Recent content by Gardener

I need to figure out the budgetary part... It seems right now it will be such a guess! Currently we spend quite a bit on our son's activities, a lot on gas (we live out in the country, have 4WD vehicles, 25 mile each way commutes, and have to pick up our kid from school everyday so he can play...

I wouldn't try to coerce him into anything. He is so disinterested in school I chose all his classes (b/c he refused to) so I am the one who put him into ROTC and military skills. I am sorry I came across as anti-military, I was a Army Reserves in my 20's and am not anti-military, however, I am...

Yeah, I could be wrong, but I think we are good on that particular issue. :-) Now to figure out the rest of this retirement savings! Gardener

Native American kid, adopted out of fostercare after years of homelessness. I only mention b/c why yes, there are scholarships out there. Hates school, does not want to go to college. We will push him to, and be grateful if he graduates from high school. The GED is free here (the utility...

I am trying to figure out a way to do this! I am 36, my DW is 48. Both nurses, both making about $60,000. One 15 yo who we are not worried about paying college costs for, though we will help support him until he is in his early 20's. (Long story, basically if he does decide to go to college...

In your situation I would buy an RV and build a carport. I also hate cleaning (and also hate a messy house.) I loved when I used to live in an RV - I would clean every night for 15 min and the whole thing was done. In my house now I would have to clean about 1 every night to get it to the...

I have been thinking about buying a rental (or a 4-plex) for several years. People who have done it, how did you learn, and what is your advice? I know at this time I am very uneducated about it and I want to learn before I decide if this would be a good idea for me. I don't feel in a big rush...

When everything goes smoothly you don't need a realtor, however... I've bought 3 houses, sold 2. Nothing smooth, simple or on schedule in any of my experiences. The first was a true nightmare - thank god for my realtor. Went into contract, then legal issues w/ the title. Took 8 months to...

I live at 7300' . High 90's are a crime against nature here. But we fixed the swamp cooler this morning! We almost never use it b/c it NEVER gets hot at my house. I can barely grow tomatoes most years b/c it is in the 40's-50's most summer nights. I expect a nice harvest this year! Heidi

My first house was 750 sq'. Perfect for 2 people. I have also lived in an RV (8'x26' = 208 sq ft) for 8 months - 2 adults, a 12 yo, and a big dog. Was one of the worst winters in years and we stayed snowed in on our property for a while. Our current home is 1700 sq ft, but I now know I could...

New Mexico heat is bad too right now. I am sitting in my recliner spritzing myself and my son with a spray bottle. The swamp cooler is broken. My partner thinks we need to get AC. Hell no. Gardener

My partner is starting to get excited about going back to school. This is a good thing, I think. She is ripe for a new challenge. We are spending the weekend in a timeshare condo in Red River, NM. Perfect relaxing weekend, must do this more often. It's just a reminder how much better we...

I changed from full-time to one time a month after I got burned out. Gardener