Comments on: Get Your Finances in Line in 2009: Monthly check-up (and some thoughts on why we’re saving to pay 100% cash down on our first home) http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:04:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Suzie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233411 Suzie Sat, 07 Feb 2009 13:35:44 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233411 I have recently started following your blog because some of my friends do, and you have such great tips on here. I really appreciate them! I am so excited for you and your progress toward your goal, and I encourage you to keep pressing forward for your dream to buy your house with 100% down! That is one of the best ideas I have heard in a while. : ) I have recently started following your blog because some of my friends do, and you have such great tips on here. I really appreciate them! I am so excited for you and your progress toward your goal, and I encourage you to keep pressing forward for your dream to buy your house with 100% down! That is one of the best ideas I have heard in a while. : )

]]> By: Kathryn Bircher http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233410 Kathryn Bircher Thu, 05 Feb 2009 14:07:04 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233410 Great job! We recently found Dave Ramsey and are working to get out of debt and pay cash for everything. I totally get the whole waiting thing. I am facing that on a much smaller scale in my babysteps right now, I missed out on a good flight deal to visit my parents because I didn't have the money yet. I was almost completely sure that I'd have it with the extra shifts I've been working, but since I didn't actually have the cash I didn't buy them. It's a hard learning process, but valuable. Keep up the good work! Great job! We recently found Dave Ramsey and are working to get out of debt and pay cash for everything. I totally get the whole waiting thing. I am facing that on a much smaller scale in my babysteps right now, I missed out on a good flight deal to visit my parents because I didn’t have the money yet. I was almost completely sure that I’d have it with the extra shifts I’ve been working, but since I didn’t actually have the cash I didn’t buy them. It’s a hard learning process, but valuable. Keep up the good work!

]]> By: Mary Ellen (Carolina Momma) http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233409 Mary Ellen (Carolina Momma) Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:39:40 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233409 Good luck with your 100% down goal Crystal! I belong to a forum which supports the teachings of Dave Ramsey and last year another member of the board and her husband bought their house for 100% down! They are a young couple in their 20s, one income with three small children, in NY! It can be done! Good luck with your 100% down goal Crystal! I belong to a forum which supports the teachings of Dave Ramsey and last year another member of the board and her husband bought their house for 100% down! They are a young couple in their 20s, one income with three small children, in NY! It can be done!

]]> By: Kristy http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233408 Kristy Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:32:08 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233408 I have two sons in college and both will graduate debt free. One son is planning to attend Dental school and he would love to graduate debt free from there as well. When your husband was in Law School did you work? How did you pay for school? Thank you for all your tips and info. I have two sons in college and both will graduate debt free. One son is planning to attend Dental school and he would love to graduate debt free from there as well.

When your husband was in Law School did you work? How did you pay for school?

Thank you for all your tips and info.

]]> By: Lorna http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233407 Lorna Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:50:01 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233407 I applaud you both!! I can't wait to learn all I can here...hopefully I can eventually pass on what I learn elsewhere. I applaud you both!! I can’t wait to learn all I can here…hopefully I can eventually pass on what I learn elsewhere.

]]> By: Stephanie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233406 Stephanie Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:47:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233406 We got out of a bad housing deal last year, and are currently renting. We have not debt and have eliminated our costs down to the essentials. Now we are living within our means but have no way to save a large chunk of money unless our income goes up. It would be nice for it to go up and we remain disciplined to save all the xtra! I am trying to find some creative ways to make that happen w/o working outside the home since I have 3 children that I homeschool which is a full time job! You have been an inspiration to me to stay motivated on this! It is obvious that you are being very blessed by the Lord for your obedience, faithfulness and good stewardship! I can't wait to see the day you actually buy that home! We will have to give you a virtual house warming party! We got out of a bad housing deal last year, and are currently renting. We have not debt and have eliminated our costs down to the essentials. Now we are living within our means but have no way to save a large chunk of money unless our income goes up. It would be nice for it to go up and we remain disciplined to save all the xtra! I am trying to find some creative ways to make that happen w/o working outside the home since I have 3 children that I homeschool which is a full time job! You have been an inspiration to me to stay motivated on this! It is obvious that you are being very blessed by the Lord for your obedience, faithfulness and good stewardship! I can’t wait to see the day you actually buy that home! We will have to give you a virtual house warming party!

