Once upon a time, I bought an inexpensive little espresso machine. I had just delivered our second son and was in dire need of a daily pick-me-up.
Enter the Mr. Coffee ECMP50. This is the same machine that we’re using today, nine years later.
*Oh, and by the way, there is a HUGE difference between a bar pump machine and a steam-driven espresso machine! In case you’re like my husband and I and were wondering why your two Wedding-gifted machines created espresso that tasted like a burnt pile of rotten wood, that’s why. Bar pump vs. steam-driven. You’re welcome.*
What do you need when you buy an espresso machine? A grinder, of course! A cheap coffee grinder was purchased right away. From Wally World, I think. Please don’t hate me for shopping at Walmart.
That grinder has seen our family through thick (pay raises, newborn babies, sweet family dinners) and thin (a health crises, car crash, and E.R. visits). A few years ago the button that activated the grinding function broke off.
Oops!
After a few moments of lamenting, “NOOOOOO!!! HOW AM I GOING TO MAKE MY ESPRESSO!!” I realized that a fork tine ever-so-carefully placed in the missing button cavity of the grinder would turn on the blades.
Woohoo! The sweet espresso nectar returns!!
We never expected that silly thing to last very long after its initial mishap, but it just. won’t. die. Just like the famous Energizer bunny, it keeps going… and going… and going. Why won’t you give up the ghost, little grinder?
I seriously crave a fancy-pants new burr grinder that (apparently) produces the world’s best espresso grind. However, our little grinder-that-could remains calm and cool when faced with my threats and ridicule.
So, until this steady eddy dies, we’ll be (quite literally) sticking a fork in it. Pre-death replacement is not an option. Know why? This stalwart coffee grinder has become yet another symbol of our financial goals.
Eat that dedication, debt monster!
I’m more than willing to “stick a fork in it” now so that later I can approach my mortgage and “stick a fork in it” because it’s no longer a part of my life.
That temporary sacrifice now (and hundreds of minor choices like it) is the key to financial success later.
What are you sacrificing now so that you can enjoy financial success later?
*FYI, the links on this page may contain an affiliate kickback (if you buy at these great prices I’ll get a small cut at no cost to you). Thank you for helping support Loving Littles!
