For a long time, our family of six lived on a tight budget. My husband's income is only $1 per month10,000 yuan, barely enough for the basic expenses of the family. My father-in-law and mother-in-law had to do odd jobs to pay for some extra expenses, while I took care of my two kindergarten children full-time. In 2018, we bought a house in the city and had to pay a mortgage of 10,000 yuan a month, which was a heavy burden for us. We also have a car loan of 2,000 per month.
My husband worked hard to support the family, and my father-in-law and mother-in-law also tried their best to do odd jobs to support the family. This hard-earned state lasted until 2023, but the two elderly people finally felt too tired to continue working. So, they gave us 60,000 yuan, hoping that we would save money for our own retirement. This worries me a lot because our economic situation is not very good.
Five years later, my friend's children are already in primary school, their house is beautifully decorated, and my husband's salary has risen to 150 thousand. My in-laws still work in my hometown to earn pension money, while I still have to take care of my children full-time.
Now that we have more than 200,000 dollars in hand, I suggest that we pay off the loan early or make forced savings in case we need it.
However, I was surprised to hear the news that my husband wanted to change cars!And I also want to have three children!
When I confided in my girlfriend about my husband's idea of changing cars and having a third child, she yelled at us for being crazy. She woke me up with her sharp words and made me deeply aware of my blindness and irresponsibility.
She told me that in our current economic situation, changing cars and having another child are unrealistic luxuries. Our monthly mortgage and car loans are already at the limit of what we can afford, and adding more burdens will only make us more struggling.
She also reminded me that we now have more than $200,000 in money on hand, and this is a valuable opportunity to improve our economic situation. We should use this money wisely, either by prepaying part of the loan or by building up an emergency reserve to ensure the stability and security of our families.
After being scolded by my best friend, I realized that our previous thoughts were really irrational, and I should not blindly pursue material comforts and neglect our family and future responsibilities.
My husband decided to give up the idea of changing cars and having three children, and instead focus his energy and resources on our existing responsibilities and burdens.
Although my best friend's criticism was a little stinging, it was a touch and reminder that I needed. I feel so blessed to have a friend like her, and her candor and outspokenness has made me re-examine my choices and begin to plan our future more intelligently.
Now I am determined to face life with a pragmatic and responsible attitude, and strive to create a more stable and sustainable economic foundation for our family.