That Smith

My thoughts so far

I conclude that 2007 was a very decent year for Laura and me. My primary goal was to become situated in Wichita and to begin laying the foundation for our future. It may sound easy to some, but for us, it was the first year I was not in school full-time, and the first time I had to find a 40 hour/week job.

While we lived in Emporia, Laura and I lived well below the poverty threshold because neither of us worked full-time when I was in school. We both attempted to find meaningful work, but were unable to find jobs that would allow me to finish school without taking on additional loans. (This is what led us to our decision to move to Wichita.)

My only regret so far is that I had to focus on finding a career and leave behind the wonderful learning and networking opportunities I was presented at Office This. I would like to continue learning at the same rate as when I worked there, and still want to be able to teach and get into local politics. My current position doesn’t provide me enough time for either of those.

I think other than overcoming our student poverty, this year was a stable year for us financially. We didn’t make any major purchases, and if we did we wouldn’t have the right to brag because our income and savings for the most of the year would not have allowed it. Something I learned this year:

Anytime you are annoyed by the Joneses, comment on how long they must have pinched pennies to buy the things they show off. It usually shuts them up and helps in dealing with them.

I am pleased that after months of not having insurance and barely making enough to get by, we now have life and health insurance, are working on building up an emergency fund, and usually have plenty of left over after groceries and other expenses to carry us to the next month.

Laura and I have done a lot to ensure we spend less than we make so we can pay off our student loans and credit card, and so we can provide a smart, nurturing environment for our child.

As for my goals for next year, I already have a list of things to budget for ($15,000 worth) that we need to buy or replace, or want sometime in 2008. Plus we both need to start thinking about new cars since Laura’s is a rebuild and the transmission is slowly going out on mine.

I would like to finish my Masters and begin teaching night or weekend classes, and also want to spend a lot of time with our baby and families.

Laura and I hope your 2007 went just as well. As always, we are both here if you need us.