by Adam Dawson
A few weeks ago, Emily shared a list of things she dreams about being able to do when we have more financial freedom. I agree with her on many of them, ESPECIALLY vacationing together. We don’t do much of this, partially for financial reasons, and partially because the bulk of our vacation time is devoted to cross-country family visits.
Besides the big items that we want when we are out of debt, we also have a HUGE list of things we think about that we’d love to do in the short term. It’s strange – I have a mindset that we live fairly simply. We don’t have a ton of possessions, especially not a lot of useless “junk” or the latest toys. But now that we bought a house, I sense there’s an undercurrent of desire that makes you want to fill it up with all the stuff you want. We also want to improve our home through some updates/renovations because we both enjoy DIY, and because we want our home to be a comfortable refuge for family and friends. I am glad we bought a modestly-sized house that should force us to fight off consumerism because of space considerations. The decision to get more land than house was intentional and I hope that we can be “outside” people who enjoy the beauty God surrounded us with instead of filling up our lives with stuff. When I look at the list again after creating it a few months back, I’m encouraged that it does seem to reflect our values (as well as my dream of a mini farm) 🙂
So here is THE LIST of things we have thought about DO-ing and GET-ing. We made this list when we moved in. It’s already changed a little I’m sure (rain barrels/rainwater system just got added). The idea is that we can knock out one at a time while we are paying off debt by budgeting and saving for each one. You can tell who wrote the list, and I’m sure Emily will chime in with a comment with her list, which I know includes curtains and some additional wall decor.
The “Do” List
- New kitchen cabinets, counters, sink
- Fix under-sink water filter
- Clean gutters (1/2 complete, now that I finally got a ladder)
- Hook up water heater drain, chlorinate water heater
- Mow grass in back/side (done)
- Cut trees (chainsaw: $100-$300)
- Build garden boxes ($50-$100 each)
- Build garden fence ($500-$1000)
- Chicken Coop ($TBD)
- Paint walls (in progress, a little at a time)
- Paint ceilings (in progress)
- Paint exterior (DIY: $800?, Hired out: $3500)
- Weed the front (Lots of elbow grease)
- Hang wall decor (in progress)
- Fix tub drain (complete)
- Fix latch on back porch gate
- Fix existing kitchen cabinets (complete)
- Replace or clean corroded faucets (faucets are pricey!)
- Unpack remaining boxes (basically done)
- Set up 2 beds (Done)
- Organize master closet
- Fix roof on carport
- Hook up refrigerator filter
- Remove boxes (done)
- Remove old timer and extension cord from outside (buried cable for path lighting)
- Rainwater system ($$$$)
The “Get” List
- Push Mower – $200ish (done/$130 craigslist)
- Weed Whacker – $150ish (done: gift from in-laws)
- Chainsaw – $100-$300
- Water filter (whole house model. $$$$)
- Extension ladder (done: $112 from harbor freight, 25% off coupon, sale price)
- New fixtures for bathroom 2 (in progress via craigslist and habitat Re-store)
- Shower curtain rod and liner for bathroom 2 (done)
- Outdoor furniture (back porch done)
- Outdoor seat covers (in progress)
- Indoor plants (I must be getting old)
- Chicken coop, chickens (on hold pending water issues)
- Garden fence materials ($500 estimated – I have a big 3000 sq ft garden planned eventually)
One last comment, as I look at some of the tools I need. It’s possible to get cheaper tools. But the size of some of the jobs ahead of us compels me not to skimp on tools. I’ve been burned too many times trying to save a couple bucks on a tool that breaks or just ends up not being up to the task. Then you end up buying the bigger one anyway. I’ve found some basic hand tools, you can save a lot of money on. But power tools are often worth buying a better brand, or at least a bigger size.
What’s on your list? Do you find ways to knock out these little things like small tools and outdoor furniture while you are paying off debt, or does everything wait except the necessities?
