What’s a Vacation?

frugal
I haven't had too many vacations in my life. When I was growing up I was the oldest of seven children and frankly we couldn't afford to go on vacation.  I remember one time – when there were only five children, the youngest an infant – we were piled into my stepfather's bright red-orange  Chevy Vega and driven to visit his parents who lived in California. I don't remember too much about the trip, except it was a long drive… Read the rest

I Feel Like I Keep Getting Knocked Down

My Two Cents
Just when I start feeling optimistic about our debt, thinking we are finally making some progress, something happens that totally blows me out of the water. Like the newest huge chunk of debt, the air conditioning unit having to be replaced. I guess if things continue with Mr. A's business like they have been, going along pretty steadily, and we are able to make a $500 dent each month, then it should only be four months until we are back… Read the rest

The Deal We Got On Our Air Conditioner

spending money
It was still expensive, but it would have been a lot more had it not been for Mr. Fierce generously allowing Mr. A to purchase a unit at cost.  So far the unit was $1500 and the duct work modifications have come to just over $400.  And Mr. A was able to do the entire installation himself, so there was no cost there. It was really horrible here while the air conditioner was out.  It would get as hot as… Read the rest

Air Conditioning Woes II – The Home Version

spending money
Yesterday Mr. A called me and asked if I had a minute… he needed to talk to me.  Whenever he prefaces a conversation like that, I have to take a deep breath and tell myself everything's going to be okay.  He was calling me around 12:30pm and apparently he'd already done everything he could to try to fix the problem, but had been unable.  So he finally had to call and share the bad news with me. The compressor on… Read the rest