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This is the synopsis for the 2008 Money Makeover thread. Original post is in black text. Year end comments are in blue. Enjoy!
I've decided to do something a little different this year. I am putting us through a series of challenges to improve our financial standing and save money for badly needed renovations and a new car (in five years). My goal is to be able to save $15,000 for home renovations in 1 1/2 years, and $30,000 for a new car in five years time. So, in the manner of Ms. Vaz-Oxlade, here's the plan... - We were able to save $10,000 in an EF this year, put $1000 cushion in savings, put $3200 towards Lisa's and Meghan's university education, and put $2,000 of our joint money into home renovations. We also took two vacations costing us another $2,000. I used my inheritance to get the bulk of the necessary repairs done to the house. We did very well financially this year.
Me Set up retreat on budget and search Bible for guidance. - DONE! Used Crown.org
Cut Spending Challenge
Both Set starting budget together - DONE! Paul likes sitting down to revise the budget occasionally.
Use Budget Binder and jar system - DONE! Found the budget binder to be duplication of effort as we keep receipts for everything and enter it into Quicken weekly. However, having said that, we're out $200 over the course of the year. This is much better than past years, when we've found ourselves out by close to $1000! We decided to use Dave Ramsey's zero-based budgeting system starting September and noticed real improvements in the amount of money we were able to save.
Freeze credit cards and debit cards - Kind of! What actually happened is they kept finding their way back into my purse. Every time I used them I put them away again. What this did was alert me to how often I was actually using them. I slowly weaned myself off of them. We ended up having a cash only Christmas as a result. I call that success!
Review simple living notes. Watch the rest of “Simple Living”. - DONE! Paul watched with me and had a few comments. Mostly we ended up working on home renovation projects to solve energy efficiency and emergency situations. We did manage to replace the basement windows and back door, and our heating bill seems to have gone down despite rate increases. It helped that Meghan left home to go to university in August. We worked on simplifying our lives by finding local ways to spend our time, walking more, and enjoying each other's company more. We also shopped the Farmer's Market as well as the cheap big box store. I cut my trips to the big box store to once a pay period.
Me Write down what bills are due when (Paul does most of the bill paying and money stuff here. I want to learn how. He is having issues with control I think.) - DONE! This helps when I'm doing financial planning when Paul isn't home to ask. I think he was getting tired of me asking. I never can remember these things, so they need to be written down.
Record transactions in Quicken for full month - DONE! Kind of...this morphed into us taking turns entering things in Quicken, with the other 'helping'. Paul did not want to give up control in this area. He was very afraid. I discovered I do not like Quicken. It is not very intuitive or helpful in planning ahead. I tried YNAB (You Need A Budget) and liked it much better. Paul, however, is not convinced and does not see the need to try it. It doesn't track investments. If anything happens to Paul I'll have to switch over to it anyway, because I really don't understand Quicken. But that will have to wait till another time...
Paul Find a way to reduce bank fees – consolidate accounts? Change type of account? - DONE! The bank finally contacted us about a steal of a deal on our accounts. Paul sprung for it, after much angst and discussion. We are now in high interest bearing accounts with lower fees.
Paul Pantry inventory. Paul doesn't have a clue how to do these things. It's time he learned. He doesn't realize how much time all this planning takes. - DONE! Paul didn't see the need to learn how to do this in January. But by December he was helpful. I think he realizes that all this moving and lifting is hard for my back (sorting through the chest freezer). And if he wants me to save money on groceries, he's going to have to help sort through the pantry/freezers every now and then to determine what's there. It sure is much more pleasant when you have someone share the work with you. And it doesn't hurt for him to have an idea of what's in the house to cook, in case of emergency.
Plan lunches for himself so he doesn't have to buy them at work. - DONE! He takes leftovers most of the time. The only thing he really buys for lunches is fruit, and I don't mind that. I've been trying to keep him supplied with muffins and cinnamon buns, as he was buying those at exorbitant prices at the grocery store. Found he ate a whole batch of cinnamon buns in 2 days if I let him. So I took to freezing half the batch. It didn't slow him down much. So I decided to bake them only once a month. The rest of the time he can have my healthy muffins and fruit.
Paul Plan menu and grocery shop once for the entire week. - No Way!!! Paul would not do this. I did walk him through it once, so he could see what was involved. Between this and the pantry inventory he developed a new appreciation for what I do around here.
Both Discuss budget once a week in pleasant atmosphere. - Well, we're still working on this, but we're a LOT better than we were. It helped to have him watch some of Gail Vaz-Oxlade's "Till Debt Do Us Part", and to listen to some Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" CDs. That cleared up a lot of issues between us.
Brainstorm ways to eat cheaper. - DONE! This was chiefly a case of better menu planning. I developed a four week rotation menu that fell within our budget. I had it okayed by my nutritionist and now I cook recipes only off of that...for the most part. I am also in the midst of taking Paul and I vegetarian. The price of groceries - meat in particular - has soared this year, and I'm disgusted enough to change my eating patterns. If I have to pay good money for food, I'm going to buy what's good for me to eat. I have found that I have not been able to actually eat cheaper. But I have been able to hold the line on the grocery budget...and that is good, considering the price hikes here are in the neighborhood of 50-100% on most items.
Both Cleaning schedule. Set one up and stick to it! - This was a failure. What with sore knees, feet and back, I just gave up. Lisa was helpful in giving me a Flylady duster for my birthday. Now I just have to use it more! I seem to spend all my time trying to find a comfortable position for my back.
Learn how to do stain removal. - I tried. In the end I decided it was easier to sew some aprons and wear them! So far it's worked great, and I was able to give a couple of classy looking aprons to my girls for Christmas.
Both Medical costs...ways to get medicine, Co-enzyme Q10 cheaper. Research alternative medicine we can try for free. - DONE! I decided to try gel caps and liquid forms of various vitamins and minerals to ease the side effects of my prescription medication. I added one new vitamin/mineral a month and noted any side effects. It has helped somewhat. But mostly I put into use things I already had, like the Litebook. It hadn't worked for me before, but I rightly surmised that was because I used it too long at a time. I tried acupuncture and decided to switch practitioners for next year. My old one charged a lot and wasn't much of a conversationalist...ie. never discussed the whole course of treatment with me. Paul and I determined a well timed trip to the spa did wonders for both of us, and at a fraction of the cost of massage. In fact, it cost us $30 for as long as we wanted to sit in the pool. Whereas it was pushing $40 for me alone to see the massage therapist for an hour. And it usually only made things worse or...at best...marginally better for a short time. So it's been a year of adjusting and trial and error.
Me Start practicing meditation every morning. - This was a failure. I tried it twice. Once with great success, and a second time with much less success. I just didn't seem to find time for it. And the more I tried to make room for it, the busier my days got. I finally decided to read up on spiritual disciplines. I am reading Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline". In looking back I would say the discipline I've grown the most in this year is prayer.
Research cheap/free ways to exercise in winter. Do one this week. - My body was in too much pain to exercise and consequently this was a failure. I figure I'm doing well this year to fit in a daily walk. I have had to make use of a physiotherapist for various ailments.
Exercise DVDs. Use every day. - Nope
Both Clothing – Go through wardrobe and come up with different combinations for outfits. - DONE! This was very useful for determining exactly what we needed and didn't need ahead of seasons.
Figure out upcoming clothing needs/costs for next 6 months. - DONE! This worked so well that I will continue this with Paul this year.
Budget Booster Challenge
Both Hobbies – Brainstorm ways to do hobbies cheaper - DONE! I decided to buy things on sale or use what's in the house. The one thing I did spend money on was equipment. I spent some of my inheritance on new lighting, frames and sewing machine to do my hobbies.
Brainstorm ways to make hobbies pay for themselves. - craft sales, Internet - Nope. This fell on hard times right away. It costs money to make money. It cost $2000CAD to set up a website to sell things. It costs $100 for craft sales, if I include display supplies. I just didn't have the energy to go head to head with Paul on this. My goal this year is to save up some of my allowance and work on a booth at a sale somewhere. We'll see.
Price display equipment for fibre work. - DONE! And found it too expensive. Paul just wouldn't spring for it. It would have to be rented because we don't have room to store anything. I must admit, I didn't have any fibre work to sell really. I just didn't produce a lot this year for some reason. And what I did produce I gave away. It was easier than trying to sell it. Cop out, I know...
Me Track time during the day - DONE! I discovered I'm busy and don't really have time to run a business or work. How do working women do it? I just wouldn't have the energy to work and do frugal things too.
