Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Solidarity

Boy, we've been here before as a country so I know we can get through it. There will be difficult times ahead for our leaders and I hope this group of legislators can help the American people to prosperity. We have philosophical differences but Americans must see we have more that binds than separate. We are seeking the same high ground we only have a different views on how to get there. There are many paths to success neighbors, families and friends will bring us to the best options for growth and productivity.

The Tea Parties desires to cut the budget is right. Obama's campaign to give businesses incentives to bring jobs home is correct. Incentives like tax breaks should be tied to jobs and growth. Consumer can help this incentive by placing their dollars on products that create jobs, display a interest in the environment and safety. Working together is how we will succeed.

Trickle down theory helped to inflate the stock market in the 80's and 90's because if you give extra income to those on the top they will utilize the easiest option. It would be easy to practice isolationism and move away from green technologies. However, this will create trade wars and push American further dependence on an oil/coal based economy. Clinton worked with a Republican Congress to bring us a balance budget and prosperity; I'm sure Obama can do it too.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Kitchen Remodel on a Budget

Kitchen Remodel on a Budget


We have been working to renovate my kitchen the past few months. Like most families we do not have a huge budget and we do not work with credit in any way. Because of this we have broken down the project into small manageable areas of work.

A few years ago with the help of my father and brother we knocked out a pass through to up date the living room and kitchen area. The galley kitchen is open and has a more contemporary look thus updating the entire house.

Next we moved to the upper cabinets because they were in good shape. This also allowed us to add a splash of color. We decided on a vibrant green and stainless steal accents with the knobs and a stainless steel exhaust hood.
The job was relatively cheap compared to the cost of new cabinets. I removed cabinet doors, sanded and painted. I added new hardware. The color and hardware made a perfect first fix.


Our main goal was to find structurally sound cabinets that would last future remodels. We approached Home Depot to get a base line quote and did not find the quality or price we liked. We looked into custom however the cost was out side our budget. We decided on a Whole sale supplier which has excellent quality. We went with cherry wood doors, the sides and back are all plywood normally an upgrade was standard. Because of budget constraints’ we went with a butch block and a laminate mix all from Ikea for the counter tops. Because we have quality cabinets we can upgrade the counters at a later date.

We bought many products at the wholesale supply warehouse where we purchased the cabinets. The cost was excellent. The exhaust hood, sink, and faucet were bought here. We went to Home Depot for the garbage disposal and additional parts for installation. We also saved by shopping at a scratch and dent shop for our dish washer. We got the top of the line model Frigidaire and will purchase a stove to match at a later date. The receipts are attached if you would like to see prices. We are in the final stages with the backslash and some finishing work. However, we have spent $2100.00 so far .

I expect to spend $600 on stove and up to $300 on the tiles for the backsplash which we will install. My brother is donating a fridge because he is purchasing stainless steel.