For those with young children that relocated

Remember: We're all here because we're not all there. *-)

and here are you asinine posts:

Re: Dive Spots - Today

Really Aussie. You replied to a dive post with a diving reply? That is asinine. LOL

Jeweygirl must be taking lessons from some one else we know.

P.S. Thanks for the tip. WGAF

 

Really Aussie. You replied to a dive post with a diving reply? That is asinine. LOL

LOL...WGAF! Heh heh, whatever was I thinkin'? 😀

This thread is a bit surprising to me. I can't imagine moving here with kids without at least some exit strategy. It sounds like OP was enticed with what seemed like a good job opportunity stateside and didn't seem so much so once they got here. Based on my research, and a LOT of reading of this board, I would never have moved here without some sort of exit strategy if things didn't work out. No, I do not have kids. Can't imagine making that sort of a decision with a family.

That said ...

We insured a 2003 vehicle with 2 drivers at Marshall Sterling for about 850/yr.

No AC right now. We are more attentive to turning switches off, shorter showers, etc., than we have ever been. Hope to live in a place with AC one day, but even then, we will be VERY conservative. For now, even in September, the fans and the open windows aren't that bad at night. During the day, we go somewhere else.

When we go to the market, we look for the sale tags. We don't make lists ahead of time, but, instead, plan our meals based on what is on sale.

Home Depot has been a huge relief. Sometimes I like to go there and just wander the aisles.

Just another take on the cost of things, for those who are considering the move. Research, research, research and have an exit strategy if it does not work out.

jbatl---well said.

Many of the things you do, the wife and I do----shop according to whats on sale for the main meals, pasta once or twice a week, ie I buy a #10 can of Angel Mia crushed tomatoes at Plaza extra or Cost You Less for about $5.50, make my pasta sauce on Sundays, and freeze 3-4 containers of sauce for future use on pasta or pizza.

And one of the best cost saving features you must follow----stop allowing items to go bad in the fridge and throw them out. Plan...eat leftovers, and insure you dont buy to much. Throwing away food here is like throwing away a $5 bill each time.

We eat out for dinner maybe once or twice a month, except every Wednesday we go for $5 burgers at the Deep End and have a beer or two, total bill including tip is usually $25. Sure, we could have a few mixed drinks instead of beer, and our bill would be $35 or $40 instead, but more affordable at $25. And we do brunch every Sunday

Although I have been visiting St Croix for over 20 years and spent considerable time here, I was not convinced moving here would be the best for us; how would we deal with missing family, grandchildren, lifetime friends, etc...........

We moved here over 2 years ago, and kept our house in the states. The plan was after 2 years if St Croix was not what we expected, we moved back. Good news, St Croix is our home now and unexpectedly we received a good offer on our house in RI---sold it and able to stash thousands of dollars in bank for our future . 2 years after moving here, we are about $2500 away from being debt free.

Bottom line, even if you research it doesn't guarantee it will work. Have a plan for the what ifs? What if I have to go back for health reasons? What is I have to go back to care for a family member who needs my assistance? What if I cant find work to match my skills and pay me the salary I need to live on? What if......................it never ends, even when you are settled here you should be planning for the what ifs.

Thank you SO much! 🙂

And one of the best cost saving features you must follow----stop allowing items to go bad in the fridge and throw them out. Plan...eat leftovers, and insure you dont buy to much. Throwing away food here is like throwing away a $5 bill each time.

Newbies, this is a HUGE piece of wonderful advice that, admittedly, we are having trouble adhering to _ but are very much trying to.