When Stephen and I took our family back to school, we really didn't need to make a lot of financial changes. Even when we were making money we always lived frugally. My main problem store was Target--I found things to build up the kids getting-bigger boxes, and would just buy them and not worry about going over budget. I'd frequently go over budget on food as well. Other than those things, I was pretty good about staying in budget.
The two years of the MBA program helped me reign in my spending--we simply didn't have any money to spare! So I didn't go to Target. That worked quite well. I still frequently went over my food budget--but was always SO proud of myself when I was under. I am still proud of myself when I am under at the end of the month! (Not this month...)
Anyhow, I was thinking today of when we make money again. I won't make a lot of changes in my spending habits, but there are a few things I will put money in the budget for.
The first one is gifts. I would LOVE to give people gifts on special occasions--anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, moving into a new house, having a baby, or just because I am thinking about them. I don't mean annoying toys or dumb gifts, but good quality, thoughtful gifts.
I'd love to give every new baby a soft quilt, made with quality material I can't afford right now. I'd love to give gift cards to the movies or a favorite restaurant, along with babysitting. I'd love to be able to afford to send flowers to someone new every month--to celebrate any of the things listed above. I'd love to give at least $100 to every couple who gets married and send high quality books to my nieces and nephews.
The second is a larger house. I don't need lots of bedrooms or bathrooms, but I'd love to have spaces in my house large enough that I could entertain as many people as I wish any time of the year. I'd love to be able to provide delicious food that I can't now afford for large groups--fresh fruits and veggies, yummy dips and crackers and drinks.
There is a certain amount of freedom in having a little extra money--I could go out and buy a riding lawn mower (they are on clearance right now) for Stephen, or a rototiller for me. I could visit home a little more often by flying someone out here to drive back with me. When I found a great deal on clothing that we need, I could buy it right then.
Money can do so much good. I'd love to be able to pay a great babysitter what they are worth, and have them come over frequently so Stephen and I could have regular date nights, and go to the temple often. I'd love to give more in our fast offerings and be able to slip $50 to someone who really needs it. I'd love to give more money to LDS Humanitarian Aid and the Perpetual Education Fund. I'd love to dig a well or buy a goat for a woman in Africa.
...
I'm not complaining. I have everything I need--and much that I want! I love my house, my kids are happy and healthy, my husband and I love what we are doing! Just because I can't afford big things doesn't mean I can't write a heart-felt note or deliver a loaf of fresh homemade bread. I can still throw parties and make friends, and pay that babysitter for my temple trip. I am richly blessed even though my offerings are small.
Some day we'll make money again; right now I am perfectly happy.
