People always ask me how it's going being back in the workforce. I have to remind people that I still worked when I was home with Joel. I just didn't work a traditional 9-5, but I digress. Well, working outside of the home again has been the biggest blessing for our family.
Financial
We were able to stay afloat for most of the time while I was home with Joely, but we never really had room for extras. We had to abandon some of our home improvement projects, we weren't able to save, and we couldn't pay off debts as quickly as we used to. However, we did do some remodeling and we were able to buy a new-to-us car. However, my paychecks weren't steady and in the summer I lost some contracts (and walked away from a horrible writing job) which really rocked us financially. Now, we're working to rebuild our financial security. We have money for extras and we're doing some small DIY home improvement projects.
Fulfillment
I have a job that makes me feel like I'm making a difference in the world. I'm able to use my creativity to craft appealing, interesting presentations. I'm able to tap into my curiosity to research, analyze and evaluate various programs. I'm also able to interact directly with youth which is a huge bonus!
Modern Family
When Murad and I first married this was the life I envisioned for us. We get up every morning and help each other get ourselves and Joely ready for school. We balance brushing our teeth, reading, eating, and dressing to get out of the door by 7:30am. Our evenings are spent cooking, watching movies, doing laundry, and playing in the yard when weather permits. We're balancing pediatrician appointments, late night meetings, last minute emergencies, etc. Our life is beautiful chaos.
Joely
We probably never would've thought to send Joely to school at two, and honestly, I kind of wanted to steer away from Montessori. It always sounded pretentious to me. I planned to stay home with Joely and send him to his sitter part-time and to the little Lutheran pre-school around the corner a couple of mornings a week. I'm very thankful that this worked out. He loves going to school and I'm so thankful he is able to attend a diverse school with children of all ethnicities. Growing up, my schools were pretty homogeneous until I got to middle school. I was always the only or one of a few black or mixed kids in my school. Joel is learning so much, and I really don't think we'd be this far in potty-training if he went anywhere else.
I think the only Campbell folks not benefiting from me being at work are our dogs. Poor Sam and Maya spend more time at home and go on less walks. Fortunately, I have summers off, so I'll be able to walk them then. Of course, it'll be hotter than Hades when that happens. Oh, well.
That's how things are going for us in the Soup Kitchen. All's good now that Mama is a working again!
Showing posts with label saving $$. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saving $$. Show all posts
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Where there's a will....
So we've had some ups and downs in finances over the last couple of months.
--Thanksgiving - always hard on us financially. This year we actually had to use some of our savings for it this year instead of having everything ready to go.
--Christmas - need I say more. We even lowered our budget
--one of the community college courses I was supposed to teach was canceled. This is kind of a blessing in disguise. I planned to use the money to buy things for Baby Soup and to put in savings so that I can take unpaid time off in the fall. I'm kind of bummed though. However, I don't think it was smart to plan to teach two courses this semester while pregnant. So, in a way, this will allow me more time at home to prepare for Baby Soup
--Mr. Soup is working more in his old position to help pad our savings. Which means that he's not home as much =(
--we're not going to the Superbowl. Sad that the Eagles didn't do well in the play-offs, but now we can use that money to replenish our savings and the rest towards Baby Soup
--tutoring--one of my community college co-workers tutors privately. She said I could make $60 an hour tutoring elementary school kids. I'm thinking of doing it once a week for an hour. I don't think it would take up too much time and it'd help pad our savings.
I really am impressed that we're still saving money. After saving and paying for half of our wedding, a home, and other things, I thought we'd go back to living financially carelessly. However, we've done a good job of living frugally. I think we're more committed now that Baby Soup is on the way. Ugh..and don't even get me started on maternity leave. I think I'm almost getting screwed by having a baby in the summer. If I have my baby on my due date, I'll have exactly 9 weeks off. That is not enough time off in our opinion. I can either use some of my days to take some more time off or take it unpaid. I'm thinking of taking 3 weeks more unpaid because I want to save my days for when Baby Soup gets sick, etc. I'm really hoping we can save a month's salary, so that I can do that. That was my motivation for teaching an extra class at the community college. Mr. Soup has been saving too, but I hate for him to do it on his own. Plus, we also need to put money away for day care, Baby Soup's college savings, travel savings and general savings. Whew! Sounds like a lot! Where there's a will there is a way though. We always find a way to make things work. For example, the private tutoring fell into my hands. And we decided not to take a Babymoon, but instead make it a Staycation at a hotel in downtown Dallas or something like that. We are very blessed and I love that we both have the same commitment to our future family!
--Thanksgiving - always hard on us financially. This year we actually had to use some of our savings for it this year instead of having everything ready to go.
--Christmas - need I say more. We even lowered our budget
--one of the community college courses I was supposed to teach was canceled. This is kind of a blessing in disguise. I planned to use the money to buy things for Baby Soup and to put in savings so that I can take unpaid time off in the fall. I'm kind of bummed though. However, I don't think it was smart to plan to teach two courses this semester while pregnant. So, in a way, this will allow me more time at home to prepare for Baby Soup
--Mr. Soup is working more in his old position to help pad our savings. Which means that he's not home as much =(
--we're not going to the Superbowl. Sad that the Eagles didn't do well in the play-offs, but now we can use that money to replenish our savings and the rest towards Baby Soup
--tutoring--one of my community college co-workers tutors privately. She said I could make $60 an hour tutoring elementary school kids. I'm thinking of doing it once a week for an hour. I don't think it would take up too much time and it'd help pad our savings.
