I'm still here...just! Have been a bit busy and haven't done as much financial reading as I'd like. But I will be back this holiday weekend with updates on transfers and mortgage over-payments.
In the meantime, I'd like to ask you a question or two. Yes You! (I do get a good amount of visitors based on my stats so I hope that you will stick around for a few minutes and answer the questions...pleeeeze!)
Are you saving or investing for anything special? Do you have a blog where you are chronicling your journey?
Do tell! Pru's inquiring mind wants to know!
Indulge me!
Pru
I try to comment on blogs that I read regularly, particularly where there is some sort of connection. To me, it begins a conversation with someone who has allowed me a look at their thoughts and life.
ReplyDeleteWe are a single income family of four in Canada. We live on an acreage where we grow most of our veg in summer and some of our fruit (mostly from gleaning and foraging). We are venturing into animals this summer in an attempt to greatly reduce our grocery costs and dependence on store-bought food.
I am (attempting) to save one year's worth of living expenses--bare bones--in the event of my husband being laid off/unable to find employment, or having a drastically reduced income. We have a bare-bones budget worked out but have not instituted it....yet.
At the same time, we are still investing for retirement in RRSPs. We have RESPs set up for both children. We each have a tax-free savings account, which is a way to "hide" money on ourselves but be able to access it fairly quickly in the event of calamity. Obviously I hope there are no calamities and we end up enjoying that money on a European tour or something ;)
I keep track of what I save and use it to make extra mortgage payments (1 so far!) and now extra payments on a new vehicle that ended up being necessary. We also have small savings "jars" for vacation, kids activities, home and vehicle maintenance, and emergencies. At the moment it is possible to put $ into some/most of these jars every month. In the event of prolonged lack of income (or my going back to work and my husband being at home, as I make significantly less than we are used to having) we would have to adjust our plan. But that is life. We are trying to save in case that becomes a reality.
Another important part of our saving/budgeting journey is teaching our kids to buck the consumerism trend that they have been born into. Yes we need to spend locally to support our community, and yes we want them to travel and have knowledge of the world. But first and foremost I want them to be content with a simple life and realize that they can't buy happiness. I also want them to know how to grow/raise their own food.
I'm interested in hearing what others are saving and investing for; I hope you get some comments Pru! Jill
Oh my thank you Jill for leaving such a great comment! You know I love your blog - it's so real and down to earth but with such great advice and *stuff* you actually do.
DeleteSeveral people have read this post so I'm hoping others comment too. Would be great to hear what others are up to and also if they have a blog :-)