It's November and guess what that means? It's time for our monthly financial check-up. How did you do in October?
I've been waiting with bated breath to be able to post our monthly financial update because this is another huge milestone for us. And I finally get to share…
We began October at 69% of our house savings goal and we ended the month at 75%!
While it looks like we're likely not quite going to make our goal of being at 100% by the end of 2009, it is incredibly exciting for us to be at 75%!
It is hard to go against the grain, to live counter-culturally, to be self-disciplined.
It's hard to forgo instant gratification and stop comparing yourself with the "Jones's".
It's hard when you're the only one packing a lunch, driving an old car, wearing thrift store clothes, and clipping coupons.
It's hard when you see other people just going out and buying whatever they want whenever they want it when you're barely able to afford paying $17 for groceries that week but you're committed to paying 100% cash for everything.
None of where we are today has happened by taking the easy road. It's the result of God's grace and enabling, it's the result of our parents' wise examples and training, it's the result of a strong work ethic instilled in us from the time we were youngsters, it's the result of setting big goals and sticking with those goals day in and day out–even when we felt like giving up.
When I look at that 75% house savings number in our bank account, I know that it is worth it to choose to do hard things. We've learned so many valuable lessons along the way, our struggles have matured us, our victories have emboldened us.
And we know beyond any shadow of a doubt, that making short-term sacrifices to achieve long-term goals is every bit worth it.
(If you're new here, be sure to check out this post where I explain in detail why we've committed to this "crazy" idea to pay 100% down on a home. )
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How did you do in October? Whether
or not you posted financial goals for 2009, please take a moment to
post about your financial successes and/or failures in October and, if you'd like, the areas
you hope to improve in November. Then, come back here and leave your link
below. If you don't have a blog or would rather share anonymously, feel
free to leave your update in a comment. Let's all keep each other
accountable to be better stewards of
our resources!