I really am impressed that we're still saving money. After saving and paying for half of our wedding, a home, and other things, I thought we'd go back to living financially carelessly. However, we've done a good job of living frugally. I think we're more committed now that Baby Soup is on the way. Ugh..and don't even get me started on maternity leave. I think I'm almost getting screwed by having a baby in the summer. If I have my baby on my due date, I'll have exactly 9 weeks off. That is not enough time off in our opinion. I can either use some of my days to take some more time off or take it unpaid. I'm thinking of taking 3 weeks more unpaid because I want to save my days for when Baby Soup gets sick, etc. I'm really hoping we can save a month's salary, so that I can do that. That was my motivation for teaching an extra class at the community college. Mr. Soup has been saving too, but I hate for him to do it on his own. Plus, we also need to put money away for day care, Baby Soup's college savings, travel savings and general savings. Whew! Sounds like a lot! Where there's a will there is a way though. We always find a way to make things work. For example, the private tutoring fell into my hands. And we decided not to take a Babymoon, but instead make it a Staycation at a hotel in downtown Dallas or something like that. We are very blessed and I love that we both have the same commitment to our future family!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2010 financial successes/new year's resolutions
being financially fit is a goal that we have for our family. In the past we haven't made the best decisions with saving and spending, but we strive now more than ever since we are bringing a little one into the world. I hope we can teach him or her to spend and save wisely. However, if this baby is a girl, I can't promise that he or she won't have a shopping addiction like her mother....
we did have some success in 2010
highs:
-we stopped using credit cards and what we did use, we paid off immediately as to not incur interest
-we paid off one credit card
-we bought a house
-we put more in savings
-we now have a monthly emergency fund
-saved $70 a month by not relaxing (perming) my hair
-switched energy providers and saved $100+ per month (we pay less than we did when we lived in our apartment)
-paid off my car
lows:
-if we want to buy a new car, we need to pay down the rest of our debt...Although, we stopped incurring debt, we didn't really pay down much. it looks like we may not buy a new car until 2012 or 2013...and it's looking like it may be a mini-van (sigh....another post on that)
-we didn't tithe regularly or I should I say I didn't since I go to church. I will say this has more to do with my sporadic attendance at church....something I need to work on in the new year.
- we now have a balance on our GAP card....it's $100, but still a balance.
New Year's Resolutions (financial and not)
-pay down debt
-continue to put more in savings
-share more of the household duties...while Mr. Soup was in grad school, the majority of our duties fell on me. We need to get our balance back before the baby arrives.
-paint the kitchen, living room and nursery. I foresee the nursery being painted first and the other two in late 2011.
-keep our travel fund full. with Baby Soup arriving, it will be hard to travel regularly. However, my goal is for us to take some family trips, Mr. Soup and me trips, and maybe a girls' trip. Traveling is something that is important to Mr. Soup and me. We are definitely not going to stop traveling in 2011. In fact, we will take our annual trip to NJ and I'm hoping we'll have enough for another cruise (once I get my body back...don't laugh!)
-accept that I cannot control how things turn out with my stepdaughter. This is hard, but I know I have to do it for my sanity. I never truly understood what my husband went through with his daughter until this summer. He has had his daughter ripped from him over and over by her mentally ill mother and passive, enabling grandparents. I felt that pain this summer. My heart was broken over and over. I'm not sure if I ever got over it fully. This will be the first Christmas that we haven't had my stepdaughter. I shudder to think of what kind of Christmas she will have (her mother doesn't even wrap their presents). I have to get over the pain I felt when my she left for a life of poverty, instability and neglect from a home where she was loved, clean and attended to each day. For now, I have to be content with the sporadic phone calls and visits we have. I have to be content with being the weekend dad and step-mom.
While Baby Soup will never take the place of Abby, he or she will have everything that Abby didn't. This baby will always know what an amazing big sister he or she has (SN: Abby is totally excited about Baby Soup. She asked if I could have a boy, so she could have a brother) Most importantly, I will have a baby that no one can take away from Mr. Soup and me. If I could hold this baby close to me everyday and never let him or her go, I would. However, I know I cannot transfer my feelings of loss and heartbreak onto this innocent life. While I want to suffocate this baby with love and attention all the time, I know my duty as a mom is to provide opportunity for growth. So, I guess in my long-winded way of saying it, my goal is two-fold: Accept my limited role as stepmother and embrace balance as I strive to be the best mother to Baby Soup.
-my next goal is to achieve balance as a wife, mother, teacher, friend, sister, daughter, etc. I realize my marriage is my #1 priority. If I don't put my marriage first, I won't be a good mother. Fortunately, we have been blessed with friends who have offered to babysit. However, I also want to make time to be a good teacher, and spend time with friends and family regularly.
-last goal is to be an awesome mama! I know I will lose major coolness once Baby C hits puberty, but for now I can't wait to raise the most awesome kid ever! This baby oozes coolness and here's why....no morning sickness, very little weight gain, cute ass sonogram pic, awesome summer-time timing, etc. This baby has made pregnancy enjoyable so far and although I know it will get worse, I am thankful that my 1st trimester was a breeze compared to most. Although, I do hate the acne!
That's it! Hopefully writing down my new year's goals on the internet for the world to see will keep me accountable!
we did have some success in 2010
highs:
-we stopped using credit cards and what we did use, we paid off immediately as to not incur interest
-we paid off one credit card
-we bought a house
-we put more in savings
-we now have a monthly emergency fund
-saved $70 a month by not relaxing (perming) my hair
-switched energy providers and saved $100+ per month (we pay less than we did when we lived in our apartment)
-paid off my car
lows:
-if we want to buy a new car, we need to pay down the rest of our debt...Although, we stopped incurring debt, we didn't really pay down much. it looks like we may not buy a new car until 2012 or 2013...and it's looking like it may be a mini-van (sigh....another post on that)
-we didn't tithe regularly or I should I say I didn't since I go to church. I will say this has more to do with my sporadic attendance at church....something I need to work on in the new year.
- we now have a balance on our GAP card....it's $100, but still a balance.
New Year's Resolutions (financial and not)
-pay down debt
-continue to put more in savings
-share more of the household duties...while Mr. Soup was in grad school, the majority of our duties fell on me. We need to get our balance back before the baby arrives.
-paint the kitchen, living room and nursery. I foresee the nursery being painted first and the other two in late 2011.
-keep our travel fund full. with Baby Soup arriving, it will be hard to travel regularly. However, my goal is for us to take some family trips, Mr. Soup and me trips, and maybe a girls' trip. Traveling is something that is important to Mr. Soup and me. We are definitely not going to stop traveling in 2011. In fact, we will take our annual trip to NJ and I'm hoping we'll have enough for another cruise (once I get my body back...don't laugh!)
-accept that I cannot control how things turn out with my stepdaughter. This is hard, but I know I have to do it for my sanity. I never truly understood what my husband went through with his daughter until this summer. He has had his daughter ripped from him over and over by her mentally ill mother and passive, enabling grandparents. I felt that pain this summer. My heart was broken over and over. I'm not sure if I ever got over it fully. This will be the first Christmas that we haven't had my stepdaughter. I shudder to think of what kind of Christmas she will have (her mother doesn't even wrap their presents). I have to get over the pain I felt when my she left for a life of poverty, instability and neglect from a home where she was loved, clean and attended to each day. For now, I have to be content with the sporadic phone calls and visits we have. I have to be content with being the weekend dad and step-mom.
