Operation Downsize
January 30, 2007 – 5:25 pmAs part of the “Jenny Initiative” (the one where I don’t have to work), we find ourselves in need of downsizing. Significant downsizing. Ugh.
In my more glass-is-half-full moments, I’m able to see this process as a good thing– character building; forcing us to focus on the things that matter; developing our appreciation for the dollar.
In the rest of the moments (most of them, I’m afraid), I bemoan the fact that I wasn’t born with a trust fund. I’d be good with a trust fund, really!
So I’ve created Operation Downsize, and the GOOD news is that we’re already halfway (or more) there.
Step 1- sell a car. Not only does this get rid of a car payment (and a ridiculously big one, if you ask me) but it saves us $100/month on car insurance. Operation Downsize is officially underway!
Step 2- no more coffee out. We’ve been doing this one since I decided to quit (with a couple of tumbles off the wagon here and there) and I can’t say I’m missing it. My coffee from home tastes just as good, if not better, and there’s no line to wait in!
Step 3- eat at home. Another one we’ve been moving towards for quite some time. And another step I think I could’ve done long ago. As long as you have time to plan, eating at home is more nutritious and calmer (no patrons casting sideways glances of judgment on my child’s behavior). Of course there has been the odd night where I long to head to CPK for a nice meal where someone else cleans up !! But overall I think we’re doing well here. And talk about a lot of money! We must have been nearly single-handedly keeping several local restaurants afloat (Pagliacci, anyone?!) I hope they can make it without our sizeable business!
Step 4- clean my own house. I HATE this one. HATE HATE HATE HATE. (I know I shouldn’t put hate out there in the universe, but there it is.) I am trying to embrace it, really I am. But I DESPISE cleaning. However, I do believe that it’s character building to do things that you dislike. So after I’m finished with this post, I’ll go up and clean the bathroom. But I won’t like it!
Step 5- budget, budget, budget. I created a budget right before my last day at work, and I’m afraid I’m learning that it was very much overly optimistic. So I just sat down and revised it… but I’m sure this will be an iterative process.
So, as motivation for Operation Downsize, I’ve pulled some sage words that famous people have said on the topic…
“I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, unless I buy something.” - Jackie Mason [J: how true is that?!]
“I’m not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.” - Marilyn Monroe [J: this one I love. I need it on a T-shirt.]
“Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle.” - Ken Hakuta“What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.” - Bob Dylan [J: but what if what you want to do in between is SHOP?]
“The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any.” - Katharine Whitehorn [J: see- I'm doing this for CJ's growth & development!]
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By Rory on Jan 30, 2007 | Reply
Yup, this is a timely article. We have been having to tighten the purse strings as well, in the Sullivan household.
Liking the quotes, too. Ahh, Dylan. Sweet, sweet, Dylan…
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By The New Parent on Jan 31, 2007 | Reply
Hi Jenny, Frank here–thanks for visiting my blog.
We only have one car and it certainly saves a lot on car expenses and insurance as you mention. You do learn to organize time differently with one car, too.
It may seem like such a chore to clean the house, but think of all the organizing fun you’ll have! (laugh) And the things you might find that you’ve been looking for.
Good luck with the downsize and let us know how it goes.
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By Maria on Jan 31, 2007 | Reply
Holy cow. Nice blog. I read five random blogs a day and yours was number five. And my favorite, so far.
I’m not a stay at home mom…but I only work part time. I’m with you on the housecleaning stance. I hate cleaning, especially vacuuming. I have no idea why, it just bugs me.
And coffee? I live for my four cups of morning coffee. How does anyone get by without it?
Anyway, nice blog. Good luck….
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