Create a daily schedule to include exercise, frugal activities, & fibre work and stick to it. - Tried, but it was fairly obvious that I rebelled against this majorly. I achieved a lot more when I was allowed to spontaneously pick projects to work on. Not sure what that says about my personality. I'm kinda afraid to ask! I did try to schedule myself to do things with other people. So I attended a number of stitch-ins on a regular basis and started a crafting group at the church with one other lady. Those ensure I at least do something every week.
Research starting a business. W.E.S. and Embroidery Canada articles. Talk to others in business - I did start reading some articles and attended some workshops in the past on running an Internet business. But truth be told, I lacked energy, time and drive. And without Paul's support I just won't go into business. It's too much of a time and money commitment that he is not prepared to let me make.
Set weekly goals for fibre work and DO IT! - Tried to, and failed. I did manage some stuff. But I find if I set a schedule I simply rebel! I also found my energy really flagging due to my back pain and not getting good sleep at night. This year, for the first time in my life, I've had to start taking afternoon naps.
Pull together a resumé.- DONE! And I was delighted to see I'd actually done something with the last 15 years of my life. I pulled together four pages. Paul suggested it was far too long. I actually sent it in to one employer, and wished I hadn't. Thankfully they said 'thanks, but no thanks'.
Future Plan Challenge
Paul Make a list of all renos that need to be done to the house to sell it. - DONE! This resulted in arranging for work to be done in the summer.
Research cost of doing renos. Write down estimates. - DONE!
Both Plan expenses for next 6 months and put in budget. - We did this once in 2008 and it was very useful. Paul and I are planning a January get away in 2009 to do this again.
Re-assess January expenses and come up with more money saving strategies to try. One new strategy per week. - DONE! Actually we seem to be doing quite well. We've held the line on a lot of expenses, despite price and rate increases. I'm pretty impressed.
Both De-clutter stuff we don't want in the house. - Kind of...this led to me realizing all the stuff I was tripping over was unfinished projects. Which led to finishing projects. And the plan to make that my focus for 2009.
Sell stuff on-line or hold a garage sale. - DONE! We managed to earn enough money to buy dinner. Garage sales don't do well in this part of town.
Both Redo wills and power of attorney. - Nope. But it will happen soon. Both Lisa and Meghan have got on Paul's case about it. I did do up an Early Intervention Plan for my mental health state. That surprised my doctor I think. Of course she had more draconian ideas of what to add to it, but I resisted. I think it's pretty safe to say that what Paul has gives him a clear outline of what he can do when and in what way, should he need to.
Make a decision as to which reno to tackle first...together! By now we should have $500 to do something with. Let's use it wisely! - Paul decided he didn't want to do any more renos. He wants to hire people to do them. Sigh...more money...
Me Look at the art side of fibre work. Talk to people re: exhibitions, etc. - DOING. I have been talking with artist friends who have been directing me to various publications that relate to fibre collage, etc. I have not talked to anyone about exhibitions because, well, I'm a long ways from that! I've started a series of art quilts on my niece's photos of her trip to Europe this summer.
Paul Cost out move - Suddenly Paul decided this was not important to him.
Relationship Rescue Challenges
Both Get creative! Set budget for entertainment and try to do as much as you can with it. - DONE! Paul and I have found we enjoy the simple things in life. Like going for a walk together, walking to a cafe for tea, watching library DVDs together, putting puzzles together, window shopping together, going to bookstores (cappucino bars) and the library together, etc. I've included him more in my fancy afternoon teas at home as well.
Plan some fun. List 3 ways we can have fun for free this month. - DONE! But not carried out throughout the year. We could use improvement here.
Dining out – brainstorm ways to decrease costs of dining out. Do one this week in conjunction with free entertainment challenge. - We decided to go for a walk to local cafes for tea, rather than out to meals. On vacation we had our fill of restaurant meals. We were quite glad to eat at home for months after those trips.
Learn to give each other massages. - Nope. Paul tried to give me one and wrecked his back. He decided with my back problems, we should probably stick to professionals. This morphed into professional massages covered by work, physiotherapy (also covered by work), and trips to the spa.
Motorbike is a trust issue...rent a motorbike for a day trip...just to try. Paul loves motorbikes and I am death on them, having had a cousin almost die in a motorcycle accident. But I think I need to get over this. - This died a quick death when another cousin was in a motorcycle accident this summer and is now a paraplegic. This morphed into creating a "Twenty Wishes" list of things I want to do before I die. So far I've been able to cross four things off my list.
Dance classes - Gotta get my back fixed and new orthodics. Wonder if you can wear them in dance shoes?
Synopsis: So I think it's been a very good year. We've learned a lot. Paul and I had a lot of struggles throughout it, but we've managed to come through to the other side stronger financially and stronger as a couple. Paul has agreed that we need to plan a working retreat at a nearby spa in January to plan for 2009. It will be nice to get away from the cold for awhile. So I am now working on ideas to carry us forward through 2009. My deep thanks and gratitude to Ms. Gail Vaz-Oxlade, who modeled this approach to finances in her show "Till Debt Do Us Part".
I've decided to do something a little different this year. I am putting us through a series of challenges to improve our financial standing and save money for badly needed renovations and a new car (in five years). My goal is to be able to save $15,000 for home renovations in 1 1/2 years, and $30,000 for a new car in five years time. So, in the manner of Ms. Vaz-Oxlade, here's the plan... - We were able to save $10,000 in an EF this year, put $1000 cushion in savings, put $3200 towards Lisa's and Meghan's university education, and put $2,000 of our joint money into home renovations. We also took two vacations costing us another $2,000. I used my inheritance to get the bulk of the necessary repairs done to the house. We did very well financially this year.
Me Set up retreat on budget and search Bible for guidance. - DONE! Used Crown.org
Cut Spending Challenge
Both Set starting budget together - DONE! Paul likes sitting down to revise the budget occasionally.
Use Budget Binder and jar system - DONE! Found the budget binder to be duplication of effort as we keep receipts for everything and enter it into Quicken weekly. However, having said that, we're out $200 over the course of the year. This is much better than past years, when we've found ourselves out by close to $1000! We decided to use Dave Ramsey's zero-based budgeting system starting September and noticed real improvements in the amount of money we were able to save.
Freeze credit cards and debit cards - Kind of! What actually happened is they kept finding their way back into my purse. Every time I used them I put them away again. What this did was alert me to how often I was actually using them. I slowly weaned myself off of them. We ended up having a cash only Christmas as a result. I call that success!
Review simple living notes. Watch the rest of “Simple Living”. - DONE! Paul watched with me and had a few comments. Mostly we ended up working on home renovation projects to solve energy efficiency and emergency situations. We did manage to replace the basement windows and back door, and our heating bill seems to have gone down despite rate increases. It helped that Meghan left home to go to university in August. We worked on simplifying our lives by finding local ways to spend our time, walking more, and enjoying each other's company more. We also shopped the Farmer's Market as well as the cheap big box store. I cut my trips to the big box store to once a pay period.
Me Write down what bills are due when (Paul does most of the bill paying and money stuff here. I want to learn how. He is having issues with control I think.) - DONE! This helps when I'm doing financial planning when Paul isn't home to ask. I think he was getting tired of me asking. I never can remember these things, so they need to be written down.
Record transactions in Quicken for full month - DONE! Kind of...this morphed into us taking turns entering things in Quicken, with the other 'helping'. Paul did not want to give up control in this area. He was very afraid. I discovered I do not like Quicken. It is not very intuitive or helpful in planning ahead. I tried YNAB (You Need A Budget) and liked it much better. Paul, however, is not convinced and does not see the need to try it. It doesn't track investments. If anything happens to Paul I'll have to switch over to it anyway, because I really don't understand Quicken. But that will have to wait till another time...
Paul Find a way to reduce bank fees – consolidate accounts? Change type of account? - DONE! The bank finally contacted us about a steal of a deal on our accounts. Paul sprung for it, after much angst and discussion. We are now in high interest bearing accounts with lower fees.
Paul Pantry inventory. Paul doesn't have a clue how to do these things. It's time he learned. He doesn't realize how much time all this planning takes. - DONE! Paul didn't see the need to learn how to do this in January. But by December he was helpful. I think he realizes that all this moving and lifting is hard for my back (sorting through the chest freezer). And if he wants me to save money on groceries, he's going to have to help sort through the pantry/freezers every now and then to determine what's there. It sure is much more pleasant when you have someone share the work with you. And it doesn't hurt for him to have an idea of what's in the house to cook, in case of emergency.
