Hey mamas, it’s rubber meets road time. I’m writing, and staying at home with the munchkins, scrabbling for time and missing my write goals left and right.

Remember when we opened up credit cards, willy nilly? Remember when the bills came, and the head scratching began–as we stared at the balance, wondering how we had 10 maxed out, $1,000 limit credit cards? A closet full of clothes that would be out of style in 6 months? A leased car? Does any of this sound familiar? or is it just me…

Of course, that was years ago. Pre hubby. Pre children. But that was my foundation. I laid that down, built “who I was” on that debt-mentality before I married Mr. Tight Wallet. Thank the LORD I did. He wrangled me in, made me think of the consequences of spending until I hate to say it, I’ve gone a little overboard the other way…

At any rate, SO, I was struck by an article the other day — and wrote a little rebuttal of things someone in New York decided they could live without. I found out a few things. One, we’re all facing the same stuff — we have to change the way we live our lives. We have to change the way we think. Otherwise, our kids will grow up as naive as we were, and they’ll end up making the same mistakes that we did.
The original article is linked here:

What do you really need?

You can link to what he said, in the original article above… but, this is stuff I can live without. How about you?

1. Monthly Payments: The only thing we’re paying off monthly, is the car. Poor hubby desperately needs a new one. Gotta wait!

2. Window Shopping: I disagree with this one. Window shopping has always been my thing. Ever since I married my DH – the act of buying hasn’t been nearly as much fun. After kids, it became an escape. Now – it’s due to abject terror of above “Monthly Payment.”

3. Bells & Whistles: Those of you who know me know that I have YET to get either a cell phone that can handle FaceBook, Twitter, etc. or an e-reader, even though I write e-books.

4. Clutter: Clutter patrol is a biggie over here. I lament the loss of my housekeeper as I scrub tile grout. I clean clutter, store it, file it, now that I have time at home. Writing, however, is suffering due to my sudden need to see the counter tops. Now, this is an idea I can learn from as soon as my edits are finished. Look for stuff sell online. I certainly buy enough looking for online deals!

5. Cable TV: This is one my hubby won’t budge on. We get DirectTV, and football, baseball packages are his getaway. Can’t ask him to cut back there unless I cut back on my hair. WON’T HAPPEN. See above, look for stuff to sell. Must pay for hair. That is all.

6. Home Phone: Point of current conversation. COULD we reduce our costs by getting rid of the $80 a month phone bill? Could I get a better cell phone with no home phone? Who actually calls us on the home phone anyway? Hmmm. If it could help hubby get baseball package, perhaps we’ll say bye bye to the land line…

7. Privacy: Angels and ministers of grace, defend us! Privacy isn’t one we’re ready to give up on. The worst case scenario would be we give up the house, put everything in storage or sell it (gulp!), and move to Arizona or Arkansas. Um. See again, gulp. God, help us. ON THE BRIGHT SIDE… we are sharing vacations with friends. Going to jam mountain cabins and beach condos with family and friends… I’m willing to sacrifice some privacy for some fun… DON’T Even want to think about the other. Yet.

8. Prepared Foods: On FaceBook the other day I made mention that I was going on strike to watch Julie and Julia. It renewed my faith in two things. Mommy Quiet Time and Cooking. I’ve been cooking ever since. I love to bake. I love to cook. Prepared foods are what Julia Childs fought against! So, yes, I’m up for this.

9. Tupperware Parties: WHO does this guy think he’s kidding? Home Parties have changed in SoCal. We’re having GOLD parties. Leaving with more money than we came with. I’ll be happy to host book exchanges, recipe/cooking parties, and things that aer otherwise constructive. Having home decorator and jewelry parties…it’s over. So 90s.

10. Packaged Cigarettes: Don’t Smoke. Hope you don’t, either! Wine – though. I’m always looking for an EXCELLENT, under 6.00 bottle. Will take suggestions.

11. Lattes: ONLY on very special occasions will I have a Latte. I’ve switched to Mistos when I have to meet a friend for coffee, once a week. We make sure we talk business, and save the receipt! Mistos at starbucks are steamed milk and coffee, and about $2 cheaper.

12. Guilt: His take was on guiltily purchasing the latest technology. ugh. iPad.I’m poning for one. (Daughter #1’s word for MUST HAVE NOW.) Yeah. I saw the iPad. It made me pone. I needed it yesterday. I longingly thought on it for most of the day. Then I got over it. For now. I’ve initiated the “Wait for 30-60-90 days” principle. The one I’m still using to NOT buy a Kindle.

Guilt is for the birds. Yes, my cell phone has been dropped more than even I care to mention. It’s chipped. Old. It doesn’t flip out a little keyboard. It has a double touch text – and I often I text unintelligible words instead of what I “MEANT” To say. However, I have a cheap plan through Tmobile. I’m PONING for an iPad… but, I have a Samsung Blast and the right to change my mind whenever I feel like it. And that equals bliss. For now. Really.

13. Extra Calories: SO, eating out — well, it’s only a once in a great while thing anyway. When DD#2 was young, she took off at The Outback Steakhouse, running free and wild around the entire restaurant screaming at the top of her lungs. I don’t think I’ve fully recovered from that yet, even though that was two years ago.

14. Newspapers & Magazines: Newspapers. Well, we did this. We canceled our subscription to the San Diego Union Tribune. Sorry, SD. We live just north of North County — so, there you go.

Magazines — this is a good one. My dad has been purchasing our favorite magazine (Sunset) as a Christmas gift for many years. We, in turn, give my mother Entertainment Magazine, and send Sunset on to my BFF up in Los Angeles. A cheap gift, but one that can be enjoyed all year long. I am allowed one family magazine – because I got in at the beginning and the price is negligible. I no longer buy magazines at the checkout lines, and since shopping’s at a stand still, there’s no more need for having THE LATEST FASHIONS. I’d rather save $$ and have my hair done.

15. Healthcare: Okay. Here we go. We have what’s called a “Health Savings Account.” It’s a bank account with an auto-payment to potential future medical expenses. We know we’re in for a health-care change in April, when severance is over, and Cobra begins. It’s an unknown. We have a higher deductible, but health is important. It’s all you’ve got. Even the old saying, “Well, you’ve still got your health!” — so remember, don’t skimp on your body. It’s your temple. It’s all you came into this world with. That’s all I’m sayin’.

16. New Gifts: Well, this is one I haven’t heard from before. Haul stuff out of the re-gifting closet and have a re-gifting party. Hmm. I think I might have to try this one out and let you know how it goes…

17. New Cars: I mentioned this already. Yeah. No budget = no new truck for hubby this year. Sorry, sweetie. Looks like the Ford F150 will see 100k after all. Keep oil in it. Next.