Well today marks our one year Dave Ramsey Financial Peace anniversary! Hooray, what a difference a year can make.
We enjoy our new life just as much.....no more, than our old life we just enjoy different parts of it and appreciate so many things so much more. It's simpler, its calmer, there is less stress, there is more unity, there is more VISION. No we aren't living in utopia of course. The key to all that we have done is putting our long term goals together so we are on the same page and keeping those in mind first and putting aside all of our instant gratification quests.
Oddly enough this has taken off in many circles we travel. Given recent economic climate it just makes sense to save for a rainy day, think differently, and have a plan. For US its definately not the flavor of the day and I pray it is not for others either. We have made many new friendships through having the same values, goals, and lifestyles and we meet more people all the time who are interested in it.
Having a plan has eliminated any money issues from our marriage, we never fought over money but there was definately conflicting views, priorities, and subsequent tension and discussions. I left Jared holding the bag to worry over the money and what to pay and only got involved when I wanted something which was not fair to him. I figured since he liked doing the bills that it was 'ok'.
We only found out after taking these classes that money problems are the #1 cause of divorce in america and also interestingly enough it takes average marriage ~7 years (though some are overachievers wink wink) to get themselves into a real pinch (we werent there yet but I could see us headed there) and hmmm that made me think does that in any way correlate to the all infamous '7 year itch'?
Last year we:
had two doctor bills and a dentist bill we were paying on
had two credit cards with all time high (for us) balances
had TWO huge student loans to the tune of almost $60,000 *cringes*
mortgaged to the brink of what our house was valued at (which now = overmortaged by LOTS)
had no set way of doing the bills/money together
had no definitive goals aside from the normal vague 'want more money & less debt plan'
Now our anniversary marks:
zero bills we pay everything ahead
no credit cards
1 huge student loan (very low interest being left for last)
as of end of 2008 we had paid off 45.6% of our debt snowball
have paid off ~15% of our mortgage and have about 5% more we plan to pay off shortly
we have a written budget, defined roles as to who does what, and both are involved in process
we have specific goals and mini-goals that we regularly revisit and re-calculate keeping us both in the loop---headed for the same spot. Having common goals/visions for our future has been HUGE!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Family Fun Time
Today was fun, on a work night none the less.
Lillian is OBSESSED with shopping. Almost every single day she askes to go, especially when we are picking her up from daycare. Sometimes she cries if we say we are going home. Shopping is a bit of a family outing for us since we dont go out and do alot of expensive things these days. Jared and Lillian have a fun time goofing around, looking at things, and Lillian of course likes to say hello to people. Whenever we go to meijer she wants to see the lobsters and the wooden cows up on the wall. Jared plays a game with her in produce aisle asking what everything is, she knows ALOT of her produce now (uncle Jason would be proud).
Tonight Jared wanted to stop by an outlet/warehouse type store that has just about everything under the sun, especially work related items, he was looking for some bungie cords. The store is alot fun to look around in--if for nothing more than the sheer variety of items. The weather isnt the greatest so the store was dead and we let Lillian down to look around, she is pretty good about asking if she can touch stuff. Never to disapoint the store had a calculator almost as big as Lillian which she loved.
After that we went to return our library books. I have a goal for 2009 to try and average at least one non-fiction book a month. Cancelling our cable has made this realistic! Last time we were there I let Lillian pick out one kids movie and a book, the movie was "alphabet Al" teaching her the alphabet and she loved it--too much, I can't get it out of my head. She does a really good job with the ABC's now and can say all the letters (though not always in right order); she usually gets a-g correct and then p-z mostly correct and now she adds "sing with me" when she's done, its cute. This week she got an ocean movie from the reading railroad and a national geographic ocean book, she has learned all the creatures in her kids ocean book so I thought this would be fun for her--so far its a hit.
There is a new mexican place in town so we splurged a bit of our entertainment fund on dinner since it was getting late. They have remodeled the place really well. My food was a bit disapointing, I dont think it was bad just not what I expected. Jared really liked his. Lillian was mostly interested in her book and ate a few bites and then asked for 'chicken nuggets'. I have gotten her chicken nuggets from mcd's twice in her life but somehow she is obsessed with them and they had them for lunch at daycare this week so now its on her brain, she asked for them for breakfast yesterday.
On the way home Jared and I were talking and I was telling her she had to be quiet for a minute. I held up my finger and said "1" (we count as part discipline method) and she continued on with "2-3-4-5-6 smack a butt 1-2-3-4-5-6-smack a butt" it was absolutely cute, of course Jared told her she only got to 3 even if she appeared to be giving us to the count of 6. I recently read the book 123 Magic its for discipline from 2-12 and is very good. We dont have problems with Lillian, yet, but I surely dont want any. I really enjoy child developmental psychology and getting new ideas so I enjoy reading about it. I also read Happiest Toddler on the Block, some cute ideas in there but not our style. Next I want to read more about how their minds work so it will be "the Scientist in the Crib".
