The Winds of Change

As many of you know, Bruce is in the midst of a career transition. He is leaving the relative security of his everyday job and going out on his own. It is a very exciting and scary time, but both of us feel like it is the right thing to do. He and I are planners, so we have been doing our best to prepare for the eventual reality that he would be leaving his job. Bruce had "the talk" with his boss a couple of days ago. The clock begins to count down...only a few more paychecks, only a month of group health insurance, the day is fast arriving when we are absolutely on our own. It's a scary feeling, because Bruce and I have been accustomed to being financially secure. We have certainly worried, just like anyone, but we haven't wondered if the bills are going to get paid or if we were going to have somewhere to live. Now, with our days of regular paychecks soon behind us, we must tighten our belts since we will be living off our savings for a while.

REASONS I AM SCARED TO BE POOR
1. I don't care for Ramen Noodles.
2. I am a grocery snob. I like organic milk, Havarti cheese, and carrots that are peeled already.
3. I believe premium jeans are worth every penny.
4. What if I really, really need something frivolous?
5. I didn't buy all this food storage to ACTUALLY EAT IT.
6. What if I have to turn off the A/C sometimes? I get very cranky when I'm hot.
7. What if Taco Amigo isn't in the budget anymore?
8. What if the Target/Walmart debate becomes a moot point because I can only afford Walmart?
9. What if I am not as funny when I'm broke?

When I write all that stuff down, I realize I have been spoiled, spoiled, SPOILED. There are so many people in this country who are truly poor. They wonder where they will live and what they will eat, and a doctor's visit can be a serious financial setback. I am have none of those issues. The fact is, while it sucks to have to spend our savings, we are truly blessed that we have been able to accrue it. I am trying to be unafraid and not so faithless.