The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Sunday 22 May 2016

The Vicky Challenge. The Hard Decisions.

Each week as well as reviewing our savings for The Vicky Challenge we also try to add some new ways to save.

For anyone new read this post to understand The Vicky Challenge. You can join this challenge at any time! The challenge is on the sidebar in the index. Each week we also have a theme to help us expand our ways to save!

This week Vicky has written something that I think is very thought provoking. She has told me about "revisiting" before and I now do that as a matter of course. We can do things out of habit but things change and we need to revisit our budget, habits, spending, plans etc and do some reconsidering from time to time. This week she is talking about making "The Hard Decisions".

But first my Vicky Challenge...

The last week was much better than the previous one!

Firstly, I had my bargains and free items at Spotlight which the shared voucher which combined to save me $40.

We had a fish dinner from Andy's catch saving $10

I made the fishing day food and drinks plus the whole weeks work lunches and drinks $150.

Mum gave us a duck which we roasted saving at least $10.

I found a book on drawing for a gift saving $15 (I paid $1)

My op shop purchases added the most. The blankets are $520 each in the shops. I paid under $20 each saving $1000.  When Chloe saw them and looked up their value she said "wow this is really going to help your Vicky Challenge!"



That's $1325 right there! My cup and saucer are English fine bone china  and I only paid a few dollars.



I also made gifts and did lots of bulk cooking but it is too hard to work out what I saved exactly. I would have to say at least another $100.



Now over to Vicky....


 The Hard Decisions.

As many know over a year ago my husband lost his job. And because of previous injuries he has been turned down for jobs although he is highly skilled and a seriously hard worker. I am a true believer of being positive and that no matter how bad things get there is always something to be grateful for, but at times we may have to make hard decisions. The decisions that others will try to talk you out of or flat out give you a hard time about. 
I have been made fun of because I stock my pantry so well. I have been called names and been made fun of because I decided to start seeing the value of everything instead of taking the cost of things for granted from saving what I used to spend on a stamp to things that are gifted to us. Some people think these things are worth nothing. To me they are worth a lot! 
Years ago we invested in stock. And watched the markets go up and down, but with the goal in mind that we would have money when we retired. So even though we are nowhere near retiring yet I took a second look at this resource and revisited as I do everything here at home. First let me add that my husband is doing a fine job of making enough to pay the bills and come up with the extra that happens here and there like prom costs. We got of ahead of the mortgage loan by years by paying extra each month with the intention of being mortgage free after we became debt free. 
BUT because of the previous injuries he's had over the years when he comes in he is moaning and groaning and in pain and yet gets up in the morning and starts over. BUT I have to think how long will he be able to do this? And what would our options be if he can't? 
So we made the very hard decision to use the stocks and pay off the house. It wasn't easy by any means and of course we have heard all about how we will need it when we're old, but by doing this and not having a mortgage (we paid half and will do the pay off in Jan. to save big dollars on taxes)  we are saving a ton of money in interest over the years and if money is really tight we can easily cover the other things we do have to pay. And the people who are poo pooing our decisions and making fun of me quite often I have found are not disciplined when it comes to money or budgets or making hard decisions. I am very disciplined this way and know some who have taken out big loans for luxuries not knowing how they would pay for it. You can only have so many payment plans before your whole check will go to payments with nothing left to live on. We will still have funds left for a rainy day, we will still have an emergency fund that we add to when we can and by sticking to our plan we will be more secure in the future.

 So if you have those hard decisions whether it's paying off a mortgage by sacrificing now and living a simpler lifestyle or downsizing to a smaller home because you can no longer afford the one your in, retiring early or continuing working, being a stay at home mom or leaving a bad relationship, my best advice is plan ahead, PREPARE as much as possible this is very important and if you know it's the right decision for your family do it and stay on the path you have mapped for your self. Don't let others belittle you for it.
XOXO
Vicky



It is funny that Vicky wrote this as I have been thinking a lot about they way the world and media especially glorify all kinds of terrible things and on the other hand people can be very critical of things that are good. A friend was criticised because she knits. Yes, for KNITTING. Most young Mums will experience being pressured to do something "better" with their lives than look after their children. And I'v heard terrible things said about anyone who lives within their means and doesn't use credit! Horror of horrors! So it is weird! If you build up a pantry, downsize to reduce debt, start saving and living simply, you are likely to be in the firing line of someone.
So it can take courage to make the hard decisions and to stick to the things you believe in. It can also take courage to accept a reality we haven't wanted to face, cut out things that are costing us dearly, change long held plans or re asses generally. Change can be hard. Going against the flow can be really hard.  But there is no use going down the gurgler with everyone else or as our parents would say "jumping off the cliff because everyone else did!"
It is also crazy to persist with something that isn't working. Trying something different though is change and much of the time we would rather stick to the thing that isn't working!
That is the challenge today, make the hard decisions. For the good of your family and future!

How did you save and add value last week?
Have a wonderful new week. The sun is shining this morning and I have lots to do. I love to get the week started well so off I go...xxx




75 comments:

  1. Cheering you on, Vicky! You have made a great decision and I back you all the way. I have been made fun of because of my food storage too but I know that it is best no matter what anyone else thinks.

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    1. Thank you so much Lana!
      Vicky

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  2. Dear Annabel,

    You did so very well this week! Those blankets will be super warm perfect for winter. This is my first week participating in The Vicky Challenge and hubby and I have been writing everything down!

    Cut Tom’s hair $25
    Lentil soup for the freezer $10
    Made hot choc and herbal tea mixes for gifts $20
    Homemade soy melts-gifts $30
    Tea cup soy candles- gifts$60
    Soy candles x3-gifts $60
    Baked banana bread x 2 loaves $8
    Baked Apple crumble $8
    Homemade stain remover $5
    Homemade liquid soap refill and natural face scrub $10
    Picked silverbeeet, rocket and kale from the garden $5
    Free sourdough, pizza bases and bread from the op shop $20
    Free silverbeet, potatoes and oranges from the op shop $10
    Free chicken and fish from a friend $30
    Baked carrot cake $5
    Homemade room spray $5
    Mending $10

    Total of $325

    Im amazed how everything adds up!

