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New Isn't Always Best

August 7, 2024 If you're like us, you know how hard it is to stick to your budget these days. Everything seems to be getting more expensive, and it's tempting to splurge on things you don't really need. You might feel like you're missing out on life if you don't keep up with the Joneses, or at least with the latest trends and gadgets.But we are here to tell you that you can still have fun and enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. In fact, sometimes the best things in life are free, or at least very cheap. Let us share with you Britt’s experience from this past weekend, when she had a blast with her family at the local city-wide garage sales.We’ve always loved garage sales. They're a great way to find bargains, discover hidden treasures, and recycle things that would otherwise end up in the landfill. Plus, they're a lot of fun to browse and chat with the sellers and other buyers. You never know what you might find or who you might meet.Last year, we scored some amazing deals at the garage sales ahead of Oliver’s arrival. Now we have to say we are very particular in the types of items we will buy used. We found a dresser we sanded, painted and updated the hardware, eventually turning it into a temporary changing table. It’s a timeless piece of furniture that can grow with him, and if he likes it when he finds his own place, he can take it with him. In addition, we found a bouncer that was in fantastic shape for only $3, and it was easy to sanitize – also, lots of hardcovered books that could be easily cleaned. We were so proud of ourselves for finding such gems and saving so much money on items that Oliver utilizes now. We felt like we had won the lottery.This year, Britt was looking forward to the garage sale even more. We had saved up some money and made a list of things she was hoping to find. She was hoping to find some future clothes for growing Oliver, books, some easy-to-clean toys for an older age and even a bike pull-behind trailer for Oliver to sit in during our bike rides. She was ready to shop ‘til she dropped.But things didn't go as planned. The garage sales were a disappointment. There were fewer sellers and less appealing items than last year. The prices were higher, and the quality was lower. She couldn't find much that she liked or Oliver needed. Everything seemed to be either junk or overpriced. She felt like she had wasted her time. But then she realized something. She wasn't alone. She had her grandma and aunt with her. They had a good time together, even if they didn't find much. They laughed, joked and shared stories. They discovered subdivisions in our own neighborhood and enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine. If anything, maybe they scoped out our future neighborhood. So, if you're feeling stressed about your budget, don't worry. You don't need to spend a lot of money to have fun and be happy. You just need to appreciate what you have and who you have. You just need to be grateful and creative. You just need to remember that the best things in life are not always physical things. You might also be interested in As we wrap up our last week on the money budget challenge, it's incredible to look back and see how much we've learned and grown. This journey has been... When it comes to managing investments, the importance of effective communication and trust cannot be overstated. Our recent experience with Summit Credit... We are thrilled to share some wonderful news—Matt has successfully graduated from his electrician apprenticeship! This major milestone not only signifies... Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, testing not only our resilience but also the flexibility of our financial planning. Recently, our family... As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves excitedly planning for Thanksgiving gatherings and the subsequent Black Friday shopping spree... We find ourselves quickly approaching the end of our budget competition. The past few months have been an exciting journey of financial mindfulness and... Check engine light drama and a flat tire adventure with a sprinkle of gratitude and resilience... Life has a funny way of testing us, often all at once. As the old saying goes, "When it rains, it pours." Recently, we've been feeling the truth of this... Financially, Britt’s new job has brought additional income, which has offset Matt’s layoffs, and we are trying to use any leftover money wisely. Staying...
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