Blogging Away Debt

Planning for things you Know Nothing About

I mentioned earlier today that we dropped Sea Cadet off for his official Navy Sea Cadet’s Boot Camp (or as they call it Recruit Training.) It last two weeks and we pretty much have no contact with him under the graduation ceremony. Here he is at drop off this past weekend.

Sea Cadet at check in for Recruit Training

So here’s my question. I have a line item in my budget for kid’s activities, etc. that is either used every month or saved for upcoming expenses (summer camps, etc.) But I’m finding, especially with my older kids that the organizations that host their types of events are not the most organized/good communicators (one or the other or both.)

For example, with these Sea Cadet events they provide a Sea Bag list (I assume any ex-military is going to be familiar with this, but I am very new to this world.) It’s a list of things they must bring. As a result, almost every month there is something new I must purchase. This irks me to no end. And this time, not only did we have to purchase a bunch of items but we had to get name tapes put on 6 shirts to the tune of $71.

Now while my boys do work as much as they are able, they don’t make a lot of money especially to have these types of costs every month so it must come out of my pocket. Don’t get me wrong, I fully support this activity, especially this one. But how do I make that work in my budget? I hate to increase my activities line item anymore.

Okay, maybe this post is more of a rant than a really question, but I am going to let it stand as is one because I am so proud of my Sea Cadet and two perhaps someone out there has some words of wisdom so I was get quite so perturbed at this extra money every month.

(By the way, in response to all the readers who have commented on my twins getting “real jobs.” We have been trying since they turned 14 to find work for them outside of the regular neighbor employment; however in our state few places will hire before the age of 16. So with our busy summer already packed we have decided to forego looking for more work until the fall when they will be just months from their 16th birthday. They do continue to do odd jobs for neighbors on an as needed basis.)

Birthday Update – Hope

by Hope

Boy, it seems like kids’ birthdays are a hot topic around here. I think at least 3 of us have written about them. If you will remember, I asked for some frugal birthday ideas back in April and then I subsequently decided to cancel birthday parties this year due to budget and stress. I have not regretted that decision AND my two little ones took the news surprisingly well!

So what did we do…

Princess turned 10 in May, and it was the day of her choir concert, so other than lunch out it was a pretty low key. She did get a new dress and her first “high heels” as surprise and a few little things.

Princess in her new dress and "high heels" — Princess in her new dress and “high heels”

I was so glad that right after her choir concert she chose to take off here “heels” because they were hurting her feet. I knew she was old enough to make the decision to get them and had prayed she was wise enough to let the experience teach her. Sometimes us parents just need to get out of their way!

Little Gymnast turned 9 recently. He is such a car freak that I knew the best thing I could do for him was car centered…so I borrowed a really cool car! We had the car for the day and he was so surprised and thrilled. (I’ve got a video of him walking up to the car and then another bonus, I’m going to post them on my personal site. I’ll link here in case you want to see them, they will crack you up.)

Gymnast and History Buff in our car for the day!

Of course, he thinks he's going to drive. — Of course, he thinks he’s going to drive.

Their birthdays were really economical but very memorable as well and while they have both said “Mom, can we please have a party next year?” I am patting myself on the back for a job well done both stress, budget and experience wise!