... it's not like our lives are at a standstill right now.
Between work, school, our social calendars and juggling everyone's schedules; we are not bored by any means!
Throw in the fact that I should start packing up some non-essentials for the big move.
Plus the new experiences we've had lately - our trip to the Minnesota Zoo, cookouts in March with friends, and playing outside until we're targeted by the mosquitoes - it's not like I have writer's block!
Landen and Madelyn are so full of life that it would be worthwhile to write their routines for sake of rememberance and prosperity.
But to write a decent post would mean downloading the photos on my camera. I've been finding other things to do, like plan a certain someone's 27th birthday party and watch Landen ride his bike outside. Dishes have been put on the backburner for weeks now, because the warm weather outside has been calling us to be outside.
My to-do list grows daily and hardly anything gets crossed off, but that's okay - spring is here. And I feel like we've come out of hibernation.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Journey's End?
Those closest to us and my long-time readers know our story.
They know, at the end of 2007, we packed up our small town apartment and our 4-month-old son, and moved into my mother's house. Life back then was turbulent, and we were surviving on faith alone. I was no longer employed. We were new parents - scared of the unknowns and completely clueless. Husband achieved one of his lifelong dreams when he was hired to fly for the airlines, but first-year pilot pay meant a substantial pay cut. We had student loans, hospital bills and a car payment.
It goes without saying 2008 was the worst year of my life. I hit rock bottom so hard that it left some pretty deep scars that still bring anxiety. However, the lessons I learned are invaluable and remain in practice today. I don't remember when the epiphany came, but I realized if I wanted change - I had to be the change. I couldn't rely on someone to hand me a new life on a silver platter; I had to make it happen.
New Year's Eve 2008/9 - I outlined a list of both short term and long term goals. I developed a plan, and I stuck with it up until now (and will continue to).
1. Find employment.
I would start out working part-time and schedule myself on days Husband was home. We would pocket that income. Once hired, to be frank, I would kiss ass and network like crazy to secure a full-time position with the company. It worked - in May 2009 I returned to work and landed a full-time job by Christmas.
2. Move into our own place.
We moved into an inexpensive 2-bedroom apartment in October 2009, ironically on our fourth wedding anniversary.
3. Pay off debts.
The goal was to tackle our car loan and medical bills. Then I'd snowball those payments to our student loans to reduce their balances. We paid off the medical bills in March 2010 and paid the car off in April. We also gained control over our student loans.
4. Save money.
This was a bit of a plateau because life became somewhat routine. However, Husband and I did extra work to bring in additional incomes. I hosted rummage sales and sold items on Craigslist we didn't use or need. The bulk of our tax returns found a home in savings, and we were careful to separate needs from our wants.
5. Buy a house.
Goals 1-4 lead up to this goal - the "doozy." And this was achieved in March 2012.
********************************************************
I know times are tough right now. The rich keep getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and the middle class is virtually extinct. Prices and standards of living are increasing, but salaries are decreasing if not staying the same. Husband and I are constantly budgeting and tightening our wallets and trimming expenses. I not only wrote this to celebrate our journey, but to also reach out to a reader whose journey may mirror mine.
It is possible to climb out of the black hole. It takes a while, so one must be patient and diligent and sacrifice a lot, but it can happen. It's very hard to remain strong when your friends are buying new clothes, handbags and cars. But I promise you - the rewards at the end are sweet!
It is possible.
They know, at the end of 2007, we packed up our small town apartment and our 4-month-old son, and moved into my mother's house. Life back then was turbulent, and we were surviving on faith alone. I was no longer employed. We were new parents - scared of the unknowns and completely clueless. Husband achieved one of his lifelong dreams when he was hired to fly for the airlines, but first-year pilot pay meant a substantial pay cut. We had student loans, hospital bills and a car payment.
It goes without saying 2008 was the worst year of my life. I hit rock bottom so hard that it left some pretty deep scars that still bring anxiety. However, the lessons I learned are invaluable and remain in practice today. I don't remember when the epiphany came, but I realized if I wanted change - I had to be the change. I couldn't rely on someone to hand me a new life on a silver platter; I had to make it happen.