While Baby Soup will never take the place of Abby, he or she will have everything that Abby didn't. This baby will always know what an amazing big sister he or she has (SN: Abby is totally excited about Baby Soup. She asked if I could have a boy, so she could have a brother) Most importantly, I will have a baby that no one can take away from Mr. Soup and me. If I could hold this baby close to me everyday and never let him or her go, I would. However, I know I cannot transfer my feelings of loss and heartbreak onto this innocent life. While I want to suffocate this baby with love and attention all the time, I know my duty as a mom is to provide opportunity for growth. So, I guess in my long-winded way of saying it, my goal is two-fold: Accept my limited role as stepmother and embrace balance as I strive to be the best mother to Baby Soup.
-my next goal is to achieve balance as a wife, mother, teacher, friend, sister, daughter, etc. I realize my marriage is my #1 priority. If I don't put my marriage first, I won't be a good mother. Fortunately, we have been blessed with friends who have offered to babysit. However, I also want to make time to be a good teacher, and spend time with friends and family regularly.
-last goal is to be an awesome mama! I know I will lose major coolness once Baby C hits puberty, but for now I can't wait to raise the most awesome kid ever! This baby oozes coolness and here's why....no morning sickness, very little weight gain, cute ass sonogram pic, awesome summer-time timing, etc. This baby has made pregnancy enjoyable so far and although I know it will get worse, I am thankful that my 1st trimester was a breeze compared to most. Although, I do hate the acne!
That's it! Hopefully writing down my new year's goals on the internet for the world to see will keep me accountable!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
to buy or not to buy
so, I posted a pic of a sofa I liked, but then it went off sale and I couldn't afford it. I found another sofa I liked for $450. However, I think I'm not gonna buy it. I just really need to save money. Mr. Soup and I will become parents to an 8 year old full-time in a week and we need all the extra money we can get. I also need to start saving for a new car. Plus, it's not like I need the sofa. So, no sofa for now.
I'm trying to make better decisions in spending. I've gotten in the habit of not using credit cards anymore. However, it's still hard for me to determine what is a need and what is a want. I feel like I have to go back to 7 year old Mrs. Soup. I remember my parents helping me determine what was a need and what was a want. Little did I know that was the upcoming lesson at school. We had to bring in examples of needs and wants. I just wonder if I ever got that lesson down right. And honestly, a lot of our needs are wants for others. To some we live an affluent life. Mr. Soup tonight goes, "we're really blessed!" And he is right. We can pay our bills each month and afford to treat ourselves every now and then and we're in good health. So, if I have to wait for a stupid material possession than I will. I'd rather have peace of mind (BTW, growing up I always thought the saying was "piece of mind" I didn't learn until recently that it was peace of mind. way to go English teacher)
I did however get a few treats this week:
fridge- well it's a need, but I love, love, love it
laptop-my husband surprised me with it
dining table- one of the girls at work is moving to Ireland and she's selling her $500 dining table to me for $250! Score!!! It's so cute and perfect for our formal dining room.
okay, so on to bigger and better things...this summer! So, my darling stepdaughter arrives in June and will spend the month with us. I'm not "working" this summer. Meaning I'm not teaching summer school like I have in previous summers. I'm subbing for summer school, attending the AVID conference and Pre-AP Summer Institute. I will also attend my 10 year high school reunion. One of my goals this summer is to start writing again. I tried last summer, hit a writer's block and gave up. However, I feel this need to write in my bones. I have so much to say on what I see going on as a teacher and in my personal life. I feel like I can merge it into a good fiction piece (peace?)So, my goal is to write this summer and read, of course. I'm hoping that my followers will read some of my work if I post it on here? maybe give some feedback? let me know what you think! I really benefit from help throughout the writing process rather than just at the end.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Brad & Angelina break up and other world events....
Personal Updates first:
Murad has dropped 20 lbs. I went to the doctor on Monday and I've lost two pounds. Despite my crying about my weight gain, my doctor said my weight isn't a problem at all, but still. We all want to look better, right?
We found a really cute home for rent. It's perfect....4 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 2 living rooms. However, I'm thinking we shouldn't rent. I just think we'd be throwing away a ton of money when we could save for a house. Nevertheless, I won't hide my eagerness to get out of this apartment. I know next year is a better time to buy since Mr. Soup will be done with grad school and earning a full salary. Also, Mr. Soup is going to look for jobs in Kansas City and Dallas. Either one would be an ideal choice. We have friends and family in Kansas/Missouri and we've built a great life here in Dallas. So it's better to wait to know exactly where we'll be.
I know I have to be patient and continue to save $$$. One thing we have decided to do is expand our search in Dallas. Homes in Richardson are nice, but really small; some less than 2000 sq. feet. I worry that we'd outgrow it in a couple of years, especially since we want to have children soon. We decided to look north. McKinney is too far. Plano: hell no. We're considering Allen. It's far north, but it wouldn't be a bad commute. The homes are larger and compare in price to Richardson. So for now we have a couple of neighborhoods in Richardson/N. Dallas narrowed down and we'll add some in Allen to our list as well.
okay, so I chopped off inches yesterday. My hair had just gotten so long and unhealthy. I never really had a hair style and as a result my hair had no shape. I like the new hair cut, it's just hard to get used to right away. I'm used to running my fingers through long hair that falls past my shoulders. Now it's at my chin. I'm sure no one will mistake me for a sixteen year old anymore! That is okay. I'm learning to embrace getting older. I'm actually excited to turn 28 on Tuesday. My life is wonderful and I only have good things to look forward to as we grow older.
World Events:
Brad & Angelina? This doesn't really affect my life except for the fact that now Murad and I are America's cutest couple. We're eager for the paparazzi to start invading our lives, star in movies, earn millions, vacation all over the world, etc.
Conan? I can't believe all the drama that went along with that. I didn't watch his last episode (I wish I would've), but I'm sad to see him go.
Haiti- I watched part of the concert for charity on Friday. I am overwhelmed by the way Americans are pouring out support. I've even heard that some people are looking to adopt some of the orphaned children. What a blessing!! I urge everyone to lend their support in any way.
The Scott Roeder trial began this past week. It was very surreal watching members of my home congregation in Wichita, KS testify as witnesses. It was hard to watch them relive the day that evil man walked into our church and killed one of our parishoners. I saw glimpses of Dr. Tiller's family on television as well. The were crying and looking down as they replayed images of Dr. Tiller's body being taken from our church. I can only hope that God gives them the strength to get through the trial and that justice is served in this matter.
