tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18094418593295437302024-03-13T07:32:59.601-07:00Moving out of debt: WE'RE NOT LIVING HERE!We woke up one morning in August 2008 to find that we were nearly $60,000 in debt. Come along as we live like no one else...so later we can LIVE (ang give) like no one else!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-61119549614638657172011-01-12T15:47:00.000-08:002011-01-12T15:49:58.274-08:00WE ARE DONE!We did it! We had to take that little break in their for the Christmas holiday - and to buy our loved one's all the great things we could - with cash of course!<br /><br />But, as of 1/12/2011 - WE ARE DEBT FREE!<br /><br />We paid off nearly $60,000 in 2+ years. It can be done! We are no one special...but today we feel like a million dollars!<br /><br />We give all thanks to our Lord who provided for us, caused us to multiply and who has shown us grace above what we could have expected.<br /><br />We have lived like no one else....and NOW we get to LIVE and GIVE like no one else!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-85115646308422123542010-12-01T09:33:00.000-08:002010-12-01T09:38:15.053-08:00November 30 - Check inA little late for checking in for November. But we are basically and the SEVERE down-hill side of this thing. With 1850.79 remaining..the end is in site...and if we look at how far we have come...all we have to say is CASH FOR CHRISTMAS! There is no way we are going backwards :)<br /><br />Happy Holidays to all!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-27591153003721420072010-10-27T09:21:00.000-07:002010-10-27T09:29:00.370-07:00Checking in for October...$7400 and dropping fast!...and it cannot go fast enough! As of Oct 20, we have paid off just over $51,000 in 2 years and 2 months...it can be done and you got to want to win! I say that, in hind-sight like it is easy..it is not. There are so many trade-off's along the way...and it's weird to think like that - I can't have it all at once!<br /><br />Trade-off's include:<br />Go out to dinner or buy the kids school clothes!<br />Buy pumpkins at .40cents a pound from cool place..or buy at WinCo for .17cents and have money left for costumes!<br /><br />I have to say, that in all this, my wife continues to amaze, impress and astound me. The woman - with her handy Dave Ramsey cash envelope system - can pull money out of nowhere! Case in point, our oldest is having a birthday this week...It is 3 days until payday (usually the time we run out of food and money). She gets home with all these great gifts for him...and shoes for our daughter...and I go to where we "hid" his birthday set-aside money and it is still there...and she says "Oh, that's great...but I had money in my envelopes..we might have creative dinners this week...but let's just hang on to that". That's hot!!<br /><br />You can win too...we are happy to share any advice...but much like exercise...it's a good program and shear determination! Go get 'em!<br /><br />We have another $5300 payment to be made next Monday..we will post new results then...something like $2k owed. <shhhhhh...we don't want Murphy to hear us!><br /><br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a>Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-89950470709337063732010-09-20T11:00:00.000-07:002010-09-20T11:01:46.178-07:00Mid September Update! We hit the 10k mark<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a><br /><br />We are now officially just above the 10K mark. In the next couple of days..we will be at $9k..very cool!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-67029079696869196452010-08-12T10:53:00.000-07:002010-08-12T10:59:28.518-07:00Can we mark this thing done already.New totals coming in as we end July. $13,323,19 to go. On track to finish by the end of October. We will be so glad! Hope you are all doing well on your journey.Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-5403932023196000782010-07-16T09:15:00.000-07:002010-07-16T09:18:35.634-07:00So close..the end is in sight!We are just under $16,000 from removing this crap from our lives! It feels so good. We sent off a big check yesterday...they all seem like they are big checks..but this one put one of two 401k loans to bed. We only have one to go...and, man, does it feel good. We will check in at the end of the month...but life just gets better every day...can't think of the last time I ever used a credit card!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-91463411570747880692010-06-25T16:51:00.000-07:002010-06-25T16:54:39.047-07:00June 25 - Checking in...<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a><br /><br />Just checking in to update our blog and our balances. We have survived the move to Oregon and have just noticed that we have paid off $40,304.73 of our debt in 22 months. We are tracking to be fully paid off on Jan 1, 2011. We really wanted to be paid by Aug 2010 - but hey..what's 4 months in comparison to a wealthy life!<br /><br />This stuff is hard...if you are looking at this and it seems easy...it's because you are looking at the compressed time...every day is a choice...every day is a choice to live like no one else...so later we can LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE!<br /><br />Stay safe..we'll check in soon!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-81180739246724668912010-05-03T16:42:00.001-07:002010-05-03T16:44:29.286-07:00We just keep on going...We have drawn the line in the sand. We will be debt free on Feb 28, 2011. No exceptions. If we have to sell blood, an organ or a car in January 2011...we are sufficiently done with this debt thing. Is anybody else feel like that? You can be gazelle intense for just so long...and then you have to take a break and just live a little...go to McDonald's...breath....and then you get back at it!