    Now some words for Vicky,
    Thank you so much for your lovely words and I think using the money for your mortgage is a very wise idea! We are currently paying off as much as we can on our mortgage and have paid off $30 000 in 12 months. I am so excited about this! We are planning on paying the mortgage off within 2 years- before my 40th birthday. Of course some sacrifices are made but we live a frugal and happy life and like you said see value in everything. We have copped lots of grief because of our debt free goal and cheap living. I am at the point where as long as we are happy I don't care what others think and I find great support from communities like this. Much love to you xx

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    1. Mel
      Woot woot your savings are amazing! And thank you so much for your kind words! If your goal is debt free your doing great! 30K in 12 months is fantastic! I will look forward to seeing your savings!
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Mel,
      Welcome to the challenge! Its great your husband is on board too. It is really amazing when you keep track of it how it adds up. And also it makes me take notice of how much do people pay for a cake? A dozen muffins? etc as I go. We mainly way underprice ourselves especially if these are things we always do. The possibilities are endless and it is really motivating. It also builds me up in a way that I KNOW how much my worked equalled for the household and its a lot. We could never live so well otherwise. I feel proud of that and you should too. it is really wonderful and this is not counting all the other aspects in the home that we also cover!
      Well done too on your work towards paying off the mortgage. I am 100% behind you cheering you on. It is such a smart thing to do and if you do it before your 40th then imagine life after that. A very secure position to be in. THEN the knockers will be jealous of you so you can't win with them!
      Awesome work. Have a great week Mel. With love Annabel.xxx

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  3. Vicky I truly understand what you mean by hard decisions and how people can be quite thoughtless in their comments towards you. Hang in there and live your own life by your own standards. It will get better.
    Years ago hubby got quite ill and I told him I wanted him for the long time, not the short time, and that he needed to retire. We could, and did, survive on my earnings and his clever stock investments. Our home was still under renovation and rather than spending hubby's superannuation on completing the home we paid off the mortgage. Many of our 'friends' thought they had the right to put us down for this decision.
    Move forward about ten years. We have finished and sold that home, moved interstate and live in a lovely little home 150m from the beach. We are completely debt free and have savings in the bank. Our income is very limited but we live both within our means and we live well.
    I have found out that one of the people who was quite vocal in their derision of our decision to pay off the mortgage is now trying to find a way out of his debt load. He was a mine worker earning a lot of money, and now the mine has shut down. I do feel for him and his family. He is a good man.
    Our financial decisions now, effect our futures. This is something we have tried to instill in our children. As young adults they are making some clever financial decisions.
    Vicky my thoughts are with you and my hopes and prayers are that everything will fall into place for you and your family.
    This week was another expensive one with the fur baby requiring more tumors to be removed. She is recovering well and bouncing around like a puppy instead of an old lady at 13. Having said this our savings this week have equalised our spendings. It's always good when this happens. This weeks savings have come from making our own fertilizers, cleaners, cordials and hard work. This weeks savings $675.
    Annabel you are what my Grandmother would have called 'tinny' (lucky), when it comes to your Op shop forays. Happy days.
    Life is good.

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    1. Aww thank you Jane!
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Jane, It is really beyond belief that anyone would discourage you from paying off the mortgage! Who doesn't want to be free from that!? Well done on sticking with it. And look at you now! It was very sensible and your whole plan of looking at the big picture was really good.
      I also know people who were earning huge wages and at the end of it they really don't have anything and here in SA many of those jobs have gone too. They were great but they didn't go on forever.
      I hope your doggie is recovering well.
      I have had some great op shop finds over the years. Amazing. Each one encourages me to keep at it!
      Have a great week Jane! With love Annabel.xxx

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  4. Kudos to you, Vicky and Annabel for your examples to us! 23 years ago, we sold our home in California where we were spending so much of our income on house payment/taxes and transportation costs that we felt like the wolf was at our door continually! We made a decision to never be so indebted to a house that we wouldn't have any "breathing room" within our budget for all those incidental costs that come up raising a family of 11 children!
    We found a huge home to buy that had 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a full basement for only $50,000! How??? We are in a 125+ year old Victorian house that had been used as a rental! It is in an old but "emerging" neighborhood in a very urban setting! We saw it as a reasonable trade-off and raised our children here since then.
    People think we are crazy not to "downsize" to the suburbs, but we would never find something for less and we love it here! By DIYing energy conserving things, our utilities keep going down and we've been able to put in raised veggie gardens, an orchard of fruit trees, berry bushes and other things to become more self reliant! People seem to be positive when they come to visit, although getting them to come the first time can be a challenge!
    The Vicky challenge this week was great now that I'm over 2 weeks post-surgery and can do more. I saved just over $500 this week, making freezer meals, seasoning mixes, getting over 20 pounds of free peppers and apples and making another baby quilt from scraps!
    Thanks for inspiring me and the others!

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    1. Thank you gardenpat! Your words have encouraged me greatly!
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Gardenpat,
      You have a wonderful story. Your great big home was just right for your big family and sounds wonderful to me! You really did make a big decision to move and it totally changed life for you all!
      What great savings! Especially so soon after surgery, i think that is amazing. An the baby quilt is fabulous too. Free peppers and apples an added bonus! Have a great week. With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

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  5. It has been a year of hard decisions for us as it has been for several others we know, so this post is very timely in the area of encouragement and common sense! Thank you Vicky! Thank you Annabel!

