Friday, September 30, 2022

Friday Free for All -More Adjustments

      It feels trite to write about my ho hum, but safe life, and feel anything but grateful for it right now. I've gotten updates from my brother but am thinking of bloggers in our states hit hard and still in the path of the hurricane. I hope all who are able to help financially will, and heard cash for relief efforts is what's needed most. 

Spending Plug 

     Being able to contribute a bit extra is good incentive for a spending plug. I think we're set for grandpup doggie daycare and overnights, minus some organization. There's nothing like the love of dogs and now we've another one to love on. Who needs to carelessly spend money on frivolous things? I decided my clothes for work are just fine. Even after November when I go in 1-2 days per week, no one will notice or care that these were the same dress pants, jackets, and tops I wore three years  and + ago. I actually felt proper professional. I can't imagine office wear has changed too much. 

     Both DH and I are trying to eat healthier and that means continued cooking from scratch or near scratch, and avoiding unhealthy processed stuff. It's also continued incentive to avoid waste. Lunch today will be the bits of leftovers, nice and simple, and loaded with vegetables. 

Truly Fall 

     It's time to put my fall decorations out. I can do pumpkins come October 1. I don't have a lot, but enough for a little nod to fall. Though, after the frost scare Wednesday morning, we've got 70's back. While I like summer, glorious fall, leave watching, and outdoor walks with a lift jacket or shirt sleeves, but not sweating from heat is a simple pleasure. 




New House/Old House 

     While my daughter's house is new to her, it's an old house. One hundred twenty two to be exact. Things will be funky and I'm sure there was creative solutions over the years. It sucks to have an expense is early, but she had to have an electrician out because a whole panel of outlets in her kitchen failed. No bill yet, but it sounds like an easy fix and he was there and gone under an hour. The service call alone though was steep. See top entry- plugging holes. 

     Our house was built in 1988, sat for nearly two years due to the builder going bankrupt before it closed, then bought by my sister's law firm. We bought it contract for deed as is from the law firm. New house, but lots of not quite finished or not finished right issues. Still, we had two of us to worry and resolve, though also had two kids. I refuse to say my daughter is alone, as we'll support her in resolving things, but I know she feels that weight. DH filled her water softener with salt and made sure she had another basement smoke detector and CO2 detector. She's our girl and while not required per inspection to add these, we 100% wanted to. 

     I'll be honing in watching the weather throughout the day. I hope my South Carolina colleagues got home safe yesterday. Feel free to add your own Friday Free for All thoughts. 



23 comments:

  1. The thing I love about personal finance, is that you can make cuts for things that are unimportant to you, and redirect that money elsewhere. If a friend or neighbor has other priorities, they can adjust. It's all about understanding your own top needs & financial goals, and prioritizing accordingly.

    We're in a season of life where, other than core bills, my biggest priorities are: getting the kids successfully through high school/prepped for the future, and family time (which, means travel, in most cases). A totally different season than I expect us to be in, in say 5 years. It's so helpful to see everyone adjusting & adapting to their life phase, and gives me creative ideas of how to think of my own priorities.

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    1. Tonight's entertainment is at my sister's playing cards. Can't get more fun or thrifty. I have lingering expenses with my youngest but mostly, were done. We'll until things like weddings, house stuff , etc etc.

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  2. I'm sure that despite your daughter feeling as though this is all her responsibility, she is grateful that you and your husband are helping out with what you can. A little extra inexpensive safety is worth the time and money and is priceless when you look at the whole picture. It is also nice to feel needed, as parents, especially with the empty nest that you are trying to adjust to also. Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most and I'm sure it fills your daughters heart with love, knowing that you are both there for her. Ranee

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    1. That's exactly how I feel. He saw a need, took care of it, but explained why. We were probably helped more times than we can remember by both sets of parents.

