So, today is the first Sunday of the month which is Fast Sunday. My fast today is on behalf of us and our financial stewardship in addition to being in behalf of friends who are learning more about the Gospel. I have to say, I'm glad I started fasting with these thoughts in mind today because one of the "to-do's" on my list for this morning was to do our annual budget...and that always starts with a personal net-worth statement. Over the last few years that's improved dramatically, which is the good thing, but it could certainly be better. And it will be in six-months time. But to reach that goal I had to make my first of I'm sure many, tough decisions. Time to be a grown up and responsible and all that jazz...
So - my tough decision. I have a friend who has a beautiful piano. She is selling it. Can I tell you how badly I want a piano? Its my obsession as of late. My solace -- playing. I've been working for the last month on Canon in D and low and behold...when I play it now...you can actually tell what I'm trying to play! :) I love it. It soothes me. I only have a keyboard. And friends who have pianos which for now, I realize is the access I have. I've decided to put off this purchase. It kills me to do so. I'm so used to just deciding, letting Frank know, and then proceeding to purchase. Its a good thing, music. Its not just a totally indulgent desire like clothes shopping when I have a closet full would be. But still, there are so many other places to put $700 right now. And that's the bottom line. If I'm going to talk about becoming a good steward there are changes I have to make to achieve it and be authentic. This is the first step. Since I have access to a keyboard and pianos and purchasing a piano doesn't move us quickly towards our goals I will put this one off. We'll revisit it in six months and see where we're at. If we're according to schedule it should be a much simpler decision at that time. And I really do want this badly enough that it will work as a carrot to staying on track. Which is GREAT. Something very tangible...so so what I need. {sigh}.
So, we have our budget, we know to whom we owe what and how we're going to make those debts go away and fast. We have increased our preparedness savings and created savings accounts with specific tasks (preparedness savings/Christmas savings/Vacation savings). We have a plan for our regular income and a plan for what to do with extra $$ when it comes in (Frank takes on several side jobs throughout the year and my photog business generates income now, which is fun and for a while anyway is in addition to my regular j-o-b). We'll re-evaluate monthly, tweak the framework so to speak and see where we're at regular intervals. But for now...we're in the driver's seat and it feels great.
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