7 Oct

That’s Not Good Enough! Finally Learning the Lesson

Posted by The Wife in Climbing Out.

I need to remember that it is our money and we have control

There is an FPU class on negotiating. I should take it again.

I’m not very good at negotiating, getting the deal or walking away. That last one you would think would be easier for me. If you don’t have the money then walk away. The problem is I don’t use the power of walking away when the monetary difference seems manageable.

Today I signed the kids up for gymnastics class. I told the Dad that the classes would be $70 a month. When I went to sign the papers, I was surprised by the $35 per child registration fee! That was double what I expected to pay. That was double what we had budgeted for. Eek!

I should not have written the check, but I did. …continue reading

13 Aug

Should That Really Have Broken Already?

Posted by the Dad in Climbing Out.

[L]iving on a budget, on purpose, with spending limits and control over your impulses is not only mature, it saves you money

One of my favorite teachers in college was a creative genius. He taught us to shift our thinking, to “get out of the box” and be original. But he wasn’t the most pragmatic person when it came to the nuts and bolts of life.

This was a man who traded his car in and bought a new one because the headlight went out. I am not kidding.

Over the years The Wife and I have become a fairly competent man and woman. We do not balk at things like garbage disposals, international airport travel, or Los Angeles freeways. Table saws, sergers, and home electrical systems are old hat. …continue reading