Update on Our Shopping List, February 2012

It's been awhile since I've given an update on our shopping list, so I thought I'd bring you all up to speed in this post. Here's what we've accomplished in the past several months as well as our plans for the next few months:

• Vacations -- We completed our Caribbean cruise in January (details coming soon). It wasn't the most frugal trip, but it was a blast. Next on this front is planning out summer (trips to see family) and fall 2012 trips (potentially a trip to Chicago during Christmas season).


• Furniture -- Still need a couple recliners or a second couch for the living room and perhaps a desk for my daughter's room. This is the item that we just can't seem to get past.


• Bed -- It's time for a new bed for us. I hate bed shopping more than I hate doing taxes. But I'm (grudgingly) putting it on the list.


• Snowblower -- Old/smaller one was given to a neighbor who needed it. New/bigger one has a nice place in our now-cleaned-out garage.


• Landscaping -- Completed "phase 2" last summer which included some rock as well as plantings around the house. We also had our yard professionally sprayed since what I was doing wasn't fighting off the weeds. We'll be planning for "phase 3" soon which looks like it could include the removal of some dead trees from our property (and replacement plantings).


• Attic insulation -- Really want to do this in 2012, but it may take a backseat financially to the landscaping.


• Tablet -- Thinking of getting an iPad or other tablet as a laptop replacement when I travel.


• Repair -- Had repair work done below our fireplace. Next we're considering getting an updated fireplace unit (old one is 20 years old) but am not sure what we'll do.


• Car -- My wife's car is now eight years old and my son is close to driving age. Does anyone see a "transition car and new car purchase" in our future? ;-)

I think that's it, but as you can see, the list is kind of a moving target as we decide we don't need certain things and do need others.

How about you? What major purchases do you have planned for the rest of 2012?

Comments

[EH]

I'm looking at buying a computer - probably a powerful desktop and a netbook, both probably mac and if I can put it together, on a research grant.

[MC]

My list:
1. (needed for several years now, still not done:) Have vaulted ceiling LR/DR area painted & then hang curtains on the large windows.
The problem is that the painting needs to be done first, but it's so hard to find a painter who actually does a good job and it's always too expensive, then I feel like I should do it myself but it would require scaffolding, and then I keep wondering if maybe I should replace the old wood windows first but then it would really cost a fortune? On the other hand, if I wait 5 years the kids will move out & maybe then so will I. But then again who'd buy a house with spackle all over the walls?
2. Seriously, that's the only thing on my list. I find purchasing ipads and desks very easy myself. I bought 2 crate & barrel flat-pack desks for my kids 5 years ago--they are inexpensive & ship to your home, the desks were very easy to put together, they look great and have stood up to lots of use.

[Michael Goode]

Move attic insulation up the list -- a no-brainer for us folks in Michigan to get R-52 and make sure all holes to below are sealed (holes for pipes, wires, etc). Even using very conservative assumptions on money saved and cost you should be able to get 20%+ annual return on investment, not even counting any tax breaks.

[JimL]

Our list:

Vacation - Disney World. While a bit expensive compared to other destinations, it is clean, predictable and the kids love it (I do as well).

Flooring - We have hardwood floors on the main level and would like the same in the upstairs halls and kids bedrooms.

Landscape - A new home was just constructed on the other side of you property. We will probably add some landscaping as a better buffer.

[Matt]

I have not given it much though lately but will now reminded.

We will be taking our costco rebate and buying a new tv

[BD]

The only major purchase I'll be doing is borrowing money for my college tuition. Hopefully, I'll be able to get a good enough job to pay it all back quickly!

[NoTrustFund]

We recently bought a car (using the method you outlined here!) and now 'just' need a house! I find these big purchases stressful.