<br /><br />I think Melissa and I are just done with this. We have a solid game plan. We are fired up. We will succeed. Hope you are all finding success too!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-8028369905841543462010-04-16T10:07:00.000-07:002010-04-16T10:13:07.900-07:00Tax Day...and whoosh..it's goneIn reflecting on tax day yesterday, I have to ask myself "Where does the money go?". I mean..we pay this money every paycheck, and where does it end up? The states are all broke, no services and yet Congress keeps writing the programs and spending the checks. Where does it stop? Election time.<br /><br />I don't know how many of you are invovled in the new Tea Party movement, but it seems like a good idea...something has to change.<br /><br />We are changing our lives...and I don't want the rewards to go to the Goverment. Whew!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-31253043177785706692010-03-19T10:38:00.000-07:002010-03-19T11:07:45.585-07:00Bang bang, we're beautiful and dirty rich"Bang bang, we're beautiful and dirty rich" Man, how I want to sing that song over and over! For now, we'll have to leave it with Lady Gaga!<br /><br />I can't believe we have been walking out of this for 19months. I know to some that may seem fast...but when you are in it...it seems like eternity!<br /><br />We are still over 1/2 way done. I am gratefulMelissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-36317925582981070192010-03-14T08:41:00.000-07:002010-03-14T08:50:31.051-07:00And..we are back!<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a><br /><br />Wow! I can't believe it has been pre-Christmas since our last post. There has been a lot going on..but, we are ready to jump back in the saddle and get this darn millstone removed from our neck.<br /><br />Just to catch up: We accepted a promotion and transfer from Northern California to the Pacific Northwest of Oregon in December. I have spent Jan and Feb on the road telecommuting while the family got ready for the move. Then, in Mid-Feb we found renter's for our home we love in Northern California- thanks Jolyn for your awesome advice- and off we went. <br /><br />Along the way, we put our debt snow-ball on hold...but an amazing thing happened...we managed to save about $10,000. So, we have a nice emergency fund in place for any emergency's or visit from our good friend Murphy!<br /><br />I will be re-vamping our site, posting frequently and trying to build a following...but thank you to those of you that didn't bail on us! Our debt is lowering...and we invite you to continue the journey as we get ready for another move: Out of debt...because "We're not living here"<br /><br />Take care...I look forward to hearing from you! JeffMelissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-4250362478863333232009-12-14T10:42:00.000-08:002009-12-14T10:46:54.340-08:00The reason for the seasonWith such a focus this year on budget and getting our selves out debt..we are very proud to say that no credit cards were harmed during our shopping for Christmas and that all funds have been payed in cash. Now, just to be totally honest, we charged a couple of PayPal things on credit cards just because (and I know Dave Ramsey says that debit cards have the same protection as cc's) sometimes you just get that feeling...<br /><br />But, more importantly this year..we are so thankful for what God has done for our family...growing us..stretching us..and blessing us. We have received the wonderful gift of His Son Christ Jesus and we pray that, for all of you, you will know the peace that comes through that relationship and appreciate the true reason for the season!<br /><br />Happy Birthday, Jesus!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-14912338229851982592009-12-04T12:40:00.003-08:002009-12-04T12:40:51.902-08:00The new numbers are in!WE have reached the 25's woohoo! Down, baby, Down!<br /><br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a>Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-9826003240932028832009-11-19T08:50:00.001-08:002009-11-19T08:51:08.110-08:00Thanksgiving is right around the corner<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a> <br /><br />We would love to hear what cost savings ideas people have around guests, parties, etc. Anyone having a pot-luck? Anyone having peanut butter and jelly in-lieu of a big meal? Do share?Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-2038171604183827192009-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:002009-11-10T13:50:56.120-08:00What the heck is happening to this real estate market??I am sure I am not alone in this..but I was amazed to see that we our $58k upside down in our house. Now, we are blessed and able to afford the payments that we signed up for 6 years ago. And, that is awesome. But, the house we signed up for at $318k 6 years ago is not worth about $260k at best. <br /><br />Now, before you say "you haven't lost anything until you sell..I totally agree with that statement. But, what have you lost in the here and now? Well, you have lost any flexibility to accept a better job in another location. You have lost equity (and while that moves around a bit..you are still in the negative) and, some may say, you lose a sense of pride as the value decreases.