Have you wondered where we have been? You may have noticed that it has been nearly a week since we have posted anything – which is quite a dramatic change from the usual 8-12 posts a day for the last 15 months!
We have not gone one day without several posts in all of that time, other than Sundays to enjoy a day of rest, worship and fellowship.
Last week, we came to a crossroads, thanks to the wisdom and maturity of our seven-year old daughter. She brought to our attention that this side project and business has consumed our lives and been a very hard strain on our family! She requested that we really figure out what we need to do as they (our children) would like to have “free-time” and “play-time” again with them. We homeschool our children, which we find to be a very big blessing and joy for our family. So our days and nights and all day Saturdays were consumed with blogging and school work, not counting the fact that Alex goes to work all day.
Our kids were right, there were some things that we intended to set-aside temporarily, but it was becoming more and more long-term on a normal basis. We let our free-time and play-time go, we let projects around the house go, we let real vacations go just to name a few things. In addition to this site itself, we found ourselves getting more and more off-track to our original goal and purpose of starting it.
We started this blog to share with others how to live a more fruitful life with the income that you have. We have loved this so far and have thoroughly enjoyed sharing what we have shared so far. But we are not done yet, we have soooo much more to share with you! We feel like we have barely scratched the surface as far as the articles and meaty content that we have planned.
So the crossroads became this – we need a break, not only us, but our children as well! We felt like we did not have any time in any given day to plan, write and prepare the meaty content, let alone keep up with the deals we felt were worth sharing with you. In addition, many things at home were being set-aside.
This blog has also been a business for our family. We do earn some money from this site from the ads, sponsors and affiliates. So it was a blessing in all regards. We had an opportunity to share with others our story, everyday frugal living, and the deals that came out daily to help others who would like to have help and resources while making a little extra! But this site was requiring us to wake early to get started, then Alex off to his full-time day job while I was at home balancing blogging and teaching. Alex would come home at night and would plan to write the articles, but would get consumed the the ever growing list of administrative tasks and computer work needed to maintain our site until the wee hours of the morning. We just plum ran out of time before the burnout hit!
We haven’t had the opportunity to share our full story yet, but in a nutshell, we have been running side jobs and businesses for those years that we were working towards becoming debt-free. The summary is, we found ourselves in over $100,000 of debt (besides our mortgage) in a short 3 years. We worked for 3.5 years to only pay off $15,000. We were feeling quite convicted about taking on this debt and had really learned the true meaning of being a slave to your creditors.
After fervent prayer and confession – we have a new found vision, plan and focus. We found new strategies, side jobs, money saving ideas, and the most important tip of all, working as a couple and family to dig ourselves out. By God’s grace and mercy, we paid off $85,000 in the final 3.5 years. We completed this stage of our financial journey on April 3rd, 2010.
It was hard work though! Since starting that venture, we have always worked side jobs in addition to any regular full-time jobs from delivering newspapers and phone books, to selling on Ebay and side jobs. In addition, Alex was utilizing his skills as a software engineer to find side jobs contracting at night and on the weekends. I started teaching others how to coupon and money saving classes in our local area (as cutting our budget in addition to the side jobs added to the quickly decreasing debt-load) at night and on the weekend too! In summary, we have not stopped working – that is, until last Wednesday!
It was shortly before we were finally debt-free that we started this site as we did not want to see anyone else in the trouble we had been in and see anyone else work this hard. But we didn’t give ourselves the message as we have yet to take that working break!
So, we have enjoyed this past week where we decided to take a full and real break – not posting anything and free ourselves for a time! In that time, we have learned to appreciate again the personalities and joy that our children bring to us each day!
- We have enjoyed just sitting in our living room at watching our children with random acts of pretending and putting on shows for hours on end.
- We enjoyed watching daddy get whopped by our 6 and 7 year old girls in rounds of My Little Pony Memory (as he claims they all look the same).
- We enjoyed an all-day adventure on Saturday that we have been wanting and promising to take with our kids for quite some time. We had yet to do this as Saturdays were major work days to catchup on admin tasks and complete two-day’s worth of blogging so we could take Sundays off.
- We got caught up on some of the projects needing to be done around our home.
- Each of us have enjoyed more reading with each of our kids.
To make a long story short, for once in several years, we did not have another job commitment and have enjoyed being a family instead!
We love our children and our family and they are our top priority! God has given us this great responsibility to care for and nurture these precious gifts! We realized that for once, it was okay to not work so hard and not have to feel guilty for taking a break. We have been debt-free for nearly a year and that is why we did work as hard as we did! It is now time for us to focus on our young children – the days and moments we have now, we will never have back again!
