Thursday, September 20, 2007

Money, money, money, money

Although our last check hasn't been cashed yet, it's good to know that we have sent it and Matt's parents should have received it by now. That means we have paid off our $10,000 loan we borrowed when we moved here a little under a year and a half ago. While we had enough in savings for a down payment and closing costs, we would have been tight trying to get things like washer/dryer, fridge, etc. It was super helpful to have the loan, but I'm very happy that they have their money back and we are debt free (minus the mortgage) with a decent savings before the baby comes. My income wasn't super great this past year, but it was extremely helpful in reaching our goals.

We decided, with that behind us, we can now use my piano lesson money to save for MATCHING, NEW living room furniture! We should be able to make that purchase in the next couple of months. Possibly before Christmas. Possibly after Christmas. Who really cares? It's just nice to know we won't be living in a DI showroom forever!!

15 comments:

Lindsay said...

Wow! Way to go! I'm looking forward to the day when we get the large (think out-of-state graduate student tuition) student loan paid off. And then maybe we, too, can invest in quality, matching, wasn't-handed-down-for-free furniture. Until then, I guess I'll have to live vicariously through you. ;)

Brian & Veronica said...

Wonderful Celia! I get so excited to hear about so many of my great friends doing so well and really enjoying life! I can't wait for you to have your baby, and like other commenters have said, you're incredibly fit and I admire you determination to stay that way and not let something like pregnancy take that away from you. I love that about you. There are so many things I'm learning about you that I feel bad for not noticing in highschool. I've always known you were accomplished and an over achiever, but simple things like exercise are actually really hard to stay committed to during trying times. Not that yours is trying....I'm not being clear here. I just mean, good job and keep it up!
Love, Veronica

Brian & Veronica said...

P.S., post more pictures of you, you're gorgeous and I love seeing your prego body! It's my fave! Love, V

Juls said...

That is the reason we are leaving everything behind when we move...that is going to be the day when we have matching furniture (that wasn't really cheap 10 years ago!) What are you thinking? leather? print? hum...

Celia Marie (W.) B. said...

V-
I'll probably take pics. next Tuesday since that will make a month from my last picture update. Plus I'll have had another Dr.'s appointment. Maybe I'll have my strep results from the test I did today. I was dilated to 1 cm today. We'll see if it's still the same on Tues. haha.

J-
I absolutely DETEST leather. I know, I know...most people think I'm crazy. I hate how it feels. I hate how it smells. It's expensive and gets scratched and ruined easily.

As for prints, there aren't many I find appealing. I'm not very fond of florals or plaids.

I am all for solid color microfiber. Cleans sooo nicely and feels good on the skin. Something that looks kind of like this, but maybe not quite so sage.

FoxyJ said...

We were just visiting some friends and they had a lovely, practically new microfiber sofa set that they found on craigslist. The set was only four months old and about a fourth the cost of a new one. I know in our area I've seen new or practically new furniture on there from time to time, so when you do have the cash you might want to keep an eye out for a bargain that way. Just FYI. Oh, and I hate leather sofas too. You're not alone.

Celia Marie (W.) B. said...

I've actually found sets similar to this on Craig's List, but the fabric seems to always be a little too light. And Matt didn't like the idea of getting our "new furniture" second hand once again.

Juls said...

interesting...I haven't really thought what I would get. I like the set that you showed. I have never heard of that web-site. It looks like it has good stuff. The only thing I like to lounge on it first!

Kind of agree with Matt...if you are going to get new then get new.

Celia Marie (W.) B. said...

I've never heard of that site either. I just did a web search for Ashley microfiber living room set since I knew they made one similar to what I like. I agree I'd have to sit in it and see it in person before buying it! Colors are always different in person, and you never know how firm or soft or deep, etc. a couch is until you actually sit on it.

Erin said...

Congratulations! It's always exciting when you get to pay off anything! Also, I'm so excited for your new furniture. Definitely share with us all.

Celia Marie (W.) B. said...

It cleared today!

Erin said...

We so know the feeling! We sat on camp chairs for the first three months we lived here.

We did a lot of shopping around and my big suggestion is to sit on ALL of them. And make sure the spit-up will clean easily. I insisted on leather just for that reason and am glad I did. Spencer didn't get it until after Anna came.

Celia Marie (W.) B. said...

Microfiber is designed to clean well, repel liquids, and resist staining. It is the only thing I will insist on. Color and style are up for debate.

Leather. *shudder* Good thing Matt dislikes leather as much as I do.

CACKEL said...

now i know what you will be thinking when you sit on the new leather couches that we are getting for our family room-- *shudder*. JUST KIDDING. We don't know when we are getting new couches, but they are going to be brown leather. I think that they are a different look than microfiber, a little more "study" or "library" or something. I really liked those couches, and the website was awesome. I spent a lot of time on that website. It is going to be so nice for you to get brand new stuff.

Celia Marie (W.) B. said...

Cackel, it's kind of like my whole pet issue. I shudder at the thought of ever owning an indoor (or even outdoor) pet such as a dog or cat, etc. That does not, however, mean that others shouldn't enjoy them. By all means, enjoy away. I won't think poorly of you or your house. It's all personal preference.

You're right, though, about the leather giving off a much more formal feel. It's very study-like.