In response to CCF's idea, I've spent some time thinking about the last ten years of our financial life.
While we'd paid our mortgage down to $35,000, we used the small inheritance from my mom to pay it off. Our biggest expense is our property taxes.
We've had challenges--mostly the uncertain job market for my DH. But things seem to have settled down for him, and his contract has been extended out a year. This is the happiest he's been in a job, and also the best paid. He doesn't spend much--except on that upcoming Master's degree. He takes the bus to work, and has a free lunch.
My financial anxieties have been patched by adjunct jobs along with my regular university teaching. I'm eager to give the adjunct jobs, but will hang on for the next few in order to help fund our next big expense
D's university tuition.
She's 17 and a very low-maintenance responsible kid. She's paid all her university application fees from money earned in her PT job at the grocery store.
My biggest success has been automatically funding my university pension and retirement plan. My pay is peanuts, but this has been the reason I feel good about retirement. Years of auto-saving is the answer.
We've spent more than most on travel, but less on things that don't matter much to us like cars and toys.
I'm eager to downsize--tired of window replacements and cleaning gutters. I'd like a nice townhome or condo.
I've also found a lot of inspiration and some lovely friends here on SA. I don't have many frugal "real" friends, so have enjoyed following many of your lives.
10+ Years on Saving Advice
January 2nd, 2020 at 04:03 am
January 2nd, 2020 at 09:45 pm 1578001551
January 7th, 2020 at 08:33 pm 1578429197
I agree...many of my "real life" friends are not frugal, so having SA friends who share the same goals of saving money is wonderful.
Sounds like your daughter is one smart cookie and realizes the value of a dollar if she's not high maintenance.