DEBT FREEDOM...how many see it as the first step to SS?

[DrakeMaiden]

It is amazing, ETR, how people manage to scrape by on what they can get. So, yes, you are right. It is only harder for us now, because we got used to easier times.

 

[me&thegals]

pamspride--way to go! Tell us more about your own tp, or could you even start a thread? It drives me nutty to spend so much on something that is flushed away. And my family must have tender tushies because they whine when I buy the cheap stuff

It's fun to become known as the person who uses hand-me-downs. I must have it written all over me or just have wonderful friends because our entire family gets them and values them. You really cannot tell much by looking at someone. Most people would probably assume we're doing pretty good. And we are! But we don't earn very much. But, you can get great clothes hand-me-down or at 2nd hand stores. Like you, I'm a closet saver. It almost gets to be a game (although it's too real to be a game) to see how little a person can spend.

We've been really lucky, but it gives me great peace of mind to know that if something happens we have a good cushion built up, freezers full of food and a family who knows how to live frugally.

What a great group of people on SS! Who cares if other people think we're a bit weird?

 

[FarmerChick]

like you ETR I am not poor and I am not rich in money. I am the average like most middle class.

but I do know what you mean. those unexpected, (but were expected sometime) bills are killers. Like I know I might need a new AC unit for like $3K-4K.....am I saving. Hmm...no.....LOL

It is in us. We control our money. We control the extras. So our spending is us. I see it as being that simple.

but for me, I think I am at a certain comfort level that says----even if a hard time hits, I have enough to make it. I have land to sell as backup not effecting my house situation, I have money in the IRAs etc. if needed early, I have a great family for backup help......I have, I have. And those few I haves I think make me very cocky when thinking about saving more for hard times etc.

I excel in saving and planning in one area, lack so much saving and planning in another area. I realize I can't do it all I guess. I have to just do what I can thru the daily grind.

I don't know....just evaluating myself and why I do things the way I do...I will probably never truly know..HA HA HA

 

[PamsPride]

So, Pam, I'm surprised you would tell such a character that you make your own tp. I would only expect bad things from such a person. I sympathize, because I have a friend who leans in that direction.

Who knows. Maybe some day she will show up on your doorstep asking to borrow some of your homemade tp?

I posted it on my blog with the picture when I cut out the homemade clothe diapers and SN. She really ripped me about the homemade SN's!
I did have a couple of friends...this is all on another forum...who were actually interested in my homemade tp and knowing how the one lady is I just took it in stride and smiled from ear to ear when she complained about her boss and coworkers and how much she HATES her job!!! All the while thinking if we pay off our house in the next five years and not move my DH could probably retire 10 years earlier than everyone else we know and just take odd jobs to put food on the table and have extras!!
The part that helps the most is that my DH has actually been SUPER supportive of the homemade items!! He actually...I kid you not...got offended because he washed the laundry including my homemade tp and the basket got dumped on our bed and I used store bought tp instead of picking them out of the clean clothes pile!!!!!!! LOL!! *shakes my head*

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Hey guys -- Are we officially off topic in every conceivable direction or what?

me&thegals --

Besides, it is WAY more fun to shop for clothes at thrift stores.

Another advantage of homemade tp is that it can help extend the life of your septic system. I think there is already a thread about it here. It is called "family cloth" if you want to google it. I haven't tried it yet myself, but it is on my list.

 

[FarmerChick]

Hey guys -- Are we officially off topic in every conceivable direction or what?






we are all over the place...party time!

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Hey Pam, your husband is awesome! LOL

The hardest part about paying off your mortgage and debts early is waiting for the time to go by! We are on a super short 5 year plan on our place, but then we will have to decide on whether to build the house we would like or ride out the economy in our temporary housing (depends upon the job market). No retiring until we get set up a little better. Still, even 5 years seems like an ETERNITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[annmarie]

Hey guys -- Are we officially off topic in every conceivable direction or what?

Topic? What topic? Was there a topic? Oh right, DEBT FREEDOM!

Anyway, thanks me&thegals for taking the time to explain your refinancing process. I'm going to show it to my husband and talk it over. I just can't wait to get past this mortgage!

 

[FarmerChick]

OK, crazy here but is it only for #1 on the TP

I don't want to know about #2





I wouldn't mind using cloth squares for #1



WOW and to think I am chatting about this stuff.....I am crazy I believe but the more I think about it and the more you mentioned the septic tank, etc....hmm....maybe not crazy after all?????

 

[DrakeMaiden]

Yeah, FarmerChick! Are we all drinking too much coffee, have cabin fever, or what??? I'm not complaining, mind you.