Just when I think we may be getting ahead, something unforseen happens. Things are needing to be replaced around here. Coffee maker quit, central A.C. went out, etc...
Bought a new John Deere riding mower a few days ago. Love it! I researched Consumer Reports (as I do for all large purchases), and this one was a "best buy". Though it killed me we financed it. No interest for 12 mos. We will pay it off a lot quicker than that though. I figured that our priority is to get the em. fund fully funded first ($10,500.00 more to go.) We sold our old mower for $250.00, so that offsets the price a little.
I'm getting things around for a garage sale and am decluttering. It's a bit discouraging. I just keep telling myself one thing at a time. 
Adding $18.00 to the challenge for coupons, bringing the total to $2040.00
One step forward, two steps back
June 18th, 2008 at 02:24 pm
June 18th, 2008 at 03:56 pm 1213804561
Wishing you patience and stamina!
June 18th, 2008 at 05:14 pm 1213809266
Also, I would probably just take the money out of the EF and pay off the John Deere rather then taking on more debt.
We all lose focus of our goals at some point and I think that's what happened here. I am not trying to be hard on you. I just think you need to refocus and work that budget.
By the way, i would love to have a riding mower. I have .75 acres that I use a push mower on. After I pay off my debt, fully fund my EF, and save up cash, then I will buy a riding mower. Until then, I'll be spending 3 hours a week mowing my lawn.
Good luck on your goals and keep the focus.
June 18th, 2008 at 07:50 pm 1213818626
June 19th, 2008 at 06:36 am 1213857414
I sacrifice in other areas to accomidate purchases such as this. I shop grocery sales (with coupons) and stock up. Cook from scratch a lot. DH packs his lunches from leftovers for work. I currently have a couch that I got at a garage sale four years ago for $75.00. I don't get my nails done. We don't throw big parties, etc.... Everyone has different priorities.
We are debt free except for our mortgage (and now the mower), and we have worked hard to attain that.
We live way below our means. Our monthly mortgage payment is only 5% of my DH's gross monthly pay and last mo I actually started applying an extra principle payment. We could easily get a bigger and better house, but currently that is not our goal.
With diligence we hope to fully fund our EF, and fully fund out Roths by April 2009.
I'm sorry if I come across as crass. I certainly don't mean to. I just thought thought you should know some background.