Got motivation, just need inspiration!

**Cares** · 12-03-2010, 02:08 PM

Hi everyone,
my motivation is to pay off our debt before a second child would come into the world, plus have a couple months living debt free and saving before bub gets here too. We'd be able to have our debt paid off in a year if we really stick to our plan. I want to be pregnant and to have another baby soooo badly that I'm finding it difficult to hold off until spring, when we'd pull off that debt-free plan. Maybe I can do something to quicken the debt repayment.
I guess what I"m looking for is some words of inspiration to keep me on track and maybe someone has a potion for patience?!

Thank you thank you thank you!

**MaryCarney** · 12-03-2010, 03:18 PM

Man - if I had a 'Patience Potion' I'd market it and buy Australia!

**Ceashels** · 12-03-2010, 03:24 PM

It sounds as though you have your inspiration already and just need the stick-to-it-ness. What if you put a little card in your wallet that you'll see every time you reach for your money or debit card that asks you is your purchase really worth delaying your dream for? (Keep in mind, I don't know your spending habits.)

Little reminders that offer encouragement can go everywhere.... on the dash of your car, the medicine cabinet, etc. It will be wonderful to have everything ready to give your child the best possible advantage so preparing for him now by getting your finances in order is a the best place to start.

**Sassyclass** · 12-03-2010, 03:27 PM

On the potion... my DH would be bathing in it. On the rest of your post, it sounds like you are doing the smart thing. While we can never truely forsee the future it is a good thing to set goals and see them through. They become accomplishments that way.

As long as you and your DH agree on things don't sweat it. But if you are really wanting a baby sooner than you both planned you need to discuss it with DH. On another note spring is not that far away. Good luck and let us know how you do.

Cat

**shoiji** · 12-03-2010, 04:09 PM

Make a spreasheet that will track what your expenses are and what you spend plus what you save. This helps me keep track and I can how much I am saving.

It isn't easy at first buy after a while it becomes a habit. Many times I think about buying a meal and then tell myself I have food at home, plus I know what is in the food.

Look for as many free events that are in your area. The next time you feel you need to buy yourself a little something, open up a closet or drawer. You will probably find something you completely forgot about.

**Tess B** · 12-03-2010, 04:59 PM

I want to be pregnant and to have another baby soooo badly that I'm finding it difficult to hold off until spring, when we'd pull off that debt-free plan.

suppose a moratorium on Sex til Spring is a bit over the top?

that would certainly be inspiring!

great ideas Shoiji! i love the open a drawer concept...every time i go to the garage to look for SOMETHING i never find the thing i'm looking for, i usually find what i was looking for the LAST time i went out there! it's like a treasure hunt!

**LuLuBleen** · 12-03-2010, 05:06 PM

Besides paying off the debt in a year, do you have another goal (or two) that you could focus on for the next few months? Something that you'd like to get out of the way before you get pregnant, like decluttering the house or sewing some quilts (these are just examples off the top of my head)?

If you're really focused on completing a task before spring, it'll be here before you know it.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-03-2010, 06:55 PM

Find your most favorite outfit from your firstborn child's wardrobe.....something that was first worn. Place it in a prominent place in your house where you will see it ALL the time. Everytime you look at it, remember to stay focussed on your goal so you can fill that outfit with the new baby.

Good luck!

**Cares** · 12-06-2010, 01:48 PM

These are all great suggestions! Thank you! I especially like leaving reminders in my wallet and around the house. 

Ok, and LOL at Tess B: suppose a moratorium on Sex til Spring is a bit over the top? that would certainly be inspiring!

There are a few things we’d like to get done while we’re waiting. Clean out the basement- it’s horrendous. Renovate our only bathroom (but we’re saving money given as Christmas/birthday gifts- everyone knows we want Home Depot gift cards for that reason. We won't be using any of our money to do it

). I want to lose a few pounds. And I’ll be seeing a naturo pathic doctor to get my cycles where they should be (they’re really long). So there’s lots to do!

And we have been budgeting using a chart, and it works miracles! That’s what saved us, actually, after we have gotten into the mess of our debt. That’s what’s pulling us out.

Thanks again, ladies, so much. I come on here every day for more “stick to it-ness”