With all of that being said, we are enjoying this break. But with this break we are regrouping, refocusing, rescheduling and trying to figure out how we got so off track with our family and with our site and to come back when we are ready to tell the rest of our story and to continue to help others in becoming debt-free, saving money, finding a deal, and changing their financial future as a couple and as a family!
We appreciate you being a reader and not giving up on us as we take this needed time! We do plan to come back to continue to share with each of you and help however we can. We do absolutely love it!
While we are out, we recommend that you use the following resources:
- Find any coupon that you are looking for by using our searchable coupon database. This covers, newspaper coupons, printable coupons from all over the web, magazine coupons and more! This is a service that is updated continually to bring the most recent coupons finds easily to you!
- Reading the About Us page to at least get started on knowing who we are
- Reading the first 5 parts of our personal financial story
- Visit the Frugal Living section of our site that you can access from the button on the side or from the top menu bar
- Visit the In The Kitchen section of our site that you can access from the top menu bar
- Finally, for the last several weeks and months, to find consistently awesome diaper deals and low prices on name brand diapers, the Amazon diaper deals are consistently the best and easiest to take advantage of.
We have laid out several scenarios before that show 3 different prices depending on how many coupons from magazines that you have, but there have been reports of coupons now available in the March magazines for both $10 off and 20% off.
We have a feeling that these deals will be ongoing for quite some time and we have personally used this the most in recent months as we do not have to leave home, they ship to us for FREE and 90% of the time, they are cheaper (and less out of pocket) than grabbing name brand diapers at any store around town! So this is what we recommend on a normal consistent diaper deal basis. Even without the $10 or 20% off coupons, the prices with the Amazon Moms subscribe and save are cheaper than most weekly store deals.
With that being said, again we very much appreciate you being a reader and sticking with us! We have enjoyed the journey thus far. We hope to be talking with you again real soon!
Also, you may have stumbled upon on our site or maybe have been a reader for a while. But either way, we encourage you to stay connected with us so that you will know when we are back from our break and not miss us!
The easiest ways to stay connected with us and be right back where we ended (when we start up again) are:
- By subscribing to our FREE email newsletter which will send you an email when we post updates. It is FREE to receive our email newsletter and you can sign-up.
- By “liking” us on Facebook as our posts will appear on our Facebook page and also be a part of a fun frugal online community. You can head to The Thrifty Couple on Facebook to like us!
- Follow us on Twitter
- By subscribing to our RSS feed.
Mel
Family time is definitely important and sometimes you have to make sacrifices just to get it. I’m glad you all enjoyed some much needed time together. It sounds like you had a great time!
Tricia M.
I think you guys are well deserving of the break and it takes a lot to admit what you have let slide and family being very important. Kids grow up and you don’t want to have any regrets. Your story touched me because I to sometimes feel I get caught up in trying to find the best bargains, deals, freebies, coupons etc , knowing I’m doing it for my family but at what cost? It really is nice to unplug for awhile and enjoy life and your children. I just wanted to let you know how much not only myself but i’m sure the rest of your readers appreciate you taking the time to blog and let us know what’s going on but that you care so much about trying to help others. Thanks again for everything and I wish you and your family the best. God Bless~! ^_^
~Tricia~
Heather
You are one of…if not my favorite money saving blog! An inspiration to many!! Will miss seeing the updates…(very much so!) but family comes first! Blessings! Enjoy your little ones! And I’ll still be an avid follower when you return 🙂
Patricia Kleinmaier
It is important to do this now, while your children are little. We didn’t do it and I so regret it. we were too busy building businesses and trying to do too much that we were to exhausted to enjoy any family time. The pictures we have of Christmas mornings show just how tired we were and the only thought was being back at the mall so early the next morning for the big after sales. Then 5 years ago I was found to have breast cancer and we decided maybe it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labor and go home. Since then we have learned to spend time with the kids and grandkids, though we waited too long and even the grandkids are older now and don’t want to come play with us, but we do get to spend more time with them now and are so enjoying our newest grand daughter. So slow down, live without something you really don’t need, stop and smell the roses and love the one you are with.
Jan
Thank you very much for your valuable deals you put together on this site. You saved us o much time and money. Enjoy the time with your kids. You will be missed.