Plan lunches for himself so he doesn't have to buy them at work. - DONE! He takes leftovers most of the time. The only thing he really buys for lunches is fruit, and I don't mind that. I've been trying to keep him supplied with muffins and cinnamon buns, as he was buying those at exorbitant prices at the grocery store. Found he ate a whole batch of cinnamon buns in 2 days if I let him. So I took to freezing half the batch. It didn't slow him down much. So I decided to bake them only once a month. The rest of the time he can have my healthy muffins and fruit.
Paul Plan menu and grocery shop once for the entire week. - No Way!!! Paul would not do this. I did walk him through it once, so he could see what was involved. Between this and the pantry inventory he developed a new appreciation for what I do around here.
Both Discuss budget once a week in pleasant atmosphere. - Well, we're still working on this, but we're a LOT better than we were. It helped to have him watch some of Gail Vaz-Oxlade's "Till Debt Do Us Part", and to listen to some Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" CDs. That cleared up a lot of issues between us.
Brainstorm ways to eat cheaper. - DONE! This was chiefly a case of better menu planning. I developed a four week rotation menu that fell within our budget. I had it okayed by my nutritionist and now I cook recipes only off of that...for the most part. I am also in the midst of taking Paul and I vegetarian. The price of groceries - meat in particular - has soared this year, and I'm disgusted enough to change my eating patterns. If I have to pay good money for food, I'm going to buy what's good for me to eat. I have found that I have not been able to actually eat cheaper. But I have been able to hold the line on the grocery budget...and that is good, considering the price hikes here are in the neighborhood of 50-100% on most items.
Both Cleaning schedule. Set one up and stick to it! - This was a failure. What with sore knees, feet and back, I just gave up. Lisa was helpful in giving me a Flylady duster for my birthday. Now I just have to use it more! I seem to spend all my time trying to find a comfortable position for my back.
Learn how to do stain removal. - I tried. In the end I decided it was easier to sew some aprons and wear them! So far it's worked great, and I was able to give a couple of classy looking aprons to my girls for Christmas.
Both Medical costs...ways to get medicine, Co-enzyme Q10 cheaper. Research alternative medicine we can try for free. - DONE! I decided to try gel caps and liquid forms of various vitamins and minerals to ease the side effects of my prescription medication. I added one new vitamin/mineral a month and noted any side effects. It has helped somewhat. But mostly I put into use things I already had, like the Litebook. It hadn't worked for me before, but I rightly surmised that was because I used it too long at a time. I tried acupuncture and decided to switch practitioners for next year. My old one charged a lot and wasn't much of a conversationalist...ie. never discussed the whole course of treatment with me. Paul and I determined a well timed trip to the spa did wonders for both of us, and at a fraction of the cost of massage. In fact, it cost us $30 for as long as we wanted to sit in the pool. Whereas it was pushing $40 for me alone to see the massage therapist for an hour. And it usually only made things worse or...at best...marginally better for a short time. So it's been a year of adjusting and trial and error.
Me Start practicing meditation every morning. - This was a failure. I tried it twice. Once with great success, and a second time with much less success. I just didn't seem to find time for it. And the more I tried to make room for it, the busier my days got. I finally decided to read up on spiritual disciplines. I am reading Richard Foster's book "Celebration of Discipline". In looking back I would say the discipline I've grown the most in this year is prayer.
Research cheap/free ways to exercise in winter. Do one this week. - My body was in too much pain to exercise and consequently this was a failure. I figure I'm doing well this year to fit in a daily walk. I have had to make use of a physiotherapist for various ailments.
Exercise DVDs. Use every day. - Nope
Both Clothing – Go through wardrobe and come up with different combinations for outfits. - DONE! This was very useful for determining exactly what we needed and didn't need ahead of seasons.
Figure out upcoming clothing needs/costs for next 6 months. - DONE! This worked so well that I will continue this with Paul this year.
Budget Booster Challenge
Both Hobbies – Brainstorm ways to do hobbies cheaper - DONE! I decided to buy things on sale or use what's in the house. The one thing I did spend money on was equipment. I spent some of my inheritance on new lighting, frames and sewing machine to do my hobbies.
Brainstorm ways to make hobbies pay for themselves. - craft sales, Internet - Nope. This fell on hard times right away. It costs money to make money. It cost $2000CAD to set up a website to sell things. It costs $100 for craft sales, if I include display supplies. I just didn't have the energy to go head to head with Paul on this. My goal this year is to save up some of my allowance and work on a booth at a sale somewhere. We'll see.
Price display equipment for fibre work. - DONE! And found it too expensive. Paul just wouldn't spring for it. It would have to be rented because we don't have room to store anything. I must admit, I didn't have any fibre work to sell really. I just didn't produce a lot this year for some reason. And what I did produce I gave away. It was easier than trying to sell it. Cop out, I know...
Me Track time during the day - DONE! I discovered I'm busy and don't really have time to run a business or work. How do working women do it? I just wouldn't have the energy to work and do frugal things too.
Create a daily schedule to include exercise, frugal activities, & fibre work and stick to it. - Tried, but it was fairly obvious that I rebelled against this majorly. I achieved a lot more when I was allowed to spontaneously pick projects to work on. Not sure what that says about my personality. I'm kinda afraid to ask! I did try to schedule myself to do things with other people. So I attended a number of stitch-ins on a regular basis and started a crafting group at the church with one other lady. Those ensure I at least do something every week.
Research starting a business. W.E.S. and Embroidery Canada articles. Talk to others in business - I did start reading some articles and attended some workshops in the past on running an Internet business. But truth be told, I lacked energy, time and drive. And without Paul's support I just won't go into business. It's too much of a time and money commitment that he is not prepared to let me make.
Set weekly goals for fibre work and DO IT! - Tried to, and failed. I did manage some stuff. But I find if I set a schedule I simply rebel! I also found my energy really flagging due to my back pain and not getting good sleep at night. This year, for the first time in my life, I've had to start taking afternoon naps.
Pull together a resumé.- DONE! And I was delighted to see I'd actually done something with the last 15 years of my life. I pulled together four pages. Paul suggested it was far too long. I actually sent it in to one employer, and wished I hadn't. Thankfully they said 'thanks, but no thanks'.
Future Plan Challenge
Paul Make a list of all renos that need to be done to the house to sell it. - DONE! This resulted in arranging for work to be done in the summer.
Research cost of doing renos. Write down estimates. - DONE!
Both Plan expenses for next 6 months and put in budget. - We did this once in 2008 and it was very useful. Paul and I are planning a January get away in 2009 to do this again.
Re-assess January expenses and come up with more money saving strategies to try. One new strategy per week. - DONE! Actually we seem to be doing quite well. We've held the line on a lot of expenses, despite price and rate increases. I'm pretty impressed.
Both De-clutter stuff we don't want in the house. - Kind of...this led to me realizing all the stuff I was tripping over was unfinished projects. Which led to finishing projects. And the plan to make that my focus for 2009.
Sell stuff on-line or hold a garage sale. - DONE! We managed to earn enough money to buy dinner. Garage sales don't do well in this part of town.
Both Redo wills and power of attorney. - Nope. But it will happen soon. Both Lisa and Meghan have got on Paul's case about it. I did do up an Early Intervention Plan for my mental health state. That surprised my doctor I think. Of course she had more draconian ideas of what to add to it, but I resisted. I think it's pretty safe to say that what Paul has gives him a clear outline of what he can do when and in what way, should he need to.
Make a decision as to which reno to tackle first...together! By now we should have $500 to do something with. Let's use it wisely! - Paul decided he didn't want to do any more renos. He wants to hire people to do them. Sigh...more money...
Me Look at the art side of fibre work. Talk to people re: exhibitions, etc. - DOING. I have been talking with artist friends who have been directing me to various publications that relate to fibre collage, etc. I have not talked to anyone about exhibitions because, well, I'm a long ways from that! I've started a series of art quilts on my niece's photos of her trip to Europe this summer.
Paul Cost out move - Suddenly Paul decided this was not important to him.
Relationship Rescue Challenges
Both Get creative! Set budget for entertainment and try to do as much as you can with it. - DONE! Paul and I have found we enjoy the simple things in life. Like going for a walk together, walking to a cafe for tea, watching library DVDs together, putting puzzles together, window shopping together, going to bookstores (cappucino bars) and the library together, etc. I've included him more in my fancy afternoon teas at home as well.
Plan some fun. List 3 ways we can have fun for free this month. - DONE! But not carried out throughout the year. We could use improvement here.