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  3. People helping people is important, more so when it is your child. Everyone needs someone upon whom to lean. If any of you can afford it, this house needs a complete rewiring. The things that were found in my walls were deplorable and scary. Knob and tube (K&T) is dangerous. I had it replaced when I found it. It was standard when her house was built, mine, too. It will be found in the hardest to see places because the other applications are evident and can be ignored by electricians doing upgrades. Also, if her insurance gets wind of K&T, the insurance company will demand it be upgraded. Just a heads up for her safety.

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    1. Her house has been rewired, and us not knob and tube. It was a quick fix, but the service call alone was a yikes.

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  4. I know what you mean about helping your kids out, but hey, that's what parenting is about right? (or at least it should be)! I'm sure she's so grateful to know you have her back. As for Ian, I have two friends in Florida (Fort Myers and Orlando) and haven't been able to get hold of them yet. I'm sure they're fine but I'm also hoping the same applies to their homes. What a stress it must be for them!

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    1. I think she is glad. She just thinks about possible problems. Eventually it will just feel like her home. It's just still new. I hope for safety for your friend's. It's devastating.

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  5. Went to my sister’s during the storm- got home and lots of debris in the yard but no fallen trees. I was tired so read in bed for an hour or so with a fan blowing on me as usual. About an hour ago I went outside to start cleaning up and someone had cleaned up most of my yard!!!! It must have been a neighbor but honestly, I’m not close to any of them any more. I hope I’ll see someone out soon snd I can subtly say I sure want to thank whoever cleaned up the yard! Im dog sitting the grand dogs since it’s parents weekend at UF but I am not thrilled about it lol. You’re pretty darn nice to your daughter but I’m sure she reciprocates. Nan

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    1. She does do a lot for me. She was the powerhouse getting my office set up last summer. She helps her grandma too, good company. Good neighbors, even if unknown, are gems.

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  6. It is always something with an old house, but you can never get the charm with a new one. Plus she will learn so much about up keep.

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    1. Her house is loaded with charm. It's not big, but feels so big to her right now. Something Minor feels major.

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  7. Having an old house brings its own special set of issues, doesn't it? Our condo is from 1976 and the wiring is crazy - only one or two (maybe) outlets per room! We have a snarl of power-bars for our electrical.

    Sending good vibes for those in the path of the hurricane.

    Today is my friend's memorial and I'm speaking (TWICE), and my hands are sweating just typing that. I'm so nervous, but it will be good to finally celebrate her life and honour her.

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    1. She's fortunate that when her house was rewired, they added multiple outlets. She has no shortage of them. Even her porch has two sets making it nice to be out there working.

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  8. Old or new, houses and apartments always need fixing here and there. Joys of ownership. I am glad your daughter found the house she wanted. Congrats on the granddoggie too.

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    1. I feel our house will never not be in a state of disrepair.

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  9. I hear you on the old house woes, ours is over two-hundred and seventy years old and always needs something doing to it.
    I wish we had 70°C heat!
    Have a fab weekend. x

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    1. 70 c might be a bit warm for humans. Your house I'm sure has evolved through the centuries and decades to be perfect for you.

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  10. I still wear work clothes from ten years ago. Of course, clothes for court are a conservative skirt l,’pants, or dress with an appropriate neckline top , and jacket. The district I practice in is not as strict as some places so some bright colors in suits show up sometimes as well as open tow nice shoes. I generally stick with black or gray skirts, same for tops and jackets. It is just a uniform to me. My two very small houses were both built in 1950 and still had wiring issues. I am putting a metal roof on the retirement house this week.$$$$$. Even when very small at 720 sq ft with additional unfinished basement, it is always something. Cindy in the South

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    1. I could fill a page on a notebook for each room. DH has been cabin focused this summer. He essentially has three properties he has to think about. I think helping my daughter actually just feels like helping compared to our house and the cabins.

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    2. I swear I typed “toes” and spellcheck changed it… lol Cindy in the South

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  11. I enjoy seeing what others do in the fall for decorations. Good for you!

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