<br /><br />All this ranting is to say one more thing...credit in the hands of the irresponsible is a REALLY BAD thing! Lenders and borrowers alike that straddle the American econoomy with the sub-prime mortage industry are directly responsible for where we are today. Those of us that pay our payments monthly and struggle to make a life for ourselves, bare the burden for those that just threw up their hands and walked away from a committment they never should have been in.<br /><br />OK..I will end my ranting. I encourage all of you to speak up when you see friends and family using credit badly. Call them into accountability...until their is a ground-swell, it will continue. I can't wait to see the fall-out from the "cash for clunkers" programs. But, don't worry Dave Ramsey fans...there will be some awesome "beater" deals on really nice repo's!<br /><br />;)Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-57270388619139492992009-11-02T08:55:00.000-08:002009-11-02T08:58:14.334-08:00New Totals for the end of OctoberAnother $1100 bites the dust! What a great way to start off November! Happy Monday everyone.Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-48670930889819281892009-10-29T07:50:00.000-07:002009-10-29T07:51:58.531-07:006 Simple Steps to $1 Million<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s9fpLNs_Nz0/Sumr8KLQhzI/AAAAAAAAAD8/XT6GM8gcVr8/s1600-h/MONEY+JARS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 154px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s9fpLNs_Nz0/Sumr8KLQhzI/AAAAAAAAAD8/XT6GM8gcVr8/s400/MONEY+JARS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398034678392325938" /></a><br />provided by Investopedia<br /><br /><br />Let's face it; we all don't make millions of dollars a year, and the odds are that most of us won't receive a large windfall inheritance either. However, that doesn't mean that we can't build sizeable wealth - it'll just take some time. If you're young, time is on your side and retiring a millionaire is achievable. Read on for some tips on how to increase your savings and work toward this goal.<br /><br />Stop Senseless Spending <br /><br />Unfortunately, people have a habit of spending their hard-earned cash on goods and services that they don't need. Even relatively small expenses, such as indulging in a gourmet coffee from a premium coffee shop every morning, can really add up - and decrease the amount of money you can save. Larger expenses on luxury items also prevent many people from putting money into savings each month.<br /><br />That said, it's important to realize that it's usually not just one item or one habit that must be cut out in order to accumulate sizable wealth (although it may be). Usually, in order to become wealthy one must adopt a disciplined lifestyle and budget. This means that people who are looking to build their nest eggs need to make sacrifices somewhere - this may mean eating out less frequently, using public transportation to get to work and/or cutting back on extra, unnecessary expenses.<br /><br />This doesn't mean that you shouldn't go out and have fun, but you should try to do things in moderation - and set a budget if you hope to save money. Fortunately, particularly if you start saving young, saving up a sizeable nest egg only requires a few minor (and relatively painless) adjustments to your spending habits. <br /><br />Fund Retirement Plans ASAP<br /><br />When individuals earn money, their first responsibility is to pay current expenses such as the rent or mortgage expenses, food and other necessities. Once these expenses have been covered, the next step should be to fund a retirement plan or some other tax-advantaged vehicle.<br /><br />Unfortunately, retirement planning is an afterthought for many young people. Here's why it shouldn't be: funding a IRA early on in life means you can contribute less money overall and actually end up with significantly more in the end than someone who put in much more money but started later. <br /><br />How much difference will funding a vehicle such as a Roth IRA early on in life make?<br /><br />If you're 23 years old and deposit $3,000 per year (that's only $250 each month!) in a Roth IRA earning and 8% average annual return, you will have saved $985,749 by the time you are 65 years old due to the power of compounding. If you make a few extra contributions, it's clear that a $1 million goal is well within reach. Also keep in mind that this is mostly interest - your $3,000 contributions only add up to $126,000.<br /><br />Now, suppose that you wait an additional 10 years to start contributing. You have a better job and you know you've lost some time, so you contribute $5,000 per year. You get the same 8% return and you aim to retire at 65. When you reach age 65, you will have saved $724,753. That's still a sizeable fund, but you had to contribute $160,000 just to get there - and it's no where near the $985,749 you could've had for paying much less.<br /><br />Improve Tax Awareness<br /><br />Sometimes, individuals think that doing their own taxes will save them money. In some cases, they might be right. However, in other cases it may actually end up costing them money because they fail to take advantage of the many deductions available to them. <br /><br />Try to become more educated as far as what types of items are deductible. You should also understand when it makes sense to move away from the standard deduction and start itemizing your return. <br /><br />However, if you're not willing or able to become very well educated filing your own income tax, it may actually pay to hire some help, particularly if you are self employed, own a business or have other circumstances that complicate your tax return. <br /><br />Own Your Home<br /><br />At some point in our lives, many of us rent a home or an apartment because we cannot afford to purchase a home, or because we aren't sure where we want to live for the longer term. And that's fine. However, renting is often not a good long-term investment because buying a home is a good way to build equity.