“Oh no, we’re not buying any bookshelf. And we definitely won’t buy a couch here either,” I told my husband

Alice looked around the crowded furniture store, her eyes scanning over sleek sofas and towering bookshelves. Beside her, her husband, Michael, was examining a particularly modern couch with clean lines and a soft, inviting color. They had just moved into their new home in the suburbs of Chicago, and the pressure to furnish it was mounting.

“Oh no, we’re not buying any bookshelf. And we definitely won’t buy a couch here either,” Alice told Michael, her voice firm yet gentle. Michael looked up, surprise etching his features.

“Why not? This one looks perfect, and it matches the living room walls,” Michael replied, his hand caressing the back of the couch.

Alice took a deep breath, remembering the words of her mother-in-law, Genesis. “Because then you’ll have to save money to pay off the mortgage! And you’re still so young! Live and enjoy life!” Genesis had advised them repeatedly. She had a point. They were both in their early thirties, with plenty of time to settle down fully. Right now, they should focus on building their savings, not depleting them.

“But Genesis said we should save our money, remember? We have a mortgage to pay, and I don’t want us to be strapped for cash just because we rushed to furnish the house,” Alice explained.

Michael nodded, understanding her point. “You’re right, Alice. Let’s think this through more carefully. We don’t need to buy everything right now.”

Relieved, Alice smiled and suggested, “How about we just get the essentials and then slowly add pieces as we save more money?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Michael agreed, and they decided to buy only a basic dining table and some chairs to start with.

Over the next few months, Alice and Michael enjoyed their new home, even with minimal furnishings. They hosted dinners at their modest dining table, using it as an opportunity to bond over home-cooked meals. The lack of furniture turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it made their home feel more spacious and less cluttered.

As they saved money, they carefully selected each new piece of furniture, ensuring it was something they both loved and that it was a wise financial decision. Their patience paid off, and slowly, their house began to feel like a home.

One evening, as they sat on their new, carefully chosen couch, Michael turned to Alice and said, “You know, I’m really glad we listened to Genesis. It feels good not to worry about money all the time.”

Alice nodded, her hand finding Michael’s. “I agree. And every piece in our home has a story, a memory attached to it. It’s not just furniture; it’s a reflection of our journey together.”

They both smiled, content in their decisions and their life together. By listening to wise advice and prioritizing their financial health, Alice and Michael had not only furnished their home but had also built a strong foundation for their future.