While we were getting out of debt, we had plenty of hiccups and missteps. There were times in our journey where it would have been legitimately ok for us to spend money, setting aside paying off debt – car troubles, appliance deaths, and opportunities for very good things. I’m not talking about new shoes or a bottle of wine. I’m talking about items most people consider essential. In particular, about midway through our four year journey of paying off $127k, our microwave died on us.
It was old. I have a feeling that its serial number was 000001 or 000002. Our house was built in the 1950s, this microwave probably came through the doors somewhere in the mid to late 1980s. For those of you playing along at home, that means it might have been older than you (I’ve got a few years on you though). Obviously when an appliance that seems central dies, anyone’s first gut reaction is “Well we need a new one.” I mean, who doesn’t have a microwave?
Answer: Us.
Don’t get me wrong. I wasn’t all big and tough, replying with a “We don’t need no stinkin’ microwave.” after it beeped its final beep. Instead, I asked the King of Free if we could wait 30 days before we made a purchase. I would see if I could live without said modern convenience. I know microwaves really aren’t that expensive. Even though our kitchen would require one that fits under the cabinet (in the 1950s, people were thinner and apparently required less room to cook which probably then kept them thinner), we were not looking at a major expense. I honestly think the King would have purchased one that evening if I had asked him to make it so.
When the 30 days was up, I was convinced that we really didn’t need a microwave. Turns out, people have been surviving without them for millennia. It did take a little more intentionality on our part (i.e. I had to let things thaw over night, leftovers had to be heated up on the stove, and I learned how to make stovetop popcorn). But in the long and the short run, I’m happy with our decision.
We didn’t even purchase a microwave after we were debt free because I didn’t see it as necessity.
It’s never a question of whether or not an emergency will strike; it’s a question of when. This is why you must have an emergency fund in place before you begin paying off debt. Even when you have an emergency, it’s essential to ask if the item you are replacing is truly indispensable. If you can wait for even a week’s time, you might have more clarity on whether or not a temporary sacrifice might help you gain way toward a longterm goal. In the end, you may discover that your original “need” wasn’t a need at all.
Gain inspiration to pay off debt! Check out Inspiration to Pay Off Debt: 30 Days of Encouragement from the Queen of Free
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
Who needs a microwave??! That’s an appliance I could totally do without (especially now that all the kids are out of bottles) I did hear one lady on DR that said her vacuum died during BS2 and for 6 months they had to vacuum with a shop vac. We can do anything if we put our minds to it!
While it wasn’t me, we totally did the Shop Vac thing, too! Although if pushed too far, I would simply not vacuum. Heh. I do NOT enjoy cleaning the house. 🙂
I had to laugh at the shop-vac thing.. growing up, that’s the ONLY kind of vacuum we used. My dad was a handyman and had a couple around anyway, so we just dedicated one to mostly house-stuff. Those bad-boys are awesome!
YES, I totally agree. I actually burnt a Shop-Vac up from overuse. That’s how hard core (or perhaps a dirty mess) I am. 🙂