Remember that time the sky opened up and money rained onto the B Family?
I remember, and it was glorious.
But just like the holidays or seasons of your favorite tv show, all good things must come to an end. The sky has closed, the money has dried up, and here we are, back to business.
We got our tax refund this week. And unlike that security deposit from the clouds, we had very firm plans for what was happening with our tax refund. These very firm plans were made months ago, so there was no weaseling out of them. You’ll remember that I am married to the very model of restraint, so no matter how many times I tried to convince him to just put a few more dollars to the Disney fund, he would knowingly shake his head and point to our very firm, very printed budget.
What is it about things being printed that makes it all official and hard to ignore?
We print our budget for the Saving to Disney binder, and we keep a copy over my desktop in the office. Mr. B says it is for inspiration when I am doing Swagbucks, but I think it is a secret warning when I am tempted to blow all my hard earned survey money online shopping. But he need not worry, because next to the Official Printed Budget, is this picture.
I don’t need scary numbers to keep my savings in line because I have these faces to inspire me.
I’ve said it before, but when you’re saving for something over a long period of time it can be really hard to remember that all this hard work is going towards something tangible.I’ve found that giving myself a physical reminder of the joy (see above adorableness) makes the end goal more real. Every so often when I work on these Fund reports, I’ll watch YouTube videos or rides or parades at Walt Disney World. When I have a fund like this one, where I’m not quite putting down the money I’d like to be, I’m inspired and encouraged by the sight of my favorite home away from home. Seeing the Dwarves shadows on a cave reminds me of the first time my Little Mermaid rode 7 Dwarves Mine Train and how thrilled she was. Singing along to the Festival of Fantasy song brings me back to the Sweet Apple’s joy when Elsa waved to her.
If I’m being honest with myself, I know that we very much need the new thermostat. It will help us better regulate the temperature, which will help us save money. Paying off the last student loan we carry will free up more money for us each month, helping us save more. I get it. It’s not like the tax refund is going towards nonsense. I know that. But when you’re so focused on a goal, it can be tough to look beyond it. Or, in the word’s of the wisest wizard, Albus Dumbeldore, “It is does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”
It’s good to have goals, as long as we make sure we’re not losing the forrest for the trees. After all, at some point I’ll have to come back from vacation. And it will be nice to come home to a comfortably cooled house. ;)
Total Goal: $3500
Last Week: $450.38
Total Deposit: $100, from tax refund
Still Need: $350.38
Who is better at being the financial voice of reason, you or your partner? Do you have physical motivators around your house to keep you on the savings track? Tell me about it in comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!