This. We have a good hhi, no mortgage but I cannot justify it over savings and college. |
+1. Kids were doing their own laundry other than turning on the machines from age 5; learned how to turn them on around 9-10. I only do my own and the sheets. Start early and it’s no big deal; if you’re doing elementary and older kids’ laundry just show them once and let them know it’s their job now! |
| Cleaners |
This worked for us when I was a sahm and when I worked part time, but when I went back to work full time I just couldn’t keep up. It’s a season of life for me and when things get slower I’ll get rid of the cleaners |
weekly cleaner go out to dinner at least 2-3 times per week or order in (healthy food though) |
I order out or go out every evening now that kids are older and it is great. No more cleaning up dishes etc... Life changer. Plus cleaning lady - yes 1-2 times per week - they can change sheets, do laundry, and just overall mop vacuum house and tidy up - great coming home to a clean house |
Spunds like my in-laws. Frugal all year long - cook dinner every night even in their late 70's etc.. but go on very expensive vacations. I think mother in law is tired of cooking and living frugally and would prefer to go out more often. Daily life style is better than one or two nice vacations per year to me. |
| When I got my last big raise we switched to weekly cleaners instead of biweekly. It is amazing. They also change the sheets and towels. I never have to do a deep clean or more than a wipe and a quick vacuum. So much time and energy saved. They track down all the waster bottles and random cups, put away kids toys, pull away beds and couches and vacuum and dust under there. Since they come weekly, the physical dirt doesn't accumulate as much. They still come when we go on vacations and for longer trips, they have one clean where they tackle something like cleaning and washing the fridge, organize a closet etc. |
Of course time has a value. Only a fool doesn’t understand that. And who says she pays cleaners more than she earns. Sounds foolish but unsurprising since you don’t know what cleaners cost, not having hired them. |
Do you even know how much cleaners cost? If you can’t save for college and save for retirement and college, then don’t do it. But frankly, it’s not an either or for many people. Every extra dollar doesn’t need to go to college. |
| This might not work for you — given the demands on your life, but, several years ago, I put aside about $3,000, so that when I found a way that I wanted to treat myself, it would already be funded. I imagined maybe travel, or jewelry, or some fabulous addition to my wardrobe. I startled myself by leaping into music lessons— which turned out to be even better gifts than I could have imagined. So, OP, whatever you decide to do now, consider stashing away a bit — for a future dream that might not fit your budget. Have fun with it! |
| Hire cleaners before they are all deported. |
| Paper towels instead of hand towels in the bathroom. |
First ➕ foremost, a huge congratulations on your achievement!
Second in answer to your question, I think a good splurge would be to hire a good, responsible housecleaner to come to your home & clean it 1-2x/month. This investment will pay great dividends as it will allow you to not only rest on your days off > but also allow you more quality time w/your two children! |
I hear ya regarding the laundry. 🧺 Back in the olden days people had to hand wash every item individually, by scrubbing it on a washboard….then wring it out of course when rinsing. Or later on people had to use an actual clothes wringer to rinse their laundry. Then they had to pin it to a clothesline and…. Now a days laundry is a breeze by comparison! |