If I had a nickel for every time my daddy told me this growing up I'd be retired already. Recently, I've come to realize the wisdom in those words. In the past few days I've talked to three different close friends who discussed their struggles with the current economy. Thankfully all of them are employed but they are underemployed. Their hours have been cut or they have been furloughed. One works on commission and has seen her average monthly income cut by half.
As we discussed the economy and the toll it's taken on all of us and those we love, a theme emerged. We're all every bit as happy as we've ever been. Two of us are driving cars that are paid for and the other is driving a very economical base model vehicle. We talked about how we've almost gotten a sense of accomplishment out of driving a paid for vehicle. I was watching Suze Orman a few nights ago and she said that if people would drive their car for 10 years rather than 5, they would save 500,000 dollars over the course of their lifetime. Wow. It hit home for me. I've driven my van for 6 years. I don't know if we'll make it to 10, but I'm going to drive it till the wheels fall off and then only after several unsuccessful attempts to reattach them will I buy another car. Someone sent me a clip from Dave Ramsey who was giving advice about buying a new car. He advises only to purchase a new car when the total repair bills add up to more than a year's car payment. I get it. I'm really going to try. So far we've had to replace the compressor at a cost of 500 dollars. But, that's it and that's not even one month's payment on a new one.
Friends and I have also discussed how we've tried to save money by eating at home more. The benefits of eating at home are far greater than simple economic reasons. My friends and I have resolved to eating better, healthier and closer to home. We're resolved to preparing lunches for our children next year rather than depending on school lunches which have gotten too expensive and nutritionally lacking. I must confess that I've enjoyed browsing the internet for neat school lunch ideas. I've also enjoyed the challenge of trying to put together lunches that are economical and nutritious. Some great ideas can be found here: http://health.kaboose.com/nutrition/brown-bag-it.html I've estimated that over the last 6 months we've cut our eating out by at least 50 percent. It hasn't been bad at all. I've found some great new recipes I want to try and I'm looking forward to seeing how far I can stretch my dinner dollar during the school year. I was astonished at the amount of money we spent on school lunches for the 4 of us last year, and we didn't eat in the lunch room that often! We've made it a goal to stay out of the school cafeteria! Guess what! We're still happy as we ever were. We've enjoyed more time together by eating at home and I've lost about 7 pounds!
The best things in life are not things folks. We're constantly chasing things that will only contribute to a fleeting sense of security and happiness. I know what Daddy meant when he said you're old enough for your wants not to hurt you. The wants really don't hurt anymore and we've achieved a new sense of direction in our family while discerning the wants from the needs. We still have miles to go. But I am determined to eliminate some debt and live more freely. It has become a competitive game to me. Now if I could just get my husband to play along! I'm not saying I'm a miserly person. I still have to have a little frivolity in my life. Wine has been defined as a need not a want. I've considered moving pedicures from the want to the need column as well!!! But I'm doing better, and I guess that's what counts.
On another note, As most of you know I taught Ag Ed for several years. My husband and I actually met during our student teaching at Franklin County High. We both taught Ag until my Addie was born. It was just too much. She was born in February, the same month I asked to be moved to an academic classroom. It was a terribly difficult decision since I LOVED teaching Ag and I loved my FFA kids. My instructional supervisor was so supportive and I've never forgotten that. She held a science job for me until I could make up my mind. On the day I had to give her an answer, I dropped Ali Grace off at the sitter and she looked up at me with the sweetest blue eyes ever and said, "Mama is this going to be another long day?" My decision was so easy after that. I've never regretted it at all. Pete continued to teach Ag until we moved to Louisville where there was no ag job available. I've blabbed it to most of you but if you haven't heard, Pete just signed a contract today to teach Ag again in Jenkins County. I am so glad he will be back to doing what he loves. But, at the same time, I worry about family time and his ability to prioritize. Most men struggle with their roles of provider versus father/husband. He's no different. So although the increase in pay couldn't come at a better time, suffice it to say that I have a little anxiety about it. I am just focusing on the debt we can pay down with his extra pay and the fact that he'll be a world happier where he is and I'm just going to have to do a little more myself around here. Wants versus Needs...yes, I get it.
I will be busy the rest of the summer with back to school shopping in addition to a much needed beach vacation. Don't worry! We're going economy style! We are staying the entire week but we are sharing a condo with Pete's brother's family. We are eating out at lunch rather than supper to save money and we're enjoying planning meals to cook at home for supper while we're there. I know the girls will have a wonderful time with their cousins Sarah and Emma. So enjoy the rest of your summer everyone! It may be awhile before I get back here!