Overall we had a really fun evening and a nice time. WE got home just in time to read Lillian her book and Jared took her to her room to read a bit more before bed.
NOTE: Well I must say I have all of our videos edited, compiled, categorized and complete from 2003-2008 now that I have the appropriate software and have figured out to use it BUT I can't figure out how to get it posted here it keeps erroring out.
Lillian is OBSESSED with shopping. Almost every single day she askes to go, especially when we are picking her up from daycare. Sometimes she cries if we say we are going home. Shopping is a bit of a family outing for us since we dont go out and do alot of expensive things these days. Jared and Lillian have a fun time goofing around, looking at things, and Lillian of course likes to say hello to people. Whenever we go to meijer she wants to see the lobsters and the wooden cows up on the wall. Jared plays a game with her in produce aisle asking what everything is, she knows ALOT of her produce now (uncle Jason would be proud).
Tonight Jared wanted to stop by an outlet/warehouse type store that has just about everything under the sun, especially work related items, he was looking for some bungie cords. The store is alot fun to look around in--if for nothing more than the sheer variety of items. The weather isnt the greatest so the store was dead and we let Lillian down to look around, she is pretty good about asking if she can touch stuff. Never to disapoint the store had a calculator almost as big as Lillian which she loved.
After that we went to return our library books. I have a goal for 2009 to try and average at least one non-fiction book a month. Cancelling our cable has made this realistic! Last time we were there I let Lillian pick out one kids movie and a book, the movie was "alphabet Al" teaching her the alphabet and she loved it--too much, I can't get it out of my head. She does a really good job with the ABC's now and can say all the letters (though not always in right order); she usually gets a-g correct and then p-z mostly correct and now she adds "sing with me" when she's done, its cute. This week she got an ocean movie from the reading railroad and a national geographic ocean book, she has learned all the creatures in her kids ocean book so I thought this would be fun for her--so far its a hit.
There is a new mexican place in town so we splurged a bit of our entertainment fund on dinner since it was getting late. They have remodeled the place really well. My food was a bit disapointing, I dont think it was bad just not what I expected. Jared really liked his. Lillian was mostly interested in her book and ate a few bites and then asked for 'chicken nuggets'. I have gotten her chicken nuggets from mcd's twice in her life but somehow she is obsessed with them and they had them for lunch at daycare this week so now its on her brain, she asked for them for breakfast yesterday.
On the way home Jared and I were talking and I was telling her she had to be quiet for a minute. I held up my finger and said "1" (we count as part discipline method) and she continued on with "2-3-4-5-6 smack a butt 1-2-3-4-5-6-smack a butt" it was absolutely cute, of course Jared told her she only got to 3 even if she appeared to be giving us to the count of 6. I recently read the book 123 Magic its for discipline from 2-12 and is very good. We dont have problems with Lillian, yet, but I surely dont want any. I really enjoy child developmental psychology and getting new ideas so I enjoy reading about it. I also read Happiest Toddler on the Block, some cute ideas in there but not our style. Next I want to read more about how their minds work so it will be "the Scientist in the Crib".
Overall we had a really fun evening and a nice time. WE got home just in time to read Lillian her book and Jared took her to her room to read a bit more before bed.
NOTE: Well I must say I have all of our videos edited, compiled, categorized and complete from 2003-2008 now that I have the appropriate software and have figured out to use it BUT I can't figure out how to get it posted here it keeps erroring out.
Family Fun Time
Well I must say I have all of our videos edited, compiled, categorized and complete from 2003-2008 now that I have the appropriate software and have figured out to use it BUT I can't figure out how to get it posted here it keeps erroring out.
I will continue to try and figure out what I am doing wrong so hopefully videos soon to come.
I will continue to try and figure out what I am doing wrong so hopefully videos soon to come.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Out with 08 and in with 09
Our biggest family event occured in the world of our finances. During 08 we have gotten together on the same page with a common goal and have had alot of success. As a result of our new beliefs and re-prioritizing our life we have paid off all lingering doctor/dentist bills, our credit cards, and 1 of 2 student loans. We have also paid off a good amount on our house for the purposes of refinancing and established a decent size emergency fund. Our goals for 2009 will be to become consumer debt free (this excludes the house), meet with a financial planner, and establish wills.
We, as you can see from the content of the rest of the blog, really enjoy being parents. It definately suits us. Family time is very precious for us, we enjoy the little things. Lillian is a great joy and our only concern is figuring out if and when she should have a sibling---that is a goal for 2009 (figuring it out not having one)!
Jared's new job as the team leader of the new IT group has been going well. Initially it was a bit of a shock because noone else in the group was fully trained or functional so he was basically on call all the time and being called ALL the time. Now that his other group members are up to speed they rotate on call and whether you get called seems to go in spurts so things overall are much more manageable now.