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    1. You can do it Patsy!
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Patsy, You are a good example of doing what must be done to meet changing circumstances. And your re doing very well with it too.
      I think a big thing is facing reality and meeting that challenge. Truly a lot of people don't seem to know their incomings vs their outgoings and its just a case of hope for the best. You have treated it as a challenge and almost an adventure and I really love that! With love Annabel.xxx

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  6. Vicky, you made a wise choice. By paying off your house you'll save so much money in interest, have great peace of mind, and in a pinch can always take out a home equity loan if you have a large cash emergency. We did this year's ago and got the same responses from friends and neighbors. Now they have been sweating out the home mortgage crisis and we are happy and content in our cozy, paid for home!

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    1. Well done! What security and peace you gained! xxx

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    2. Heartshome
      Thank you! I think peace of mind is priceless! It is the last of the debt we have and people these days just don't understand debt free. Thank you for the encouragement!
      Vicky

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  7. Thanks for this post Annabel and Vicky, though we are not facing such difficult decisions as you are describing, I still find it relevant to the decisions we are faced with. Isn't it fascinating that people feel the need to comment and be rude about something that really doesn't involve them at all? If you were telling them how to spend their money I could understand them having an opinion, but not when it's yours! I have really only had comments about how much baking I do every week, but with five children (one of whom has Coeliac's disease), if I didn't bake I think I could easily add another $100 or so to my grocery budget. So it's a no-brainier for me.

    Today I picked up a dolls pram in need of a couple of repairs and a coat of paint for $1. So that's my daughter's birthday present for this Sunday. I am crocheting a blanket and will sew a pillow and mattress for it. I hope it will look great. The lady I bought it from was just happy for it to find a new home. I also need to finish sewing a mobile that was for last year's birthday (oops!) and have a couple of other gifts.

    Today I have made two loaves of focaccia bread, some chocolate muffins, and am trying out chocolate raisin bread in my bread maker. We didn't have eggs or butter this morning so I had to find recipes that I could make with what we had!

    Last week we had a problem with our car window which cost $230 to fix. Gutted. That was our first pay packet in a while with no major expenses, and then that happened. So that has become a priority.

    I knit some more washcloths last week, after I'm done with the dolls blanket I really need to tackle another major project, lots of wool to use! BTW if someone had a go at me for knitting I might accidentally poke them with my needle lol.

    Have a lovely week Annabel and everyone!
    Jen

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    1. Dear Jen,

      Your daughters gift sounds lovely, I'll bet she will love the pram and and blanket! x

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    2. Dear Jen, Please take photos of the pram and the linen if you can. This sounds like such a lovely present! I remember I made little sets of linen, pillows and rugs for prams and a cradle. The girls played with these so much. Also various kittens and puppies got used around as babies!
      Double check that the car window isn't covered by insurance, I say this just in case in hope.
      It is wonderful you have lots of wool! And yes, isn't that what knitting needles are for! lol
      Jen well done on your lovely baking. Besides saving money I am sure it is healthier. The gluten free items save even more money as they can be very pricy. But more than that I guarantee your children will always remember your cooking and that it makes them feel loved and theres no price on that. Not to mention how good your home smells when they walk in the door!
      I hope you have a good week too. With love, Annabel.xxx

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  8. Thank you Vicky and Annabel for a timely post. I have had a hard decision to make and this has cemented it - with my husband being made redundant just after Easter I am very aware of preserving our available funds.

    Last week was a trip to Melbourne week to visit my brother during one of his frequent hospital stays - I used Velocity points that my husband had given me for the flight there and back saving at the very least $259-.

    I stayed in the same motel that I did last time (this time it was cleaner) - the price includes a continental breakfast and also 2 slices of fruit loaf for afternoon tea. I was there 3 nights so working on a rough price (memory) that my husband quoted me on one of his trips each morning I saved around $10- and then the fruit loaf toast is around $5- - this saving nearly covered my meal at the hotel. I ate the specials apart from one day, each time I saved around $8-on their standard menu price.

    While in Melbourne I picked up large packets of herbs and spices, red lentils and popping corn from the 2 markets that I visited.

    My husband has managed to get 2 weeks work, he is away for 2 weeks. Normally he has a daily allowance of a certain amount that goes towards his food but now he is working for himself that has changed, he flew up yesterday and was heading to Coles to pick up what he needed. The place he is staying at is cheaper than the place we have previously stayed in but, it does have a kitchenette and is right next to the major shopping centre. He is even going to make a sandwich for lunch rather than buy it.

    I have a knitting pattern that I want to test, so now is a good time.

    This afternoon I have some cooking to do, when I am home alone I like to do a cook up and then reheat during the week.

    Have a great week everyone.

    Lynette
    XXXXX

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    1. Dear Lynette,
      It is great your husband got two weeks work. Also that where he is staying has a little kitchen. Even with the very basics you can do a lot and a supermarket next door is even better! Really that can save such a lot.
      I was glad you got to the markets. It is so nice to return home with lovely things, your luggage must have been scented wth spices.
      When life throws us curve balls then I think its even harder to make the hard decisions as there is less time to think about them and also plans might have to change. But you are really wise to think of how to preserve funds. Having a brother in hospital is an added worry to deal with!
      I hope this week goes well for you and you get a bit of a break. With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Lynette,
      You can do it! I think once we've actually made the decision it gets a little easier emotion wise.
      Vicky

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    3. Thank you both, I spoke to my husband last night and some of the staff were expecting him to be there for 4 weeks. Perhaps he will need to go back again?

      My husband broke the cord in 2 pair of shorts over recent weeks. I have not been able to find anything sturdy enough to replace it so Saturday morning my husband has a mission - he needs to find the haberdashery place I found in December and find some replacement cord for his shorts.

      I have been out picking up some bargains - that is for next Monday's report.

      Lunch then I want to look through some recipe books I have here, I have decided to copy recipes that I know I will use and then declutter my collection.

      Lynette

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  9. what a great week Annabel. This week I sewed the hems on a pair of curtains, saving upwards of $50, cleaned my kitchen window and venetian blinds, saving about $25. Made 2 loaves of bread, probably only a couple of dollars saved, but I do this every week so over a year it would be over $150. DH and I finally finished digging in the garden, adding manure, mulch etc to the clay soil, put up star pickets and wire to espalier fruit trees and vines. This would have saved about $200+.
    So this week we have saved at least $275.

