A testimony from Melissa at Far From Flawless
Last fall, I sold the Little Tykes backyard playset that we were quickly outgrowing. We needed (and used) the cash for a Thanksgiving trip to visit family who live far away. I was hopeful that we could save enough for a larger, sturdier, wooden playset this spring. It took us a bit longer because of unexpected medical needs, but last week we were thrilled to have our new-to-us swing set and fort installed.
How We Saved
Great Grandma gives each child $20 for their birthday and we had three birthdays from January to May. My oldest son opted to give his birthday money to the missions project at VBS, but the rest was saved for the swing set. Great Grandma sent us a bit extra, too, which was also applied to the fund. Thank you, Nana!
In the ongoing effort to purge, I listed and then sold several knick-knacks around the home on Craigslist. We capped off our swing set savings fund with $55 earned when we included items at my mother’s garage/moving sale.
How We Found a Deal
After watching all the sales and pricing swing sets at home improvement stores, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, I determined that purchasing brand-new was just too much for this single mama’s budget. My next step was to scour Craigslist, which I did. The very few that came available in our area were overpriced extremely worn and needing repair, and/or looked overwhelming to relocate and construct myself.
I had just about given up the idea (and almost convinced my children the park was just as good), when a friend made a passing commenting about her children getting a new trampoline because they had outgrown their swing set. *Ding *Ding *Ding!
Sure enough, she was willing to sell at a great price because she was grateful for the yard space. And to top it all off, she convinced her husband to haul and set up the new-to-us swing set at our house!
We are just thrilled!
Surprised to find herself in the role of single mother, Missy is a hard-working optimist doing her best to enjoy life and demonstrate Christ’s faithfulness in this not-so-perfect world. Three little ones provide joy and purpose along with many “growth opportunities.” Missy blogs about the adventures and pitfalls of life at Far From Flawless.
Have you saved up and paid cash for something — large or small? Submit your story for possible publication here.
Heidi says
I sure hope all works out with the recall, because I want to say you are a super mom.
kim says
hi. i was happy to read your story and see your beautiful family. it was posted on a site i read, money saving mom. however, i wouldn’t be a good mother myself if i didn’t share this. i also have that swingset. it is the DURANGO 1 AP016-07 edition from WALMART, 2007. it is either labeled under ‘backyard discovery’ or ‘adventire playsets’. it has had 2 major recalls. the second one was just this week for rotting wood. PLEASE call 877-840-9068 or go to http://www.recall.adventureplaysets.com
the letter of recall this week says to stop using the swingset at once. i am sorry to be a downer, but, i was furious to receive our 2nd recall and had to share. i read the info right off of the form letter we were sent. please contact them for replacement parts. good luck, kim
Kim @GoingThifty says
Oh my! Missy, your family is beautiful. All four of you. Those kiddos will enjoy this set for years to come. Good job!
Amanda says
I just love when God provides like this! We were able to sell our old car, which didn’t run at all and needed more than $5K work done, to a neighbor from a few blocks away who “happened” to be walking by when my husband was taking the plates off. The whole transaction was done in less than 2 hours! Congrats on your new swing set!
Valarie says
You may be aware, but I believe that brand has had several recalls. The most recent was just a month ago-
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11262.html
If yours hasn’t had the repair kit installed, you should take care of it immediately.
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled swing sets and contact Adventure Playsets to obtain a free repair kit. Repair kits will include the appropriate angled or vertical upright posts for each model with instructions for dissembling and reassembling each set.
Patti says
I believe in the power of getting the word out about our needs and wants. In The Tightwad Gazette, that is recommended and it works! I asked to borrow a beach umbrella and when I brought it home, the owner said, “just keep it!” I told this story to the moms in our playgroup and one of them laughingly said,”I want a swingset and slide.” The very next week an older lady asked me if I wanted a set for my son…she had one in her backyard that she wanted removed!! So congratulating on your success and put the word out for the next item on your wishlist!!
Lori says
Great find Missy! I’ve been looking for one on Craigslist all summer…
I love your blog by the way. What a lovely family you have 😉
Heather @ Family Friendly Frugality says
That’s an AWESOME swing set! Looks like the kids love it! Money well spent mama!
crystal says
thank you so much for sharing your story! your new set is beautiful and so is that stunning family ;)!