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How our Debt Freedom Plan Prepared Us for the Pandemic

Family Balance Sheet

Our emergency fund. I am totally paraphrasing the year, but had it not been for the money in our emergency savings, we would most likely have used credit cards to survive. We reduced our spending where we could, but the money to pay any shortfall each month came from our emergency fund. Yep, life was good.

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Our 2018 Financial Goals

Family Balance Sheet

We will need to cut back on dining out, but it is unrealistic for me to say we won’t eat at restaurants this year. I’ll do my best to follow my own advice, 10 Ways to Save When Eating Out , and we will bring snacks, bag lunches, and drinks on road and errand trips to save money. Save a starter Home Emergency Fund.

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How We Paid off Six Figures of Debt

Family Balance Sheet

Aside from the mortgage, we also added equipment and renovation loans with the purchase, and we had a student loan. This side hustle income was mainly used for the fun stuff, such as camping, home renovations & repairs, and needs for our kids. Also, the monthly mortgage payment was less than our rent payment.

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How to Start a Budget (and be successful at it!)

Family Balance Sheet

If you’re spending too much at restaurants, read: 15 Smart Tips to Save Money When Eating Out . I would never tell someone to cancel the gym membership if they use it, and if you do use a gym membership, find out how my husband got a FREE family gym membership. But if you have a membership, but don’t use it, CANCEL.

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