    Vicky, many years ago DH and I paid off our mortgage with compensation money from work related injuries. Many people told us to renovat the kitchen and bathroom instead. But we could only just afford the mortgage at the time so we did the best possible thing for us. DH hasn't been able to work since and I only worked for a short time afterwards, so for the last 20 years we brought up 2 girls on a government pension, and financially could never get ahead, imagine if we still had a mortgage to pay. When we sold the house 2 years ago the kitchen still hadn't been renovated.

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    1. Dear Meg,
      That was an excellent week! You saved in several areas too which soon adds up.
      Well done on getting that house paid off when you had the opportunity. No mortgage must have made a world of difference to you. I am sorry your husband was injured at work. You had your priorities right and Im so glad it worked out that you could manage. Thanks for sharing this Meg.
      Have a good new week. with love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thank you Meg! I am going to show my husband every comment! I think you made the best decision. Planning ahead for many out there is just not in their mindset and paying off a mortgage rather than spending a bunch on renovations is beyond their thinking, payments or payment plans keep them thinking of the smaller amount versus the whole amount plus interest.
      Vicky

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  10. great post Vicky, I'm sorry to hear that small minded people have mocked you for your diligence and ability to plan ahead. I remember back in 1986 when I first got married, we had the inlays over and I made a huge lasagna and cannelloni and my new sister in law said to me "mince on special was it". I got lots of those sorts of comments over the years. I hate the mindset of people who are unable to plan ahead, shop on special, be frugal and then bitch and complain when they have no money, or they whine because you have afforded a holiday and they can't. You have done the right thing, and the fact you have shares to cash in is a wonderful thing. Be proud.

    Annabel, your week was very productive. I must tell you what I got today at the op shop. I am visiting a former workmate later in the week who rescues animals and I went specifically to buy pet towels. So I got 10 of them, seven lovely bread and butter plates, a container with multiple compartments for my small screws, a card of elastic that I estimate to be about five metres minimum, a full roll of gorgeous organza ribbon, a ball of 100% wool and a small crystal dish.......... total cost $8.50. I was so rapt, I gave her a $10 note and said keep the change. How amazing Oh, forgot, I got six lovely linen napkins too which I intend to embroider. It's lovely and cold here so the fire is roaring. Really nice to be home and relaxing. Have a lovely week. Fi xx

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    1. Fiona,
      Amen sister! And I bet your lasagna and cannelloni were excellent! I know people who make really good money and live paycheck to paycheck. They don't understand my frugalness and I don't understand spending all your money so tifts do occur here and there. Thank you for your kindness!
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Fiona,
      What great op shop finds and what prices! And I lOVE the idea of getting good napkins to add embroidery to! That is brilliant!
      I am so glad you are home and able to have an easier week.
      Re your dinner when first married. It sounds beautiful. What a comment from your SIL. That is awful. Why people can't be happy for a beautiful meal I don't know but comments like this are usually far warning of what is to come. Sadly. I watch for this now with more understanding than when I was younger. Now I see it as people either build up others or tear them down. Finding enough "build uppers" isn't always easy though!
      I hope you have a really lovely week. Today the sun is shining and I am home for the day and its lovely. With love, Annabel.xxx

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  11. Thank you for sharing this Vicky! I suppose I am just as" weird" as you if people have said things to you in those areas (and I embrace my "weirdness" too :) ! I also support your decision. For one, a home is something tangible that you will always have (especially if times get harder) while stocks are not. Love, JES

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    1. Thank you Jes! I think the instant gratification mentality has a lot to do with it and having to have bigger and better. Some just don't understand the feelings of being content and happy and being able to enjoy the simple things. Thank you so much for support and kindness!
      Vicky

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    2. Jes
      I guess us weirdos will all have to stick together! LOL Thank you!
      XOXO
      Vicky

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    3. Dear Jes, Thank you. Yes a tangible investment is a sound thing. I am amazed at the number of investments that really are thin air or a bit of paper which could be worth zero at thee end of the day. I would rather a stocked pantry!
      Many thanks Jes, with love Annabel.xxx

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  12. Hi Annabel!

    I appreciate Vicky's down to earth writings. I was raised with the concept of staying out of debt. It seems the "smart" concepts are in direct opposition to the basic principles of yesteryear. We have no debts. My husband has done everything himself, including building his own house. Straight away, we say that Vicky definitely did the right thing. The other way, my husband says, Vicky's household would be paying interest on their own money. After all, "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush". Go Vicky! (I think you'd make a good Aussie, too, Vicky!)

    My Mum stayed at home, and we all lived off Dad's modest wage. I guess I never realized quite how little we had. We had a great upbringing. Those were the days when there would be one dollar left in the budget for bread. Dad would bring home a huge flour bag of day old bread, and freeze it. I remember being allowed, once, to pull apart a cheese loaf and eat it just like that, with my brother's help!

    There is a story about simple, quiet living that you may have heard ..... There was a simple fisherman who lived a quiet life with his family (maybe in Jane's part of the world?!!) Each day, he would fish in the morning to support his family, and then he would spend the rest of the day with his family and friends. Then, one day, a businessman questioned him as to why he didn't fish longer each day and sell the excess to make more money. The fisherman wanted to know what he would then do with that money. The businessman set out a plan for gradually buying an extra boat, employing men, making more money, building up a fishing fleet, and so on. When the fisherman then asked what would be the next goal, the business plan expanded yet further. He could then move to a major city and manage the whole venture from there. As for the final goal, the fisherman was told, " ..... and then you could retire to a quiet fishing village, do a little fishing and spend time with your family and friends." So there! Enjoy the simpler living, people!!

    I find that, once we come to the right paths, having overcome hostilities, we are stronger for it, knowing we have forged the way on our own.

