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Making the most of what we have

For the past few years, my husband drew up and re-drew plans to add on to our house, with the plan to add on within the next 3-5 years.

Then the economy tanked.

And it struggles to come back.  Three years ago, we were set to retire at about 55-60; with the drop in the markets, we will not be able to do that, and we've had to change course.

We paid off our home equity loan a few months ago and are now using the money we were paying towards the HEL and working to pay off our mortgage and build up some savings.

Yesterday I mentioned to my husband that I think we're going to have to give up on the addition, and instead we should re-do or fix up what we have.

He agreed.

So we are going to redecorate our bathroom, and then after that, work on the kitchen and dining room (all very much in need of some cosmetic changes).  Much smaller investments and we are learning contentment with what we have.  Additionally, with this economy and the housing market the way it is, homes our size (1,500 sq/ft) are much more in demand ... if smaller homes are becoming the new norm, we would have a more difficult time selling a larger home.

Starting our preparation journey

This blog came out of an idea shared on an online parenting community. I do believe that we are in for some major changes in the coming years, and I'd like to share some of what our family is doing to prepare.

In 2009 we tried our hand at gardening, and I learned more about preserving foods. In 2010 it is my goal to really do these things and get some food preserved and stocked.