Big Changes

Real Talk Gremlin here to talk about some major changes.  In life most changes come slowly.  We get older, wiser, taller, slower, stronger, etc. over a long window of time.  However, there are specific times where things can change rapidly.  Going off to school, buying your first house or car (just like the house we bought...), and having a child come to mind.  Well that last one will be happening soon, which makes for several major changes in the past year: a new job, new house, and new person in our house. So that there is a huge change.

Naturally everyone points to the cost of raising a new child, which in some ways is undeniable.  Clothing, food, and medical needs are all requirements and will be present in someway for a baby.  However, many of the believed requirements are not requirements - especially as kids age.  For instance, if your child wants to learn an instrument, they don't need top of the line equipment to start.  Now to be honest, our child will have opportunities to do fun / stimulating stuff, but it will not be rammed down their throat.  Part of being a kid is about trying and learning new things, if there is too much emphasis on specific things that bigger picture of the world is missed - and from their perspective its likely not fun.  So the goal is to give them a chance to explore their world while not forcing on them nor breaking the bank.

"You don't have to buy your kid a Stradivarius if they want to learn to play the violin." - me

From a family perspective, I also see a relative cost savings up front on some items.  Food - we won't be trying as many new places outside of our kitchen.  Travel - probably not happening very much, outside of our family events.  I doubt there will be any splurges of any sort, outside of stocks and the occasionally required ice cream.

Regardless of these big changes, I still intend to pursue financial independence.  Debt is being knocked out faster, and investments are still being made.  I will continue working at two jobs to achieve this faster, and obtaining professional certifications to further my main money making abilities.  Not all is lost, in fact really nothing is lost - including my time.  Children demand time, regardless of the age, however that is no way time lost.  Its just a different journey, one that is much less predictable.

Here's to new beginnings.
- Gremlin