
2. Keep communications polite, even when you disagree.
3. Thank legislators and staff for their time.
4. Focus on the issue, not the politics.

Final Takeaway
Colorado’s legislative process was built for citizen participation. You don’t need special training or political connections; just a willingness to learn, speak up, and stay engaged. By taking part, you’re helping shape the future of our state.

When it comes to money, most of us want the same things: less stress, more security, and the ability to plan for the future without constantly worrying about bills or debt. The problem is, money can get complicated quickly. Between budgeting, saving, paying down debt, and thinking about retirement, it’s easy to feel like there are too many moving pieces.

That’s why I’ve decided to focus on something simple but powerful: Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps.

Why the Baby Steps?
What I love about the Baby Steps is that they take all the noise out of personal finance. Instead of trying to do everything at once, the plan breaks things down into clear, manageable stages. You don’t have to figure out all of life’s financial challenges in one sitting. You just have to take the next step.

For me, that’s what makes this approach realistic. It’s not about being perfect with money, it’s about having a straightforward roadmap and the discipline to keep moving forward.

What to Expect Here
Over time, I’ll be writing posts that walk through each of the 7 Baby Steps in detail:

1. Save $1,000 for a Starter Emergency Fund
2. Pay Off All Debt (Except the House) Using the Debt Snowball
3. Save 3–6 Months of Expenses in a Fully Funded Emergency Fund
4. Invest 15% of Household Income for Retirement
5. Save for Kids’ College (If Applicable)
6. Pay Off Your Home Early
7. Build Wealth and Give Generously

But here’s the key: this won’t be a weekly blog series or a quick run-through. Instead, it’ll unfold as part of my own journey. Some steps (like the debt snowball or paying off a mortgage) naturally take months or even years, and I want to share these posts in real time as I reach them.

That means there may be some space between posts, and that’s okay. This process isn’t about speed; it’s about steady progress.

Why I’m Sharing This
I’m not a financial guru, and I don’t have it all figured out. What I do have is the same desire a lot of people share: to be wise with money and build a more secure future. Writing about the Baby Steps is a way to stay intentional on my own journey and hopefully encourage someone else along the way.

Moving Forward
So, consider this the starting point. I’ll be posting about each Baby Step as I get there, sharing what I’ve learned, how I’ve applied it, and the lessons along the way.
If you’ve ever wanted to take control of your finances but felt overwhelmed, this series is for you. Let’s walk through it together... one step at a time.

If you’d like to see the official overview of Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps, you can check it out directly on Ramsey Solutions.

When most people think about workplace safety, they picture hard hats, safety signs, and training sessions. But the habits we build at work, like staying aware of hazards, thinking ahead, and preparing for emergencies, don’t have to stay on the job site.

In my latest article for Occupational Health & Safety, I talk about how these same skills can make us safer at home, on the road, and in our communities. It’s about taking the lessons we’ve learned through workplace safety programs and using them to protect what matters most in everyday life.

You can read the full article on OH&S here:
Extending Workplace Safety into Everyday Life →