]]> By: Jennifer @ Joy of Frugal Living http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233405 Jennifer @ Joy of Frugal Living Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:41:22 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233405 It sounds like you are doing great! Thanks for the pep talk on 100% down. That is our plan too, but we will not begin that savings for a few more months - right now we are building up a bigger emergency fund. We don't live in a very affordable area, so it's a big goal, but I am excited about it. It sounds like you are doing great!

Thanks for the pep talk on 100% down. That is our plan too, but we will not begin that savings for a few more months – right now we are building up a bigger emergency fund. We don’t live in a very affordable area, so it’s a big goal, but I am excited about it.

]]> By: auntie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233404 auntie Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:38:39 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233404 i'm very impressed with your goals and progress! i agree completely that paying cash for a house is the way to go - Dave Ramsey convinced me of that when i went through his FPU. i’m very impressed with your goals and progress! i agree completely that paying cash for a house is the way to go – Dave Ramsey convinced me of that when i went through his FPU.

]]> By: Amanda http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233403 Amanda Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:35:12 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233403 Thank you for your inspiring blog. I love to read the updates on your life. My husband and I listened to the Dave Ramsey book just before we got married and I think that it is the best thing that we could have done for ourselves. We have been debt-free throughout our marriage and have managed to save plenty through having a baby and being in college. Our goal has been to save enough to pay 100% down on a home when that time comes, so it is great to be able to read your story of someone who has done it since we don't know anyone else who has that goal. Thank you for sharing your progress with us. It has re-motivated my hubby and I to keep that as a long-term and accomplishable goal. Keep up the good work, I appreciate you sharing it with us. Thank you for your inspiring blog. I love to read the updates on your life. My husband and I listened to the Dave Ramsey book just before we got married and I think that it is the best thing that we could have done for ourselves. We have been debt-free throughout our marriage and have managed to save plenty through having a baby and being in college. Our goal has been to save enough to pay 100% down on a home when that time comes, so it is great to be able to read your story of someone who has done it since we don’t know anyone else who has that goal. Thank you for sharing your progress with us. It has re-motivated my hubby and I to keep that as a long-term and accomplishable goal. Keep up the good work, I appreciate you sharing it with us.

]]> By: Morgan http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233402 Morgan Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:29:21 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233402 As a fellow Dave Ramsey follower...your plan to pay 100% down is not wierd to me at all :) I hope you make your goal this year because I can't imagine how incredibly secure and peaceful you will feel! We live in California, currently we are renting a VERY economical apartment and trying to pay down our credit card and car loan debt. After that, we are looking to move to a state where the cost of living is much lower so that we could afford a house. -Morgan mvalencia@astoneagency.com As a fellow Dave Ramsey follower…your plan to pay 100% down is not wierd to me at all :) I hope you make your goal this year because I can’t imagine how incredibly secure and peaceful you will feel!

We live in California, currently we are renting a VERY economical apartment and trying to pay down our credit card and car loan debt. After that, we are looking to move to a state where the cost of living is much lower so that we could afford a house.

-Morgan
mvalencia@astoneagency.com

]]> By: andrea http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233401 andrea Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:19:07 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233401 love to see how much people save!! love to see how much people save!!

]]> By: Kristina http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233400 Kristina Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:53:34 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233400 Crystal... any chance you would elaborate on the lower cost of living and lower wages? It might help to put things in perspective. For example, in our town, average income is about 50K, but average house prices is well, well, over half million (there are a LOT of wealthy people that buy second homes here). We were very lucky to buy at the bottom of the housing price with a 300K house, and to put about 40% down. (my husband's income is around the "average" range). In our old town, the average income was $35K, and the average home price was around $150-$200. So, not a huge difference in income in the two towns, but a tremendous difference in home price. Great job on the goal to put 100% down. We are working like mad to pay off our other 60%, and refinance we are doing next week at 4.75% will go a long way to meeting that goal. :) Crystal… any chance you would elaborate on the lower cost of living and lower wages? It might help to put things in perspective. For example, in our town, average income is about 50K, but average house prices is well, well, over half million (there are a LOT of wealthy people that buy second homes here). We were very lucky to buy at the bottom of the housing price with a 300K house, and to put about 40% down. (my husband’s income is around the “average” range).

