A week or two ago, Fiance and I found out that the neighborhood we live in, had two bedroom townhome available. Thrilled for the extra space, we got a bit excited. Like, really really excited.
Unfortunately, with my unsteady freelance income, and not so many hours at the gym so I can freelance more, leaves us with an uncertainty whether we’ll be able to afford a $200-$400 increase in rent.
Let me just tell you, being responsible is kind of a b**ch.
We figured, financially, to be able to get us out of debt, and since student loans are coming out of deferrments in the coming months and yadda yadda yadda, we should not take the new townhome (likely with a backyard) in lieu of paying down debt.
Instead, rather than $4800 say increase in rent over the next year, we’re going to sink $1000 in our home now to make it better. To better use the space and make it more conducive to entertaining (which it is currently not…thanks puppies).
Our plans include:
*moving furniture around (free)
*installing hardwood floors (~$250)
*buying a new chair to replace oversized sofa (pullout) ($100-$250 depending on if we buy it new or off craigslist)
*buying a new china cabinet to replace the POS one we bought from IKEA that’s way too small ($$$)
*buying new dining room chairs (ikea $250ish)
*Painting the wall that currently has bookshelves on it ($100)
*new entertainment center that better uses the space
I’m really excited. Once everything is done, I’m certain we’ll be having a “re-housewarming party” because we really do love our parties…even if the only one we throw is really our annual Christmas party which is…always a good time.
Sometimes, I’ve learned, being responsible and making decisions means that you sacrifice what you want to do for what’s best. It’s definitely been one of the toughest lessons of my 20’s but learning with someone who’s as fabulous as fiance, makes it all the more fun. I’ve mastered the art of making the best of what you’ve got. Not a bad skill to master if I do say so myself.
I am however, really excited about the new look once this all finished. We’re hoping to have all the upgrades done before the wedding. I’m just excited to have flooring that doesn’t smelll like dog pee constantly anymore. Ugh! And yes, y’all can expect before and after pictures of the apartment as we begin to make changes.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Ha… I didn’t think I would be first….
Changing major stuff in the house is fun… Definately have to post before and after pictures.
Even decluttering is fun. Is that weird?
Reminds me of that SNL sketch “Don’t buy stuff you can’t afford!” Good for you for resisting temptation. Your future will thank you.
a new task for my to-do list: master the art of making the best of what you’ve got… love it!
My fiance and I have been playing around with the idea of buying a house. We realized it would cause too much debt, so we’re putting it on hold. As much as it sucks to stay where you are sometimes…it will be worth it in the long run.
It always kinda sucks when you realize that something you really want, even if doable, might not be the best course of action. Hazards of adulthood. Also what’s weird is that sometimes when you make these sacrifices you feel better about yourself. I remember once I did not listen to reason, and I did what I wanted anyway. It wasn’t too disastrous, but I couldn’t enjoy the fruits of what I wanted because I was too busy feeling guilty, knowing I shouldn’t have done it. <3
Cannot wait to see the before and after pictures! I’m glad you guys are going to be fixing up your place, though, because I love it.
I can’t wait to have a place to invest in! That I can paint and redo things and all that fun stuff!!
How come your loans are still in deferrment? I’m jealous. I pay out the a$$ each month for mine, LOL!
On a random note, I might be hosting our next book club and need suggestions… A bunch of the girls were English majors and/or journalists. Our last book was good [Little Bee by Chris Cleave]. This book was not so good [The Gathering by Ann Enright]. I want something not filled with death [like these] but interesting and fiction – any suggestions?
i thought about moving too with matt, but with wedding in the future it didn’t make sense to move and pay more. but i’m with you, definitely working on ideas to spice up our place now and i’m excited!
Man being responsible SUCKS!