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random updates

September 4th, 2016 at 03:12 pm

I'm a changed woman. My youngest child finally went off to school ALL DAY. It's strange and liberating to have 7 hours in a row to get things done, five days a week!

(In that time, I started writing novels #2 and #3. Still no bites in the traditional publishing world for Novel 1, but that's okay).

I finally feel like I can breathe and concentrate. I'm trying to figure out my new routine and schedule.

Now that I'm not so frazzled, our financial lives are improving. (funny how much money you can save when you aren't stressed out and in a rush all the time.)

We went back to a weekly all-cash family budget for all spending other than bills. ($400/week, and Hubby has a $43 weekly allowance, for his weird hobby shop stuff).

Man, this really helps. Our credit card kind of got out of control over the summer. It's too easy to spend more than you thought when you're always swiping and not thinking about it.

I've had several three-day stretches of no-spend and no-drive days.

Other things are on auto pilot.

On payday, we're finally able to put 15 percent into savings. In the next month or so, I hope to raise that to 20 percent. (into the savings account. I'm not counting the 401k, which we max out every year).

If we can stick with the cash budget, the credit card from all or our family obligation travel will be paid off in four weeks, and after that, we should have a lot of free cash every payday to stash in savings and start fixing/repairing/upgrading the house.

In the meantime, I'm controlling my home improvement urges by doing cheap and free stuff around the house. I borrowed a pressure washer from my mom, so I'm about to head outside to clean off the back patio and wash the siding. Woot!

It's funny how a cleaner house can make you feel better about things. I really have to force myself to scrub though, because I hate cleaning, and I'm not very good at it. My friend has an immaculate house, and I have no idea how she gets and keeps it that clean!

12 Responses to “random updates”

  1. snafu Says:
    1473004704

    I've no idea if you've read...the life changing magic of tidying up , audio are available at libraries and discussed endlessly on You Tube, initially sound contrary to our consumer habits but I can attest to it's effectiveness. Having what you need where you need it, when you need it has been such a joy, the family has 'bought in,' without complaint.

    Our home stands 'company ready,' nobody wants to be 1st to break the pact or let the family down.

  2. ceejay74 Says:
    1473004854

    Great update! I too have more time and energy for myself now that the kids are getting more independent. Congrats on that impressive saving percentage--wow!

  3. ThriftoRama Says:
    1473004864

    I don't think my kids are old enough to make that pact.
    I have read the book. It did spur me to get rid of a lot of things!

  4. CB in the City Says:
    1473007381

    I have a friend with an immaculate house, which I often complimented her on, and wondered aloud how she could do it with her schedule. Much later on, she airily mentioned that she has had a cleaning service for a long time. What??? Maybe your friend has help, too.

  5. ThriftoRama Says:
    1473009850

    Ha. I KNOW this friend doesn't have a cleaning lady. she used to be a cleaning lady! She constantly cleans. Still, she must know some tricks, because her house is way cleaner than mine would be even if I constantly cleaned!

  6. creditcardfree Says:
    1473013714

    I'm happy that you have more free time with the kids in school.

  7. rob62521 Says:
    1473020635

    I totally "get" your feeling of having a clean house and how great it feels. Glad you are enjoying the time at home. Yes, not feeling stressed does help the budget too!

  8. scottish girl Says:
    1473071937

    Oh good luck with your novels! The closest I'll ever get is NaNoWriMo.

  9. ThriftoRama Says:
    1473083718

    NaNoWriMo is a good start. If you want some resources on writing more and faster, I'm reading a bunch now!

  10. scottish girl Says:
    1473084288

    What are you reading? I'm trying to take it more seriously this year, even though it's only for fun.

  11. ThriftoRama Says:
    1473092886

    I'm reading a book on story outline called "Take off Your Pants". It's really good. (As in outline your story first, rather than fly by the seat of your pants. I wish I'd had this book before I wrote my first novel. It would have been faster!)

    I'm also reading "Fast Fiction" by Denise Jaden
    90 Days to your Novel
    And, "This year your write your novel" by Walter Mosley

  12. scottish girl Says:
    1473094373

    Thanks, I'll have a look!

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