I just posted about things that I sacrifice every day to get out of debt – and eventually achieve Financial Independence. This type of post is kind of obligatory among personal finance bloggers, but I find that I really enjoy reading each and every one of them because it lets me get to know the bloggers whose blogs I love reading. So, if you like these like I do, read on!
1. Good Workout Bras: Ladies, you know what I mean…..Ya’ll know I’m trying to lose weight. I started P90X a few weeks ago, but after the first video I was like “Nope…I don’t care what it costs, I’m getting new workout bras.” Enough said. You will see the cost reflected in August’s Budget update, believe me!
2. Healthy Food: Again, I’m trying to lose weight, but more than that we have a growing little girl at home. That more than anything has spurred us to eat healthier. To us this means eating organic when possible, making use of the crockpot instead of buying premade meals (full of chemicals, fat, and sodium), and buying more fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, this stuff tends to go bad faster, and even though we try to minimize food waste it does happen. Couple this with the fact that organic foods are more expensive, and we have a higher food expensive each month.
3. Health Care: I promise I will write about this it at some point, but The Big Guy has health problems like sleep apnea, bad knees, and a couple of other things. Nothing is life-threatening, but ongoing treatment of his stuff can be really expensive. Luckily, we have excellent insurance that allowed us to pay $28 for prenantal and labor and & delivery for our daughter, but even small out of pocket costs add up. When you have CPAP supplies, presciptions, and a few doctor’s appointments a month, those small $3-$10 charges can get really expensive. But even so, I refuse to sacrifice on health care to get out of debt. It’s just not worth it.
4. Time with My Family: As it is, I spend 2-3 hours a night with my family. From 5pm when I get home from work until 7 (8 at the latest) when the kiddo goes down, I put away the phone, tablet, and laptop and focus on family. I could sacrifice that precious time and make more money with the blog, but it’s just not worth it. They deserve my attention more.
5. Sleep: This girl loooves her sleep. Just ask The Big Guy after a late night. I am a zombie. I could stay up until 1am every morning cranking out posts, doing SEO, and moderating comments, but it’s just not going to happen. My employer and my family deserve better.
Getting out of debt is not easy. We’ve been on this journey for about a year now, and it’s even harder now than when we first started out. I’m inclined to think that it won’t get easier for the next 3 years, either. But for me, it’s all about balance. I sacrifice many things to get out of debt, but I also have to be willing to spend money and time on things that you can’t really put a price on.
What 5 things will you NOT sacrifice to get out of debt, or achieve financial independence?
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Emily @ evolvingPF says
I concur on all of these but in particular the health care, food, and sleep. I am actually really scared of how having kids will impact my sleep because I know how terribly I function with sleep dep!
Gretchen says
Haha! I was too, and not going to lie the first month was tough but after that it gets way better! Sleep training for the kiddos (babywise) is the way to go in my book! Because of it, my daughter slept 7 hours a night at 3 weeks old and it’s only gotten better since!
Tre says
I have to say I agree with you. Bad workout bras suck (been there). We eat healthy foods too and keep out food budget low.
Gretchen says
Yeah…yuck!
Mr. Frugalwoods says
You make a good list! I’d say:
1) Health. Ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of cure… or something. Both preventative healthcare and lots of fresh vegetables. We’re major grazers when it comes to produce. I know we could get our food budget even lower if we ate more refined carbs… but it’s not worth it to me.
2) Experiences. I’m not much of a “stuff” guy. But I’ll happily pay for an extra tank of gas to get to a remote trailhead for a day of hiking.
3) Pets. Our Frugal Hound more than pays for her kibble bill in reduced stress and ridiculousness.
4) Good Internet. I could get by with a crappy dsl connection, but we pay extra for comcast. Life it too short to wait for a page load. I also work in technology, so a decent internet connection is a must.
5) Comfortable house. We love our little house in the city. We’ve rented some total dumps before, and honestly we’d go out more often just to get out of the basement apartment. Having a nice place to hang out without spending money saves us in the long run.
Gretchen says
Love your list – it looks like your priorities are very similar to my own! And, I totally agree about the pets one. A lot of PF bloggers like to slam the costs of pets, but I love having a dog around!
Gina says
I agree with you, but my list is a lot longer! We paid off our debt over three years but still allowed a small (very small) monthly allowance for each of us to buy whatever we wanted, no complaining by the other person allowed. It really helped us stay on track.
Gretchen says
We do that as well, even though we’re not out of debt. It’s tough, but we have to feel like we’re still retaining some control over where our money goes!
Michelle says
I agree with the list. All of those points have their own place in your day. I am struggling with time management right now since leaving my job, but I am hoping to have it all figured out soon enough.
Gretchen says
That’s tough! Hopefully it will come with time!