My job is pretty challenging and enjoyable and is going well. I require alot of new tasks and challenges to stay motivated and this job definately does that. I have taken on more of an administrative role this year and am in the process or revising/revamping a number of policies and systems. Once we have the new groundwork all in place I hope to get back onto the bench doing some labwork a bit more. This year has shown me that I can be happy in a job being a 'paper pusher' just so long as it is not routine paperwork which I was pleased and surprised to discover.
My health was a bit rough this year but now I believe everything is under control. I have changed clinics and now go to an adult specialized clinic in a larger town. The good news is with all the challenges I have had this year my lungs appear to have rebounded well and just two weeks ago at a check-up I received the best lung function numbers I have ever had and they are above normal for 'anyone'. I am considering entering a phase 3b (they have already completed one phase 3 trial) clinical trial for a drug that has shown some remarkable abilities. Hopefully 2009 is smooth sailing.
This year we have enjoyed/marveled/accomplished: (last names withheld)
Visiting: grandma Margaret's, Denise's, Dave&Lisa's, Aunt Gayle's, Gary&Mary Keith&Jenny's, Caitlin&Josh, Grandma Juanita, Grandma Donna's, Grandma Tanya's.
Our summer vacation with Jason & Tami
Our get together with most of the sibs and cousins for Jared's side
Our date nights out alone seldom but enjoyed
Our shopping trips as a family
watching Lillian take 'ownership' of the dogs and really learn to play with and love on them
thanksgiving at our house
Lillian's 2nd birthday
christmas eve at our house
learning how to edit, compile, and compose about 4 years worth of videos
getting more clients for digital rescue
building a bon-fire pit in the back yard
building a shed
having the guts to start attending spinning, kick boxing, balance ball, and bosu classes
building a video/tv/picture/music data center computer in the living room
our new favorite snack became frozen blueberries with milk poured over them and watching Lillian do the 'blueberry dance' in order to get some
Grandma's 95th birthday part and another mini vacation with Jason & Tammi
Lillian likes to watch Mash whenever daddy denies her requests for elmo or wiggles--somehow she knows he is more likely to give in to this request
we cancelled our cable subscription and have started having more quiet family time and watching more movies, this is a trial, we will see if Jared survives he is going through withdrawl
We, as you can see from the content of the rest of the blog, really enjoy being parents. It definately suits us. Family time is very precious for us, we enjoy the little things. Lillian is a great joy and our only concern is figuring out if and when she should have a sibling---that is a goal for 2009 (figuring it out not having one)!
Jared's new job as the team leader of the new IT group has been going well. Initially it was a bit of a shock because noone else in the group was fully trained or functional so he was basically on call all the time and being called ALL the time. Now that his other group members are up to speed they rotate on call and whether you get called seems to go in spurts so things overall are much more manageable now.
My job is pretty challenging and enjoyable and is going well. I require alot of new tasks and challenges to stay motivated and this job definately does that. I have taken on more of an administrative role this year and am in the process or revising/revamping a number of policies and systems. Once we have the new groundwork all in place I hope to get back onto the bench doing some labwork a bit more. This year has shown me that I can be happy in a job being a 'paper pusher' just so long as it is not routine paperwork which I was pleased and surprised to discover.
My health was a bit rough this year but now I believe everything is under control. I have changed clinics and now go to an adult specialized clinic in a larger town. The good news is with all the challenges I have had this year my lungs appear to have rebounded well and just two weeks ago at a check-up I received the best lung function numbers I have ever had and they are above normal for 'anyone'. I am considering entering a phase 3b (they have already completed one phase 3 trial) clinical trial for a drug that has shown some remarkable abilities. Hopefully 2009 is smooth sailing.
This year we have enjoyed/marveled/accomplished: (last names withheld)
Visiting: grandma Margaret's, Denise's, Dave&Lisa's, Aunt Gayle's, Gary&Mary Keith&Jenny's, Caitlin&Josh, Grandma Juanita, Grandma Donna's, Grandma Tanya's.
Our summer vacation with Jason & Tami
Our get together with most of the sibs and cousins for Jared's side
Our date nights out alone seldom but enjoyed
Our shopping trips as a family
watching Lillian take 'ownership' of the dogs and really learn to play with and love on them
thanksgiving at our house
Lillian's 2nd birthday
christmas eve at our house
learning how to edit, compile, and compose about 4 years worth of videos
getting more clients for digital rescue
building a bon-fire pit in the back yard
building a shed
having the guts to start attending spinning, kick boxing, balance ball, and bosu classes
building a video/tv/picture/music data center computer in the living room
our new favorite snack became frozen blueberries with milk poured over them and watching Lillian do the 'blueberry dance' in order to get some
Grandma's 95th birthday part and another mini vacation with Jason & Tammi
Lillian likes to watch Mash whenever daddy denies her requests for elmo or wiggles--somehow she knows he is more likely to give in to this request
we cancelled our cable subscription and have started having more quiet family time and watching more movies, this is a trial, we will see if Jared survives he is going through withdrawl
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