    Vicky is exactly right about postage stamps. When on a shoestring budget, they are generally unaffordable. How would I know?!!

    I was a bit late getting away from the knitting! It's nice when something is coming together. Remember, any budding knitters and crocheters, the miracle of these crafts is a marvellous thing! (I think I can start looking in op shops for needles and wool suitable for a new project coming up!! That could be fun!!)

    How did I save money in the last week? Well, Annabel, that would probably take a whole chapter. I was surprised, yesterday, when my husband said, "You'll be able to enter the Vicky challenge soon. You'll be able to say you painted the house and saved so many thousands ..." Actually, I've just done the second coat of paint on a cupboard. My apprenticeship continues! I didn't know he read so much Bluebirds! Good things are happening and, tonight, I kept the base of a cabbage to see how it goes in the ground (if the bush turkeys leave it alone!) We've both been putting tiny scraps of wool out for the birds! Like I said - good things are happening!! (..thinking of Kelsey's and Kelly's comments).

    With warm regards,
    Rachel Holt

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    1. LOL Rachel That is a compliment as I have much respect for you Aussie ladies! Good job on your painting! There is freedom in being self reliant that many don't understand so I commend you and your husband! I really enjoyed your story so thank you for sharing that.
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Rachel,
      You are already doing well in the Vicky Challenge!
      Your story is true. It was simpler to enjoy the blessings you have in the first place! I think this is a thing... create high stress then take holidays to get away from it and an endless circle of paying for it all. I like to keep things simple really. (where possible!)
      Rachel I put all the ends of the wool outside plus all the hair cuttings! Except its a joke here that the little chicks in the nest built of Andys hair are saying "this nest is really prickly" lol as his beard is prickly there is no denying.
      All the crumbs go out to the birds as well.
      I hope you are having a good week. It is lovely here today, sun is shining. With lots of love, Annabel.xxx

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  13. Annabel, you had a wonderful week of savings. The blankets are beautiful and a very good prep item, also. I love the tea set. I always look at preparing food ahead and freezing it as a wise investment in time and effort.

    Vicky, paying off one's mortgage is the wisest thing a person can do. Actually, not having any debt gives peace of mind and security. You did good - really good!!

    For years, our goal has always been to stay debt free. We paid off our previous mortgage very early and bought this home with cash. Not having debt saves huge amounts in interest. You can calculate all the interest you saved by paying off your home early and add that to your years savings. All the interest money that is saved adds up to big money. It allows for paying cash for everything else; vehicles and anything else needed.

    You are looking after yourselves, your future, your security, and your loved one's by having a debt free home. The action of being fiscally responsible is an action that shows how much you care about your family.

    Have a great week!
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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    1. Thank you Glenda! When we take care of the second half I will feel elated I think. It breaks my heart that employers do not see my husband as an asset when he is a journeyman and has more than one skill set, but it is what it is and that is what I have planned for.
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Glenda,
      You are right that the family home is a great security for the whole family and the future. And you made a great point "the action of being fiscally responsible is an action that shows how much you care about your family" That is spot on! In that context it sheds light on how wrong it is for people to place pressure on others to break their budgets, over commit etc. You would think protecting the family budget would be seen as something to respect!
      I am going to add this quote in somewhere soon so everyone sees it. I love a moment of clarity like that. It sums it up so nicely!
      I hope you are having a good week! With love and thanks, Annabel.xxx

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  14. Vicky - I know your hard decision was difficult but I think it was the right one for you. Good job! The peace of mind of having a paid off mortgage is better than a financial advisors opinion.

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    1. I agree Rhonda. Thank you for commenting.xxx

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    2. Rhonda,
      Thank you my husband has another 10 years before he can have a knee replacement so this is giving me much peace of mind. Have a great week!
      Vicky

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  15. Dear Annabel, Vicky, and friends,
    I can relate so much to what is written in this post. My husband and I have been working hard and saving in an effort to pay off our house, which is our only remaining debt. This has taken lots of discipline and sacrifice, but last week we came up with the needed amount. I can't tell you how excited we are to be debt free!
    We have also faced ridicule over our decisions. I've heard jokes about shopping second hand, going to garage sales, and living in a mobile home. People have told us we need this or that and we are called "cheap" when we say no. We like to call it being a good steward of what we have. And to me it is common sense that if you don't have the money for something, don't buy it! I don't know why people think that is so weird!
    Two weeks ago my husband lost his job. While it did sting, our circumstances would have been a lot worse if we had not been prepared. Having a full pantry and a nice savings has saved us a lot of stress and worry. Now that we will be debt free, that makes it even less stressful. Ladies, please be encouraged by this story! Just ignore the naysayers, put your trust in the Lord, and keep your goal in mind. Do the right thing no matter what the rest of society is telling you. People reap what they sow.
    I would also like to add (I know this is getting long, sorry) that my husband and I live a very full and happy life. Money can't buy that. We live simply and enjoy it, truly. I have had some women tell me I am lucky to be able to stay home. I know I am incredibly blessed, but I can't help thinking that these particular women (I know everyone's circumstances are different) could be "lucky" too if they didn't feel like they needed to keep up with the Joneses. Sacrificing fancy things is worth it to be able to care for my home and husband. That is true fulfillment to me. I want to lay up my treasure in heaven!
    Sorry this is so long. I could go on and on about this topic. Ladies, it can be hard, but it will be worth it in the end. I'm only at the beginning of the road, but I have already experienced the benefits of responsibility. You can do it!
    With lots of love, Kelsey

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    1. Lots of love Kelsey! Those ladies that need to keep up with Joneses are the ones that need to read Annabel's blog here! She proves that fancy doesn't have to equate with expensive! They could learn a lot from our Annabel!
      XOXO
      Vicky

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    2. Wow Kelsey, that is such an inspiring and beautiful story. Thank you for sharing that with us. Congratulations on paying off your mortgage! That is such a massive achievement. And all from your own effort. Thank you for inspiring and encouraging me. Love, Bridge