In our old town, the average income was $35K, and the average home price was around $150-$200. So, not a huge difference in income in the two towns, but a tremendous difference in home price.

Great job on the goal to put 100% down. We are working like mad to pay off our other 60%, and refinance we are doing next week at 4.75% will go a long way to meeting that goal. :)

]]> By: Patty http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233399 Patty Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:23:26 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233399 Crystal, I just wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. Though I'm sure our income is quite a bit lower than yours, you have inspired me to strive for what to the world seems impossible. Because of your great example I am well on my way to paying off our debt and reaching my husbands dream of owning land in the country. God Bless! Patty Crystal, I just wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. Though I’m sure our income is quite a bit lower than yours, you have inspired me to strive for what to the world seems impossible. Because of your great example I am well on my way to paying off our debt and reaching my husbands dream of owning land in the country.

God Bless!
Patty

]]> By: Megan@SortaCrunchy http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233398 Megan@SortaCrunchy Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:43:37 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233398 I read daily via email but rarely comment, but I had to click through today! My husband and i (inspired by Dave Ramsey) have determined in our hearts that we, too, want to pay 100% cash down on our first home. We've been married for 10 years and have accumulated enough credit card debt to buy a brand new vehicle (ick) so we have a long, long way to go. But we hate that feeling of debt hanging over us SO MUCH that we feel led to never, ever, ever have any kind of debt again, insomuchas we can help it. We've rented various apartments and houses our whole marriage. God has always provided exactly what we have needed (and more!) in the places we have rented. The world says, "Rening is stupid! You must BUY BUY BUY!" but we answer to a different call. THANK YOU for this encouragement. We feel totally weird, too, but we're learning to love that. Kudos. I read daily via email but rarely comment, but I had to click through today! My husband and i (inspired by Dave Ramsey) have determined in our hearts that we, too, want to pay 100% cash down on our first home. We’ve been married for 10 years and have accumulated enough credit card debt to buy a brand new vehicle (ick) so we have a long, long way to go. But we hate that feeling of debt hanging over us SO MUCH that we feel led to never, ever, ever have any kind of debt again, insomuchas we can help it. We’ve rented various apartments and houses our whole marriage. God has always provided exactly what we have needed (and more!) in the places we have rented. The world says, “Rening is stupid! You must BUY BUY BUY!” but we answer to a different call.

THANK YOU for this encouragement. We feel totally weird, too, but we’re learning to love that.

Kudos.

]]> By: Step http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233397 Step Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:36:59 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233397 Good for you! You're doing the right thing. Young families out there, follow Crystal's advice! Try to pay 100% for a house. My husband and I made the mistake 15 years ago with buying too much house, too soon (right after we were married). Now, we put a good amount down, hubby has a good paying job, and we're able to pay the mortgage, BUT we've incurred too much debt in the process. We'd do things much differently in hindsight. The good news is that we've discovered the error of our ways a few years ago and we've been purposing to get out of debt. We're doing much the same as you with saving as much as we can, doing without, and using a cash only system. This past year, we didn't add a single dime to our debt and we didn't put anything on credit. My husband feels that we will have our debt paid off in 3 years! This year's goal is to really buckle down on the cash system -- writing down where every penny of our money goes, saving even more in the process. Good for you! You’re doing the right thing. Young families out there, follow Crystal’s advice! Try to pay 100% for a house. My husband and I made the mistake 15 years ago with buying too much house, too soon (right after we were married). Now, we put a good amount down, hubby has a good paying job, and we’re able to pay the mortgage, BUT we’ve incurred too much debt in the process. We’d do things much differently in hindsight.

