by Claire
13-year-old DS went to his first day of soccer camp today. As he recapped for me how things went part of the conversation turned to how a lot of the kids at the camp have really expensive soccer shoes. I could tell right away that this wasn’t being shared in an envious way but instead with shock. I asked how much he was talkinga bout and he said one of the boys we know from the neighborhood was actually wearing a less expensive pair than most…and his were $220! Now, what DS said next really made me chuckle but really showed that he is thinking about money–he said he asked this boy, “is that WITH or WITHOUT tax?!” and then shook his head in amazement! He went on to share that with the way kids grow he can’t believe parents would spend that kind of money on shoes. Hey! Great thinking there! He is our naturally frugal child BUT that can sometimes cross over to TOO frugal and we are working on teaching him what is okay to expect from others and what is not…
Now…a real food update. We are still going strong! So far we’ve been able to stay within the budget but that has been helped by not having all of the kids home all of the time. For the last 2 weeks I’ve kept groceries at $150 or under (under $125 this past weekend). What I am most struck by is that there are fewer things on the conveyer belt at the grocery store register…but the food goes so much farther. I haven’t had enough time with the two youngest (my two from my previous marriage) to say that they are on board with the change. They’ve spent time with out of town grandparents and then with their Dad and food rules are pretty lax during those visits. The youngest and only girl is by far the pickiest of the group but this blog I am following has some great tips on how to get your kids to eat real food. I continue to be amazed by my energy levels and that I am not having dips in energy throughout the day. I am sleeping better and am better able to focus. I have lost 2.5 lbs and although I only want to lose 8-10 lbs, I am pleased to see tangible results.
I continute to coupon on houshold items but we still haven’t bought paper towels! I feel these changes really taking root.
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
thanks for the food update! – as if family finances aren’t already personal enough, now you’re getting into diet and nutrition. applaud your openness.
hope you’re keeping cool in this hideous heat!
You have to love frugal children. In May I took my whole family to see Dave Ramsey. I have 16 twins and one that just turned 12. The little one is a Dave Ramsey groupie! She asked for “Generation Change” which is a financial program for high schoolers developed by his daughter. That was her favorite present! It is nice to get them thinking while they are young!
I was looking at your numbers (I like to analyze) and I think you should sell Auto #2 and buy a cash car if you have any money left over from the sale. If you can’t pay off Auto #1 in the next two years, or if you want to get out of debt sooner, you could do the same for it as well. Remember, you can always move up in vehicle. Not sure of how long it took you to pay $2000, but selling the cars could definitely get things moving in the right direction. Good luck!