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    3. Kelsey, thank you for sharing your story. You have greatly inspired and encouraged me. In a world that is so focused on being materialistic, it is so refreshing to hear other people who 'go against the grain', so to speak. Congratulations on paying off your home. That is such an achievement and milestone. Thanks for also making this a lovely place to be. Love, Bridge

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    4. Dear Kelsey, This wasn't long, it was a joy to read. And I am sure a big blessing to many others.
      There is a saying that is something like "spending money you don't have, to buy things you don't need, to impress people you don't like !" Well there is a lot of truth in that. It is like chasing your tail. Fulfilment isn't going to be found in a store. Not even a catalogue! lol
      You are young and it si so nice to see that you have realised all this so early. What you are doing now is really setting yourselves up for the future and avoiding some of the major traps. And really thats what they are TRAPS. Of course advertisers want us to buy their products! And people pushing all kinds of schemes and selling all kinds of stuff they want our money. Hence all these "buy now pay later" type things to lure you in. And the "you work hard you deserve it" line. They do not care about your life or your family they are just trying to make money. But we need to know that and whats best for them is probably not whats best for us.
      You should be really proud of how the two of you are doing and working as a team. And it is so exciting how you have paid off your home! This is wonderful news.
      Well done Kelsey. I hope you have a great week this week. With love Annabel.xxx

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    5. Congratulations on paying off the mortgage Kelsey. I remember the day we paid off ours. I was through the roof happy over it and now that's been almost 8 years ago.

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  16. Annabel,
    Wow! your savings this week has been out of this world! The blankets alone for example would have taken me say a year if I wanted to purchase them new to save for them and you got them in one fell swoop and saved a ton! I am very impressed my girl with that purchase! Your food always looks so good and I took a pic of some garlic parmesan biscuits I made, but the lighting in my home isn't the greatest so it just looked like a burnt pan of biscuits and I thought oh yeah everyone will think I'm a great cook!
    So for my savings:
    I hung laundry on the line 3x.50
    Rick needed saw blades and saved $27
    sold 5 doz. eggs $10
    got 4 samples of Advil $1
    The neighbor had cat food his cat wouldn't eat and he gifted it to me $15
    I was gifted 3 bags of books $30
    gifted a paper $1.50
    I had a coupon for a free plastic storage tub $4.99
    saved $50 dollars with coupons
    saved $35 on marked down meat
    I cashed in Bing points for another $5 Amazon gift card, I am up to $50 worth now and will use those soon.
    when we took our recycling in and I got a small stack of coupon inserts and some coke points which the coupons will save me an extra $20-$30 dollars.
    I did yard work on nice days and I had potatoes sprouting so since it wasn't a big amount I planted them in pots.
    All in all it was not a bad week. I kept myself busy.
    And to all of the ladies thank you so much for all of your kind words and encouragement! This is a very special group that Annabel has and I am so grateful she allows me to be a part of it! I hope everyone has a prudent and diligent week!
    XOXO
    Vicky

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    1. Dear Vicky,
      First of all I should say here I am almost at the end of the fifth month of the challenge and about to total up May. (ok few more days to go!) The time has flown and I have been amazed at what we save and Andy has been impressed too. And it has motivated me so much. I actually do find myself doing extra things and going the extra mile in order to improve my numbers for the challenge as I can see the point. The way things add up is amazing. I also see many things through fresh eyes. All thanks to you!
      You had a good week! Thank you for replying to everyone too. This post really spoke to us all. Facing reality and making the decisions that need to be made takes some thinking and facing facts but it is so important! Many thanks, Love Annabel.xxx

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  17. Annabel,
    Oops I forgot to include that a friend of Rick's cleaned out their freezer and passed on their discards to us for the dogs and chickens. It was a good $60 worth of foods. Now I don't want everybody think I feed my animals gross old food that is not the case. If it's really bad we toss it! LOL
    XOXO
    Vicky

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  18. I am so sorry to hear people have been discouraging you on your efforts. It happens all the time to me. Family members seem to be the most critical. Right now, friends and family are questioning why we never go on vacations. We have family and friends that go on several expensive trips a year. We simply don't have the desire to travel. We enjoy where we live and our children live nearby. People can't believe we can survive without taking a break (vacationing). Perhaps we don't have the need for vacations because we are not stressed over our finances. They keep looking down on us and even feeling sorry for us because we don't travel and have wonderful experiences like they do. We just keep on enjoying the life we have created for ourselves as simple as it may be.

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    1. We also do not travel much and we do take holidays but they are local. Most people we know go overseas regularly. In fact a lot of people have no house deposit because of continuous travel. That is fine if that is their choice but then they say a house deposit is unaffordable etc. Most of us can't have it both ways. If you are happy and content and living within your means then that is wonderful! I am glad you do not give in to the pressure. We have it here too that instead of saving many people spend their money on travel and when they retire they expect the government to look after them. But the government is broke and going into more debt daily. SO I think the days of being able to do this will come to an end.
      Thank you for sharing your story. Happiness and contentment are priceless! xxx

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    2. People can be very negative about things they don't understand. For some if it is not over the top it is not enjoyable I guess? Thank you so much!
      Vicky

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  19. Dear Annabel and Friends, I've just had my new computer installed and I feel like I've returned from a long holiday! No computer meant I got lots done, and much of that was insourcing (as I call it) or adding to my Vicky Challenge (as Annabel calls it). Vicky, your story is a common one in a savings forum that Annabel and I were part of for many years. The theme that we are laughed at, made fun of, and generally looked down at noses upon for our frugal ways is only made sillier by the progress we then all make on paying down mortgages, and being able to sleep at night when times are tough. No matter what anyone thinks, for the majority of us, money is finite, and there is a day of reckoning for all. Keep up the good work everyone, there is reward at the end of it all. I made savings worth well into the thousands in the last couple of weeks by completing dance costumes, making gifts, cooking at home, stocking my freezer and pantry and harvesting citrus fruits from our newly established fruit grove. I dried bunches of lavender from our garden, and propagated 100 new lavender plants from the cuttings. This alone will be carry a value of $800 ($8 per plant), come the Spring. All of this was done with a tireless heart and a willing hand, knowing that we contribute to our own health, and wealth, by making the most of what we have. Love, Mimi xxx

