by Beks
I like to spend a little time on the last day of each year and reflect on what I’ve learned.
1. When you pay off credit cards and car loans, banks turn into the very worst version of your mother. They write sappy love notes telling you how much you are missed and wouldn’t it be nice if you’d care to spend the holidays with them?
2. It’s never too early to start teaching children about the perils of debt – but constantly singing ‘If you’re happy and debt free clap your hands’ to your six month old nephew may annoy his mother.
3. It was somehow possible to lower my already sub-par vacationing standards. I went from ‘Motel 4 type establishments’ to ‘tents with 25 cent showers’ – and it wasn’t bad!
4. Marrying my best friend and celebrating five years of wedded bliss was the best decision I ever made – well…other than the decision to wear clean underwear in case of an emergency.
5. Blog readers are awesome, supportive, and helpful. Thanks for helping me grow.
6. I’ve had more than my fair share of laughter and joy. Regardless of the numbers on my bank statement, the interest rate of my mortgage, or drama of life, my family and friends are unchanging. I am a very lucky girl.
Please be safe tonight. Save money, stay home.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
We did the same thing with #3 this year. As long as the shower is hot and there aren’t spiders, it works for me:). Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Beks… great post! #1 is SO TRUE!!
On another note, I just read the post about your husband going back to work… that’s great news! Mine got laid off Christmas Eve, but worse things happen to people and we’re not hurting as much as a lot off folks. I am taking your cue at the moment and going “pantry shopping”….
#1 is so true. We paid off our Discover card over a year ago and have not used it since. 2 times a month like clockwork, we receive cash advance checks from Discover telling us how much we can save by spending.
I’m staying home tonight. I’m actually really looking forward to it. Happy New Year!
You’re doing awesome! As for #3, I went on a trip this summer and elected to sleep in my truck rather than get a room. No showers at all! Unless you count a jug of water an a bottle of shampoo on the side of a deserted road in the middle of Montana. I did spend the saved money on nice dinners. The rest of the time I scrounged. Hotels are so not worth the money.
We’re all going to do amazing things in 2010.
May your 2010 be filled with joy and less debt! I think it’s fun to be frugal on the road – you often wind up having experiences you wouldn’t get if you were holed up in the Hilton. For example, I love Vegas. So many people think the Strip is all there is to the city. Staying off the Strip gets you a room for under $25/night, free parking, and better odds if you like to gamble. Same goes for the beach, the mountains, etc… it’s fun finding those hidden gems.
Melanie – So true!
NYgirl – I’m sorry to hear that! I hope he finds a job soon!
Cents – Funny how they ignore you and treat you badly when you owe them, but when the tables are turned, they sweet talk you like a used car salesman.
Mrs Money – Me too. I relaxed and feel asleep by 12:30. Best way to spend the new year.
Debtmaven – Impressive! Maybe we’ll try that this year. ; )
Mr. Frugal Miser – So true. I learned that lesson late but at least I know now.