Comments on: Reader Case Study: Fix the Fixer Upper or Move On?

By: Donna

Donna — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 18:53:42 +0000

“Electric” was marked as a fixed cost, but allocated $0 in the budget analysis. It should remain as $85 in the budget analysis.

By: kib

kib — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:46:27 +0000

And yes, to add, I do get it, with small kids, it’s not like you’ve got that 30 minute luxury of time all at once. I think that’s probably where a lot of people fall apart – I don’t have time for this and I can buy this $50 bathmat in 30 seconds, done. Which just shifts the question a little: Do I really need it NOW?

By: kib

kib — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:40:00 +0000

Apologies, I now see the typo about electricity already mentioned several times. Nothing like another dose of criticism, sigh.

Definitely in agreement with the general advice; take a deep breath and accept there’s a difference between “necessary” and “nice”. Cover “necessary” end to end, top to bottom, and then see what’s left over for “nice”. I have found that sometimes I need a focus that feels productive, and if I can swap out nice for necessary (example, instead of spending half an hour picking out the perfect $50 bath mat and then congratulating myself because I found a 15% coupon, I spend half an hour sewing a towel I already have into a bath mat. I still get the glow that comes from accomplishment, and the added bonus of not stealing success from another goal to get it.

By: kib

kib — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:24:02 +0000

I noticed a little accounting or spreadsheet error unless I’m misunderstanding: Electric fixed cost appears to have gone from $85 per month to $0. (an additional $1020 a year on the proposed budget). 🙁

By: Reid Hester

Reid Hester — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 19:53:42 +0000

In reply to James. Hey James, I'm assuming you have radiant heat, so no ductwork? We have a boiler and radiators in our 1932 house. In order to add central A/C to our house we had a "high velocity" system installed (the main manufacturers are Spacepak and Unico), and that could work with a heat pump to provide heat in the winter, but we've stayed with our hot water heat because it's such a nice way to heat the house. We did upgrade our old, inefficient boiler to a new modulating/condensing boiler that's something like 96% efficient, and it paid for itself in just a few years given the monthly savings. But here in Ohio we have natural gas through our utility company. Those prices are going way up too, unfortunately.

By: J

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:55:22 +0000

In reply to Thomas A Waffle. We also use heat pumps for our old farmhouse in VT and they work great! Our energy bills went down by about 40% and we have had them for 5 years and already recouped the investment.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:38:34 +0000

You do need to follow the reduce expenses or increase income budget rule. I started doing surveys to get Amazon GC to offset gift purchases. I made 2x dinner for multiple nights to have freezer assets to avoid take out. I would sit down with my husband and produce a wants and a needs list for home repairs. Then establish a budget for each project. Right now I would not sell the bubble seems to have burst.

And I want to be careful with this one (and I assure you I once sat down and asked the same question,) you are spending 999 between eating out and groceries. Do you think there is room to reduce? Can you reduce waste in this area? Can you batch cook? When I had my son (2nd baby) I was told by a lady at my church that the only 2 things I had to promise was food and clean clothes. She never said what kind of food.

Most important. Give yourself a break. Do what you can not what you think you have to.

By: Camille

Camille — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 20:46:33 +0000

In reply to Lesley. We used cloth for my two and did a mixture of AIO and prefolds. I preferred the prefolds (with a Snappi for closure) and they are CHEAP. Like Lesley, we sold all of our diapers for ~75% of what we paid for them. Win!

By: Lesley

Lesley — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:32:07 +0000

In reply to Elisabeth.

My advice about cloth – research the different brands/types as much as you can before investing. I had twins and felt most comfortable using all in ones (AIO) that you literally wash, dry and put back on the baby. I loved BumGenius brand for daytime and SLOOMB for nighttime. We spent about $900 in total investment between diapers, wet bags, etc. When my twins were finally potty trained over three years later, I sold them all for about $700. Not a bad return! Good luck to you mama 🙂

By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:21:24 +0000

Dear Frugalwoods Community,
I realize I did not respond to each of your comments, but I can assure you James and I have read through each one thoroughly! Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story and connect with us in this way. James and I don’t use social media, so it was a bit daunting to put ourselves out here. That being said, we are grateful for all the valuable advice, insights, and creative suggestions. Completing this exercise and taking this first step toward a more secure financial future has been challenging, but also empowering. We feel encouraged now, appreciate your support!

By: Christine

Christine — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:19:27 +0000

In reply to Allison in Ky.. That's a great savings on bread products Allison! I've been buying bread at the Dollar Store for $1.25 a loaf but you've got me beat.

By: Alysta

Alysta — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 16:00:47 +0000

Another OG advocate – my dyslexic (mild) daughter was helped by OG workbooks I found on A-zon. My question, having renovated several houses, is how much more do you have to do for renovations? It seems like you’ve done most essential things other than maintenance. For leaves, mow them to mulch into the grass – much quicker. Pay someone reliable to maintain your HVAC, which is $300-$400/year well spent. If you still have a lot to do, you won’t be able to get as much for your house if you do sell it although it seems you’re about done except for nice-to-haves. If the schools are good and nearby, I’d be tempted to stay. One caveat – your DH is an architect and you can build equity by buying, renovating, selling every 5-6 years or so (any more with kids is crazy unless it’s your profession). I would have your DH start to build relationships to know good builders, mechanical, foundation, and inspection trades so next time you know what you’re getting into. As others have said, having young kids is the most stressful time (other than teens I guess, but that’s another discussion!), so be easy on yourselves and do the best you can for yourselves and your kids.