Dining out – brainstorm ways to decrease costs of dining out. Do one this week in conjunction with free entertainment challenge. - We decided to go for a walk to local cafes for tea, rather than out to meals. On vacation we had our fill of restaurant meals. We were quite glad to eat at home for months after those trips.
Learn to give each other massages. - Nope. Paul tried to give me one and wrecked his back. He decided with my back problems, we should probably stick to professionals. This morphed into professional massages covered by work, physiotherapy (also covered by work), and trips to the spa.
Motorbike is a trust issue...rent a motorbike for a day trip...just to try. Paul loves motorbikes and I am death on them, having had a cousin almost die in a motorcycle accident. But I think I need to get over this. - This died a quick death when another cousin was in a motorcycle accident this summer and is now a paraplegic. This morphed into creating a "Twenty Wishes" list of things I want to do before I die. So far I've been able to cross four things off my list.
Dance classes - Gotta get my back fixed and new orthodics. Wonder if you can wear them in dance shoes?
Synopsis: So I think it's been a very good year. We've learned a lot. Paul and I had a lot of struggles throughout it, but we've managed to come through to the other side stronger financially and stronger as a couple. Paul has agreed that we need to plan a working retreat at a nearby spa in January to plan for 2009. It will be nice to get away from the cold for awhile. So I am now working on ideas to carry us forward through 2009. My deep thanks and gratitude to Ms. Gail Vaz-Oxlade, who modeled this approach to finances in her show "Till Debt Do Us Part".
A beginning of December look at the state of my challenge for this year...
Relationship Rescue Challenges
I'll check in at the end of the month again. But I don't think much will have changed by then in terms of this list. Interesting how things worked out in the end though, isn't it?!
- Me Set up retreat on budget and search Bible for guidance. - DONE
- Both Set starting budget together - DONE
- Both Use Budget Binder and jar system - DONE
- Both Freeze credit cards and debit cards - taken away several times and found their way back in my purse. The big thing is I am not using them now. Paul has a special rewards CC and if we want to put anything on CC, it goes on his card, which means we have to make a joint decision. It keeps my impulsiveness in check.
- Both Review simple living notes. Watch the rest of “Simple Living”. - DONE
- Me Write down what bills are due when (Paul does most of the bill paying and money stuff here. I want to learn how. He is having issues with control I think.) - DONE
- Me Record transactions in Quicken for full month- We ended up taking turns every week entering stuff in Quicken while the other watched/helped. I am having problems figuring out Quicken. I have been trying a free trial of YNAB (You Need A Budget). Paul hasn't been interested in trying it though. I am disappointed. Means if anything happens to him, our finances are going to be in a mess for awhile...until I manage to make the change. Maybe I'll buy YNAB for my own personal finances. At least that way it will be all set up for if anything happens.
- Paul Find a way to reduce bank fees – consolidate accounts? Change type of account? - DONE
- Paul Pantry inventory. Paul doesn't have a clue how to do these things. It's time he learned. He doesn't realize how much time all this planning takes. - DONE. Paul did it with me once. I do it now...after he whined.
- Paul Plan lunches for himself so he doesn't have to buy them at work. - DONE
- Paul Plan menu and grocery shop once for the entire week. - DONE. I often can go two or three weeks between major shops now.
- Both Discuss budget once a week in pleasant atmosphere. - Well, kinda. If I get him in the right mood. Paul doesn't like to discuss budget or plan ahead. To him it's real simple - just quit spending money so you have some when you want it. Only problem is he wants it for one thing and I want it for another, and pretty soon there's no money in savings because the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing or planning! In order to deal with this I brought in some Dave Ramsey CDs. That was a big help with Paul. But he's still having issues with this. I keep pounding into him that I want every dollar to 'have a name'. He is having a challenge with that. He definitely doesn't like budget meetings, and the atmosphere is tolerable, but it would be stretching it to call it 'pleasant'.
- Both Brainstorm ways to eat cheaper. - DONE. Grocery bill has gone from $400 to $320/month...sometimes lower.
- Both Cleaning schedule. Set one up and stick to it! - Nope! Too sore to do much. Paul has taken up some of the slack, but I've resigned myself to the fact I'm going to have a less than perfect house from here on. Paul refuses to let me hire someone to come in to help clean. I did pick up a really lightweight Dirt Devil upright vacuum so I can finally vacuum the basement myself. That's a big help. But I'm not carting it up and down stairs.
- Both Learn how to do stain removal. - Tried to, and succeeded for the most part. But I decided the best course of action for clothes was to make some aprons, which I did. They work!
- Both Medical costs...ways to get medicine, Co-enzyme Q10 cheaper. Research alternative medicine we can try for free. - DONE. I found the 15% off days at our local health food stores. Also a 25% off sale and a 50% off sale. Found I could buy my asthma spray at the health food store for cheaper than the acupuncturist.
- Me Start practicing meditation every morning. - Nope! Tried a few times, but also found I lost track of time. I simply am pretty rushed these days. I didn't make it a priority, what with everything else happening. I am currently reading a book called "Celebrating Disciplines" by Richard Foster. It covers meditation among other spiritual disciplines. I am learning a lot and hope to implement some of his ideas in the New Year. The spiritual discipline I seem to be focusing on this year is prayer.
- Me Research cheap/free ways to exercise in winter. Do one this week. Exercise DVDs. Use every day. - I was doing exercise DVDs and some mat work, but it was extremely painful on my back. I tried walking, but it not only bothered my back, but also my knees. Currently I am doing nothing but the exercises the physiotherapist has given me for my back and knees. I am waiting for new orthodics to come the end of the month. I am pinning a lot of my hopes on these new orthodics. I hope they work! This is the first time in my life I haven't been able to walk. I've put on 10 lbs. this summer/fall. Health issues have been a big concern this year.
- Both Clothing – Go through wardrobe and come up with different combinations for outfits. - DONE
- Both Figure out upcoming clothing needs/costs for next 6 months. - DONE
- Both Hobbies – Brainstorm ways to do hobbies cheaper - DONE, and succeeding. I simply decided to stop spending on hobbies. I did fork out big bucks for decent lighting, stands and instructional DVDs. It all came from my inheritance. I can't remember what I learn in classes, so the DVDs are being well used. The lighting has made a huge difference in my eyesight. And the stands were a great investment. But I have not spent family money on any of this. For the most part I've been picking up supplies free from friends or off the Internet. I shouldn't need to buy much for a long time...
- Both Brainstorm ways to make hobbies pay for themselves. - craft sales, Internet - I started to make things for sale, but found my fall too busy, me too sick, etc. to do much about selling anything. I ended up giving all my sewing, etc. away to charity at Christmastime. Paul's hobbies are pretty cheap to begin with. He does genealogy (aka family history). I notice Lisa is showing an interest in becoming a professional genealogist, and is bringing the books to show Paul. He is taking more than a passing interest in them.
- Me Price display equipment for fibre work. - Started... and very discouraging.
- Me Track time during the day - DONE. Discovered I'm busy.
- Me Create a daily schedule to include exercise, frugal activities, & fibre work and stick to it. Research starting a business. W.E.S. and Embroidery Canada articles. Talk to others in business - Nope. Started but didn't get far. My life is simply too busy. I really need to focus on getting my house in order before thinking about starting a business. One stressor at a time!
- Me Set weekly goals for fibre work and DO IT! - Nope. I have been doing more fibre work since the workmen have left the house though. This is the area I want to focus on next year.
- Me Pull together a resumé. - DONE! And a very rewarding exercise it was! I showed it to Paul and he nodded, as if he knew all along what I was up to. LOL
- Paul Make a list of all renos that need to be done to the house to sell it. - DONE, but I had to do it with him.
- Paul Research cost of doing renos. Write down estimates. - DONE, but I had to do it with him.
- Both Plan expenses for next 6 months and put in budget. - DONE.
- Both Re-assess January expenses and come up with more money saving strategies to try. One new strategy per week. - Well I don't think we actually came up with one new strategy a week. But we did a lot of different things.
- Both De-clutter stuff we don't want in the house. - Partly. I started a de-clutter challenge on Frugal Village, but found the real thing I was tripping over was all my projects - unfinished and not started yet! So I switched to working on projects to finish things up and get them out from underfoot. I see I easily have enough to keep me busy next year.
- Both Sell stuff on-line or hold a garage sale. - DONE
- Both Redo wills and power of attorney. - Nope. Paul keeps putting it off. Our daughters have been after us too. We have guardians listed on our current wills for them...they are 21 and 24. Hmmm... Lisa was over baking today. I had Paul show her where to find our wills should anything happen to us.