<br /><br />Unless you intend to move in a short period of time, it generally makes sense to consider putting a down payment on a home. (At least you would likely build up some equity over time and the foundation for a nest egg.)<br /><br />Avoid Luxury Wheels<br /><br />There's nothing wrong with purchasing a luxury vehicle. However, individuals who spend an inordinate amount of their incomes on a vehicle are doing themselves a disservice - especially since this asset depreciates in value so rapidly. <br /><br />How rapidly does a car depreciate?<br /><br />Obviously, this depends on the make, model, year and demand for the vehicle, but a general rule is that a new car loses 15-20% of its value per year. So, a two-year old car will be worth 80-85% of its purchase price; a three-year old car will be worth 80-85% of its two-year-old value. <br /><br />In short, especially when you are young, consider buying something practical and dependable that has low monthly payments - or that you can pay for in cash. In the long run, this will mean you'll have more money to put toward your savings - an asset that will appreciate, rather than depreciate like your car.<br /><br />Don't Sell Yourself Short<br /><br />Some individuals are extremely loyal to their employers and will stay with them for years without seeing their incomes take a jump. This can be a mistake, as increasing your income is an excellent way to boost your rate of saving. <br /><br />Always keep your eye out for other opportunities and try not to sell yourself short. Work hard and find an employer who will compensate you for your work ethic, skills and experience. <br /><br />Bottom Line<br /><br />You don't have to win the lottery to see seven figures in your bank account. For most people, the only way to achieve this is to save it. You don't have to live like a pauper to build an adequate nest egg and retire comfortably. If you start early, spend wisely and save diligently, your million-dollar dreams are well within reach.Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-9490213104668544312009-10-28T12:12:00.000-07:002009-10-28T12:19:00.351-07:00FICO 781 - and payday is coming...all great news!<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a><br /><br />We pulled our credit reports for our annual check up and were surprised to see that we had a FICO of 781. And, while some folks focus on this..I look at the bottom line of our credit owed for our standing on credit. To me, it's not any ratio's or debt to credit numbers...it is really how much do you make (income) and spend (expenses) and if there is a negative difference in the two, why are you spending more than that? That's called CREDIT!<br /><br />I have to say, I differ a little with Dave Ramsey in that I do believe a FICO is important. In some fields of work, pulling your credit to ensure you are not a financial risk to the corporation is a norm. And, let's face it..until we are self-funded multi-millionaires, responsible credit will be a part of our lives.Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-54249602826617969182009-10-27T13:18:00.000-07:002009-10-27T13:22:38.094-07:00Great Book Review - Boundaries<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s9fpLNs_Nz0/SudVyqhp7rI/AAAAAAAAAD0/rE1c3KtGaPY/s1600-h/boundaries.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_s9fpLNs_Nz0/SudVyqhp7rI/AAAAAAAAAD0/rE1c3KtGaPY/s400/boundaries.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397377007324098226" /></a><br /><br />We have been reading a really great book entitled "Boundaries" by Henry Cloud. In our adult lives, we all need boundaries. We talk about them for our children all the time..we don't let them have candy after 6pm, they can't run in the mall, and on and on. But, as adults, we have the freedom to do as we choose...and, wouldn't you know it, there are no 7 years olds in debt...they are all adults!<br /><br />This book can help with all aspects of life..it really is a book about setting boundaries for yourself, your relationships, your family...and I bet after reading it..we all find that we need some boundaries on finances...just a guess.<br /><br />Hope everyone is having a great week!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-33356422410928789152009-10-23T08:14:00.000-07:002009-10-23T08:25:39.512-07:00The I '"really don't like" AT&T RantIn July 2009, we moved back home from Southern California to Northern California and while down there, we had AT&T U-verse which was very cool. When you finish with it, you simply take all the gadgets to the UPS store and they scan and mail it for you at no charge. Well, until 2 months later when AT&T sends you a letter saying that you returned 3 pieces of equipment and not 4 and here is your bill for $150.00. <br /><br />So, I provide them with the tracking number...on 9/3/09. And, 2 a month and half later...they come back and say "yes, we confirmed the tracking number and got the box, but it was still missing the piece of equipment...pay us $150.00". <br /><br />Each time I call, the person says "give me the tracking number and that should do it"...I explain I give it each time and get the same results...and the next word is "Well, that's weird"...tell me about it.