Spring Davis
Work/Life Balance on a Budget
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Sharing my journey toward meaningful work/life balance on a budget, and the pearls I have learned along the way.
Smart Moves and Wins in 2019 that Prepared Us for 2020 Petitioned for state residency and received In-State tuition for medical schoolNot taking out a PLUS loan (saves one whole percentage point on interest)Job change for Mark with increased salary and benefitsReduced Spending in the following categories: groceries, shoppingTaking advantage of Southwest Airlines Companion pass to save money on travelContinuing to pay for Mark’s Masters with cash Mark in between jobs for most of the yearWe took out more loans to help with living expensesWe stopped paying on our student loansOur property tax bill was higher than expectedSide businesses not gaining traction as fast as hoped We were able to live on less and have $10,000 in Emergency SavingsI took a leave of absence (no student loans) in preparation for our babyWe bought used and new on sale baby gearI launched my online boutique to make some extra incomeBought family car used at a good price with cashWe were able to eventually live on our Emergency Savings and had enough to keep us going until our next check and still have some leftover Looking forward to this year, in 2021, we are hoping that things turn around financially for all of us. My goal is for Patience & Pearls to be a resource for those of us who are navigating a career, in or out of the home, raising a family, and trying to build a bridge between the life we would like to have and the realities and obligations of right now.
It is never too late to create goals, plans or intentions for the year ahead, or check in on the goals you made and assess where you are at. I have created a worksheet to help us set realistic, achievable, effective goals. In the beginning, I set my intention or thesis statement for the year. Check out my other free resources at this link to help you create the kind of balanced life you want.
I have curated five highly-rated recipes from food bloggers around the internet to help inspire you to try a new Christmas Cookie recipe this holiday season. This recipe adds a special Christmas-y spin to your classic snickerdoodle, by calling for rolling the cookies in Christmas-colored sugar, white sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg! When it’s a couple days to Christmas and you need some special decorated cookies for Santa to eat, you turn to your trusty, traditional decorated sugar cookie! But if you want to try something new this year, I hope this Christmas Cookie Recipe Round-Up has given you some ideas for trying a new holiday cookie recipe.
I have five super cute holiday party outfits below, from fancy to edgy to casual to help you settle on the perfect holiday party look to suit your style. Chic and practical, stay warm in this two-piece sweater dress from Sula May. Sequins and sparkles were cute in your early 20s, and maybe that style is still your jam. This is an outfit that is both comfortable and practical, keeping you snuggly and warm on those cold winter evenings, while formal enough for others to recognize you as the chic party host. This is a cute business casual office outfit switched up with these open-toed sandals, a gold cuff, and chandelier earrings.