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?
If cutting trees is a one time event to deal with old or damaged trees then perhaps renting or borrowing from a neighbor would be ideal. Surely someone else in your rural area has a chainsaw? Put up an ad at a local store and see if you get any responses (sometimes the old farmer down the road doesn’t keep up with online postings…). If you need the saw for annual cutting of firewood for winter heating then perhaps getting your own is worthwhile.
We invested in a very good one 20 years ago when we bought a wooded lot and had to clear enough space for our house, laneway and septic field. After that it was used probably 2-3 times a year to deal with a broken branch after a storm or to remove something that died (before it fell down). The initial project made a purchase worthwhile, but firing it up for half an hour a couple of times a year wouldn’t justify buying one.
We also recently moved into a new (but 40 year old) house. Kitchen had granite counter tops and painted cabs in great condition. To replace would have cost $20k plus. We recently tested bathroom can reface at half the cost and are very happy with results. Something to consider that may work for you depending on the condition of yours.
Also, with the tools you want can you write them off on your taxes for Emoly’s business expenses? Thinking some of the tools she could use may be the same.
Can you barter any of these items? Or trade some of Emily’s work in exchange for someone completing item(s) on your list?
If your debt is critical enough that you are in “debt payoff mode”, you should still have a line item for maintenance and repairs, but I’m not sure you can justify other optional projects. You might consider allocating some funds for house projects as rewards when you hit certain milestones. Outdoor furniture should DEFINITELY wait. That’s a want, not a need.
As for tool quality, buy as much, but not more than you need. With a chainsaw, spend more for the safety features and get a helmet with face shield and ear protectors. My husband and his (logger) dad swear by stihl. But as the commenter above said, don’t get one if you won’t use it on a regular basis. We use ours regularly so far, but we have a pretty heavily wooded lot that we plan to actively harvest firewood from. Tree farming! If we had just needed it for a project or occasional clearing, it would make more sense to borrow my brother’s a couple times a year. Which is a good point – know anyone that has one and doens’t use it? Ask to borrow it on a permanent basis and lend it back to them as needed.
One way to get good tools cheap is factory refurbished. You can find these online easily with a google search for the brand name and “factory refurbished”
Cheap tools are almost never woth it.