Murad has dropped 20 lbs. I went to the doctor on Monday and I've lost two pounds. Despite my crying about my weight gain, my doctor said my weight isn't a problem at all, but still. We all want to look better, right?
We found a really cute home for rent. It's perfect....4 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 car garage, 2 living rooms. However, I'm thinking we shouldn't rent. I just think we'd be throwing away a ton of money when we could save for a house. Nevertheless, I won't hide my eagerness to get out of this apartment. I know next year is a better time to buy since Mr. Soup will be done with grad school and earning a full salary. Also, Mr. Soup is going to look for jobs in Kansas City and Dallas. Either one would be an ideal choice. We have friends and family in Kansas/Missouri and we've built a great life here in Dallas. So it's better to wait to know exactly where we'll be.
I know I have to be patient and continue to save $$$. One thing we have decided to do is expand our search in Dallas. Homes in Richardson are nice, but really small; some less than 2000 sq. feet. I worry that we'd outgrow it in a couple of years, especially since we want to have children soon. We decided to look north. McKinney is too far. Plano: hell no. We're considering Allen. It's far north, but it wouldn't be a bad commute. The homes are larger and compare in price to Richardson. So for now we have a couple of neighborhoods in Richardson/N. Dallas narrowed down and we'll add some in Allen to our list as well.
okay, so I chopped off inches yesterday. My hair had just gotten so long and unhealthy. I never really had a hair style and as a result my hair had no shape. I like the new hair cut, it's just hard to get used to right away. I'm used to running my fingers through long hair that falls past my shoulders. Now it's at my chin. I'm sure no one will mistake me for a sixteen year old anymore! That is okay. I'm learning to embrace getting older. I'm actually excited to turn 28 on Tuesday. My life is wonderful and I only have good things to look forward to as we grow older.
World Events:
Brad & Angelina? This doesn't really affect my life except for the fact that now Murad and I are America's cutest couple. We're eager for the paparazzi to start invading our lives, star in movies, earn millions, vacation all over the world, etc.
Conan? I can't believe all the drama that went along with that. I didn't watch his last episode (I wish I would've), but I'm sad to see him go.
Haiti- I watched part of the concert for charity on Friday. I am overwhelmed by the way Americans are pouring out support. I've even heard that some people are looking to adopt some of the orphaned children. What a blessing!! I urge everyone to lend their support in any way.
The Scott Roeder trial began this past week. It was very surreal watching members of my home congregation in Wichita, KS testify as witnesses. It was hard to watch them relive the day that evil man walked into our church and killed one of our parishoners. I saw glimpses of Dr. Tiller's family on television as well. The were crying and looking down as they replayed images of Dr. Tiller's body being taken from our church. I can only hope that God gives them the strength to get through the trial and that justice is served in this matter.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
i hate you...
credit card company. I am so close to paying off my credit card. only a little left...which is awesome right? well, I made a huge payment last month and plan to do so next month and be done. I just got a letter in the mail and the credit card company lowered my limit to just above the balance left. So now, it appears to the credit bureau that I have 60% debt rather than 5%. Freakin' awesome! NOT. Ughh...
Mr. Soup and I have been so adamant about not using our credit cards and paying them off. We've gotten one paid, two store cards paid and one almost paid off. I want to close this account, but I also want to keep it open because I've had it since I was in college. I've always paid it on time and way more than the minimum payment, but they reward me by upping the interest rate and lowering my limit. Two years ago they increased my credit limit and now when I'm close to paying it off they lower it? doesn't make sense.
okay. that's my vent!!!
Mr. Soup and I have been so adamant about not using our credit cards and paying them off. We've gotten one paid, two store cards paid and one almost paid off. I want to close this account, but I also want to keep it open because I've had it since I was in college. I've always paid it on time and way more than the minimum payment, but they reward me by upping the interest rate and lowering my limit. Two years ago they increased my credit limit and now when I'm close to paying it off they lower it? doesn't make sense.
okay. that's my vent!!!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
down sized
So, after much discussion Mr. Soup and I have decided to downsize our honeymoon. We just can't justify putting $3000-4000 towards a trip to DR when we really need to buy a house in the next year or two. So, we are looking for something that would be around $1000. My only real requirement is that there is a beach and beach-like activities. So far, Port Aransas is looking real good! I'm doing some research on it. I thought I'd be bummed on down-sizing, but I'm actually excited. This way, we may be able to take Sam & Maya and we can bring our wedding cake top with us! (not sure if we can call it a honeymoon since we're bringing our kids.....not sure if we can call it a honeymoon because we'll have been married for a year by then) either way, I'm excited to spend some quality time with my man!!!!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
uggh....
the cost of moving to a rental house is so not worth it....
I priced it out
$1100 -$1300 security deposit
$350 pet deposit
$270 moving costs
plus if we can't find a place that has yard work included, we'd have to buy a mower and do it ourselves.
So that's almost $2000 without yard care. That's $2000 we could put towards a down payment on a house. After Murad and I discussed that, we decided to stay another year. With that $2000 plus other savings we should have a down payment by 2011. not bad, eh? plus a rental home will cost us $1100 (at least...most of the good ones are $1300 and up) and with good credit and down payment we could get a bigger house for $1100.
Okay, so back to saving for a down payment. Now to strategize....
I priced it out
$1100 -$1300 security deposit
$350 pet deposit
$270 moving costs
plus if we can't find a place that has yard work included, we'd have to buy a mower and do it ourselves.
So that's almost $2000 without yard care. That's $2000 we could put towards a down payment on a house. After Murad and I discussed that, we decided to stay another year. With that $2000 plus other savings we should have a down payment by 2011. not bad, eh? plus a rental home will cost us $1100 (at least...most of the good ones are $1300 and up) and with good credit and down payment we could get a bigger house for $1100.
Okay, so back to saving for a down payment. Now to strategize....
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
New Additions to our family
Well my brother-in-law has been here for a week now. Already he's fixed our desktop! yay! In addition, he's getting sworn in tomorrow, will attend training for the guard, then start working. He's hoping to get a degree at Richland (part of DCCC) and then transfer to UTD for a degree in Mathematics. Luckily for him they have a fast-track bachelor/master program, so that would be awesome.
