The past year has been a challenge for us financially.
At every turn, it feels as if every time we take a couple of steps forward, something happens that sets us back a bit. We’ve had home repairs, car repairs, doctor visits, occupational therapy appointments, and have I mentioned how grocery prices keep going up?
My husband is a community college instructor and during the summer he teaches a couple of courses online. The money he earns over the summer is on top of his regular salary, so for a few glorious months we feel like we’re doing pretty well. We’ve learned how to deal with a fluctuating income, and have tried to use this time of year to replenish our savings. And we were doing fine.
And then we had a car vs. garage incident, meaning we need a new garage door. And then there was the case of the incredible growing boys. And gas prices went back up. And groceries went up. And suddenly the savings we had built over the summer was almost gone.
Back in the early days of this site, I wrote a rather Pollyanna-type post about Why a Recession is Good For Us. Now I’m just tired of it. This recession has gotten old.
Aaron over at Three Thrifty Guys shared a similar sentiment in his post Are You Just Getting By? + Living Wage Calculator. He lamented that despite what the numbers read, it felt like he was just barely making it. I can relate to that. I’m grateful we don’t have any car loans or credit card debt, but we have a massive mortgage and a list of expenses that eats up more and more of our flat-lined income.
There’s more we could trim from our budget. And I’m sure, if we tried, we could find a few new sources of income. But I’m tired.
So today, I am reminding myself, that while we made two steps forward, and took one step back, that still means we’re one step ahead of where we were.
We know what needs to happen to continue moving forward toward our goals. We just need to do it.
It reminds me of a verse from the song Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise by The Avett Brothers:
When nothing is owed, deserved or expected
And your life doesn’t change by the man that’s elected
If you’re loved by someone you’re never rejected
Decide what to be and go be it.
So I’m headed outside to soak up some free sunshine and remind myself of all the good that surrounds me. I’m going to revisit my goals and put some action steps into place.
I hope that no matter how discouraged you are when it comes to finances these days, you are able to find something to be thankful for, and use it to find the inspiration to continue to move forward – even if it means two steps forward, one step back.
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Thanks Christina. It still is a bit tough out there for sure – but like you say- there is plenty of good around us and to be thankful for! :)
Christina – I thoroughly enjoy all your posts but this one really hit home. My fiance and I have a wonderful 8 month old daughter and, although financially it’s been tough, we thought we were getting a hold of our money matters since adding her to the equation. That was until my fiance tore his meniscus and is now scheduled for surgery. Plus our cars need to be replaced. Plus this, that and another thing. But, your post has reminded me to keep a positive outlook – and I sincerely thank you for that!
You’re welcome, Nichole. Whenever I find myself replaying all the negative things in my life, I stop and try to think of things that I’m grateful for, and it helps. I hope that your fiance (and your finances) recover quickly!
This was such a great post! I often feel the same way as far as finances. I hate to keep throwing around “bad economy” but it seems as though every single person is struggling in one way or another. I think focusing on the advances you have made, like you said you have no credit cards or car payments, is a huge step in the right direction. Most people have some credit cards, usually multiple, and at least one car payment, but usually multiple. I try to remind myself that even if it’s $20 I put away, it’s $20 more than I had yesterday. Things are ROUGH in this country, and they’ll probably get worse before they get better. We’re all under enough stress because of it. I think you should pat yourself on the back for getting as far as you have.
And I hear you on being tired! Year after year of wrestling with the budget is exhausting!
I’d love to know where the picture above the articular was taken — just beautiful!
It’s Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, MN, on the shores of Lake Superior. And yes, it’s beautiful!
I meant article — not articular.
Thanks for the info, Christina. Just added it to my list of places I want to see in my lifetime!
It’s worth a visit!