Are we ever ready?

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It’s official: We’ve found an apartment and we’re moving out! It will still take us a few months to save, but we’re starting the process, and after two years that’s all it takes for me to get excited. I’ve already started counting down the days, but even with my anticipation there is one detail that makes me nervous.

I’ve become really cautious when it comes to expensive purchases. With our new life quickly approaching, I realize we’re going to have to take a financial jump. Like many other newlyweds, Robert and I are starting out with very little. Our apartment will consist of a dining room table, a bed, a T.V., and a washing machine. So unless we make a few expensive purchases, we won’t be drying our clothes or sitting on a couch to watch our shows. I’ve acknowledged it’s something we have to do, but that doesn’t mean I’m prepared. When it comes down to it, do you ever feel ready to take a financial plunge?

I suppose my anxiety comes from my inexperience. Right now I’m fortunate enough to have a clean slate. My car is completely paid off, I have no student loans, and I only have one credit card with a small balance. I’ve been so careful that I haven’t even tried for my master’s degree. I’m ready to go back to school and further my career, but I’d rather pay for it myself than get a loan.

At this point in our lives, I feel we’re in control of our finances and I don’t want to take any risks. What if one of us loses a job and we can’t pay back our bills? What if I go for my master’s degree, but our income isn’t enough to pay off the loan? I know I’m overly cautious, but I’m also terrified of debt.

Now we’re at the stage where we have to make a big purchase or two, and although I will hesitate, I’m going to have to let go of my phobia. I have to remember that Robert and I won’t take any steps we can’t handle. Hubby is rational when it comes to finances and I’m too cautious to rush into an investment. Plus, there are ways to spend sensibly. I may not know what they are now, but by the time we take a financial jump I will have done my research.

While the future seems daunting, I know that together we’ll make the right decisions. All I have to do is sit back and enjoy all the excitement our new life will offer.

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