<br /><br />So, I finally had to go to the UPS store and get the serial numbers of what they scanned and provide those to AT&T...and when I called them yesterday to give them this...they said "All I need is the tracking number.." I try to be nice and reply...You have had that since 9/3/09...and each time you close out the case with "We got the box, but missing a piece of equipment, pay $150.00"...lol<br /><br />So, I apologize if any of you are AT&T customer service agents for U-verse. But, man...what a bunch of nuts! I wish I could get away with that at my job...give lip service, do nothing, etc.<br /><br />On second thought...nah...then they could get ANYONE to do my job!<br /><br />Have a great week...and RUN FROM AT&T!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-59836342582762264932009-10-22T11:21:00.001-07:002009-10-22T11:28:04.871-07:00A call for encouragement for DiggingOutOfOurMessGood morning, blog followers.<br /><br />I want to ask you to heck out <a href="http://diggingoutfromourmess.blogspot.com">http://diggingoutfromourmess.blogspot.com/</a>. Mysti is in a very rough spot and could use encouragement and advice as she goes through this "season". We already posted some advice..and I know Mysti would appreciate encouraging words, lessons learned and advice!<br /><br /><a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a>Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-18756456804196688032009-10-21T10:08:00.000-07:002009-10-21T10:18:36.423-07:00What's with people and their dogs?This is not a financial post..but just a random thought and venting!<br /><br />What is the deal with people and their dogs?? I get that people love their dogs..I get that people treat their dogs as family..even a little human. We have, in our neighborhood and town, have people that think everyone is in love with their animals...to the point where they (I think) honestly believe that when their dog uses your yard as a restroom, you should be honored at the gift placed at your feet. I know, I sounds like a grumpy old man now, but c'mon!<br /><br />In life, we all have to clean up the mess we make. We learned that in kindergarten along with not eating paste! In our financial life, we don't just get to leave the "dump" on someone's door - we work hard and clean it up! Wow - I did turn this into a financial issue :)<br /><br />I wonder what the correlation between people who don't clean up their mess and their financial life...that would be interesting. If you tend to be more cluttered, are you more likely to be financially irresponsible? If you are a neat freak...are you more likely to have your finances in check? <br /><br />OK..I am done :)Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-14838883299961459052009-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:002009-10-20T10:02:20.422-07:00Free Blog MakeoverMom's the word <a href="http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-blog-makeover-giveaway.html">Free Blog Makeover </a> contest is going on right now! Nan is such an inspiration to all the people trying to make their way through the blogsphere! I highly recommend following her blog and taking her very useful - and funny- advice! Thanks, Nan, for what you do in the community!<br /><br /><a href="http://momstheword--livingforhim.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="MomsTheWord" src="http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t187/vball_chic14/moms%20the%20word/button2.jpg "/></a>Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-31183034761726111482009-10-19T09:29:00.000-07:002009-10-19T09:36:03.232-07:00updated debt totals!We have been at this thing called "Getting out of debt" for 14 1/2 months. We started out at a whopping $59,063.20 and, as of last week our current balance 10/15/09: $27,643.19.<br /><br />It is hard to believe we have paid of $31,420.01 in what seems like a pretty short period of time looking back..but - boy- hasn't always been easy! And, quite frankly- it seems like a long way to go! But, month by month, a thousand at a time, we continue to see progress. We continue to be inspired to press on..and we continue to watch our money. <br /><br />I think the hard part, right now, is that we feel like we have been doing this forever and we have a long way to go...and then when we get the debt paid off, that extra money goes to fund retirement accounts, college, and then start paying on the house..so you never really get this "windfall" of cash that you get to start throwing your money around...and I guess that is the lesson in all this. Being fiscally responsible, or as I like to call it "Being a Fiscal Grown-Up" is a committment you make for the rest of your life...not just to get out of debt...for the rest of our lives we will be budgeting, saving, making trade-off's. But, oh how sweet when we hit retirement age, have a couple million in the bank and can really LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE! Now- I'm motivated!<br /><br />Go get 'em!!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1809441859329543730.post-31741335789959358102009-10-16T11:23:00.000-07:002009-10-16T11:26:04.796-07:00Oh happy day!<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/money/filw47/gif files/7f21cd41.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i909.photobucket.com/albums/ac292/filw47/gif%20files/7f21cd41.gif" border="0"></a><br /><br />Friday's are just the best. Going out with friends tonight to an open field where our kids can run around...free; Going to South Lake Tahoe tomorrow to watch the salmon spawn...free; time with my beautiful family PRICELESS!<br /><br />Money ain't everything...family is!<br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend everyone~!Melissa and Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05283814944020926916noreply@blogger.com2