Jeanna
Thank you so much for sharing this! I have always felt we have a lot in common, which is why I enjoy your posts. I have 4 children also, with the oldest being 7. I homeschool also and often feel overwhelmed with all the responsibility caring for a family brings. My husband is a pastor of a very small church and works a web developing job on “the side”, which is often 40 hours a week or more. He also has a side internet business. One of my children has special needs which requires therapy and more time and attention than the “average” child. I have always wondered how you and others like you do these blogs and had the time for the rest of your life. So happy to hear God used your daughter to give you the wisdom to focus on the true priorities in your life. What a blessing your story is to me! Thank you for your honesty as you may have just provided the most help to many by this post about what really is valuable!
erin pettingill
Good for you guys for realizing the most important thing is your family!! That is the EXACT reason that I stopped doing my blog 2 years ago. I was realizing that although I was able to stay home and make a little money I was ignoring my kids behind me and letting the TV be my babysitter. What is better working away from home and not being around your kids or working from home but ignoring your kids right in front of their face. Good for you guys for seeing the big picture. I hope you enjoy your break from working all of your extra jobs and enjoy “Living like no one else”. You guys are an amazing example of what can really be done in such a short amount of time if you really stick with it. You guys are amazing for paying off $85000 in 3 1/2 years!!! That gives me hope for when we are done with school and have a decent paying job! Good luck on your adventures!
Becky, in GA
As a homeschool family, you need to make your family and lifelong learning a priority and not the time mandates of work. If you miss that window of opportunity by overworking, it sends the wrong life instructions to the kids. Enjoy your family and living. God Bless!
Jacqui
Good for your family! Enjoy your time of refreshing and preparation!!!
Julie Snyder
By making your family a priority, you are setting an example that is worth far more than any coupon, or good deal! Take care, and ENJOY!
Suzette
I totally agree with Patricia. Like her when my kids were younger we were very, very busy with careers and football, baseball, basketball practices, school etc….My kids are all in their mid and upper 20’s and now they are too busy for me!!! Sometimes God will stop us in our tracks to steer us in the right direction! Luckily , God has done that for us in the last 5 years and we work very hard at spending lots of time with our grown children. I cherish the time with them and just sit and listen to what they are saying and provide great support. Now we will be ready for those grand babies! Thank God! God Bless!
Stephanie
Good for you all! You are such a joy to read and we will miss you during your break but could never figure out how you managed to handle the blog along with the kids and work. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Andrea Hales
GOOD FOR YOU! Family is way more important than a blog. Thank you for all your dedication to us–but don’t forget that your kids won’t be kids forever. You guys are WONDERFUL!
Camilla
Thank you for all you do. I am very happy that you are spending this time with your family. I think it is a good reminder for all of us, also me, to get offline and see what’s right in front of us. Logging off now…
Kuuipo
So glad you took some time off. You know what’s right for your family. Keep it up! Congrats on baby too!
Kasey
Enjoy the time off! good for you guys.
Rebecca Kiehl
I will miss your thriftycouple updates on saving money. I admire that you both are taking time for your children. Thank you for your dedication and I’ll be on the look out when you all return. Blessings.
Melissa @ Stockpiling Moms
We will truly miss you buy totally understand 100%. Hugs to you both!
Kiz Lepert
The main thing is to keep the Main Thing the main thing.
Proud of you, Thrifty Couple. Blessings and favor on you and your growing family!
Kiz
Joani
Good for you! My kids are long grown and out of the house. And, I have to say this is a subject I’ve been getting ready to tackle on my blog. Seeing how much time it takes without kids, I don’t know how bloggers with kids are staying focused on what’s truly important, the family. My observation has been that they are losing their way and the kids are the ones suffering. I am so proud to have experienced your website. And, look forward to what’s next. Enjoy the kids and each other. Thank you 🙂
Ashley
Good for you! I’ve enjoyed your site since becoming a mother last January and greatly appreciate the savings you’ve brought me, first with diapers, and then in other areas of life. I’ve missed your updates and reading more of your story, but enjoy your time off, you both deserve it!
Candice D.
Thanks for all you do. Enjoy your time off with your family.
DJ
So glad all is well and you are taking some much needed re-prioritization time. In the end all we truly have is our family and if we don’t make them our first priority there is a risk of loosing that, especially with our children. You can never take back time.
Amber
Bravo!
Lynette
Thank you so much for all you do. I have enjoyed and taken advantage of all that you have posted. We too have found ourselves in serious debt and are doing everything we can as well as praying and confessing it before our Lord and Savior. I really appreciate the time and energy you put into this, as it has become a blessing to us. Enjoy those precious little ones, time goes by way to fast!
TERE
Thanks for always being honest and sharing your life…..
We hope to be debt free soon too!