New Year's Eve 2008/9 - I outlined a list of both short term and long term goals. I developed a plan, and I stuck with it up until now (and will continue to).
1. Find employment.
I would start out working part-time and schedule myself on days Husband was home. We would pocket that income. Once hired, to be frank, I would kiss ass and network like crazy to secure a full-time position with the company. It worked - in May 2009 I returned to work and landed a full-time job by Christmas.
2. Move into our own place.
We moved into an inexpensive 2-bedroom apartment in October 2009, ironically on our fourth wedding anniversary.
3. Pay off debts.
The goal was to tackle our car loan and medical bills. Then I'd snowball those payments to our student loans to reduce their balances. We paid off the medical bills in March 2010 and paid the car off in April. We also gained control over our student loans.
4. Save money.
This was a bit of a plateau because life became somewhat routine. However, Husband and I did extra work to bring in additional incomes. I hosted rummage sales and sold items on Craigslist we didn't use or need. The bulk of our tax returns found a home in savings, and we were careful to separate needs from our wants.
5. Buy a house.
Goals 1-4 lead up to this goal - the "doozy." And this was achieved in March 2012.
********************************************************
I know times are tough right now. The rich keep getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and the middle class is virtually extinct. Prices and standards of living are increasing, but salaries are decreasing if not staying the same. Husband and I are constantly budgeting and tightening our wallets and trimming expenses. I not only wrote this to celebrate our journey, but to also reach out to a reader whose journey may mirror mine.
It is possible to climb out of the black hole. It takes a while, so one must be patient and diligent and sacrifice a lot, but it can happen. It's very hard to remain strong when your friends are buying new clothes, handbags and cars. But I promise you - the rewards at the end are sweet!
It is possible.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Define "normal."
I suppose the “normal” timeline of adulthood would be to graduate college and grow professionally. During that time, one can assume you’d meet your soul mate, move in together, get married, consolidate finances and buy a house. Then, children would come and you’d live out the rest of your lives behind the white-picket-fence of an American Dream as you juggle swim practice, dance classes and PTA meetings.
Yeah well – the American Dream apparently hasn’t met my husband and I, because our timeline is nothing like that.
I graduated a semester after Husband, and he had a full-time job driving truck. Seriously, we had zero bills because he was still in his grace period and I was still a student. We had Internet, utilities and $350/month in rent. Why in God’s name weren’t we saving that money?! Anyway, we got married while I was still a student. We honeymooned for cheap in Colorado right before I landed my first job out of college. Husband was still trying to find his way – he drove truck, worked a stint with the federal government and flight instructed before landing his current role as an airline pilot.
Landen was our happy surprise, and Madelyn, though a planned baby, came sooner than we were expecting. We had completed our family before purchasing a home and throwing down some roots for the kiddos. We moved five times in the 9 years we’ve been together. I changed jobs three times, and changed career focuses once. We've lived in 3 states. Husband, always the dreamer and schemer, continues to find ways to maximize his potential and utilize the two things he loves the most – flying and driving truck.
Truthfully, change is the only constant we know.
And so, to the American Dream – define “normal.”
This is our normal. This is our story. And I am proud to be writing it. Though we may face more struggles and hurdles than the “normal” American Dreamer, at least our story continues. We’re alive, we’re happy and we’re healthy. We continue to be presented with opportunities, and we have amazing people in our lives to share it with. Those reasons alone are enough to celebrate.
We don’t follow what is considered “normal,” as Husband said the evening we received word the house was ours.
“We blaze our own trails.”
Yeah well – the American Dream apparently hasn’t met my husband and I, because our timeline is nothing like that.
I graduated a semester after Husband, and he had a full-time job driving truck. Seriously, we had zero bills because he was still in his grace period and I was still a student. We had Internet, utilities and $350/month in rent. Why in God’s name weren’t we saving that money?! Anyway, we got married while I was still a student. We honeymooned for cheap in Colorado right before I landed my first job out of college. Husband was still trying to find his way – he drove truck, worked a stint with the federal government and flight instructed before landing his current role as an airline pilot.
