Monday, July 6, 2015

Would You Rather?

This month we will pay off one of DH's loan companies, leaving one to go. That's four loans we've paid off in two years of marriage (today is our anniversary!). The total with the back-interest he owed is about 28k in two years. :)

The plan is to pay off the second loan company (13,500) by our third anniversary. And then discuss relocating for DH to get a job, having another baby, etc.

If we decide to move, that will definitely be a big expense. And if DH works, we'll have to start paying daycare. Also, I am highly paid as a teacher here (though cost of living is high here too). There are a lot of "if's" for us in the next year or so.

But, I know that I want to get pregnant again by next summer. Which also involves saving money for maternity leave and other baby things.

All that to say, I want to get even more gazelle-intense, and pay off the loan even sooner, AND bump up our savings.

So, last night I decided that for any extra purchase, I am going to ask myself, "Would you rather have ____, or have another baby?"

This becomes a no-brainer. McDonald's iced coffee or another baby? New lip gloss or another baby? Turn on the air conditioner or have another baby? DUH! Another baby!

Obviously we will still occasionally spend "extra" money. Our quality of life matters too. But I think I'm going to save those extras for things that cultivate our relationship (date night, etc.) and bring us true joy (small family trip), rather than stupid things that I don't really mind going without. Asking myself this question is already making me think twice about how I spend.

What's your "would you rather"?

6 comments:

  1. Happy (yesterday) anniversary!

    I think our big picture thing is still a house whether or not I know where or when we want to buy and settle for the long haul. And I think we're both very much on the fence about a second baby so that stays a maybe.

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  2. Would I rather, buy new work clothes instead of wearing my ratty ones a little longer, or send 2 kids to college at the same time without student loans. Threads are showing, but I'm sucking it up and making every nickle squeal until Spring 2019!!!!

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  3. Hi! I just found you as I update my own school blog! Lots of big things to consider! So proud of your debt killing. XO
    I'm at the : would you rather fix the plumbing or eat out? ;)

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  4. I`m Charlie Bean and I live in Toronto Canada. I needed a loan to buy a house and I searched for a mortgage loan from all banks and I was denied and I loss hope of having my own house until I came across a post just as you reading my post now. I saw a post about a Financial Service Company who gives loan at 2% interest so I applied in STEAKLEY FINANCIAL SERVICES using their email steakleyfinancialservices@yahoo.com. And my loan was granted it was like a dream but was true and now am a owner of a house in Toronto and am paying the mortgage loan with no stress and I also requested if I can be granted a business loan and I was also granted. Now am living a happy life, I will advice you if you have an financial problems and you need money to settle it so you can pay with no stress just contact Steakley Financial Service at their email Steakleyfinancialservices@yahoo.com.

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  5. Hi! I've loved reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your story as you went along. I hope things continued to go well, that you had another baby and paid off all those loans! Best Wishes, Stephanie

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