We got a Wii and a brand new Mac Notebook! It's like freakin' Christmas around here. We planned to get a new notebook, but the Wii was a surprise. Murad was on the waiting list for a used Wii at the local Game Stop. However, he was able to get a never-been-used one from them for half the cost! Big savings for us! I can't wait to start playing some bowling! That is one of my favorite memories about NJ. Last Thanksgiving we played the Wii everyday with Murad's brother. Now that he's here, we can recreate it the moment.
It looks like we may have a full house this summer, so we're thinking renting a house in May. Abby will definitely be here and one or both of Murad's bros may be here. I found some cute houses in our area and right down the street from us are some huge duplexes for rent (think almost 2,000 sq feet) . I have half a mind to see if we can get pre-approved for a home loan, but to be honest I'm terrified of being a home owner. I still feel like a little kid. Plus, I want us to have more in savings before we buy a home and I want my car to be paid off before then. I just can't afford to pay it off yet. I've found some cute little houses in the area that are around the same price that we pay for our tiny apartment, so maybe it's a possibility to rent for a while we save. Plus, having a house would be great in case Abby comes to stay with us more permanently. We'll see! Ugghh! Decisions, decisions. I guess the Lord will let us know what decision to make.
We got a Wii and a brand new Mac Notebook! It's like freakin' Christmas around here. We planned to get a new notebook, but the Wii was a surprise. Murad was on the waiting list for a used Wii at the local Game Stop. However, he was able to get a never-been-used one from them for half the cost! Big savings for us! I can't wait to start playing some bowling! That is one of my favorite memories about NJ. Last Thanksgiving we played the Wii everyday with Murad's brother. Now that he's here, we can recreate it the moment.
It looks like we may have a full house this summer, so we're thinking renting a house in May. Abby will definitely be here and one or both of Murad's bros may be here. I found some cute houses in our area and right down the street from us are some huge duplexes for rent (think almost 2,000 sq feet) . I have half a mind to see if we can get pre-approved for a home loan, but to be honest I'm terrified of being a home owner. I still feel like a little kid. Plus, I want us to have more in savings before we buy a home and I want my car to be paid off before then. I just can't afford to pay it off yet. I've found some cute little houses in the area that are around the same price that we pay for our tiny apartment, so maybe it's a possibility to rent for a while we save. Plus, having a house would be great in case Abby comes to stay with us more permanently. We'll see! Ugghh! Decisions, decisions. I guess the Lord will let us know what decision to make.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
the house talk and ode to a cozy apartment
so, mr. soup and I finally had "the house talk." we've had many house talks, but this one we actually discussed exactly where we both want to live, what type of house we want and how much we want to spend. Afterwards, we drove around the perspective neighborhoods to look at houses (so much fun by the way). However, the houses we want are way out of our price range, so any hope of moving at the end of this school year was shot. We are shooting for Spring '11. Our goal for this year is to aggressively save and pay off debts (credit cards and my car loan), so that we can get an affordable rate. We're still going to look at foreclosures too, but we want to prepare to pay the market-value for a good house.
Some things we both agreed on were that we do not want to move to the suburbs and by suburbs I mean far north like McKinney, Allen, etc. That's just not us. We do want to stay near the Richardson suburb area (I know Richardson is a suburb, but it's not a true suburb). We want to stay in the area in which we live now. Not the exact area, because the homes surrounding us are listed at half a million dollars (no joke), but there are some nearby that are less than half that price that we could afford. We live in an area that has excellent schools (for when/if Abby comes to live with us), great shopping (for me), and great restaurants (for all of us!). The homes are larger and older (most built in the 1960's) than most areas, so they have lots of character. Surprisingly, most of the homes have four bedrooms which is what we need if we're going to start a family in a few years.
So, since we're stuck here for a year and a half, I want to focus on the good things about our little apartment. I know I focus on how small and cramped we are, but it is pretty spacious considering what you get in apartments these days. Our apartment has more square feet than some homes. Our complex was built in the 1980's, so there aren't any cool architecture features. However, the bedrooms are large and we have tons of closets, cabinets and other storage features. We have so much storage, that when I moved stuff to prepare for my brother-in-law to move in, I didn't have to part with too many items; just a couple of shoes and a few shirts! We have wonderful vaulted ceilings and our apartment feels like a little cottage. It's so cozy! We live in an area that is safe! I never feel scared walking my dogs at night. Like I mentioned before we live near good shopping, restaraunts and schools.
Okay so other good news:
My hubby recieved a very generous stipend from his school! Woo-hoo! We're going to use part of it to buy a new laptop! Yay! So, now we just need to research what type of laptop we want to get! There are just too many out there and it's hard to decide what is best. Ugghh. We want a mac notebook and we found one for $929, so it's a little over what we wanted to spend, but I read it's a better investment in the long run!
I'm so proud of him for earning the stipend! He worked so hard last year and this summer and it really paid off!
I got my 2nd master's degree! This is my first degree with my maiden name and my married name on it (and probably my last degree!) Yes, that's right all four of my names are on my degree. In my heart I knew I couldn't leave one off because I started the degree with my maiden name and finished with my new name. I'm so glad to be done with the program. The 18 months went by fast, but they were definitely tough!
My brother-in-law is here! He flew in today! Yay!
Murad begins his internship tomorrow! We're getting so close to the light at the end of the tunnel! Yeah!
That's it for the Campbells!
Some things we both agreed on were that we do not want to move to the suburbs and by suburbs I mean far north like McKinney, Allen, etc. That's just not us. We do want to stay near the Richardson suburb area (I know Richardson is a suburb, but it's not a true suburb). We want to stay in the area in which we live now. Not the exact area, because the homes surrounding us are listed at half a million dollars (no joke), but there are some nearby that are less than half that price that we could afford. We live in an area that has excellent schools (for when/if Abby comes to live with us), great shopping (for me), and great restaurants (for all of us!). The homes are larger and older (most built in the 1960's) than most areas, so they have lots of character. Surprisingly, most of the homes have four bedrooms which is what we need if we're going to start a family in a few years.
So, since we're stuck here for a year and a half, I want to focus on the good things about our little apartment. I know I focus on how small and cramped we are, but it is pretty spacious considering what you get in apartments these days. Our apartment has more square feet than some homes. Our complex was built in the 1980's, so there aren't any cool architecture features. However, the bedrooms are large and we have tons of closets, cabinets and other storage features. We have so much storage, that when I moved stuff to prepare for my brother-in-law to move in, I didn't have to part with too many items; just a couple of shoes and a few shirts! We have wonderful vaulted ceilings and our apartment feels like a little cottage. It's so cozy! We live in an area that is safe! I never feel scared walking my dogs at night. Like I mentioned before we live near good shopping, restaraunts and schools.