Landen was our happy surprise, and Madelyn, though a planned baby, came sooner than we were expecting. We had completed our family before purchasing a home and throwing down some roots for the kiddos. We moved five times in the 9 years we’ve been together. I changed jobs three times, and changed career focuses once. We've lived in 3 states. Husband, always the dreamer and schemer, continues to find ways to maximize his potential and utilize the two things he loves the most – flying and driving truck.
Truthfully, change is the only constant we know.
And so, to the American Dream – define “normal.”
This is our normal. This is our story. And I am proud to be writing it. Though we may face more struggles and hurdles than the “normal” American Dreamer, at least our story continues. We’re alive, we’re happy and we’re healthy. We continue to be presented with opportunities, and we have amazing people in our lives to share it with. Those reasons alone are enough to celebrate.
We don’t follow what is considered “normal,” as Husband said the evening we received word the house was ours.
“We blaze our own trails.”
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Our house-hunting journey.
January 2012:
We got serious about buying a house after the holidays and met with a mortgage lender in January 2012. We were pre-approved, and we were referred to a realtor with Edina Realty to guide us through the process. It was pretty painless.
We met with the realtor to discuss our target area and our "list of demands;" which wasn't very long - must be in a good school district, close to my office, with 3 bedrooms and a 2-car garage. While Husband and I have our own visions of our "dream home," we were comfortable with purchasing a property in need of some loving to make it ours.
Realtor would send us updated listings for us to view online, and we would come up with a list of properties we wanted to look at. Some Realtor would check out during the day due to our erratic schedules and we valued her opinion on the properties. There were many nights where I would meet Husband and Realtor after work to look at properties, and not come home until 10 p.m.
February 2012:
We realized how much we liked Lakeville, and found a 3-bedroom split on a very large lot. On February 7, 2012, we wrote an offer on the property.
The property is a short sale, so the process would take longer than a traditional seller since ultimately, the bank must approve our offer.
We had a favorable arrangement with our property to go month-to-month just in case, so we were ready!
The seller was taking care of a sick family member at Mayo in Rochester when we submitted our offer, so her reply was delayed. We tried our best to be patient, but it was tough. We also caught ourselves daydreaming about how we'll use the spaces and immediately stopped because we didn't want to get our hopes up. With all of the unknowns involved, we didn't want to set ourselves up for major heartbreak and disappointment.
On March 1, we got a reply from the bank. Already?! I was filled with dread when Husband said we had a response - they wanted more money.
Even though I knew it was a possibility - because banks are greedy SOBs - it severely irritated me. Here we have an offer on the table that is just a few thousand short of what the bank wants, and they have the balls to demand an increase? To each his own, but in my opinion, that poses the risk of losing even more money on the property because it could go back on the market.
All of this happened while I was at the office, and I lost my ability to focus on my to-do list. I emailed Realtor and told her to "throw down" our inspection report. If the bank had the balls to ask for $4,000, then I was going to show them everything the inspection report recommended be fixed. The house needs a new furnace and water heater. It needs downspouts, the patio needs to be re-graded and there were a few minor details that I'm sure, when added up, would surpass the $4,000 countered increase by the bank.
And now, as I write this, I am waiting to hear from Husband. He wanted to talk to our lender about numbers. What would an additional $4,000 do for our monthly payment? What interest rate would we lock in on? Could we tweak anything?
By the time I came home, we felt totally defeated. Interest rates went up. The payment increase plus the higher interest rate would make us house poor, and that was the kind of situation we wanted to avoid. With tears in my eyes, I told Realtor that we were going to remain firm with our initial offer.
I was certain we had lost the house. And I was devastated.
On March 2, I faxed Realtor our inspection report with a "here goes nothin'" prayer. My heart screamed to just agree to the increase! And 99% of the time, I listen to my heart. But when it comes to finances, logic always wins. I was still fully prepared to terminate the contract, and I was depressed over it.
