We have few frills in our budget. To live just on one income is so hard. The only reason we have any wiggle room is from the parttime jobs DH and I do. It isn't about having more "stuff" as mentioned in another blog. That offends me.
Big expense: DD's schooling. If the public schools were the kind of place I wanted my child spending six hours a day, I'd have her there. But they're not, unfortunately. I've seen them from the inside (former teacher); I have friends still teaching; I talk to parents of DD's friends who are in these schools. No thank you.
We don't even buy new cars every 5-6 years, let alone every 3-4 or 1-2. Our one vacation this year, a real getaway for rest and recreation, will have been 2 days of skiing. That's it.
The clothes we buy are returns that can't be resold, or samples. They're new, but not really. Or we buy from thrift stores.
My Starbucks habit has been on gift cards this year, thanks to Christmas and my birthday among other things.
I can't remember the last time I had my hair cut, even at a supercuts. Forget about an actual salon. I've had my nails done twice since my daughter was born, and this last time was from a gift certificate for my birthday.
We don't have cable, or a dish. I think we've been a movie theater two or three times in the last two years.
When we improve our house, we do it ourselves. No contractors, no landscape architects, no painters. I sew curtains and seat cushion covers.
We buy organic, for our own health and because we think it's the right thing to do, environmentally. We also don't eat fast food, both for our health and as a statement to the fast food industry.
I wash in cold water and hang dry at least half our clothes.
I could say what DH makes, which I won't, but apparently the vast majority of people here would think we're crazy that we can't live on that and have a very nice life. Trust me - no boats, no timeshares, no new cars. Thank goodness work matches 401k contributions, so we're at least almost saving 10% into the 401k. Almost.
I'm frustrated at how hard things seem right now. Moving anywhere in this area isn't even an option; I think the median home prices for our city (or was it county?) in $600K. There's no way we could get anything - ANYTHING - for less than what our current mortgage is. We'd be incredibly lucky to find something in the very worst part of town for twice what we currently owe.
It's not been a good day. Rant over, for now.
a little bit frustrated
April 6th, 2006 at 12:03 am
April 6th, 2006 at 12:21 am 1144282890
April 6th, 2006 at 12:26 am 1144283179
You know, I wrote a post a while back about 'stuff" and I sure hope that is not the one that offended you. I would never compare my situation to anyone else's...or even begin to pass judgement. Quite the contrary, I respect families for doing whatever it takes to provide the best experience for their family- whatever that means to them. I have been there, when my children were little and it took two salaries to keep our heads above water....then I went on to be a single mom...oh boy.
I apologize if it was indeed my post that offended...I certainly did not mean to.
April 6th, 2006 at 01:20 am 1144286456
April 6th, 2006 at 01:49 am 1144288143
April 6th, 2006 at 01:54 am 1144288482
I was at home for 11 years with my girls, and only took a job 4 years ago that allowed my youngest to come with me during her last year before she started kindergarten (she was the only one left at home.) I now work five mornings a week in our school district's preschool, and have the same days off as the girls, as well as flexibility in time off for the kids or my mom. I am off for my girls' sick days, can volunteer in their classes and attend events that happen during the school day... well you get the picture.
I still answer that I'm a mom before anything else (I spend more hours on that job than at my paying job, which I do enjoy.) We have four girls and my mom to care for - my husband and I choose to get by on less so that we can continue to give care at a level of our choosing. I feel very lucky and blessed that we are able to do this. I look back (and ahead!) and think how did we do it?! Just when you think the money situation can't be any worse, a car breaks down, something medical happens, a key appliance like the washer can't be repaired one more time, and on and on. Would I change a thing? Nope - not one thing! (Though all money given to us would have been cheerfully accepted!!)
So rant away...and know that many here either know whereof you speak or empathize/sympathize heartily. Good for you for doing things the way you see fit! I always figure that the hard times serve to strengthen us. Boy, how strong we will be! Best wishes to you!!
April 6th, 2006 at 04:28 pm 1144340898
The boutique looks great. Keep on keepin' on. And don't take a job for less than you're worth - you'll find something better!
April 8th, 2006 at 04:41 am 1144471270
April 8th, 2006 at 04:44 am 1144471452
Yes - you put that so nicely.
(I don't even want a boat - just threw it in there as I was thinking of the whole keeping up with the Jones' thing.)
April 8th, 2006 at 06:34 pm 1144521247
We drive old cars, buy dependable and practical, and splurge on things that are important. Home gym, we both have health issues and needed it. But went cheap cheap cheap to get good stuff.
For what it's worth, you are someone I truly admire, and am always impressed. You're well educated, a mom, a wife, running several businesses, starting up businesses and taking GREAT care of your family and your finances. You are amazing! I wish I had some great words of encouragement for you, something to send a bit of love and light your way. Can't think of a thing. I can send coupons! Lots of thanks for all of your support and posts and inspiration.
April 9th, 2006 at 04:03 pm 1144598630
April 10th, 2006 at 10:00 pm 1144706440
April 11th, 2006 at 05:14 am 1144732462
just remember, your life is what you make it...best wishes.