The good news is that we’ve discovered the error of our ways a few years ago and we’ve been purposing to get out of debt. We’re doing much the same as you with saving as much as we can, doing without, and using a cash only system. This past year, we didn’t add a single dime to our debt and we didn’t put anything on credit. My husband feels that we will have our debt paid off in 3 years! This year’s goal is to really buckle down on the cash system — writing down where every penny of our money goes, saving even more in the process.

]]> By: Kimberly http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233396 Kimberly Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:28:54 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233396 I wrote one post covering my financial goals as well as the personal ones, like you posted about on your other blog. In a nutshell, we have paid off 7 of our debts (the 7 smallest, according to Dave...) We are on our way. Thanks for helping me stay accountable! I wrote one post covering my financial goals as well as the personal ones, like you posted about on your other blog.

In a nutshell, we have paid off 7 of our debts (the 7 smallest, according to Dave…) We are on our way. Thanks for helping me stay accountable!

]]> By: Alicia http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233395 Alicia Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:26:50 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233395 I really admire your efforts. I don't think it's crazy at all. Before I graduated college, we had enough money socked away to purchase our home outright. Of course, it's not the fanciest house, but it's ours. And, there have been a lot of struggles in the past few years when we might not have been able to continue a $1500 monthly house payment. Since we have no mortgage payment, we were able to afford dependable cars, which are now paid off, and we can start putting that amount towards saving for another 100% down home. The strangest thing is that we had entry level jobs while we saved for our house. Now, we both have higher level jobs, and don't seem to have extra left over. I think it's a convenience factor. You have it, you spend it. You don't, you save it. In my case at least. I really admire your efforts. I don’t think it’s crazy at all. Before I graduated college, we had enough money socked away to purchase our home outright. Of course, it’s not the fanciest house, but it’s ours. And, there have been a lot of struggles in the past few years when we might not have been able to continue a $1500 monthly house payment. Since we have no mortgage payment, we were able to afford dependable cars, which are now paid off, and we can start putting that amount towards saving for another 100% down home.

The strangest thing is that we had entry level jobs while we saved for our house. Now, we both have higher level jobs, and don’t seem to have extra left over. I think it’s a convenience factor. You have it, you spend it. You don’t, you save it. In my case at least.

]]> By: emily http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233394 emily Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:11:50 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233394 Awesome job! My goal right now is for my husband to start making enough money so I can stay at home when we have kids (I am also working on a photography business which I will supliment our income). I own a home in Washington DC and have a low mortgage payment and am considering trying to pay it off in a few years, but with baby plans in the near future, I am not sure if we can do it. Awesome job! My goal right now is for my husband to start making enough money so I can stay at home when we have kids (I am also working on a photography business which I will supliment our income). I own a home in Washington DC and have a low mortgage payment and am considering trying to pay it off in a few years, but with baby plans in the near future, I am not sure if we can do it.

]]> By: Laura Leigh http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233393 Laura Leigh Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:38:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233393 Crystal and Jesse: Y'all are the right kind of "crazy" and "weird"! If more people had opted for your kind of craziness, the nation's economy would not be where it is now! Congrats to you both and thank you for inspiring me to keep pressing on toward our family's financial goals. Crystal and Jesse:
Y’all are the right kind of “crazy” and “weird”! If more people had opted for your kind of craziness, the nation’s economy would not be where it is now! Congrats to you both and thank you for inspiring me to keep pressing on toward our family’s financial goals.

]]> By: Becky Mason http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html/comment-page-1#comment-233392 Becky Mason Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:19:03 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/02/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-check-up.html#comment-233392 I am noticing -and personally gone through that too-Weird must be lingo/name given for folks trying to serve the Lord- We are Weird and proud!!!! Like you I am glad I am different and not following the norm, like a bank loan! Hang in there and the whole $10 week shopping trip is inspiring! NEEDS VS. WANTS....it attacks me everywhere. Thanks for the blog! I am noticing -and personally gone through that too-Weird must be lingo/name given for folks trying to serve the Lord- We are Weird and proud!!!! Like you I am glad I am different and not following the norm, like a bank loan! Hang in there and the whole $10 week shopping trip is inspiring! NEEDS VS. WANTS….it attacks me everywhere. Thanks for the blog!

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