At 12 p.m., I got a call from Realtor. "I have great news," she said.
I instantly begin crying.
The bank approved our offer.
We didn't have a close date yet because there were a few more steps to go through, but the bank approved! We were still under contract and moving forward!
The bank approved our offer.
I called Husband immediately and let him know. I could hear the relief in his voice. He wants the house as much as I do. With renewed faith and renewed hope, our focus was steadfast. We were going to get this house. I didn't care what it took. It was going to happen.
On March 13, Realtor emailed us our official approval letter from the seller's mortgage company. It made it real! How perfect we already had plans in place to have dinner with friends - now, in addition to each other's company and friendship, we had something to celebrate! I got the phone call at 3:30 p.m., and I was completely useless until 5 p.m. It was all I could think about.
We did it. Four years of planning, saving and sacrifice - and we did it! We overcame financial crises and here we are - a family of four, and HOMEOWNERS. Knowing this is the house we will raise our children and make so many happy memories - it brings tears to my eyes.
Husband gave our 60-day notice with our complex.
April 2012:
Close date - April 17.
We got serious about buying a house after the holidays and met with a mortgage lender in January 2012. We were pre-approved, and we were referred to a realtor with Edina Realty to guide us through the process. It was pretty painless.
We met with the realtor to discuss our target area and our "list of demands;" which wasn't very long - must be in a good school district, close to my office, with 3 bedrooms and a 2-car garage. While Husband and I have our own visions of our "dream home," we were comfortable with purchasing a property in need of some loving to make it ours.
Realtor would send us updated listings for us to view online, and we would come up with a list of properties we wanted to look at. Some Realtor would check out during the day due to our erratic schedules and we valued her opinion on the properties. There were many nights where I would meet Husband and Realtor after work to look at properties, and not come home until 10 p.m.
February 2012:
We realized how much we liked Lakeville, and found a 3-bedroom split on a very large lot. On February 7, 2012, we wrote an offer on the property.
The property is a short sale, so the process would take longer than a traditional seller since ultimately, the bank must approve our offer.
We had a favorable arrangement with our property to go month-to-month just in case, so we were ready!
The seller was taking care of a sick family member at Mayo in Rochester when we submitted our offer, so her reply was delayed. We tried our best to be patient, but it was tough. We also caught ourselves daydreaming about how we'll use the spaces and immediately stopped because we didn't want to get our hopes up. With all of the unknowns involved, we didn't want to set ourselves up for major heartbreak and disappointment.
The following morning, we learned another offer had been submitted on the property and we were officially in a bidding war. Some drama ensued, as Realtor played phone tag with me at the office and Husband was unreachable (aka flying). We had the opportunity to change our offer (aka increase) before the seller reviewed them. When I finally got a hold of Husband, he wanted to run numbers to be sure, and we wound up offering full price with 3% sellers assist. Meanwhile, Realtor (LOVE HER) buttered up the seller with comments like "they have two children, and they'll love playing on the play equipment in the yard; they're committed to the short sale process; etc."
At 5 p.m., our offer was accepted!
And the seller forwarded the package on to the bank to begin its process.
"You cleared the first hurdle," Realtor exclaimed. "Now sit back, relax and let the marathon begin."
On Monday, February 13, we had an inspection done on the property. I was able to arrange my hours so I could be home early without having to use my PTO. I stayed with the kids while Husband went to the property. He came home with wine, a reference book on home maintenance, and a very detailed report about the property. Overall, the home scored on the high end of average. We learned that we will have to replace the furnace and water heater during our term of ownership; otherwise it was things we already knew about from when we saw the house. Husband talked to his mom and stepdad, which allowed us to talk through our decision; and in the end, we decided it was worth it.
On Tuesday, February 14, Husband told Realtor we would move forward with the house. Happy Valentine's Day - while my colleagues shared what they were giving their significant other's, I announced I gave my husband a house!
