TGIF!


9 Comments
Sally 1

Johnny just arrived home from yet another business trip, which is partially why I mentioned Monday that I wanted to stay busy… it helps the time speed by while he’s away. Thanks for the great comments on Wednesday’s post about buying a rental before we buy our own place. You’ve given us a lot to think about, and it’s something we’re very cautiously exploring. We’ve been official Utah residents for over a year now, and I think we’re getting the itch to just do something since this is usually around the time we pack up and move somewhere new. It’s hard when you’re not sure what the future holds and you’re not really working toward anything specific — aside from working hard at a full-time job (Johnny) and keeping your toddler alive (me), which are both pretty all-consuming in and of themselves.

Right now, I’d describe us as coasting financially. Is that a bad thing? I’m not sure. Neither of us likes coasting in any sense — unless it’s referring to watching an entire season of our favorite TV show. So we’ll keep you posted on whether we make any big financial changes or decisions in the near future.

Since it’s Friday and since the weekend is a mere few hours away, I thought I’d forego the nitty-gritty financial talk today and instead share a few pictures of Sally. This girl has found her calling in life and it is chalk art. I use that term very loosely. But she could spend the whole day drawing with it on the ground, on her shirt, and occasionally sticking out her tongue for a little taste. The photo at the top? Utter joy. Have a great weekend, friends.

Sally 2

Sally 4

Sally 3

Sally 5

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9 Comments

  • Reply Mrs. Frugalwoods September 26, 2014 at 7:31 am

    Such a cutie! Love that she’s got chalk all over :). I don’t think coasting financially is a bad thing for financially responsible people like you. I think it’s only a danger when people coast into debt or neglect their savings.

    • Reply Joanna October 7, 2014 at 12:12 am

      Sally’s always got something all over! She stays clean for a hot minute.

      You’re right. I guess we’re not really coasting… we’re still making goals and saving money, but it feels like coasting since we’re not working toward anything specific.

  • Reply Miranda September 26, 2014 at 9:59 am

    I don’t think that coasting financially is bad, especially if you know it’s temporary. And because you guys are investing and actively saving, it probably just feels like coasting, when in fact your money is out there working for you (slowly). But, I do totally know what you mean. It feels so good to be able to check something off of the financial to-do list, even if it’s small. =) Have a great weekend!

    • Reply Joanna October 7, 2014 at 12:13 am

      Yes, maybe I just like lists and checking things off! The important thing is that we’re saving and setting goals, even if it’s not very exciting!

  • Reply Rob September 26, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    Hi Joanna. Hope you saw my comment on your last blog entry (re: owning to rent to achieve passive income). I also later sent you a private email with a link on further things to consider about that strategy. I know that you guys don’t wish to coast (money-wise) and worry that your money might not be working hard enough for you. Earning passive income (like we do) is a good way to address this. That said, however, real estate investing is not the only one way to acquire passive income. Real estate represents just one asset class. One can also invest in other equity investments, earning regular monthly dividends, which can also generate passive income. This is the strategy that we use. Over the years we reinvested our dividend income (on a dollar cost averaging basis) and now, having retired, we are now taking some of our dividend income out as one of our retirement income streams. I can send you some links about this approach if you care to read more on this subject.

    It’s cute to see Sally playing with her chalk art masterpieces! 🙂
    (brings back fond memories when our kids used to do the same)

    Have a great weekend.

    • Reply Joanna October 7, 2014 at 12:21 am

      Rob, I never got your email! I checked my inbox and my spam inbox, and I didn’t find anything from you. I don’t think we’ll be jumping into real estate investing anytime soon. The rental option we were considering would have been a vacation rental, and after looking into it, there would have been too many hoops to jump through. I would be interested in reading more about monthly dividends. I’d just like to see our money doing more than it’s currently doing! My email is joanna@ourfreakingbudget.com.

      • Reply Rob October 7, 2014 at 5:23 pm

        No worries, Joanna – you got mail! 🙂

  • Reply mrs TIP September 26, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    such sweet pictures! it’s really hard when daddies/husbands are away. y’all have a wonderful weekend!

    • Reply Joanna October 7, 2014 at 12:22 am

      Thanks! Johnny has gone on one too many business trips as of late, so we’re really savoring our time with him right now!

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