The Money Saver Thread

[Eric***]

I have a bit of a conundrum in the money savings area: I could have my Internet and cable TV for free, and pay a significantly discounted price for my phone, save on gas by driving a shorter distance to work, and live closer to the major shopping centers, thereby saving more gas, if I just moved to Salem. As it is, we live in a small town about 20 miles from Salem, where we like the school my fiancee's daughter attends, and we rent a three bedroom house with a finished attic that is my music room for a very reasonable price. If we moved, we'd have to move the kid to a new school, and we'd have a hard time finding a house that isn't three feet away from neighbors on both sides. The utilities are also more expensive in Salem. I really like the small town feeling of community, and it feels safe to walk the streets at night here. I live right next door to the post office, and a block from the library. There's a beer and wine bar within easy stumbling distance, and a new Indian restaurant that has excellent food. Another obstacle is that my fiancee just does not want to move. Since she's the mom, that pretty much is the law. Unfortunately for me, I guess.

I feel you, but you also have to think that you could use no electricity, not have internet, own no cars and just walk everywhere, and not buy any new guitars. That's an option, but it's not a very appealing one. There will always be an opportunity cost for your decisions, monetary or otherwise, but if it's important enough to you, it's worth spending the money on it. It sounds like you're in a pretty good situation right now. Enviable, I'd say.

Seems like it might be worth it to pay the extra costs. There does come a point where it is worth it; we all just have to find where that point is for us.

[FrankenFretter***]

I feel you, but you also have to think that you could use no electricity, not have internet, own no cars and just walk everywhere, and not buy any new guitars. That's an option, but it's not a very appealing one. There will always be an opportunity cost for your decisions, monetary or otherwise, but if it's important enough to you, it's worth spending the money on it. It sounds like you're in a pretty good situation right now. Enviable, I'd say.

Seems like it might be worth it to pay the extra costs. There does come a point where it is worth it; we all just have to find where that point is for us.

Good point. Thanks, Eric. There are plenty of things that mean more than money, and peace of mind and a happy family are right up at the top.

[Bloozcat]

I feel you, but you also have to think that you could use no electricity, not have internet, own no cars and just walk everywhere, and not buy any new guitars. That's an option, but it's not a very appealing one. There will always be an opportunity cost for your decisions, monetary or otherwise, but if it's important enough to you, it's worth spending the money on it. It sounds like you're in a pretty good situation right now. Enviable, I'd say.

Seems like it might be worth it to pay the extra costs. There does come a point where it is worth it; we all just have to find where that point is for us.

That's good advice, Eric!

You have to prioritize your life. If all of your needs are met, and your financial plan is in place and funded, then what's left is what you use to create a lifestyle. Quality of life is up to each individual, but without it, what's the point of our efforts?