Meanwhile, Realtor is becoming more than just a professional acquaintance. She is a lot of fun, reminds Husband of his aunt, and would love to turn this into a family friendship.
For the remainder of February, we signed paperwork as the bank requested though the majority of the updates were to inform us of "no change."
We got our taxes done, and learned we'd be able to contribute a little more to the down payment fund and start a "house account."
Family came into town February 24-26 to celebrate Madelyn's birthday and we took them on a drive past the property. We couldn't go inside because we haven't closed, but they saw it! It's great that everyone has been so supportive, and excited - and now, the only drawback is the waiting game. I just want to close, move in and get settled.
March 2012:On March 1, we got a reply from the bank. Already?! I was filled with dread when Husband said we had a response - they wanted more money.
Even though I knew it was a possibility - because banks are greedy SOBs - it severely irritated me. Here we have an offer on the table that is just a few thousand short of what the bank wants, and they have the balls to demand an increase? To each his own, but in my opinion, that poses the risk of losing even more money on the property because it could go back on the market.
All of this happened while I was at the office, and I lost my ability to focus on my to-do list. I emailed Realtor and told her to "throw down" our inspection report. If the bank had the balls to ask for $4,000, then I was going to show them everything the inspection report recommended be fixed. The house needs a new furnace and water heater. It needs downspouts, the patio needs to be re-graded and there were a few minor details that I'm sure, when added up, would surpass the $4,000 countered increase by the bank.
And now, as I write this, I am waiting to hear from Husband. He wanted to talk to our lender about numbers. What would an additional $4,000 do for our monthly payment? What interest rate would we lock in on? Could we tweak anything?
By the time I came home, we felt totally defeated. Interest rates went up. The payment increase plus the higher interest rate would make us house poor, and that was the kind of situation we wanted to avoid. With tears in my eyes, I told Realtor that we were going to remain firm with our initial offer.
I was certain we had lost the house. And I was devastated.
On March 2, I faxed Realtor our inspection report with a "here goes nothin'" prayer. My heart screamed to just agree to the increase! And 99% of the time, I listen to my heart. But when it comes to finances, logic always wins. I was still fully prepared to terminate the contract, and I was depressed over it.
At 12 p.m., I got a call from Realtor. "I have great news," she said.
I instantly begin crying.
The bank approved our offer.
We didn't have a close date yet because there were a few more steps to go through, but the bank approved! We were still under contract and moving forward!
The bank approved our offer.
I called Husband immediately and let him know. I could hear the relief in his voice. He wants the house as much as I do. With renewed faith and renewed hope, our focus was steadfast. We were going to get this house. I didn't care what it took. It was going to happen.
On March 13, Realtor emailed us our official approval letter from the seller's mortgage company. It made it real! How perfect we already had plans in place to have dinner with friends - now, in addition to each other's company and friendship, we had something to celebrate! I got the phone call at 3:30 p.m., and I was completely useless until 5 p.m. It was all I could think about.
We did it. Four years of planning, saving and sacrifice - and we did it! We overcame financial crises and here we are - a family of four, and HOMEOWNERS. Knowing this is the house we will raise our children and make so many happy memories - it brings tears to my eyes.
Husband gave our 60-day notice with our complex.
April 2012:
Close date - April 17.
Friday, March 9, 2012
A couple things I've learned.
1. Submit for product rebates.
I've started taking advantage of every single rebate and money-back offer I can get my hands on. It adds up, and I can complete these rather quickly.
2. Provide consumer feedback to companies.
This is a lesson I learned from my mother, even though my siblings and I make fun of her for it. Mom knows what she's doing! In her experience, her letters' response often included a free replacement of the product. An example of this is my recent experience with the Oshkosh/Carter's children's clothing brand, and I will be receiving full reimbursement for Landen's winter coat. I hope my feedback is doing a service to these companies, because without it, they can't improve. And I feel I get a better value for the products I buy.
Note: A good friend of ours, whose daughter will be turning one very soon, mentioned that after reading this provided some feedback to a company and she was also reimbursed!
