So, here’s the reason I’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately. We made a decision that T would leave his job with nothing lined up (a first for us and an extreme move, yes – a topic for a separate, upcoming post).
That’s put us back to one income. We are definitely not living for today OR saving for tomorrow. Thus = unhappy me.
Rather than run down the street screaming, as I felt like doing at one recent low point, I thought I’d focus on the few things I’m currently grateful for.
(And I’m going to bite the bullet and book in a haircut – I’d been putting it off until he got back to work, but that is just ridiculous considering my haircuts are $30.)
Interest rates are on the rise
I’m currently earning 2.75% in my online savings account with my main bank, and 3.40% in my other savings account with my online-only bank.
Cheap rent
When we were searching for a place after returning to NZ, we were a one-income household. Not knowing when T would find work, it was important we live somewhere that I could afford alone. Since he’s been out of work for about half of this year, this has proven a good move, even if this place is like a deep freezer in winter. Low absolute rent also means it will be easier for us to save for a down payment … at some point.
Our rent is going up $20 a week next month, which I’m not happy about, but I’ve already been watching listings and there isn’t a lot of choice out there. We have a fantastic location and while it’s freezing and we don’t have a full kitchen, at least it’s not damp. Summer will be okay here and I think I can survive one more winter. Beyond that, we will either be on track to buying and decide to stick it out a bit longer, or give up on ever buying and fork out for a decent rental (whether agents/landlords will deign to choose us as tenants is the other hurdle, of course).
Side income
Being down to one income has meant more or less giving up on saving during this period. Yay for side income, which goes into my higher interest online savings account/mutual funds and stays there.
I would say I am grateful for everything going smoothly since I moved to a different state. My rent isn’t as low as yours sadly but I love where I live!
LOL. I didn’t say how much our rent was! I said it’s going up $20 a week.
But it’s going up to $300 a week, and we don’t get a lot for that.
Today: getting a lot of things crossed off my to-do list, and not just collapsing in a pile of missing Doggle. Having a partner who took the day off just so we could be together, face up to the changes together and did a ton of housework to boot. It’s going to be the little things for a while.
Just remember that you both can make it! 🙂 Stay positive 🙂 Do activities together. Don’t stress about me, which is easier said than done. I know!
Grateful? How about that you were born to a time when a woman can earn enough to tide a couple over for a while? My mother’s highest lifetime salary would not have paid the rent on the middle-class apartment we lived in while she had that job. If my father had lost his job, we all would’ve been flat out of luck.
You’re young, you’re healthy, you’re strong, you’re smart, and you’ve got a roof over your heads. What more could anyone want? 😉
Okay, hard sell on that one as my mum has outearned my dad for years! But point taken 🙂
Having one income to depend on is really something we don’t want to find ourselves in. There are lots of sacrifices to do and strategies to make when managing money. Hope you get by! Stay positive.
I am grateful that my family is happy and healthy. Other things are important, but nothing matters quite as much as my kids and husband.
I’m grateful to be able to do what I enjoy for a living and so does my DH. I’m blessed to have an amazing mom and DH and really true friends. The rest is just gravy really.
I hope that T find a position that is a good fit for him soon.
Now I’m going to go do a brush up on the NZ economy to see why interest rates are going up – haha yes, I’m a nerd.
I’m happy to have a job – even thought I don’t find it very interesting/fulfilling 😀
That’s rough, of course, but I second the “You have your health and each other!” bent. Obviously it’s not an ideal situation, but it does free him up to do some career soul-searching so that the next job is more on target with the long term. Ideally, right!
I like your attitude! Your great attitude reminds me of KEYS: Keep Empowering Yourself Successfully.
I am grateful for:
1. I am still fit and healthy;
2. I have a job; and
3. I have enough to eat.
I’m grateful it’s Friday and that the weather is still warm enough to go swimming in the sea… I’m lucky enough to live just 10 mins away. Have a great weekend!