Wish Us Luck

Coincidentally, Jason and I both have our annual performance review on Thursday. This is actually the first major review each of us has had since starting our new jobs over a year ago, as we were still too new at this time last year.

We are both anxious to find out whether we get merit raises, and whether we'll receive bonuses. For both of us, the bonuses depend on the company's financial performance.

We've got all our fingers and toes crossed for good news. Whether or not we get decent raises - and some bonus money to pay off the holiday bills and pad our savings account - will have a bit of an impact on our living situation. Our lease is up at the end of July, and I refuse to live in this apartment for another year; our downstairs neighbors are so loud it's almost unbearable.

Anyway, we want to move this summer - but the big question is, what can we afford? We can't afford a house here, so if we want to own our own home (and get the tax write-off) we will have to purchase a condo. That might be possible, if we sacrifice location for the privilege of owning. However, our ideal location is Encinitas - a town right on the ocean - which means we'd have no choice but to rent, due to the cost of living there. I'm going to look into the possibility of renting a house in Encinitas, as that could be a win-win situaton.

Even though people tell us that we're throwing our money away by renting, I'm still fine with it, because of the flexibility it affords us in case we decide not to live in San Diego long term...