My oldest daughter was married on November 3, and I'm amazed to realize that 9 months have already passed in newlyweded bliss. (They are several states away in Missouri. We've already gotten together about 5 times. That helps. Some.)
K married one of my best friends from high school's son, J. That made this entire thing much easier than I ever thought it could be. During the time they were dating, and then talking marriage, my friend and I would not even discuss them. We wanted it to be their decision alone. When the engagement ring was on K's finger, the first thing I did was call my friend and scream. Loudly. She probably would have heard me without the phone. Even in Oklahoma.
One of the things I admire the most about K and J is their decision to get out of debt in preparation for their future. They both brought student loans into the marriage, and are determined to get them paid off as soon as possible. They purchased a nice older home, but are postponing the remodeling and redecorating until the student loans are gone. K was an interior design major who has a very artistic flair for fixing things up. But not the house...yet.
I look at the Pottery Barn and Crate&Barrel catalogs that are made to lure newlyweds into believing that they must decorate every square foot of a new home. NOW. I'm sure there are many young couples who fall deeply into debt because they buy the dream that they must have it all . NOW. And are probably still paying for the debt long after some of the furniture is gone.
I admire their discipline and dedication. They've found a simpler life that doesn't involve "stuff". They've found they have extra time on weekends because they don't have to maintain that "stuff".
And I don't think they know it yet, but they've discovered one of the most important secrets in life: The things that make us the happiest are not "things" at all.
2 comments:
That is way cool that a couple so young has already gotten the vision about what can fairly be called financial freedom. Dave Ramsey would say they are "weird" with a twinkle in his eye and chuckle in his voice.
Good for K and J. As the wife of a hubby who is still in school I feel those Pottery Barn pangs as well. Tell K and J to stay strong! Love you guys!
Post a Comment