3. Coupon and Store Match-Ups
Web sites like http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/ (great for Twin Cities-area stores) help me to match coupons to the sales flyer. I use that to menu plan and build my grocery list, which helps me save money in the end. I also use http://www.thekrazycouponlady.com/ to find other coupon deals. I also love shopping at Target because they allow you to stack coupons.
4. Consignment
With the upcoming move (fingers crossed!) the thought of packing again leaves a foul taste in my mouth. I don't know how my SIL put up with moving as much as she did - what, 10 times in four years? I have been purging our belongings for the second time in less than 6 months, and putting those items on consignment rather than donating them (doesn't that sound greedy? Sheesh). I also intend to do a major rummage sale at the new house once we've moved in because I despise clutter. I've made $400 since I started doing this. True it's not an extravagant amount of money, but did give us a little freedom to have some fun without touching what was in our account.
5. Unplug everything.
I've become pretty anal about this. Our microwave, coffee maker, bottle warmer and everything else not in use gets unplugged. I'm anal about having as little light on as possible. I managed to drop our energy bill $10 since October. We also turn our thermostat down slightly. Again, I'm not breaking the bank here but I am saving money.
6. Daycare
This is our biggest expense, and if we could avoid sending our kids to daycare, our situation would be completely different. We love our children, and we believe when it comes to childcare, you get what you pay for. When I drop the kids off, I know they're entering an environment that focuses on growing their minds as much as their fun. The teachers love them as much as we do. But the bills are killer. This month, Husband and I are working opposite schedules to keep them out as much as possible. In the future, we'll do our best to make similar schedule arrangements.
7. Target Up & Up
I love this generic brand, and Husband read that its ranked pretty high in Consumer Reports. We use this brand for Maddie's diapers and wipes - huge savings there. Have you seen how much a box of Huggies costs lately? I learned my lesson with Landen - why spend so much $$$ on something the kid's just going to poop in? Up & Up holds up to what Madelyn puts them through, so I have no complaints. Considering utilizing this brand for other products.
Did I mention how great it is to not shell out $20-25/week on formula?
8. Track our expenses.
I've started writing everything down. Every time money leaves our account, it's logged onto a spreadsheet. That way, we have a clear picture of exactly where our money went when we ask that question. It shows us a pattern, and I cannot tell you how many times we've realized we didn't need something but it was purchased anyway. It holds us accountable, and that's what we need right now. It also shows us where we can cut costs.
Edit - 9. Pull the "loyal customer" card on companies.
Husband and I have been customers with a couple companies for as long as we've been together, specifically our cell phone and insurance carriers. The combination of our history and competitive rates usually means a discount on premiums for us. We just scored a rockstar deal on homeowners insurance!
Those are just a few of the things we're doing. Though this is working for us, it may not work for you - this isn't to spark controversy, but rather; pass along ideas. If you have any ideas, please share! What are you doing to stretch your dollars?
I've started taking advantage of every single rebate and money-back offer I can get my hands on. It adds up, and I can complete these rather quickly.
2. Provide consumer feedback to companies.
This is a lesson I learned from my mother, even though my siblings and I make fun of her for it. Mom knows what she's doing! In her experience, her letters' response often included a free replacement of the product. An example of this is my recent experience with the Oshkosh/Carter's children's clothing brand, and I will be receiving full reimbursement for Landen's winter coat. I hope my feedback is doing a service to these companies, because without it, they can't improve. And I feel I get a better value for the products I buy.
Note: A good friend of ours, whose daughter will be turning one very soon, mentioned that after reading this provided some feedback to a company and she was also reimbursed!
3. Coupon and Store Match-Ups
Web sites like http://www.pocketyourdollars.com/ (great for Twin Cities-area stores) help me to match coupons to the sales flyer. I use that to menu plan and build my grocery list, which helps me save money in the end. I also use http://www.thekrazycouponlady.com/ to find other coupon deals. I also love shopping at Target because they allow you to stack coupons.
