Monday, September 18, 2017

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

10 comments:

  1. It's a great adventure with nothing to be feared. It all comes naturally as a parent of about two years now. Sure, my international travel has taken a back seat, quiet sit down meals don't occur as often as I like, your time is divided between yourself, wife, child and more but it's unique and special to say the least. We do mini road trips now, go on nice family walks and found that a child can really bond a family together. Good luck, all is will be fine.

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    1. DHut,

      Thanks for the comment! I agree it is nothing to be feared, and it will be a huge and cool change.

      Gremlin

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  2. We're at a point in our lives where the child discussion comes around(I'm in my early 30s, fiancee in late 20s) but we've had the talk and decided children are not for us. We'll still have the house and big expenses like that but I'm not a kid person so that might mean I can retire a bit earlier than I would otherwise which is a little bonus of not having kids.

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    1. TitM,

      I hear you on not having any, many of my friends are going that route and it can be sensible decision. Funny thing is, most people going that route are teachers - so its just funny how that has worked!

      Gremlin

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    2. I guess they know best how much of a pain kids can be :)!

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  3. Congratulations are in order. As a father myself I can relate to a lot of things being said already. But nothing on this earth can brighten my day more than hearing my kid laugh, truly amazing how that works.

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    1. Mr. Robot,

      Thanks for the comment. I understand their perspective, but I have a big family and have shared that sentiment that you stated before - and plan to do it on my own.

      - Gremlin

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  4. We'll still have the house and big expenses like that but I'm not a kid person so that might mean I can retire a bit earlier than I would otherwise which is a little bonus of not having kids.


    เกย์ไทย

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    1. RP,

      Thanks for the comment. Yes it should be easier to retire without them, it is as with everything a serious of dis and advantages.

      - Gremlin

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