I grew up watching my parents juggle bills. There were car payments, credit card payments, interest rates, etc. And I would think to myself: “How on earth does that happen? It’s not going to happen to me.” Well, much to my surprise it’s incredibly easy to accumulate massive amounts of debt.
In the four short years since Chad and I have lived together in Arizona we have managed to rack up a large sum of debt; a debt that will ultimately keep our household a two-income household. We have a mortgage, two car payments, two student loan payments and a personal loan payment from our bank. I remain amazed at how easy it all was. Luckily, our one and only credit card has a zero balance right now.
I can’t seem to remember when we went over the deep-end or got to a place where living on one-income was no longer a possibility. We adapted, we adjusted to our increasing salaries and our increasing need for more stuff. We bought cars and houses and re-landscaped backyards and the thought of having a baby wasn’t even a possibility.
Lately I have been feeling really sorry for myself; saying words and phrases like “unfair” “why me” and “if only.” However, I have stayed away from words like “responsibility” “accountability” and “grown-up”. So, while it is with a heavy heart, I accept our fate and I realize I will have to work and put Cayden in daycare because *I* choose to get a new house, a new car and a new backyard. Nobody gave me these bills and it’s nobody’s responsibility but my own to make sure they are paid every month.
I am also going to take solace in knowing that I don’t have to make a decision today and that a lot can change between now and 5 months from now. And I am still going to fight the good fight, because in the end when I do end up having to drop Cayden off at daycare I want to know in my heart that I did *everything* I could to stay at home and take care of him.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Melissa Reed. You are so mature and grownup, I can't wait to see what a wonderful mother you're going to be. I know it's got to be hard, but at least you're doing this the right way. I see way too many mothers who get on WIC and medicaid, and just expect their child to be paid for by the government. Then, the "suddenly" have the money to buy cars and all these other extravagances. You guys are doing the right thing by making a plan and being prepapred. And also, by taking responsibility for the decisions you've made.
With that said, I know you guys will get it all figured out and baby Cayden will be well taken care of.
Love you!
Melissa, you will do great! Daycare can sound scary, but in the end you will find one that won't be and you and Chad will be able to raise one awesome baby Cayden!
Post a Comment