Year of the House (Fluffing)

On our way back from Pocatello a few weekends ago, DJ and I discussed our financial goals for the next year or so. We've spent the last three years (of a four year partnership) saving for One Big Item each summer. In 2009 it was building the house. In 2010 the wedding sucked up most of our cash. 2011 was all about Europe. 

We've declared 2012 to be another Year of the House. I'm calling it Year of the House Fluffing. 

We've lived in our house for two years now. I don't think a house is ever "done", but I would like it to feel more finished. We need to finish the tile around our fireplace... if I can't convince DJ that we should really rip our entire mantle off the wall to have it rebuilt with built-in bookshelves flanking the fireplace. 

We need to insulate and sheet rock and organize the garage. Which means putting some kind of heat source in the garage. 

We need insulated blinds for the two windows in the office and two windows in the guest room. While we're at it, I'd also like to have the same roller shades in our bedroom installed in the windows and dining room windows downstairs to block west-facing light in the summer. 

Most importantly, we need a new queen mattress for our bed, so that we can shift our old one into the guest room. We're hosting Thanksgiving this year, and need all the bed space we can get. It would also be nice to fill out our bedroom furniture with a amoire or extra wide dresser and nightstand. 

Annnd maybe start saving for a new vehicle. My Altima is wonderful- the first "grown up" purchase I made, but it doesn't have ABS brakes or all-wheel drive or snow tires. While the vehicle runs fine, we should probably start preparing to replace one of our vehicles so we avoid the two-new-car-payments-at-once issue... 

It also wouldn't hurt to beef up out savings account too. 

We've got a ways to go before being able to spend money on these items. We need to pay off Europe, and they won't be all at once purchases. But it's fun to browse!