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    1. Dear Mimi, Yay I am glad to have you back! Computer problems are terrible but yes you get other things done!
      You have reminded me of those days. There were many lovely ladies that worked really hard for their families and then there were others who loved to complain but any suggestion to cook, save, garden, sew, mend etc was oh but I can't do that and a whole tirade or excuses. And the "its alright for you" thing! But you did help a lot of people and I think especially the weekly menus and pre preparing food for the week etc... I think that helped a lot of households. I still do the impossible pie/quiche variations, rice your way, poached chicken your way and many others!
      You had a very busy time with he dance costumes but also so much more. 100 lavender bushes is a massive job and yes at least $800! amazing isn't it! I hope they all come on well for you.
      Thank you for the update. I love your last bit "making the most of what we have" that is so true. With love, Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thank you Mimi! I think the ones who are negative and like to make fun will figure it out one day. 100 lavender plants! I bet that smells so divine!
      XOXO
      Vicky

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  20. Vicky, thank you for sharing your post. It was very inspirational to me. Congratulations on making that tough decision, that paid off. We often get asked when we are buying a house (we live in a unit). "Surely, you must want a house for your son?!", we get asked this a lot. We can't quite work it out. It almost feels like people want you to be unhappy and stressed. We are choosing to live in a smaller place, so we can pay it off comfortably and not have stay stress and worry. When my husband got sick a few years back, it was our saving grace. We never had to worry that we couldn't afford our mortgage repayments on one wage. Since then, it has made us even more determined to stay here. It means we have the time and energy on being a family. I make sure I take my son to the beach and the park nearly every day. I feel very blessed. It certainly means we are not listening to those around us, which has meant we lost some friends along the way. However, we are determined to stay strong, live simply and not want for much. I feel blessed my husband feels the same way. And it is SO nice to 'meet' other women that feel the same way. I can alone in this thinking. Love, Bridge

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    1. Dear Bridge,
      You are being very sensible. Apart from anything else placing ridiculous stress on a family is NOT going to make them happier. Your son could not care less or even be aware of the size of a house. Living happily and walks to the beach and park sound ideal.
      Some of the ladies have commented that people who gave them a hard time about sensible financial decisions now are in financial trouble themselves! I call that "the chickens coming home to roost!"
      In my life I have had a lot of advise and it cracks me up when someone who isn't doing so well is telling you to go down the same path as them. In fact.... my x husband lost a huge amount of money in dodgy building schemes. He responded to this by becoming a financial advisor! Legally any idiot could declare they are a professional financial advisor. Yet your money was safer on the titanic than with him lol But this is sad. People are easily led astray.
      You are doing so well and yes it takes strength not to blindly follow the masses. You will reap the rewards though and then people will say oh you are so lucky! And luck won't be the reason you are doing well it will be the foundations you put down early!
      Thanks for your comment Bridge. Have a great week. with love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Bridge,
      I think you are very sensible! Not having to struggle to pay a mortgage payment is a blessing and the love and care you give to your son is going to serve him far beyond having a huge home. People can be so silly in their thinking! Thank you for your kindness!
      Vicky

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  21. HI, this is my first time posting here. Your blog is great and I read it every week, so thank you for your efforts and all I have learned.

    Second, I really valued vicky's honest post. It is indeed very hard to have people raise their eyebrows and make judgements. I find i don't talk about much of what we do, unless I feel people out first. My husband has been in poor health for the past 10 years, but we are older (I am now 69, he is 68) so had a bit more time to save. I quit my job two years ago to be around the house with him, knowing that life is short and if we have 5-10 years more together, better to do that. Like Vicky, we paid off our home out of savings. We now live modestly but I would not trade it for the world. I would much rather buy our coffee Makers and toaster ovens at thrift stores (I think you call them op shops) and stay home more! Thanks to Vicky for her inspiring post!

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    1. Dear Hilogene, Thank you very much for commenting and letting me know you read my blog! I really appreciate that.
      I am so glad you are making the most of your time together and living a happy life. Having paid off your home you can live simply and well! That is truly wonderful! I hope you have many years to enjoy it. Yes we call them op shops in Australia and I love them! My blankets last week were my latest good find! It is fun too!
      Thanks so much, with love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Hilogene,
      Thank you for taking the time to comment your kind words and support are much appreciated. time with our loved ones is much more valuable than anything money can buy it's just too bad that some don't see it that way. I commend you on your decisions and hope to hear from you again!
      Vicky

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  22. We too made some of those hard decisions. The enabled us to pay off our house early and spend several years putting away everything we could. As retirees we live on our income; saving the principle for a few designated items and future emergencies. I get really annoyed as others tell me how "lucky" we are.

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    1. Dear Susan, I often repeat my Dads quote "the harder you work the luckier you get" which is largely true! Well done on getting ahead as you did. Have a lovely week. It is going too quickly already! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Susan,
      I think people who say we are lucky are maybe wishing they would have done things differently. I hope you are enjoying your retirement. I commend you on making the wise decisions and paying off your house early!
      Vicky

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  23. Dear Annabel,

    I was having trouble with my iPad, please disregard if you get this multiple times! :)

    Your week was excellent! Mine was good. Between freezer meals, coffee at home, coupons, thrift shop items, grocery store sales, haircuts, waxing, and a bunch of produce that I was so kindly gifted...my Vicky Challenge total was $525.00. :) I'm super happy about this week! Even with sick kids and doctors visits, etc., I was able to keep track and feel really good about it.

