I watched my truck drive away last night. The insurance and title has been arranged and the new owners were anxious to take what was now theirs. I wasn’t sad to see it go, like I’ve been in the past over other vehicles, despite this being my first *brand-new* vehicle. I was really excited to know it was going to a great family, since it’s been such a great family vehicle for us.
I’m still adjusting to driving Justin’s truck. It’s a heavy-duty monster and I’m always afraid of parking lots or gas stations (the latter of the two being were I gave it it’s first dent – whoops). Although it’s a full size truck with a back seat, it’s still not much room so I need to simplify our “travel” gear. It’s also difficult to drive at night with it’s darkly tinted windows. But I do feel like a bad-ass driving it around town. 
I wonder if he’ll let me get a bumper stick that says “Real Women Drive Big Trucks”. Maybe a pink, fluffy steering wheel cover, too? ha One great thing about his truck is the smaller space is easier to cool with the A/C in the summer. Not that we’ll really be saving much on gas; it’s not as efficient as the SUV.
We are saving MUCH more on other things though! Without the SUV’s payment, insurance, registration and maintenance I figured we’re saving nearly $800 a month!! I’m seriously fighting the urge to feel like I’m rolling in it. My friend asked me what we’re going to do with all that money. Long-term savings is obviously our first goal, but within that goal are some things we’d like to save up for – like orthodontic care for me and Zeb. It’s awesome that we can pay cash for it now! Other than our house payment, we’re out of debt!!! That’s so awesome. 
Between the truck and cutting the cable we’ve increased our monthly savings to $840. Plus there are some other things I’ve been working on that I’ll share soon too. Looks like all my financial brainstorming is paying off. (No pun intended.)
Anyone else feeling some financial successes lately? Any creative income going on – like this guy’s idea?
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I'm Tara Wagner, life coach and creator of the Digging Deep process, where I coach women out of survival mode to recreate their lives and families.
Congratulations! Let’s see, 800 bucks could cover the cost of land in NY…
You know Hillary and I are plotting and planning together now to get you guys here! Bwhahahahaha
So I’ve been told Miranda. You guys better get to work in the legislature cuz Justin said that’s the *only* way he’ll move there.
Darn that liberal state!
Awwww….I get so sappy when we see cars. I get attached.
I’m a truck girl too. It does feel bad a&% driving around, doesn’t it.
So, how bought you just plan a trip. You’d be amazed at how cheap land is just outside the city.
$840 a month savings!! Adopt me please!!
“Other than our house payment, we’re out of debt!!! That’s so awesome.”
That’s absolutely fabulous Tara. Really is. What a burden it removes. we’ve taken a hit instead of a success. Boo. Ah well, we’re keeping positive.
Wow, that’s amazing! I bet it feels soooo good.
I’m trying to get my husband on board with knocking our debt out fast, but he still doesn’t think it’s a big deal. It is a very big deal. So I’m doing the things *I* can do and still working on convincing him.
Tara- Sorry about the truck. But it’s good to ask ourselves to look at the need/want dichotomy every now and then. I like your lists. They are my own. I have been thinking about making similar posts, but only have so much time- now I will just point people to you instead. We have land in New Mexico, selling it to buy land in Utah (closer to Nevada, where I am from). “Working” towards simpler times. We are ahead these days too, remarkably, and happily. I see a few years left on our five year plan. Have you thought about a gray water system for your flowers and trees? Looking forward to more of your inspiring words.
Congrats on your financial successes, from one bad-ass truck driving woman to another. FWIW, I’ve noticed that the parking lots are more accomodating in small towns than in the city.
Congrats on selling the vehicle!
Was wondering if you ever heard of “workamping”?
Congrats on having no debt! (Besides the house!) That’s awesome. We just dropped cable, and we don’t miss it. Also, I enjoy cooking things from scratch and for some reason most convenience foods give me the heebie-jeebies, so we save a lot on our food bill. If I could find a new home for our guinea pigs, that would save a lot of money, but awesome guinea pig people who are willing to take on four of ‘em are hard to find.
Oh, and I forgot to add: I loved that link! That guy is pretty interesting!