- Both Make a decision as to which reno to tackle first...together! By now we should have $500 to do something with. Let's use it wisely! - Nope. Paul does not want anything to do with renos anymore. This is driving me crazy because I don't have the health to do them anymore. Leaves us at the mercy of contractors, which I found extremely stressful this summer. I ended up doubling medication to make it through one of the contractor's shenanigans. I am not excited about this anymore. I might talk to Lisa and ask her if she'll help me reno the kitchen.
- Me Look at the art side of fibre work. Talk to people re: exhibitions, etc. - Nope, who's got time?
- Paul Cost out move - Nope. Doesn't see it as necessary. Guess he'll just look at the bank account one day and decide we have the money to do it? Personally, I'm not sure I want to move.
Relationship Rescue Challenges
- Both Get creative! Set budget for entertainment and try to do as much as you can with it. - DONE! This has actually worked out pretty good. Paul and I don't totally deprive ourselves, but we've discovered some cheap places where we can pick up tea and a healthy snack. We also have been going to bookstores and libraries for evenings out. And we've been going to free community events as well. I spend most of my entertainment budget with the church. I get a lot of freebies from them too.
- Both Plan some fun. List 3 ways we can have fun for free this month. Pick one and make it happen this week - DONE! Paul and I rediscovered jigsaw puzzles, and pen and paper style puzzles. We have an acrostic book in our bathroom. Anyone with brains can come try it. I give up! I've also been doing crosswords and sudoku. We like to go for walks together. We go to the Farmer's Market for fun, and sometimes to shop. We spend time watching library DVDs for fun, and listening to Dave Ramsey.
- Both Dining out – brainstorm ways to decrease costs of dining out. Do one this week in conjunction with free entertainment challenge. - DONE. We go out for tea instead of a meal. Or just for dessert and tea. If it's a supper meal, we'll just order the entree and drink water.
- Both Learn to give each other massages. - Nope. Too hard on our backs. Not the right set up at home. Paul was worried about making my back worse. End of story. I ended up spending a lot of money on massage this year that didn't really solve the problem. It was good in the short term, but meant I'd be going back every week or so. One reason I was back at the physiotherapist. On the other hand, we discovered the spa waters are good for my back. Paul and I have been checking out passes to the spa. It just might be doable.
- Both Motorbike is a trust issue...rent a motorbike for a day trip...just to try. Paul loves motorbikes and I am death on them, having had a cousin almost die in a motorcycle accident. But I think I need to get over this. - Nope. Everyone I talked to who had them claimed they weren't safe to ride (so why do they have them?!). I decided, after another cousin was in a motorcycle this year and is now a paraplegic, that I'd back down on this issue. Life is too short as is. This transpired into making a "Twenty Wishes" list, or a Bucket List. I've been working on the items on there instead.
- Both Dance classes - Nope. Not with my footwear, knee and back in the shape they're in! Besides, Paul didn't sound all that interested.
I'll check in at the end of the month again. But I don't think much will have changed by then in terms of this list. Interesting how things worked out in the end though, isn't it?!
I went through the original Money Makeover challenges and culled out the ones I seem to be having the most trouble with. I came up with a list to work on this fall.
Research the 7 areas of financial management - Finish reading Gail Vaz-Oxlade's "A Woman of Independent Means"
Daily morning Bible study - I am finding my days so busy, and I am exhausted when I wake up...due to health issues. So I nap some more, and before I know it, it's 9 a.m. and I have to be on the road somewhere!
Cleaning schedule. Set one up and stick to it! - I am getting back on track here...using Beth Dargis and my old Flylady routines.
Discuss once a week what needs to be done in the area of household management. - we are finally to the point where we can do this. I sit Paul down every week before his days off and ask him what we're doing. I already come with plans for myself and for him.
Follow Beth Dargis' De-clutter Calendar for the year. - I slacked off on this this summer, but I've picked it up again. Not much to catch up on really. It's just a matter of doing things!
900 minutes of exercise in 30 days challenge. - This has been totally abysmal. I just gave up hope of ever being able to make a difference in my weight or health with exercise. All it does is hurt me even more...so why bother? I don't believe them when they tell me it's good for me anymore. The drugs have so ruined my body I can't get it to function anymore. And what the drugs haven't done to it, arthritis has decided to do instead. I know this is a lousy attitude and I have to do something. So I'm walking again. But I'm sure not breaking any records with it. It's kind of an "in your face" thing. I refuse to let the drugs and illnesses get me to the point where I can't walk anymore.
Start practicing meditation every morning...start with crown.org's money scriptures. - well I finished Crown.org's scriptures, but I didn't manage meditating every morning. It was just too much with people interrupting all the time. I may have to try it this fall, now Meghan isn't here, Paul is at work and I finally figured out how to turn the ringer off on my phone!
Exercise DVDs. Use every day. - Hahahahahahaha! Not likely. Don't think I've watched one since spring. I have a better disposition if I just get out and enjoy life. Exercise makes me tired and hungry. Not things I want to encourage.
Sew up fabric in basement before buying clothes...what do I have that I can use? - well, I've had no need for new clothes really. But this fall I will need some long sleeved blouses. This winter too. Hmmm...will have to see what I have that I can sew up...
Create a daily schedule to include exercise, frugal activities, & fibre work and stick to it. - No go. This is just so structured and organized my entire body, soul and mind wants to rebel! Still, I think it might help some to set up some routines...there...that's not as bad as saying schedule, is it?
Research starting a business. - This is not likely to happen. I am too busy. Paul likes the idea of me running a business (tax write offs), but in actual practice he has a hard time with me not being available for him when he wants me.
Come up with a list of things to sell and make them or do it! - I am making things to sell. The craft fairs I wanted to be involved in fell through. Still, I haven't really got enough inventory to sell yet, so maybe that is a good thing. I'll work on next year.
Make a decision as to which renovation to tackle first...together! DO IT! - We have done this. Mostly I jumpstarted the issue by paying with my inheritance to have some work done on the house. Paul is motivated now. He's been puttering around on the outside, and is making plans for the inside of the house. He's working up to more aggressive work on the interior. I've been offering to help, but so far no go. He wants to do it on his own it seems. So we'll leave him to it.
Create a schedule for refinishing furniture. Put supplies in budget. - This just did not get done this summer. With everything else going on, I just did not do a single thing. My place of choice for refinishing is my back patio. Unfortunately it had painters, trees, roofers, etc. climbing all over it this summer. Maybe next year.
Empty sewing unit and sell, or re-use in basement. - This is a laughing matter at our house right now. Just mention the sewing unit and get a genuine laugh. The faster I empty this, the faster it refills. I honestly don't know people. I occasionally pull out a box of things to work on, but nothing gets done because I can't lift it to the basement where my sewing machine is. And I keep forgetting to ask Paul to do it for me...sigh...
Redo wills and power of attorney. - Well we'd planned to do it this fall. Don't know what Paul thinks. I think he views the whole business as unnecessary. I am frustrated. I'm hoping Dave Ramsey can help there.
Look at the art side of fibre work. Talk to people re: exhibitions, etc. - I am attending a friend's exhibit reception this week. She has some fibre art on display at a local gallery. I want to see how she is doing and what she is doing.
Cost out move. Assume 3 bedroom bungalow. - I am getting the distinct feeling Paul wants to stay in this house, if we fix it up. Several times I've had to pull him up short about there not being a main floor bath and bedroom. He's not getting the point. I have bursitis in my knees. I can't lift things over five pounds because of my back. I'm seriously thinking of scaling back to a two bedroom apartment.
Do Morning Pages. - hahahahaha! Who has time?
Mini-retreats at home every month. - A nice idea, but not practical this summer. Too much going on. Maybe this fall.
Plan some fun for Paul and I. List 3 ways we can have fun for free this month. - We've actually been doing better on this since Meghan left. Each week we take turns doing something nice or planning a date night. We've been to the movies, a company picnic, a cafe for dessert and tea, had a sumptious dinner laid out and cooked for us. Yep, not too bad.
Dance classes with Paul. - Nope. Too busy, as per usual. I'm thinking this might be something to start after I get my knee and back sorted out. I can't really stand for more than half an hour on a hard floor right now.
Do one renovation project per month together on Paul's 3 day weekend. - Well we had our fill of renovation projects this summer! This fall, when the weather turns bad, we'll focus more on inside renovation projects with this goal in mind.
