When we were first meeting with married couples our age, my wife and I would go out with our friends, and we’d talk about affording apartments, maybe saving for a down payment on a house, or buying a car.
Then when babies were on the way, we’d read Consumer Reports, and we’d check every known source (pre-Internet) on the sturdiest stroller, the safest infant seat and of course the best pediatrician.
That discussion evolved into early childhood education, mini-vans and the hot new item at the time, video cameras.
So time has moved on, and for some of us, our children are beginning their adult lives or working diligently on college academics.
Meanwhile, the conversation among our friends has taken a bit of a change. Some of us have been discussing this as couples for quite some time now, only to learn that others of us are having similar discussions.
So, what is the talking point?
It’s not about digital cameras or new cars or new appliances. Instead, we’re discussing how do we trim our budgets to better afford the here and now, not to mention the future.
Can we figure out as a couple how to cut down on the food bill for instance?
What happens when the utility spikes and almost doubles for a month?
Do we really need cable?
What telephone long distance carrier are we using? Can we get a better deal if we bundle, Internet, telephone and cable?
Some of us exchange stories of really examining our credit card bills more carefully. One friend talked about how after using a particular long distance carrier, he changed to another. The new carrier was supposed to notify the former carrier. But it never did. So despite not being used for one long distance call, the friend said that a charge of $1.13 showed up on his bill month after month. He kept waiting for it to go away, but the passive approach didn’t work, and after two years, he finally made the call to erase the nagging $1.13. It all adds up.
Others are now talking about finding ways to plan their family meals, especially if they are empty nesting so that they spend less money. And as recently as last night, my wife and I unplugged our TV and our Internet router and turned the heat down. Will these small moves help?
Well, like the $1.13 a month from my friend’s credit card bill, it sure can’t hurt.
But one thing is for sure, it is interesting how the theme and tone of conversations are now changing.
From buying Italian made baby strollers to getting yet another 10,000 miles out of that 2000 car.
The conversation has really changed.