You All Inspire Me – and allow me to love my family without feeling all the stress.
thank you 🙂
Leah
I was wondering where you were, and praying that nothing serious had happened… I am a recent subscriber and I have quickly grown to love your site and email updates. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made to help me and the many other readers. I will be praying for your family – God knows His schedule for your lives and He will continue to show you His plan for balance in the family/work ratio. May God richly bless you for honoring Him!
michelle
Many of us are where you are and need living examples of parents willing to reassess their priorities and put aside important things for what is most needful. We’ve only got one shot at our raising our kids. Please, thank your daughter for helping us remember that play time is precious. And don’t worry guys, there are dozens of bogs that can keep the deals going while you’re
Frances Kalender
There is no need for explanation .. you DESERVE, as well as NEED to take a break for as long as you and your family want or need to.
I am new to couponing and still trying to learn the ins and outs. Your blog is one of the 1st that I had come across and I can not tell you how deeply appreciative I am for all you and your family have sacrificed in the sake of helping me save a couple extra bucks. I can not seem to find the proper words to express my gratitude towards not only you and your husband, but to your children too. I am happy that you are able to put “us” aside and take time out for you and your family. It is so very important to stay connected to your children. How very proud of them you must be for being able to express they needs with you.
So, take all the time you need. 1 week, 1 month, 1 year …. I know I will still be here, God willing, when you return. The only thing I ask as a reader & follower, is if possible every now and again pop your head in and let us know how you and your family are doing.
Thank you, your husband, and most of all your children, from the bottom of my heart for all you do, have done, & continue to do! You truly are an inspiration & blessing!
Frances Kalender
Melissa Downing
Hooray for you!!! What a lucky family you are. I was just having the same type of conversation with my husband tonight regarding my return to college and our triplet 2.5 year old boys. I know that I will never regret spending time with my boys and can take as long as I need to finish my degree. Love and hugs to you all!
Melanie F
I haven’t been with you site for very long, but I must say that you and your family are amazing. Don’t forget to spend time with the people who have helped you go so far in life. Your children are only young for so long. My daughter is 17 months and I can’t believe how fast it has gone by. They are priority #1 not us strangers. 🙂
Jaimee
Good for you and your family! Thanks for all that you have done for us! Jaimee
Shauntell
You two have my full support and admiration! enjoy and cherish the time with your little ones they grow up so fast! The time my children where little was spent working too and now with a 12, 8, and 6 yr old I find myself missing the days they were younger cuddled in my lap. Best wishes!
Sia Hills
Good for you guys, sounds like wisdom to me. Look forward to seeing you back in whatever capacity works out and hope you enjoy your break with family.
Amber Harrer
Your wisdom is inspiring… may you be incredibly blessed in this new journey of your lives… Thank you for sharing your lives with us…
Julie
Thanks for being REAL! Being a homeschool SAHM, I can’t imagine all the time and effort it took to keep up with your blog. Don’t get me wrong, it is a wonderful resource, but there is a time for everything and stepping back to breathe and re-evaluate seems like a great thing to do! Congrats on your new sweet one on the way and congratulations for slowing down to enjoy what is most important!
Jennifer L
I enjoyed reading this post. I’ve been following your blog and Facebook page for a few months now and I have learned a LOT. I thank you and your family for all the great advise on saving money. And I can relate to what you’re saying that sometimes trying to save and trying to help others can take a lot of your time. In trying to take advantage of the great deals out there, I’ve also taken time away from my husband and kids. Little time here and there (couponing, checking sites, searching, sharing with friends) do add up and next thing you know, our usual reading time before bed is getting shorter, our weekend visits to the park are getting skipped. So I decided to take a break from all the deals and bring back family time. There will always be good deals. Family first.
So, I’ll say, take all the time you need. We’re still here when you come back. We love you and again, thank you for all that you’ve shared with all your fans here!
April
I decided to close my consulting business last week b/c it was taking too much time away from my husband & 3yo. We are expecting a new baby in September.
I hadn’t been on the site in a few months b/c I had been so busy working and was sad at first but quickly understood where you were coming from!
I’m glad to know that others are making the decision to put their families first.
Go with God!
Hanna
Glad you guys are able to have some family time. We miss you very much!!!! Enjoy your vacation but please come back soon ; )
Jennie
This is an awesome blog, and I respect wholeheartedly what you are teaching financially, but also relationally, by taking this break. Hoping you come back recharged and ready to continue the trek to teaching good financial habits.
Diane
You definitely made the best decision for your family…family should always be first! I love your site and was greatly disappointed that you decided to stop posting, although I understand why. With that said, I also think if you would just drop in for a small bit of news that would be great…nothing that would take up much time, just a note to let us, your loyal readers know how things are and if there is any chance you will return. Myself and many others I am sure would love some updates!