Eyes On The Dollar 20/20 Roundup#34-Being Normal
With tragic events happening, like those this week in Boston,it’s hard to go about my normal routine without seeming callous or pointless. I really feel like I should be doing something meaningful, but in a way maybe going about my routine is meaningful? Life goes on, whether evil people do bad things or not, so maybe the way to win is to appreciate each day, but not to let things beyond our control take take too much away from our normal everyday lives. Regardless, my thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this week, and I hope they can find a way to find hope and peace.
In some lighter and happier news, Jim did get the new job he interviewed for earlier this week. It will be a 57% increase in salary but a 100% decrease in job security. Can’t have everything right? We are very excited for this new chapter in our lives.
This week also marked a huge milestone in our journey to financial independence as we paid off all of our student loans. Jim’s payment has varied over the years, but I’ve been sending $302/month for almost 13 years, and while it was hard to let go of the cash, I’m so excited to NOT see that payment coming out next month! To celebrate, we’ve finally decided to replace our torn up ottoman. It’s been like this for two years, but we were determined not to buy any furniture until these debts were gone, although we did have to hide it when people came over. We’re not total rednecks. I’ll have some final thoughts about student loans coming up soon. You guys left some great comments on the prior post that I feel should be addressed more in depth.
Finally, I had a gum graft surgery yesterday. I have receding gums, which I guess is better than a receding hairline, but this is the second time I’ve had to have this procedure. Basically, they cut a layer of tissue off the roof of your mouth and stitch it to your gums. I’m on a liquid diet for a few days and soft food for a while. Why is it that you only crave hamburgers and popcorn when you can’t have them?
Vote
My friend John over at Frugal Rules has made the Final Four in the Free Money Finance March Madness! Head over and vote for him. His post is Steps.
Carnivals
I had the pleasure of participating in two carnivals this week.
Financial Literacy Awareness Carnival: Why It Matters to Me at the Heavy Purse
Carnival of Financial Independence, 7th Edition at Reach Financial Independence
Mentions
Thanks to these wonderful bloggers who were kind enough to share my posts this week. You can have my old ottoman.
Frugal Rules
Faithful With a Few
I Heart Budgets
Fun Search Terms
wow i paid off my cat-Wow, indeed. I think you can get one from the shelter without financing.
peeing at a koa campground– Really?
why am i becoming rude– You don’t read enough personal fiance blogs?
what is a ton of credit card debt-Anything you can’t pay off every month!
i hate flowers but you can still buy me some– Way to confuse the poor guy!
20/20 Posts of the Week
Do I Need an Emergency Fund? One Cat’s Dilemma was a great guest post from Tonya’s cat, Pepe at Budget and the Beach. Pepe, it sounds like you do.
We Will Run-You Can’t Hide at the Happy Homeowner. You never know how a split second decision can change your life.
Help! How in the World Do You Find Time to Blog? at Luke 1428. I think I haven’t found as much as I need lately.
Blog Advertising Part II-Advertiser Tricks at Modest Money. I have totally free quality guest post for you amazing site!
How Debt Started My Quest for Financial Literacy at Debt Roundup. I love a good credit card payoff story!
And if you need a good chuckle,
The Tale of the Possum: Time to Learn a New Kind of Tough. I don’t know about you, but I think Laurie should share a picture from her tough days!
20 Things I Have Learned Since Becoming a Dad at Monster Piggy Bank. Poop, puke, and boobs. What more can you want?
Have a great weekend! What was your latest furniture purchase?
Written By
Yay for the new job! Boo for the gum surgery-that just sounds terrible. Hoe you’re recovering OK.
Congratulations to Jim on his new job!! He’s going to be great in his new role. And how very exciting to pay off your student loans. You won’t miss them, but you will enjoy your new ottoman! Thanks again for participating in the Financial Literacy Awareness Carnival. 🙂
Thanks for the share, Kim. :-). I’ll have to dig out those pics, LOL. SO happy for Jim and his new job, and for the student loans being gone: yea!!!!! The surgery sounds painful – hope it’s better today.
When tragedies like this occur, I find being out in nature is a healing thing. Also making an effort to help someone else, even if it has not connection to the tragedy, feels right. If I can just do something positive for someone, make a connection with someone, it somehow helps me deal with the tragedy. It’s never easy, but keeping busy doing normal things also is a way of healing. It’s a matter of keeping hope in the midst of sadness.
I guess you better stay away from my blog post today then. Sorry to hear you are on a liquid diet for a few days but at least your gums will be sorted out. That’s awesome news that he got the job and that you paid off your school debts …. 🙂 Well on your way mate….. Have a great weekend!!
I’m so glad that he got the job, hopefully he will be happier and the job security won’t matter too much.
Thanks for including my link, I hope you are having an awesome weekend!
Sounds like you had quite the week Kim! Congrats on Jim getting the new job, that’s awesome! In regards to furniture purchases, we’re going to be buying a new mattress here in the next month or so as our current one is on its last legs. Thanks so much for mentioning me being in the Final Four. 🙂
Thank you for the mention Kim. Also, congrats to Jim on the new job. I am sure it will be good.
He’s very excited. Thanks.
Ha glad that person’s cat is paid off 😛
And I know what you mean, do I go about as though everything is normal? Is that rude or is that best?
I think it’s best to go on with life. Otherwise the bad guys win.