Seven months ago, at about the same time I was beginning to fret over my finances, my brother announced he and his partner were expecting a baby. With this news I was given extra special reasons to get my shit together.
In the short term, with some savings, I would be able to visit them and meet my niece or nephew in England and joining the rest of my family in France for Christmas would be a possibility.
In the long term, I began to think about how I wanted to be viewed by my niece or nephew and that really gave me something to think about. I could be the pathetic aunt who lives in the same house as Sophia's Jammy and Mo (the names my parents want to be called) who only pops over to visit her dad to borrow money. Or, I could be the cool aunt. Who has a room all set up with books and toys especially for when she visits. Who sends postcards and awesome presents from her amazing adventures and who is an inspiring, secure and independent woman.
Any wonder that I began my financial education in earnest and I got serious about saving?
Now I am happy to say that I'm on my way to being cool Aunty Steff (I think?). The goal I set myself of $5,000 in savings to travel with has been achieved (woo f*cking hoo!) and I hope to be closer to moving out from Jammy and Mo's when I return from my travels.
The only problem I foresee is that with Sophia's arrival came a million reasons to spend. Like when I went to Coles to buy some food for dinner expecting to spend about $10 and came back with a bag full of baby clothes having parted with $64.44!
To avoid spoiling Christmas surprises, please excuse the lack of description below.
BUY:
Baby presents:
$58.40
$27
$57.95
$15.95
WHY?
Because she looks so cute in stars!
BUY:
$38.50 - taking Jammy out for lunch during a hard day's shopping for baby stuff!
“Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend.”
~ Spanish Proverb