Deb says
I agree with all of these, but #1 stood out to me. I just got back into my workout routine and I also had to break down abut buy a good sports bra from Academy. It ran me $30, but it was so worth it.
Gretchen says
Oh yeah….best money I’ve spend in a while!
Linda says
Nice to see your list and others in the comment section. Too often the budget advisors ignore there are somethings that matter to us even if it takes a few years longer. Why live in misery when maybe it just isn’t necessary. I don’t scarifice on our family’ undies either. Or good athletic shoes. Once we decide the 2 teen girls are in an activity; they are in. The girls and my hair cuts. I am too old for crappy ones. They are both ethnically Chinese and a lousy hair cut shows every bad snip! Reliable phones for all of us. Hope you have a good weekend! Linda
Gretchen says
That totally true! Individual’s non-negotiable things are different, but as long as the list is short, it’s ok to have things you won’t give up!
Alice @ Earning My Two Cents says
I agree! Life continues to happen even though we are trying to get our of debt. You can’t put life on hold. I have kept my full data cell plan, cable +HBO (umm…true blood and my hubby is a movie and football fanatic), and our gym memberships. Sure, I’d love to have an extra hundred or so a month to throw at debt but it’s important that we can stay in touch with friends and family, unwind with a movie, and keep healthy with regular workouts. Yes, there are cheaper ways to do these things too but the number one thing I’m not giving up is getting along with my husband and we have to compromise, even if that means we pay more for cable to avoid fights.
Gretchen says
Totally agree – we make an ATV payment each month that keeps him happy! It’s definitely more money than I would spend on my own, but marriage is all about compromise, isn’t it?
Stacy says
My dogs and all their food and meds when needed – and a comfy house. I am not going to be uncomfortable in my own house in order to save a few dollars on the electric bill.
Libby says
1) groceries! We eat lots of healthy food and meats, and those things are very important to us. I have lots of health issues that can be controlled by diet – so food I can eat safely is a must!!
2) Our home! We rent a decent sized home, but it’s cozy, welcoming and home.
3) tithe
4) date time! It is super important to us to have specific time to reconnect and have fun together.
5) monthly spending money for my husband and I. We each get a specific amount of spending money each month just for ourselves so we don’t feel deprived.
Gretchen says
Healthy food is super important! All of these definitely have a place in keeping you healthy and happy ;-)
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I’m in complete agreement with your choices! I know if I’m not healthy and fit, it’s so much harder for me to be motivated to stay frugal for my family.
Gretchen says
Exactly! And I’m so grateful that my readers “get” that…Thanks for stopping by!
Jayleen Zotti says
This looks like a list I could have written!
I would add: music lessons for the kids, cable (the hubby won’t budge on this one), and our monthly allowances!
Jennifer says
1. YMCA membership. We can work out. Also go swimming as a family. Ends up saving us money on entertainment expenses in the long run. After spending time swimming, sitting in the hot tub, and sauna, I feel like I’ve had a spa day.
2. Experiences–occasional weekend trips, budgeted using coupons, bringing our own food, etc.
3. Fun money for me and my husband–albeit not much every month.
4. Private school–both my husband and I work. We want our daughter to be immersed in religious values when we can’t be there with her.
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com says
Totally agree on all points! I’m so thankful I live in an age where I can get good sports bras on eBay for a fraction of the retail price. :)
Gretchen says
Oh yeah – gotta love price competition!
Sarah says
Ooo this is great!! I just did a similar post but I totally forgot to include things like spending time with my family and sleeping!! I’m like you – I love my sleep. I’m a night owl but I’m trying to get in the habit of waking up earlier. So far, it’s only happened a few times. I just love my sleep too much!!
Briton says
I won’t give up nice TP! I hate 1-ply cheap toilet paper soooooo much! But, we do try to be green (not doing family cloth- don’t even mention it to me) by flushing less, teaching the kids not to use half a roll per potty break, etc.
Gretchen says
Ugh! I’ve heard of that family cloth, and believe me, it’s not for me either!
Tianna says
couldn’t agree more with you. some things just are not worth sacrificing .
Erin @ Very Erin says
I totally agree with these, especially the sleep! I spent all of college working crazy hours and hardly ever sleeping. I did it for four years and I won’t do it again. I honestly just can’t function on so little sleep now. Even six hours is difficult for me to even make it through the day.
Gretchen says
Exactly! I’ve done my sleep deprived time – no more!
Emily Ardoin says
Amen! It’s good to see that even financially responsible people will splurge on things every now and then!
Gretchen says
Splurges are totally necessary to maintain focus!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
I agree with all of these – especially #5. If we can’t function at our best due to a lack of sleep, all of our endeavors will be less successful. (Healthy food is a close second in this category) Thanks for the great reminder!