Keeping On
Andy and I (or maybe just mostly me) have a lot of steep financial goals. Even without these goals we are on a tight budget. My husband is a junior high teacher and my income is small to nonexistant. I know in the long run I'll be glad, like when our house is paid off before I'm 35. But right now it's hard. Seven years of sacrifice; I feel like Jacob waiting for Rachel.
I want to buy groceries without worrying about the cost of pasta or broccoli.
I want to buy new clothes.
I want to eat out.
I want everything. I want whatever is easiest and "best".
But really, I don't. And when I have it all, I am not happy. So how do I stay motivated?
This is a tough one. I think there are a lot of couples and young families in the same boat. My husband teaches at a small college and I have been watching a little guy in our home during the week. We are on a tight budget also and trying to scrimp and save. It is so hard. I want all those nice things too! But you are right. All those things aren't what make us happy. When you figure out how to stay motivated let me know ;) Just know you are not alone!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely post the answer to that one when you figure it out--I'm in the same boat! There have been many times when I've looked at where we are now after 8 years of marriage and wondered why we are still in this spot.
ReplyDeleteGuess I just need to keep the long-term in mind...and remember Paul's words in Philippians 4:11-13 "Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am." (The Message)
Honestly, somedays are better than others. I try to keep my eye on the prize even if I have to do arts and crafts and make a sign for myself so I can see how far I've come and in retrospect how little it is until I accomplish what I have set before me.
ReplyDeleteSurround yourself with like. It's easier to achieve big goals when you have people around you who sacrifice for financial freedom, too.
I also read financial books on a semi-regular basis to refresh my vim and vigor.
It isn't an easy thing to not step into the crowd and mindlessly spend money like it seems that "everyone else" is doing it. I think to myself daily at work how many foolish people are just mindlessly swiping cards not knowing what the real cost is...
I wish you luck in your endeavor. Wish me some while you're at it.
Thanks for the encouragement ladies. It's reassuring to know that I'm not alone and not everyone is spending like crazy, even though it seems like it. Keep pressing on ladies!
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel I am Kelly I just noticed you started fol1owing my blog The First Commandment and decided to check yours out too =) I believe contentment is something we all struggle with as believers I know that God tells us in 1 Timothy 6:8 "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." Wow food and clothes that is all? Really God? What is wrong with my heart because I am always wanting soooo much more! God's word is perfect and I am glad that we have it to help us in times of need =) Any how do you guys have an Aldi? I just got our ads to price match and they have super awesome deals like $.19 avocados and $.37/lb oranges, $.79/lb grapes! I take my ads to Wal-mart and price match a ton of stuff to help buy the things I like to buy and stay in our budget =)
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly,thanks for stopping by. We don't have an Aldi. I live just outside Branson and our grocery store selection actually lessened considerably after the tornado here. It shouldn't take much to be content, huh? Joy and contentment truly are heart issues!
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