Daily morning Bible study - I am finding my days so busy, and I am exhausted when I wake up...due to health issues. So I nap some more, and before I know it, it's 9 a.m. and I have to be on the road somewhere!
Cleaning schedule. Set one up and stick to it! - I am getting back on track here...using Beth Dargis and my old Flylady routines.
Discuss once a week what needs to be done in the area of household management. - we are finally to the point where we can do this. I sit Paul down every week before his days off and ask him what we're doing. I already come with plans for myself and for him.
Follow Beth Dargis' De-clutter Calendar for the year. - I slacked off on this this summer, but I've picked it up again. Not much to catch up on really. It's just a matter of doing things!
900 minutes of exercise in 30 days challenge. - This has been totally abysmal. I just gave up hope of ever being able to make a difference in my weight or health with exercise. All it does is hurt me even more...so why bother? I don't believe them when they tell me it's good for me anymore. The drugs have so ruined my body I can't get it to function anymore. And what the drugs haven't done to it, arthritis has decided to do instead. I know this is a lousy attitude and I have to do something. So I'm walking again. But I'm sure not breaking any records with it. It's kind of an "in your face" thing. I refuse to let the drugs and illnesses get me to the point where I can't walk anymore.
Start practicing meditation every morning...start with crown.org's money scriptures. - well I finished Crown.org's scriptures, but I didn't manage meditating every morning. It was just too much with people interrupting all the time. I may have to try it this fall, now Meghan isn't here, Paul is at work and I finally figured out how to turn the ringer off on my phone!
Exercise DVDs. Use every day. - Hahahahahahaha! Not likely. Don't think I've watched one since spring. I have a better disposition if I just get out and enjoy life. Exercise makes me tired and hungry. Not things I want to encourage.
Sew up fabric in basement before buying clothes...what do I have that I can use? - well, I've had no need for new clothes really. But this fall I will need some long sleeved blouses. This winter too. Hmmm...will have to see what I have that I can sew up...
Create a daily schedule to include exercise, frugal activities, & fibre work and stick to it. - No go. This is just so structured and organized my entire body, soul and mind wants to rebel! Still, I think it might help some to set up some routines...there...that's not as bad as saying schedule, is it?
Research starting a business. - This is not likely to happen. I am too busy. Paul likes the idea of me running a business (tax write offs), but in actual practice he has a hard time with me not being available for him when he wants me.
Come up with a list of things to sell and make them or do it! - I am making things to sell. The craft fairs I wanted to be involved in fell through. Still, I haven't really got enough inventory to sell yet, so maybe that is a good thing. I'll work on next year.
Make a decision as to which renovation to tackle first...together! DO IT! - We have done this. Mostly I jumpstarted the issue by paying with my inheritance to have some work done on the house. Paul is motivated now. He's been puttering around on the outside, and is making plans for the inside of the house. He's working up to more aggressive work on the interior. I've been offering to help, but so far no go. He wants to do it on his own it seems. So we'll leave him to it.
Create a schedule for refinishing furniture. Put supplies in budget. - This just did not get done this summer. With everything else going on, I just did not do a single thing. My place of choice for refinishing is my back patio. Unfortunately it had painters, trees, roofers, etc. climbing all over it this summer. Maybe next year.
Empty sewing unit and sell, or re-use in basement. - This is a laughing matter at our house right now. Just mention the sewing unit and get a genuine laugh. The faster I empty this, the faster it refills. I honestly don't know people. I occasionally pull out a box of things to work on, but nothing gets done because I can't lift it to the basement where my sewing machine is. And I keep forgetting to ask Paul to do it for me...sigh...
Redo wills and power of attorney. - Well we'd planned to do it this fall. Don't know what Paul thinks. I think he views the whole business as unnecessary. I am frustrated. I'm hoping Dave Ramsey can help there.
Look at the art side of fibre work. Talk to people re: exhibitions, etc. - I am attending a friend's exhibit reception this week. She has some fibre art on display at a local gallery. I want to see how she is doing and what she is doing.
Cost out move. Assume 3 bedroom bungalow. - I am getting the distinct feeling Paul wants to stay in this house, if we fix it up. Several times I've had to pull him up short about there not being a main floor bath and bedroom. He's not getting the point. I have bursitis in my knees. I can't lift things over five pounds because of my back. I'm seriously thinking of scaling back to a two bedroom apartment.
Do Morning Pages. - hahahahaha! Who has time?
Mini-retreats at home every month. - A nice idea, but not practical this summer. Too much going on. Maybe this fall.
Plan some fun for Paul and I. List 3 ways we can have fun for free this month. - We've actually been doing better on this since Meghan left. Each week we take turns doing something nice or planning a date night. We've been to the movies, a company picnic, a cafe for dessert and tea, had a sumptious dinner laid out and cooked for us. Yep, not too bad.
Dance classes with Paul. - Nope. Too busy, as per usual. I'm thinking this might be something to start after I get my knee and back sorted out. I can't really stand for more than half an hour on a hard floor right now.
Do one renovation project per month together on Paul's 3 day weekend. - Well we had our fill of renovation projects this summer! This fall, when the weather turns bad, we'll focus more on inside renovation projects with this goal in mind.
So that's the list that will keep us busy this fall. Not bad, but all areas I need work on still. I'm doing better in them than I was...just not as good as I could be.
The trees are pruned/down and the stumps are out. The windows and door are in. The roofers are here right now. The company in charge of the eavestroughing sent us an invoice for the wrong amount. Talked to a friend today about how to handle that. She suggested photocopying the contract where it shows that amount paid and subtract it from the total bill, sending them a letter with the payment explaining what I've done. Paul and I have decided to sit down and review the contracts tonight, to see how much is actually owing on them. Hopefully the work on the house will be done this week. The dust will settle financially by the end of the month. And then I can get onto my fall activities.
I've been fitting in more exercise this week. It's finally a decent temperature - not too hot, not too cold. I've been doing a lot of walking.
I've been enjoying cooking for Paul again. It's nice to know every night can be special and not rushed because of the demands of children...no matter what their age. They're wonderful, but they can be tiring!
I've been listening to Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" CDs the last few days. I'm taking notes. Paul and I do a lot of this stuff already, but as with most couples, we could use a tune-up. Dave makes it fun. I have to be brutally honest and say Paul doesn't. But we will both learn from this. For I'm sure I haven't been the easiest person to deal with over finances either! Seems one or the other of us is dragging the other kicking and screaming on the road to what we think is financial freedom...only to find it doesn't work when you have stubborn mule twice your size or determination on the other end of the rope. We listened to the first DR CD a couple nights ago and had a good chuckle.
Since then I've listened to the second CD three times alone, trying to figure out the areas Paul and I have fallen down in when it comes to budgeting. I think the answer is that we rely too much on Quicken. It's all on the computer, so what's the problem? Plus, we use Quicken averages for our monthly budget, which we've discovered just plain doesn't make sense. A lot of the adjusting we have to do, we do in our heads, meaning we forget things a lot of the time...spending money for savings on other 'necessities'. Anyone who's heard DR knows the story! Anyway, I'm hoping to continue on sorting things out in this area.
I've been getting a lot done on money making projects. I'm still working on a rug for someone. He wants it to hang on the wall. It's a heavy rug. I hope my system works. I've been knitting, quilting, cutting out fleece hats to sew...just generally getting caught up on things. Spring and fall are my favourite seasons for getting things done! I'm making the most of them this year.
I've been pricing out what I pay for acupuncture against my friends, and phoning a few places to double check to see if I'm getting a fair price. I may have to drop it due to the cost.
I've been freezing grapes lately. Froze 20 bananas for the next while. I have tomatoes ripening on the counter. And pears ripening in the cupboard. I'm looking forward to some canning tomorrow, and possibly some freezing of tomatoes.
I've been enjoying baking in the cooler weather. Today was blueberry lemon muffins and biscuits. I made some Curried Pumpkin Soup for supper tonight to go with the biscuits. I replaced the skim milk with rice milk.
----------
Curried Pumpkin Soup
"Lighthearted Everyday Cooking" Anne Lindsay
4 Servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion -- finely chopped
1 clove garlic -- minced
1/2 pound mushroom -- sliced
2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose
nutmeg -- freshly ground
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups skim milk
In large pan, saute onion, garlic and mushrooms in oil 8-10 min., till soft. Add flour and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute over low heat, stirring till well blended. Gradually add stock, whisking till smooth. Stir in pumpkin and honey; season to taste with nutmeg. Cook over low heat 15 min., stirring occasionally. Freeze at this point if freezing. If not, add milk and heat through.
