A benefit from being in control :-D

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-05-2004
A benefit from being in control :-D
2
Sun, 02-27-2005 - 4:37pm

Today, we discovered an unexpected benefit from being in control of our finances and spending. Dh's older brother just became a Grandpa....and the parents are my 18 year old nephew and his 16 year old wife. They just got married, moved 900 miles away so my nephew could accept a good job he was offered, and they found a small apartment to start out in. Last week, their son was born, and no one knew how to get gifts to them or if they had registered or anything. The two of them had been so busy planning the start of their lives together that no information was being passed around.

Well, this morning, I found out that they had a registry...and when I checked it, the only items purchased were a bib (yes, ONE bib), and some childproofing items that the child wouldn't need at first anyway. We immediately called family to let them know about the registry, and then Dh and I went onto the baby registry ourselves and purchased everything these two new parents would need to start out. All the essentials. Crib bedding and sheets, diapers, clothing, hooded towels, baby bathtub, bottles, diaper bag, sterilizer, etc etc etc). We ended up spending several hundred dollars to buy the items and have them rush-shipped to the new parents' home. The Mom will be getting out of the hospital tomorrow morning (had to stay in due to complications), and the items we bought should arrive the same day. We called to let them know to expect the stuff, and they were thrilled and surprised to have this help.

Thanks to getting our finances under control, we were able to purchase these items with our credit card (for security) and transfer money from our checking account to cover the total cost immediately after. Had my spending not been under control up until now, I would not have had this money to help them. I am feeling so thankful right now, and it's motivating me to keep working at my debt.

:-D

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-13-2004
Sun, 02-27-2005 - 8:33pm
Wow, that's an incredible story! That's so great that you were able to help out like that. That is incredibly generous on your part. That's such a young age to marry and start a family. Hope all goes well for them. You have to feel extremely proud to be able to help like that and I am sure that your help was very much appreciated! Congratulations on getting your own finances in order and having such an incredibly generous spirit! That's what true financial freedom is all about!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Sun, 02-27-2005 - 8:38pm

How thoughtful and giving of you! When my daughter was born I wasn't in the best financial situation so I know exactly how appreciative I would have been if it was me. Trust me, they will never forget how giving you were during this time!

I have noticed that now since I am more in control I'm also more able to help out my family without putting myself in any bad situations money-wise. Good job!!!

~Stephanie