-We are working on getting completely out of consumer debt this year. This has been a long road, as Logan and I did not see eye-to-eye when we got married regarding debt. He HATES it and I had the idea that debt would always be with me, and I wasn't willing to "let it ruin my life". I wanted to play and travel and buy things, and pay the minimum on the debt, since I would always be saddled by it. Basically, having the debt kept me from doing the things I want to do, and prevented me from having a closer relationship with my husband. Long story short, I can now see the wisdom of the man God blessed me with, and we have the same goals. I have been shouldering the same $$ around for years... it is a burden and unwelcome. We are in a good place, as my small business is growing (against the odds of a poor economy... being able to accept insurance helps!) and Logan's job is secure. I am working on a monthly budget. Beans and rice and TVP isn't romantic, but being out of debt is, so it's a small (temporary) price to pay.
We are big fans of Dave Ramsey too, and he has a lot of helpful hints from a Christ-centered perspective on living debt free.
Part of the plan is a budget. Often money gets frittered away on a new outfit for Abby, or an extra large coffee (or two), or 'gee-gaws and hickafrazz' (Logan's terms for candles and cutesy little home things). Sometimes I look back at the end of the month, and I have 100's of dollars unaccounted for. Sometimes I give in to the euphoria of buying something new, sometimes I get something without price shopping first, sometimes I feel down or overwhlemed or tired and a little pick me up at the store is exactly what I "need". I think there is room for all of this, but it has to be accounted for. There's no problem with hitting Starbucks every day, as long as there is money for that treat. (well, except my drink of choice probably has a lot of calories and fat in it. so that's a bit of a problem, but I digress...). Logan and I have talked extensively before about how much we want for mad money, how much for household, etc. I'm looking forward to learning to live within the budget. Being frugal can be fun. I enjoy price shopping and seeing how I can make a meal for cheap. Abby has more than enough clothes (more than Logan and I put together!), new shoes, and tons of toys that I am rotating, so she always has new ones to play with. I sent Logan to Costco and he bought a huge bag of coffee beans, and I bought flavored creamer on sale and froze it (it actually unfreezes great!). I play the Grocery Game using coupons and look forward to seeing how much I can save every month. When I was doing it seriously before Abby was born, one month I spent $150 and saved over $400 using coupons. Logan loves a stocked pantry and I like the savings. :)
Anyway, I think we are set. I need to be vigilant about not going out and spending money just because I am bored or we need out of the house. I live 1/2 mile away from an awesome library and a super kids play area; we can walk there and Abby can play.
I was thinking about this tonight, and I think one of the main reasons my mindset has changed regarding debt is that I really want to be a role model in every area of my life for Abby. If she grows up in a family that is debt free and uses money as a tool, instead of being used by money, I think she will be well ahead of the game when she gets older and goes to college/starts her own family. Plus, the idea of not having to have "The Talk" about money anymore with Logan makes me giddy.
-I am getting fit again. I (mostly) ran a 1/2 marathon last April, and was walking 10 miles 3x a week. I haven't walked much since the weather turned yucky. I just feel better when I have exercised. Abby loves getting out too. I got my ends cut off my hair, so it's more manageable and pretty. I am 90% sure I am a sugar addict. I am working on figuring out how to live 2009 in a way that glorifies God and takes care of my body.
-Working on our garage. We have an awesome garage (900 sf!) and I am excited about organizing it. Putting up shelves and hanging hooks for the bikes and buckets for clothes Ab has outgrown. There is a lot to get done, but there is even more potential. It will be like having an addition to our house. I'm looking forward to it.
There's always more to talk about, but it's hard to put it out in internetland. For now, I think I'll leave you with a few pics of the cutest girl in the world.
With her mama on Christmas day wearing our new hats from Daddy!
Happy New Year!!
Love,
Kim and Abby
p.s. if you have new year resolutions or goals/dreams/plans, I'd love to hear 'em!
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I really liked reading about your budget plans for 2009. I especially liked your attitude about how we can be controlled by money or use it as a tool to glorify God and live a more Godly life. Aaron and I have lived on one income (minus the student loans that pay for Aaron's tuition - actually they don't pay for it entirely, we have to make up the difference) for pretty much our whole marriage - so I have been budgeting for over 8 years now!! I actually have to be careful to not feel resentful of families that have more than one income and own a home, etc. I try to repent of that and remember that God sent Aaron and me to Canada, then England for His purposes and I to try to see the blessings of not having a mortgage when I'm sad about it. Aaron is getting his PhD in Biblical Studies and will surely be doing God's work after finishing his education. Also, we have a really close marriage because we spend more time together because we don't have money to go out and be distracted by other things, but can spend time together and with friends/family.
Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you....I also fear that I will never pay back my student loans that are ever increasing, but being reminded to make a plan and budget makes me feel more optimistic. Thanks!
xo
elise