4. Consignment
With the upcoming move (fingers crossed!) the thought of packing again leaves a foul taste in my mouth. I don't know how my SIL put up with moving as much as she did - what, 10 times in four years? I have been purging our belongings for the second time in less than 6 months, and putting those items on consignment rather than donating them (doesn't that sound greedy? Sheesh). I also intend to do a major rummage sale at the new house once we've moved in because I despise clutter. I've made $400 since I started doing this. True it's not an extravagant amount of money, but did give us a little freedom to have some fun without touching what was in our account.
5. Unplug everything.
I've become pretty anal about this. Our microwave, coffee maker, bottle warmer and everything else not in use gets unplugged. I'm anal about having as little light on as possible. I managed to drop our energy bill $10 since October. We also turn our thermostat down slightly. Again, I'm not breaking the bank here but I am saving money.
6. Daycare
This is our biggest expense, and if we could avoid sending our kids to daycare, our situation would be completely different. We love our children, and we believe when it comes to childcare, you get what you pay for. When I drop the kids off, I know they're entering an environment that focuses on growing their minds as much as their fun. The teachers love them as much as we do. But the bills are killer. This month, Husband and I are working opposite schedules to keep them out as much as possible. In the future, we'll do our best to make similar schedule arrangements.
7. Target Up & Up
I love this generic brand, and Husband read that its ranked pretty high in Consumer Reports. We use this brand for Maddie's diapers and wipes - huge savings there. Have you seen how much a box of Huggies costs lately? I learned my lesson with Landen - why spend so much $$$ on something the kid's just going to poop in? Up & Up holds up to what Madelyn puts them through, so I have no complaints. Considering utilizing this brand for other products.
Did I mention how great it is to not shell out $20-25/week on formula?
8. Track our expenses.
I've started writing everything down. Every time money leaves our account, it's logged onto a spreadsheet. That way, we have a clear picture of exactly where our money went when we ask that question. It shows us a pattern, and I cannot tell you how many times we've realized we didn't need something but it was purchased anyway. It holds us accountable, and that's what we need right now. It also shows us where we can cut costs.
Edit - 9. Pull the "loyal customer" card on companies.
Husband and I have been customers with a couple companies for as long as we've been together, specifically our cell phone and insurance carriers. The combination of our history and competitive rates usually means a discount on premiums for us. We just scored a rockstar deal on homeowners insurance!
Those are just a few of the things we're doing. Though this is working for us, it may not work for you - this isn't to spark controversy, but rather; pass along ideas. If you have any ideas, please share! What are you doing to stretch your dollars?
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Let's talk through this ...
I want to take on a temporary part-time job that I would work ONLY on the days Husband is off.
We don't need the extra income per se - but there are some fun things we'd like to save for (Christmas, vacations, furniture, etc.), and this additional income would help. Plus, I'd like to pad our savings account because the down payment will cause it to take quite a hit. I'd like to fluff our safety cushion because it gives us a sense of security should something happen.
It's complicated though - my schedule for said PT job would be quite strict. I have a family, plus my full-time job, and they are priority. That pretty much limits me either waitressing (yuck), cashier, or I don't know what else.
Husband is hesitant. He suggested I work overtime and take on more accounts. I have. And even though the work is there, I am simply too fast. I know the company would frown upon me staying later if all I do is twiddle my thumbs simply to collect time and a half.
I think I am going to look into something local. See what's out there. It's not like there would be any strings attached so I could sever ties pretty easily if it doesn't work out or I get burned out.
Edit, 3/12 - Maybe should I try my luck with freelancing again? I did it while we lived in Iowa, and though it didn't make us millionaires, it did help build a cushion.
We don't need the extra income per se - but there are some fun things we'd like to save for (Christmas, vacations, furniture, etc.), and this additional income would help. Plus, I'd like to pad our savings account because the down payment will cause it to take quite a hit. I'd like to fluff our safety cushion because it gives us a sense of security should something happen.
