"Living Like No One Else"

If you know anything about Dave Ramsey, you know those words come from his mouth more times than one can count.
And yes, it's true...live like no one else, so later, you can LIVE like no one else.

I get that.
We've been living like no one else for some time now. We've made choices people would die before doing, or so they say in casual conversation.
We've had only one car since early 2006.
We have a very small house, with only one bathroom.
We don't belong to the YMCA, and this is living in a town where everyone goes to the Y.
I go without needed clothes and shoes for some time.
Our furniture is seriously beyond crappy. Even our couch cover is beyond crappy. Shoot, in our living room, the couch is ALL we have. Lack of furniture.

And yes, these are our choices. We could have chosen differently.
However, I'd like to think it's starting to pay off.
We no longer have a car payment or any credit card debt. Just out mortgage and student loans.
We live in a small house, but it's one we can afford. I don't have to worry month to month if we'll be able to pay the mortgage. And soon, we will be buying a second car again. Only this time, paying for it in cash, fully, up front.

We have made progress.
Still, human nature kicks in, and I feel frustrated at times. I want to have a tantrum and complain, ask why others get this or that when we don't, and we live within our means, etc.

We had a playdate today. The friends are very nice, generous people. They are very hard workers. They have earned & deserve all they have.
But let me tell ya, being in their nice big home, their home with the upstairs, basement and a few play rooms...it made me really wish that I had more right now.
Do you realize how much less frustrating my days would be if I simply had more SPACE?

Sigh. I don't want to complain. But I do feel a tad...envious? Jealous?
Certainly ready to be there.

Hopefully our day will come, and when we're there, we'll be there with no debt to haunt us. And our kids will learn from that, and be able to start their adult lives in a good financial position.
Perhaps I'll have my bigger home when my kids are adolescents, a time when they care more about appearances. When space is needed more for developmental reasons, and perhaps when we'll have more kids and a true need for more space, not just the want.

Today is one of those days.
A little sad, but also where I clearly see the urge to set aside $600 for our next down payment, and tolerate the beastly couch even longer.

Living like no one else...we've been on the end where it stinks. Often feels lonely.
Hopefully one day we'll be on the end where we feel free and good.

Financial Peace & Dave Ramsey: Updates

First, let me throw something out there for you to think about as you read.

Grocery budget: what do you think is a reasonable amount?

We're a family of 4: 2 adults, 2 kids, one of those being in school (school lunch prep).

The grocery budget has always been the easiest to cut for me, but this month I had a hard time keeping it at that amount, and the month isn't even over yet!

I HAVE made some awesome progress in planning and using coupons. Today, for instance, I bought almost all sale items, then saved $9 in coupons! Woo-hoo! Go me! ;)

I take advantage of the stores that double or even triple coupons.

And not to disappoint some of you, but I am not an Aldi's fan.

First of all, it's mostly processed foods sold there, and we are pretty health-conscious in what we eat (Weight Watchers).

Secondly, I have found several occasions where it's NOT been cheaper, due to a store doubling a coupon, or from buying locally at a farmers' market. (example: Giant Eagle doubles coupons up to a dollar. I had a coupon for Bisquick for a dollar off, which was doubled, so I paid 59 cents for the big box of Bisquick!)

I plan out meals, we are pretty good about sticking to that, but I am not willing to sacrifice fresh or healthy for canned or processed.

Since I'm putting it out there, let me tell you what I've normally aimed for. $150 each pay period, or roughly every 2 weeks. $150 for 2 weeks' groceries.

How do-able do you find that to be?

Moving on....

I'm enjoying the Dave Ramsey videos shown during FPU.

Dave is a funny guy!

His plan is broken down into Baby Steps.

We're working on Baby Step 2-paying off all debt except for the mortgage.

This will be a long step for us, but it's exciting at the same time.

We are pretty close to having our lowest debt paid off, which is our Odyssey.

Once that is paid in full, the next 2 lowest shouldn't take too much time at all. I am super excited about that.

I love how Dave said it. When you borrow, be it from a friend, family member, bank, or other finance-enabling company, that means your money you earn each month has someone else's name on it before you even get it.

Heck yes.

Is that smart? A good feeling?

I understand the various reasons people use credit cards. But heck, study after study has shown that the majority of cardholders are getting ripped off.

This week we made it a goal to earn an extra $100 to pay towards our Odyssey for the month of November.

Our biggest plan of action is to clear out the old laptop and try to sell it.

I also plan to consign some things, or maybe even have a garage sale.

I've never done garage sale and it intimidates me. (there, I said it)

Now that I've rambled on about nothing in particular, it's your turn to speak up!

Leave me a comment and share what you think is a reasonable grocery budget for a family of 4.

GO!