Okay so other good news:
My hubby recieved a very generous stipend from his school! Woo-hoo! We're going to use part of it to buy a new laptop! Yay! So, now we just need to research what type of laptop we want to get! There are just too many out there and it's hard to decide what is best. Ugghh. We want a mac notebook and we found one for $929, so it's a little over what we wanted to spend, but I read it's a better investment in the long run!
I'm so proud of him for earning the stipend! He worked so hard last year and this summer and it really paid off!
I got my 2nd master's degree! This is my first degree with my maiden name and my married name on it (and probably my last degree!) Yes, that's right all four of my names are on my degree. In my heart I knew I couldn't leave one off because I started the degree with my maiden name and finished with my new name. I'm so glad to be done with the program. The 18 months went by fast, but they were definitely tough!
My brother-in-law is here! He flew in today! Yay!
Murad begins his internship tomorrow! We're getting so close to the light at the end of the tunnel! Yeah!
That's it for the Campbells!
Saturday, August 8, 2009
money highs and money lows
so I wrote a post earlier, but when I read it I felt as though I was trying to get people to feel sorry for me. I'm not trying to do that. So, here are my money highs and lows:
Highs:
-having more money in savings--I have more money in savings than before, but I've had to dip into it for emergencies (vet bills, etc...)
-I'm such a bargain shopper and each week I spend less and less at the grocery store! Yeah!
-We rarely eat-out. We did this at first to help Abby lose weight, but now we don't eat out at all! Okay, not quite, I've cut out fast food for the summer and we've only gone out to eat at sit-down restaurants 3 times with Abby! Woo-hoo for $$ (and calories) saved.
-awesome photography find. I found a photographer who is going to take our family pictures next week for $75! Murad and I wanted to get family photos taken, but our budget only allowed us to afford Sears or Target quality pictures. However, I found this guy and he is going to do our family photos in downtown McKinney next week. Check out his work! www.sixfourteenphotography.blogspot.com
Lows:
-not saving and using my savings! I need to keep some money in there for our honeymoon. Murad keeps telling me not to worry and that we will not sacrifice our honeymoon, but I can't help but worry. It's in my nature. I am glad we have it though. If we could put more in it each month, I'd sleep a little better.
-not having our debt paid off. Again, my worrying takes over. Once Murad starts working with his degree we can aggressively pay off debt and save for a home/family. Right now we're stuck doing what we can. At least we are making it and not going under. At least we aren't using credit cards anymore. After we pay it off we only want to have student loans, a mortgage and his car as debt.
as I make this list. I realize my highs outweigh my lows. I realize I am not as bad with money as I think. I know it's hard living off of one salary (and maybe a half salary or a quarter salary), but it will all be worth it. Even when we have more money, we'll be used to being poor. So, at this time I'm thankful for being poor!
Highs:
-having more money in savings--I have more money in savings than before, but I've had to dip into it for emergencies (vet bills, etc...)
-I'm such a bargain shopper and each week I spend less and less at the grocery store! Yeah!
-We rarely eat-out. We did this at first to help Abby lose weight, but now we don't eat out at all! Okay, not quite, I've cut out fast food for the summer and we've only gone out to eat at sit-down restaurants 3 times with Abby! Woo-hoo for $$ (and calories) saved.
-awesome photography find. I found a photographer who is going to take our family pictures next week for $75! Murad and I wanted to get family photos taken, but our budget only allowed us to afford Sears or Target quality pictures. However, I found this guy and he is going to do our family photos in downtown McKinney next week. Check out his work! www.sixfourteenphotography.blogspot.com
Lows:
-not saving and using my savings! I need to keep some money in there for our honeymoon. Murad keeps telling me not to worry and that we will not sacrifice our honeymoon, but I can't help but worry. It's in my nature. I am glad we have it though. If we could put more in it each month, I'd sleep a little better.
-not having our debt paid off. Again, my worrying takes over. Once Murad starts working with his degree we can aggressively pay off debt and save for a home/family. Right now we're stuck doing what we can. At least we are making it and not going under. At least we aren't using credit cards anymore. After we pay it off we only want to have student loans, a mortgage and his car as debt.
as I make this list. I realize my highs outweigh my lows. I realize I am not as bad with money as I think. I know it's hard living off of one salary (and maybe a half salary or a quarter salary), but it will all be worth it. Even when we have more money, we'll be used to being poor. So, at this time I'm thankful for being poor!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Foreclosure....
No, we're not facing foreclosure. We don't even own property, so no worries there. I've decided to foreclose on my worrying about the future. I feel like I always worry and then it halts my life drastically. I can't help it. It runs in my family. My mom. My maternal grandmother (she's still pissed that we're going to Punta Cana instead of Hawaii. She thinks islands outside the US are dangerous). Anyways, I'm trying to use foreclosure as a metaphor here, and it's not really working, so on to the meat of my post.
Murad had a good coversation with one of his old professors who told him that he should still apply to grad school this year. He thinks Murad has a really good chance of getting in this year. Even if he doesn't, he advised not getting an MSW, but instead taking some psych classes to keep up to date and reapply next year. So, he is going to apply this year and if he doesn't get in, he'll try next year.
So our plan of saving a whole bunch of $$ is kind of shot. If he gets in to grad school right away, we won't be able to save as much. My dream of owning a home and starting a family while he's in grad school was shot as well. That was until....foreclosure. I know it's kind of risky, but I've been reading up on it lately, and it's really a good option for those who want to live in a home. My cousin returned back to school along with her boyfriend. She was able to buy a nice house near UMKC for the price of a car! So, of course I'm picking her brain to find out more details. We might as well take advantage of this economic crisis and buy sooner rather than later. I know we may not get a home for as cheap as she got hers, but we could hopefully get a decent home that we could pay off fast and then sell once he's out of grad school. I would love it if our only debt was our student loans and his car payment (mine will be paid off June 2010!!! woo-woo!) Murad really liked my idea, because he never wanted a traditional mortgage, so this plan was right up his alley.
Anyways, as our plans change I realize I can't worry all the time. There is always a way to achieve our dreams. We just have to be creative, determined and non-worrying! confident would've been a better word...huh?