---------
So I guess you could say we are still working on Money Makeover challenges...slowly. I am very reluctant to commit to any money making ventures that involve me committing a lot of time outside the house. I simply need to pace myself and give myself lots of down time so I don't stress out. Still, I do need to work on earning a little extra pocket cash, just to feel a bit more secure about my ability to survive if anything happened to Paul.
I've been fitting in more exercise this week. It's finally a decent temperature - not too hot, not too cold. I've been doing a lot of walking.
I've been enjoying cooking for Paul again. It's nice to know every night can be special and not rushed because of the demands of children...no matter what their age. They're wonderful, but they can be tiring!
I've been listening to Dave Ramsey "Financial Peace University" CDs the last few days. I'm taking notes. Paul and I do a lot of this stuff already, but as with most couples, we could use a tune-up. Dave makes it fun. I have to be brutally honest and say Paul doesn't. But we will both learn from this. For I'm sure I haven't been the easiest person to deal with over finances either! Seems one or the other of us is dragging the other kicking and screaming on the road to what we think is financial freedom...only to find it doesn't work when you have stubborn mule twice your size or determination on the other end of the rope. We listened to the first DR CD a couple nights ago and had a good chuckle.
Since then I've listened to the second CD three times alone, trying to figure out the areas Paul and I have fallen down in when it comes to budgeting. I think the answer is that we rely too much on Quicken. It's all on the computer, so what's the problem? Plus, we use Quicken averages for our monthly budget, which we've discovered just plain doesn't make sense. A lot of the adjusting we have to do, we do in our heads, meaning we forget things a lot of the time...spending money for savings on other 'necessities'. Anyone who's heard DR knows the story! Anyway, I'm hoping to continue on sorting things out in this area.
I've been getting a lot done on money making projects. I'm still working on a rug for someone. He wants it to hang on the wall. It's a heavy rug. I hope my system works. I've been knitting, quilting, cutting out fleece hats to sew...just generally getting caught up on things. Spring and fall are my favourite seasons for getting things done! I'm making the most of them this year.
I've been pricing out what I pay for acupuncture against my friends, and phoning a few places to double check to see if I'm getting a fair price. I may have to drop it due to the cost.
I've been freezing grapes lately. Froze 20 bananas for the next while. I have tomatoes ripening on the counter. And pears ripening in the cupboard. I'm looking forward to some canning tomorrow, and possibly some freezing of tomatoes.
I've been enjoying baking in the cooler weather. Today was blueberry lemon muffins and biscuits. I made some Curried Pumpkin Soup for supper tonight to go with the biscuits. I replaced the skim milk with rice milk.
----------
Curried Pumpkin Soup
"Lighthearted Everyday Cooking" Anne Lindsay
4 Servings
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup onion -- finely chopped
1 clove garlic -- minced
1/2 pound mushroom -- sliced
2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose
nutmeg -- freshly ground
1 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups skim milk
In large pan, saute onion, garlic and mushrooms in oil 8-10 min., till soft. Add flour and curry powder. Cook for 1 minute over low heat, stirring till well blended. Gradually add stock, whisking till smooth. Stir in pumpkin and honey; season to taste with nutmeg. Cook over low heat 15 min., stirring occasionally. Freeze at this point if freezing. If not, add milk and heat through.
---------
So I guess you could say we are still working on Money Makeover challenges...slowly. I am very reluctant to commit to any money making ventures that involve me committing a lot of time outside the house. I simply need to pace myself and give myself lots of down time so I don't stress out. Still, I do need to work on earning a little extra pocket cash, just to feel a bit more secure about my ability to survive if anything happened to Paul.
You know, when I started the Money Makeover, I was just trying to focus on getting our finances in order. We've come a long way, but we still have things we could do better.
One of the things that sticks out at me is our bad budget habits. We've always had a budget. But it's always been made in reaction to how we spent our money, not a forward thinking process of directing our money towards accomplishing our dreams and goals. That's one area I hope Dave Ramsey can help us with this fall. Paul agreed today we should try to live off $30,000 (our projected retirement income) for one year and see if we can do it.
The Money Makeover has taught us to work together better than before. We do have issues still, but I'm thinking this fall we may be able to sort through some more of them. I've prepared the groundwork by introducing Paul to Dave Ramsey's material. While Paul finds DR's manner off-putting, he has agreed with most of his suggestions so far. So I think it's only a matter of time before we get things sorted out here.
Aside from that, I can't help but marvel at how the Money Makeover has brought forth issues in our relationship as well as with money. We've had a lot of emotional ups and downs this year. I continue to be surprised at how Paul reacts to the MM and how I feel directed to pray for him as a result. My prayer partner has been instrumental in helping me over some hurdles with Paul (as have people on-line and IRL). We've moved from not being able to talk about money at all without someone becoming upset, to being able to discuss it intelligently and with purpose at least every payday...if not every week. Paul is slowly beginning to see the importance of entering things in Quicken every week.
I realize that I have to take the initiative when it comes to planning our finances. I always resented that in the past, thinking Paul should do it. But it does challenge me to be mentally alert. I am saddened to think what might happen if I ever reach a point I can't handle all this, but then that's tomorrow. Today has enough worries of its own! The fact is, Paul is a detail person, and I'm the systems thinker. I need to employ my talents as a systems thinker in the financial arena, and let Paul do the bean counting.
Meghan leaving home has had a huge impact on us emotionally, spiritually and financially. Paul has been extra concerned about me and made a conscious effort to take me out and discuss our new phase in life. My parents divorced during this stage. His parents almost divorced during it. Neither of us want to see that happen to us. I suggested we make time for a date night once a week. Last week was his treat out to supper. This week I had an unexpected chance to treat. I took us to a Chinese buffet for lunch while waiting for my lenses to be put in my old eyeglass frames today. We can't go out to eat every week, but we can take time to just be with each other and not talk finances or work. And that's what we aim to do. One thing having the house fixed has done is to take our focus off finances and work. We have something else to talk about. Something exciting.
I also marvel at the spiritual development I see happening. The other day I was amazed at the fact Paul seems closer to God than ever. I commented to him, after he said a spectacular grace of his own creation, that one would never know he questioned the existence of God (a discussion we had this past winter). He responded with "Did I say that?" I smiled and said yes, he had, and let it drop. Once again, I credit the work I've been doing with my prayer partner, and Lee and Leslie Strobel's book "Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage" with helping in this regard. Mentioning some of Lee's feelings when his wife, Leslie, became a Christian, seemed to really strike a cord with Paul. He seems a lot more relaxed these days.
Course that could be because he sees the house being fixed up too! He seems much happier with all the work being done on the house. Very happy he isn't doing it, but happy to have someone else doing a good job on it. He told me today that he didn't realize what a weight worrying about that large freezer in the basement had been. Apparently he has been worrying about how to get it out of there for years! The funny things people worry about...
I can't believe the twists and turns life takes when you have more money. Seems you have more of Murphy too! We were able to handle the fallout from the storm this summer because of our new way of handling money. We've been able to afford new eyeglasses...which were not cheap due to my situation. We were able to help Meghan make it to university...though that will be an ongoing expense and commitment.
The amazing thing to me is that we were able to do everything we did this year. By the end of this year we'll have spent $12,000 on renovations. Our renovation estimates have gone up, but so has the amount of work we plan to have done. We will see what we can do a bit at a time.
We now have a fully funded emergency fund. We're still planning on going to Costa Rica, but we'll see how the finances handle this fall to determine that. I suppose if push came to shove, helping Meghan is more important than going to Costa Rica. So much is in a state of change right now we've decided after the roof is done to put a moratorium on any more large projects until our finances settle down a bit and we see where we're at.
So I see a lot of growth has happened this year in a lot of areas I hadn't expected, and in ways I hadn't expected.
Thank-you Gail Vaz-Oxlade! Check out her past episodes of "Till Debt Do Us Part" on SliceTV.
One of the things that sticks out at me is our bad budget habits. We've always had a budget. But it's always been made in reaction to how we spent our money, not a forward thinking process of directing our money towards accomplishing our dreams and goals. That's one area I hope Dave Ramsey can help us with this fall. Paul agreed today we should try to live off $30,000 (our projected retirement income) for one year and see if we can do it.
The Money Makeover has taught us to work together better than before. We do have issues still, but I'm thinking this fall we may be able to sort through some more of them. I've prepared the groundwork by introducing Paul to Dave Ramsey's material. While Paul finds DR's manner off-putting, he has agreed with most of his suggestions so far. So I think it's only a matter of time before we get things sorted out here.