    Dear Vicky,

    Firstly I must congratulate you on making this very wise, yet very hard decision! Not that it matters because they are your finances, but in reading your story based on the information you've shared, THAT is the exact decision I would have made as well. We are self-employed hair stylists. Bill is a wonderful stylist and businessman (over 20 years) who is excellent with money in every way and he wholeheartedly agrees with your decision. We are so happy for you and Rick to be able to make this choice with all of the circumstances you've dealt with!

    It's interesting how people seem so comfortable in telling us how we should decorate our porches while neglecting to sweep up their own, isn't it?!! ;) I get stuff like this often. "How come you don't get the newest phone? What KIND is your phone? I've never heard of THAT phone, I couldn't LIVE without my ________ (brand) phone!" I say "Really? Do you mind then if I ask you how much your contracted monthly payment is?"...Then I fasten my seat belt for the amounts. Now mind you, I know this is everyone's personal choice...but two years ago I decided I could no longer pay $218.00/month for 3 iPhone 4s with the amount of debt payments we were making...instead I signed up with a boutique company for $45.00/month for 3 Motorola G smart phones, and put the difference towards paying down debt. This is just one example of what we did in our home so we con move towards our goal of being debt free. I believe we live well. We have a beautiful home, great kids, we go out for meals, etc. However...we blended families together six years ago and we make choices every.single.day..HOW we spend, WHY are we spending it, IS THIS a necessity, CAN WE GET IT second hand, etc. We do have debt that we are aggressively paying off. Your posts and comments encourage me to keep going, as they are always positive and practical! Keep on keeping on and enjoy the peace of mind your choices are bringing you and your family. I will continue to keep your husband's employment situation in my prayers. As always, I love reading everything everyone else has contributed as well. Keep watch over your homes and budgets, ladies!

    Love,
    Colette xxx

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    1. Thank you Colette and your husband as well! This was a hard decision to make and it wasn't made overnight by any means. I think people don't really listen to anything that's said sometimes and get stuck on one sentence. They gave their opinions and we did what we feel is best. Being debt free is wonderful. Come Jan. it will be finished and then we will be 100% debt free mortgage and all!
      Vicky

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    2. Dear Colette,
      Well done on your good week! I thought about your reply and how it is a big thing to blend two families and make such a success of it as you have. When you think about it people are ridiculous to even care what kind of phone you have and even talk about it! Managing to look after everyone, keep on top of bills and get ahead is a big enough task and should be what people are interested in!
      Also you are demonstrating to the children that financial decisions are made with thought and that there are choices you don't have to do the exact same thing as everyone else. This is a better lesson than you can tell them, I know they believe more what they see and experience and respect that more.
      Keep up the good work. It is living as well as possible now while also considering the future, the future of the whole family. Its a very good mission!
      With love and thanks, Annabel.xxx

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  24. Annabel,
    Firstly thank you so much for saying hello to me you are such a sweet person for doing so. You have such a lovely blog and I have learned so much. I am reading every single post so it is taking me awhile to get caught up. Vicky told us at church when she gave her presentation that we would not be disappointed. You are very popular there. All of the ladies who comment on here are all so sweet and helpful not nasty and rude. I am ready to start giving homemade gifts that before I thought wouldn't be good enough and because of the Vicky challenge I have been able to put $5,ooo.oo in my savings account. She makes so much sense things I would never have thought of. You have a gift for making things beautiful and together you are a good team. I hope that this is not too long and I hope that everyone has a blessed week.
    Love,
    Clara

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    1. Dear Clara,
      Thank you o much for commenting! I thought it was so nice how you gave Vicky all the wallpaper! So I feel like I know you already through Vicky.
      The fact that you have already saved $5000 is amazing! And huge! By the end of the year goodness knows how much you will reach but it will be a lot.
      Homemade gifts are wonderful. I remember this, when I read Laines Letters she said it is mor important to stick to your budget than anything so the gift had to be within her budgeted amount. And she was needing a gift. She only had $1! So she prayed and she found a really nice brand new item at a thrift store for that amount and it was a perfect gift. I always remembered that. And with making something you might be able to use five dollars worth of ingredients and bake a $50 value cake or $5 of craft materials and produce a much more expensive gift. use what your talents are.
      Each week we are learning. Each week I am learning! It is very nice that you have a church group and can encourage each other. Please say hello to everyone there and say how much I appreciate them reading and I would love to hear of any success and progress. Count every way you get ahead as success!
      Thanks so much Clara. I hope you are having a great week! With love Annabel.xxx

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  25. Colngratulations, Vicky, on your soon-to-be-paid-off house! That is an amazing accomplishment in this day and age and you should be very proud.
    Annabel, When I was younger and had just stepped away from my career for motherhood it was harder, I think, to brush off the comments of those who would poo-pooh my decision to stay home. Now I just remind myself that "the proof is in the pudding" and that our (collectively for this group of ladies) pudding seems to be turning out pretty well in terms of stable homes, reasonable life styles, and great family relationships. It takes courage to make those hard decisions, so I applaud each of you ladies who have made them and thrived!
    Blessings, Leigh

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  26. Thank you for sharing Vicky. So sorry to hear you've been criticized. Thanks for the reminder on making tough decisions, too. For the week of May 15 We saved $233! Mostly these savings were on making our own breads, birthday cakes, and gifts. Also I saved $150 on stocking up on household needs at the thrift (op) shop.
    Thanks for your inspiration all you ladies!
    Blessings,
    Leslie

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  27. Dear Annabel and Vicky, I'm slow to reply but always read each post! Vicky, you are so right and usually the "hard decisions" are always looked down upon from the outsiders!

    Annabel, each of your posts are so encouraging! Thank you for having the courage to show the world that we can live a happy, productive life without having to keep up with what others say is "normal"! I like the way Jane always says "life is good"!!
    Have a great week, everyone, and thank you for all the wonderful comments and encouragement! Love, Teri

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

Spam is never published... if you are advertising a product or selling website your comment wont be published. I am inundated with stuff about drugs, horses and weird things! I am not going to publish this stuff! Thank you.