Let's see, let's talk about life right now....the road to our destination. Things are good. really good. Abby is still here and enjoying her time here. I'm so glad she gets to enjoy being a kid while she's here. Last week she had her first Dallas sleepover and had a blast. She loves camp and art class. I just love seeing her so happy and carefree. She has so many friends at camp. I think she is the most popular girl (no, seriously, she is!!!) We're still having her run each night. When we first started she only did 4 laps each night and now she does 20 laps each night. She also used to only do 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups each night and now she does 100 of each. We're really trying to get her in shape and build good eating and exercising habits. I know it will be hard when she returns back home, but I hope she'll still want to run and play outside.
Last night I went dancing...salsa dancing with my friend Heather from work and some of her friends. Salsa dancing is such a work-out! I didn't get out of bed until 10:30am! Murad is at work today, so I kind of freaked when I woke up so late, but Abby didn't get up until 11:30am. We're kind of having a lazy, lazy day. I think we'll eat lunch, go to the library and then go grocery shopping. tonight is family movie night: Twilight! It's Abby's favorite movie and Murad has wanted to see it. Luckily Nana Babs and Papa Ken (my parents) own it and kindly burned a copy for us.
Okay, off to shower and get dressed!
Murad had a good coversation with one of his old professors who told him that he should still apply to grad school this year. He thinks Murad has a really good chance of getting in this year. Even if he doesn't, he advised not getting an MSW, but instead taking some psych classes to keep up to date and reapply next year. So, he is going to apply this year and if he doesn't get in, he'll try next year.
So our plan of saving a whole bunch of $$ is kind of shot. If he gets in to grad school right away, we won't be able to save as much. My dream of owning a home and starting a family while he's in grad school was shot as well. That was until....foreclosure. I know it's kind of risky, but I've been reading up on it lately, and it's really a good option for those who want to live in a home. My cousin returned back to school along with her boyfriend. She was able to buy a nice house near UMKC for the price of a car! So, of course I'm picking her brain to find out more details. We might as well take advantage of this economic crisis and buy sooner rather than later. I know we may not get a home for as cheap as she got hers, but we could hopefully get a decent home that we could pay off fast and then sell once he's out of grad school. I would love it if our only debt was our student loans and his car payment (mine will be paid off June 2010!!! woo-woo!) Murad really liked my idea, because he never wanted a traditional mortgage, so this plan was right up his alley.
Anyways, as our plans change I realize I can't worry all the time. There is always a way to achieve our dreams. We just have to be creative, determined and non-worrying! confident would've been a better word...huh?
Let's see, let's talk about life right now....the road to our destination. Things are good. really good. Abby is still here and enjoying her time here. I'm so glad she gets to enjoy being a kid while she's here. Last week she had her first Dallas sleepover and had a blast. She loves camp and art class. I just love seeing her so happy and carefree. She has so many friends at camp. I think she is the most popular girl (no, seriously, she is!!!) We're still having her run each night. When we first started she only did 4 laps each night and now she does 20 laps each night. She also used to only do 10 push-ups and 10 sit-ups each night and now she does 100 of each. We're really trying to get her in shape and build good eating and exercising habits. I know it will be hard when she returns back home, but I hope she'll still want to run and play outside.
Last night I went dancing...salsa dancing with my friend Heather from work and some of her friends. Salsa dancing is such a work-out! I didn't get out of bed until 10:30am! Murad is at work today, so I kind of freaked when I woke up so late, but Abby didn't get up until 11:30am. We're kind of having a lazy, lazy day. I think we'll eat lunch, go to the library and then go grocery shopping. tonight is family movie night: Twilight! It's Abby's favorite movie and Murad has wanted to see it. Luckily Nana Babs and Papa Ken (my parents) own it and kindly burned a copy for us.
Okay, off to shower and get dressed!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Crazy Summer
So, this summer has been pretty relaxing so far. Each day I teach summer school until 11:40 and then head home for lunch and a nap. My weekends have been spent at the pool too. This week things changed drastically. Murad's uncle passed away and Abby arrived here in Dallas. So, this week, we had to get Murad's plane ticket booked and figure out plans for Abby while he is gone. She goes to camp each day, but Murad usually takes her there. Luckily, my good friend Elaina agreed to watch her in the mornings and take her to school. Abby has played with Elaina's daughter Sage, so it was a natural choice. I know that Abby feels comfortable and safe at Elaina's and Murad and I feel the same way.
Having Abby here has been wonderful. She's so funny and smart! She cracks me up daily. This year has been a complete 360 from last summer. She's made friends so easily and adapted well to our rules. We've had trouble with her forgetting her stuff everyday, but I think with some structure, she'll nip that habit. This weekend we are by ourselves since Murad won't be back from NJ until Sunday morning. Tomorrow I think we'll go the library and check out some books, buy Murad a father's day present, and make father's day cards for him. We are also going to my friend Crystal's wedding Saturday night, so that should be fun to get all dressed up. This week she's watched "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" (her favorite) and "Watership Down." I think tonight we may do something girly and watch "Teen Witch." Oh how I loved that movie when I was a kid! Today she made up her first rhyme. I go Abby you have mud on your shirt. She goes, "I was making mud pies in the sun and having lots of fun, yo!" Hilarious! She may not be mine biologically, but she inherited my love of rapping!
Summer school hasn't been too bad. For the most part my kids are pretty good, but they are really really low. It still is overwhelming and the summer school does lack.....structure! Ugh! Okay, I'm not going to go off on a tagent! I just have to remember Punta Cana 2010 (and NY and possibly a trip to KC and Denver)! I'm so thankful I have this opportunity to help pay for our honeymoon. We had to take out a lot of our "honey" money to repair my car, so this allows us to still have our dream honeymoon.
I think Murad and I have finally reached a consensus on the home-buying deal where we both feel comfortable. We had discussed buying a home wherever Murad gets in for grad school or if he ends up going for an MSW instead we'd buy one immediately after he finishes that (it's only a one year program). However, I was worried how we would save up enough money for a down payment and while we could afford not to put down a down payment, I would feel more comfortable getting the lowest possible mortgage.