Aside from that, I can't help but marvel at how the Money Makeover has brought forth issues in our relationship as well as with money. We've had a lot of emotional ups and downs this year. I continue to be surprised at how Paul reacts to the MM and how I feel directed to pray for him as a result. My prayer partner has been instrumental in helping me over some hurdles with Paul (as have people on-line and IRL). We've moved from not being able to talk about money at all without someone becoming upset, to being able to discuss it intelligently and with purpose at least every payday...if not every week. Paul is slowly beginning to see the importance of entering things in Quicken every week.
I realize that I have to take the initiative when it comes to planning our finances. I always resented that in the past, thinking Paul should do it. But it does challenge me to be mentally alert. I am saddened to think what might happen if I ever reach a point I can't handle all this, but then that's tomorrow. Today has enough worries of its own! The fact is, Paul is a detail person, and I'm the systems thinker. I need to employ my talents as a systems thinker in the financial arena, and let Paul do the bean counting.
Meghan leaving home has had a huge impact on us emotionally, spiritually and financially. Paul has been extra concerned about me and made a conscious effort to take me out and discuss our new phase in life. My parents divorced during this stage. His parents almost divorced during it. Neither of us want to see that happen to us. I suggested we make time for a date night once a week. Last week was his treat out to supper. This week I had an unexpected chance to treat. I took us to a Chinese buffet for lunch while waiting for my lenses to be put in my old eyeglass frames today. We can't go out to eat every week, but we can take time to just be with each other and not talk finances or work. And that's what we aim to do. One thing having the house fixed has done is to take our focus off finances and work. We have something else to talk about. Something exciting.
I also marvel at the spiritual development I see happening. The other day I was amazed at the fact Paul seems closer to God than ever. I commented to him, after he said a spectacular grace of his own creation, that one would never know he questioned the existence of God (a discussion we had this past winter). He responded with "Did I say that?" I smiled and said yes, he had, and let it drop. Once again, I credit the work I've been doing with my prayer partner, and Lee and Leslie Strobel's book "Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage" with helping in this regard. Mentioning some of Lee's feelings when his wife, Leslie, became a Christian, seemed to really strike a cord with Paul. He seems a lot more relaxed these days.
Course that could be because he sees the house being fixed up too! He seems much happier with all the work being done on the house. Very happy he isn't doing it, but happy to have someone else doing a good job on it. He told me today that he didn't realize what a weight worrying about that large freezer in the basement had been. Apparently he has been worrying about how to get it out of there for years! The funny things people worry about...
I can't believe the twists and turns life takes when you have more money. Seems you have more of Murphy too! We were able to handle the fallout from the storm this summer because of our new way of handling money. We've been able to afford new eyeglasses...which were not cheap due to my situation. We were able to help Meghan make it to university...though that will be an ongoing expense and commitment.
The amazing thing to me is that we were able to do everything we did this year. By the end of this year we'll have spent $12,000 on renovations. Our renovation estimates have gone up, but so has the amount of work we plan to have done. We will see what we can do a bit at a time.
We now have a fully funded emergency fund. We're still planning on going to Costa Rica, but we'll see how the finances handle this fall to determine that. I suppose if push came to shove, helping Meghan is more important than going to Costa Rica. So much is in a state of change right now we've decided after the roof is done to put a moratorium on any more large projects until our finances settle down a bit and we see where we're at.
So I see a lot of growth has happened this year in a lot of areas I hadn't expected, and in ways I hadn't expected.
Thank-you Gail Vaz-Oxlade! Check out her past episodes of "Till Debt Do Us Part" on SliceTV.
At the beginning of the Money Makeover I had a whole series of challenges about earning money to bring extra income into the home. Well, here again God had a different idea. He increased Paul's salary and sent Meghan to university on the other side of the country. The net result is I really don't need to work outside the home for money. It would be nice to have the extra money for our goals, but really, it's not necessary.
However, I was thinking the beginning of August that I might do it for my sanity. In fact, my psychiatrist and I had a little chat about that. She wants to see me either working or volunteering this fall in an effort to prevent Empty Nest Syndrome. I agreed at the time. Now I'm not so sure.
With Meghan out of the way, Paul and I think this is an ideal time to have renovations done on the house. Paul has not been able to focus on the work we're having done this summer due to his own work. Instead I am finding I am acting as general contractor. This isn't all bad, but it is an unexpected job for me. And it takes more time than I expected.
The painting is done, the trees come down next week, the windows and door go in next week, the energy audit will be done next week...or the week after. The roofer is arranged. Next year we need to do the fence. I'd like the kitchen and front entry done then too...and that would be the bulk of the work. Then the floors could be refinished.
It sure runs more smoothly if you have someone home to keep on top of things. It requires a lot of phone calls to find the right people for the right job. And it seems things run more smoothly if someone's home when the contractors come to do the work.
With all that's going on right now, plus my volunteering at church and with various other groups in town, I really don't see where I have time to add a job, even part-time, to the list of things to do! So I'm backing off for now and will have to explain myself to my doctor later. Maybe when the renovations are finished...
However, I was thinking the beginning of August that I might do it for my sanity. In fact, my psychiatrist and I had a little chat about that. She wants to see me either working or volunteering this fall in an effort to prevent Empty Nest Syndrome. I agreed at the time. Now I'm not so sure.
With Meghan out of the way, Paul and I think this is an ideal time to have renovations done on the house. Paul has not been able to focus on the work we're having done this summer due to his own work. Instead I am finding I am acting as general contractor. This isn't all bad, but it is an unexpected job for me. And it takes more time than I expected.
The painting is done, the trees come down next week, the windows and door go in next week, the energy audit will be done next week...or the week after. The roofer is arranged. Next year we need to do the fence. I'd like the kitchen and front entry done then too...and that would be the bulk of the work. Then the floors could be refinished.
It sure runs more smoothly if you have someone home to keep on top of things. It requires a lot of phone calls to find the right people for the right job. And it seems things run more smoothly if someone's home when the contractors come to do the work.
With all that's going on right now, plus my volunteering at church and with various other groups in town, I really don't see where I have time to add a job, even part-time, to the list of things to do! So I'm backing off for now and will have to explain myself to my doctor later. Maybe when the renovations are finished...
...for 2 hours on the phone! He was quite excited. He discovered Dave Ramsey of "The Total Money Makeover" last year. Using the book, a newsletter and some free podcasts, he dropped his expenses by $30,000 and increase his income by $30,000!!! He's building up an Emergency Fund and he's really excited.
He is a small tool repair guy who owns his own business. His wife is a substitute teacher who is good at what she does and kept very busy. They always thought it was her income that kept them afloat. But when they actually started tracking the money, they were surprised to see the tool repair business financed a full 2/3 of their lifestyle.
So I went on-line yesterday to check out Dave Ramsey's site. It looks like I need a PayPal account to order something from outside the U.S. I don't have a PayPal account. So instead, I put a "hold" on Dave Ramsey's "The Total Money Makeover" at my local library. They have some of his tools there as well, which I also put "holds" on.
I've read this book in the past, but felt it had nothing to do with us, as we've never carried any debt other than our mortgage, which we managed to pay out six years early. Our problem is not debt management, it's how to manage the money we do have! I'm wondering if Dave's other book "More Than Enough" might be more relevant.
We've accomplished four of the baby steps already. But there are the other three... Paul just doesn't view saving for the girls education, saving for retirement (he has a pension after all) or building wealth as important.
He is a small tool repair guy who owns his own business. His wife is a substitute teacher who is good at what she does and kept very busy. They always thought it was her income that kept them afloat. But when they actually started tracking the money, they were surprised to see the tool repair business financed a full 2/3 of their lifestyle.
So I went on-line yesterday to check out Dave Ramsey's site. It looks like I need a PayPal account to order something from outside the U.S. I don't have a PayPal account. So instead, I put a "hold" on Dave Ramsey's "The Total Money Makeover" at my local library. They have some of his tools there as well, which I also put "holds" on.
I've read this book in the past, but felt it had nothing to do with us, as we've never carried any debt other than our mortgage, which we managed to pay out six years early. Our problem is not debt management, it's how to manage the money we do have! I'm wondering if Dave's other book "More Than Enough" might be more relevant.
We've accomplished four of the baby steps already. But there are the other three... Paul just doesn't view saving for the girls education, saving for retirement (he has a pension after all) or building wealth as important.
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