It's complicated though - my schedule for said PT job would be quite strict. I have a family, plus my full-time job, and they are priority. That pretty much limits me either waitressing (yuck), cashier, or I don't know what else.
Husband is hesitant. He suggested I work overtime and take on more accounts. I have. And even though the work is there, I am simply too fast. I know the company would frown upon me staying later if all I do is twiddle my thumbs simply to collect time and a half.
I think I am going to look into something local. See what's out there. It's not like there would be any strings attached so I could sever ties pretty easily if it doesn't work out or I get burned out.
Edit, 3/12 - Maybe should I try my luck with freelancing again? I did it while we lived in Iowa, and though it didn't make us millionaires, it did help build a cushion.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
There is no right way or wrong way to parent (I take that back - if your parenting style involves the use of cages and cattle prods, you're probably doing something wrong). Joking aside, I hate how judgmental society is on the choices parents make for their children. What works for one family may not work for another, and in the end; we need to remind ourselves that we are all doing the best we can.
I found this recently, and had to share it. I've been both a SAHM and a Working Mom - for me and our situation, being a working Mom just fits. And truthfully, I feel like it's much easier to be a working mom than a SAHM. I tip my hat to all of you SAHMs out there!
That being said - Ten things to never say to a working mother:
1. It must be hard missing all those special moments every day.
(The daycare has been very good about not talking about Madelyn's milestones unless I bring it up first.)
2. I suppose it's smart that you're working. You know, in case your husband leaves you some day.
(Yep, I've actually been told this.)
3. I'm surprised you went back to work. Your husband seems so successful.
(All 4 of us are successful thankyouverymuch.)
4. It's cute when they call your nanny "Mama."
(Cages and cattle prods to be turned on you.)
5. I just love my kids too much to leave them during the day.
(I just won't go there.)
6. Did you see Dateline? The one with the hidden camera in the day care?
(In this instance, you get what you pay for. We're blessed to send our children to a center we trust and love our kids as much as we do.)
7. I could never let someone else raise my children. But that's just me!
(It's hard until they hit the age of 2; not going to lie!)
8. I hated my mom because she was never home after school like everyone else's mom.
(I was a latch key kid, and I turned out okay. I have a lot of respect and admiration for my mother because of what she did for my siblings and I.)
9. You must feel so guilty.
(Nope, I feel pretty damn good actually.)
10. I wish I were as laid-back as you and could just let the housework go.
(Just saying - I keep my home cleaner than some people without kids.)
The old saying applies - if you can't say anything nice; don't say anything at all.
I found this recently, and had to share it. I've been both a SAHM and a Working Mom - for me and our situation, being a working Mom just fits. And truthfully, I feel like it's much easier to be a working mom than a SAHM. I tip my hat to all of you SAHMs out there!
That being said - Ten things to never say to a working mother:
1. It must be hard missing all those special moments every day.
(The daycare has been very good about not talking about Madelyn's milestones unless I bring it up first.)
2. I suppose it's smart that you're working. You know, in case your husband leaves you some day.
(Yep, I've actually been told this.)
3. I'm surprised you went back to work. Your husband seems so successful.
(All 4 of us are successful thankyouverymuch.)
4. It's cute when they call your nanny "Mama."
(Cages and cattle prods to be turned on you.)
5. I just love my kids too much to leave them during the day.
(I just won't go there.)
6. Did you see Dateline? The one with the hidden camera in the day care?
(In this instance, you get what you pay for. We're blessed to send our children to a center we trust and love our kids as much as we do.)
7. I could never let someone else raise my children. But that's just me!
(It's hard until they hit the age of 2; not going to lie!)
8. I hated my mom because she was never home after school like everyone else's mom.
(I was a latch key kid, and I turned out okay. I have a lot of respect and admiration for my mother because of what she did for my siblings and I.)
9. You must feel so guilty.
(Nope, I feel pretty damn good actually.)
10. I wish I were as laid-back as you and could just let the housework go.
(Just saying - I keep my home cleaner than some people without kids.)
The old saying applies - if you can't say anything nice; don't say anything at all.
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