So, what we decided to do is save longer while he is in grad school. We're used to living off of 1.5 salaries, so we'll have to manuever some more to save. We're going to see if we can get a 15 year loan or at least make biweekly payments if we get a 30 year loan. I know it will be hard, but it will be so worth it because ideally we could pay off the house before 15 years and not be trapped in a home if the neighborhood changes. Murad actually came up with the plan, but it wasn't until my mom commented on what a good idea that was that I came on board. Until then we'll probably just rent a house or duplex, which I am more than fine with doing if it will give us financial freedom in the future. So it may mean renting for the next 3 years, but it will help us reach our dreams.
Okay, I'm off to watch TV with Abby!
Having Abby here has been wonderful. She's so funny and smart! She cracks me up daily. This year has been a complete 360 from last summer. She's made friends so easily and adapted well to our rules. We've had trouble with her forgetting her stuff everyday, but I think with some structure, she'll nip that habit. This weekend we are by ourselves since Murad won't be back from NJ until Sunday morning. Tomorrow I think we'll go the library and check out some books, buy Murad a father's day present, and make father's day cards for him. We are also going to my friend Crystal's wedding Saturday night, so that should be fun to get all dressed up. This week she's watched "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" (her favorite) and "Watership Down." I think tonight we may do something girly and watch "Teen Witch." Oh how I loved that movie when I was a kid! Today she made up her first rhyme. I go Abby you have mud on your shirt. She goes, "I was making mud pies in the sun and having lots of fun, yo!" Hilarious! She may not be mine biologically, but she inherited my love of rapping!
Summer school hasn't been too bad. For the most part my kids are pretty good, but they are really really low. It still is overwhelming and the summer school does lack.....structure! Ugh! Okay, I'm not going to go off on a tagent! I just have to remember Punta Cana 2010 (and NY and possibly a trip to KC and Denver)! I'm so thankful I have this opportunity to help pay for our honeymoon. We had to take out a lot of our "honey" money to repair my car, so this allows us to still have our dream honeymoon.
I think Murad and I have finally reached a consensus on the home-buying deal where we both feel comfortable. We had discussed buying a home wherever Murad gets in for grad school or if he ends up going for an MSW instead we'd buy one immediately after he finishes that (it's only a one year program). However, I was worried how we would save up enough money for a down payment and while we could afford not to put down a down payment, I would feel more comfortable getting the lowest possible mortgage.
So, what we decided to do is save longer while he is in grad school. We're used to living off of 1.5 salaries, so we'll have to manuever some more to save. We're going to see if we can get a 15 year loan or at least make biweekly payments if we get a 30 year loan. I know it will be hard, but it will be so worth it because ideally we could pay off the house before 15 years and not be trapped in a home if the neighborhood changes. Murad actually came up with the plan, but it wasn't until my mom commented on what a good idea that was that I came on board. Until then we'll probably just rent a house or duplex, which I am more than fine with doing if it will give us financial freedom in the future. So it may mean renting for the next 3 years, but it will help us reach our dreams.
Okay, I'm off to watch TV with Abby!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Guess Who's back?
It's my daddy! Well, actually it's his voice. For those of you who don't know, my dad had a brain tumor removed August 2002. The tumor was benign, but rather large and in an imoportune spot (his brain stem). To remove it, we had to travel to Little Rock, AR and my dad endured an almost 15 hour surgery (if I remember correctly). However, his journey did not end there. As a result of the surgery his vocal chords never regained their power and his mobility and balance were affected. Each year, we learn a way the brain tumor has affected his health and as a result, my dad will have to retire on his birthday this year. I think the one thing that has been hard on him is not having his voice. My dad was a DJ back in the day (that's how he scored my mama) and he always read the scriptures at church. He hasn't done that since 2002! He wasn't able to give a speech at my wedding.
So today, he had vocal chord injections. I'm not sure what the process is, but I can already tell a difference in his voice. It's clearer and doesn't sound as raspy. I can actually understand him!
The news just lifted my mood! I'm hoping everything continues to go well! Everything else is going well for us right now!
We get our professional pictures back on Monday! Woo-hoo! I'm so excited!
My goal for this year is to save money! I'm getting older and I'd like to own a home by the time I'm 30. Good goal, right? I know things will be easier once we have 2 incomes, but I might as well save now and pay down my credit card! I've been reading a lot about homeowning and with the market the way it is we'll need 3%-20% down payment and 3-6months in savings. Kinda scary, but we can do it! I know Murad is a little scared of it all (or a lot scared!), but we want kids in a few years, so we need a place to raise em. Even if we don't buy soon, it'll be good to have more in savings. We'll need it for vacations as we always take trips to New Jersey at Thanksgiving and we're going to Punta Cana, DR with our wedding party in March 2010! I'm so excited! I know it seems weird to post all this on my blog, but i know if i post it, I'll hold myself accountable. I like to take my time when I do things. People wondered why Murad and I had such a long engagement. Well, it was because I wanted to get the best deal for our families and us. I hate overpaying for things. Plus, I wanted a nice wedding and wanted to make the things for our wedding. It's just in my Kansas nature, I guess. We don't pay for things. We do them ourselves!
Well, I need to play with my Excel spreadsheet a little more and feed my babies! I'll post wedding pics on Monday!
So today, he had vocal chord injections. I'm not sure what the process is, but I can already tell a difference in his voice. It's clearer and doesn't sound as raspy. I can actually understand him!
The news just lifted my mood! I'm hoping everything continues to go well! Everything else is going well for us right now!
We get our professional pictures back on Monday! Woo-hoo! I'm so excited!
My goal for this year is to save money! I'm getting older and I'd like to own a home by the time I'm 30. Good goal, right? I know things will be easier once we have 2 incomes, but I might as well save now and pay down my credit card! I've been reading a lot about homeowning and with the market the way it is we'll need 3%-20% down payment and 3-6months in savings. Kinda scary, but we can do it! I know Murad is a little scared of it all (or a lot scared!), but we want kids in a few years, so we need a place to raise em. Even if we don't buy soon, it'll be good to have more in savings. We'll need it for vacations as we always take trips to New Jersey at Thanksgiving and we're going to Punta Cana, DR with our wedding party in March 2010! I'm so excited! I know it seems weird to post all this on my blog, but i know if i post it, I'll hold myself accountable. I like to take my time when I do things. People wondered why Murad and I had such a long engagement. Well, it was because I wanted to get the best deal for our families and us. I hate overpaying for things. Plus, I wanted a nice wedding and wanted to make the things for our wedding. It's just in my Kansas nature, I guess. We don't pay for things. We do them ourselves!
Well, I need to play with my Excel spreadsheet a little more and feed my babies! I'll post wedding pics on Monday!
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