Comments on: Get Your Finances in Line in 2009: Monthly check-up (and some thoughts on setting goals) http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 25 May 2012 10:02:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Why You Should Set Financial Goals :: Money Saving Mom http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-300342 Why You Should Set Financial Goals :: Money Saving Mom Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:55:03 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-300342 [...] recommend that you make it a practice to set financial goals each year–even if they are seemingly “small” goals. We’ve been doing this for the past three years and have been completely amazed at what a [...] [...] recommend that you make it a practice to set financial goals each year–even if they are seemingly “small” goals. We’ve been doing this for the past three years and have been completely amazed at what a [...]

]]> By: jennifer in tn http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221425 jennifer in tn Sat, 14 Mar 2009 19:00:58 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221425 thanks for the inspirational post, crystal. i hear the zeal in a lot of the posters' comments and my husband and i have had that (off and on) as well. i'd like to hear suggestions from you (or others) pertaining to staying motivated and on-target through the long haul of staying debt-free. i am a sahm, my husband is a public schoolteacher, we have 5 children, and sometimes, frankly, i feel a little deprived (though i know this is a condition of my heart and not of my circumstances). any words of encouragement? thanks for the inspirational post, crystal. i hear the zeal in a lot of the posters’ comments and my husband and i have had that (off and on) as well. i’d like to hear suggestions from you (or others) pertaining to staying motivated and on-target through the long haul of staying debt-free. i am a sahm, my husband is a public schoolteacher, we have 5 children, and sometimes, frankly, i feel a little deprived (though i know this is a condition of my heart and not of my circumstances). any words of encouragement?

]]> By: Wani http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221424 Wani Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:22:38 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221424 I think its great that you are setting such a great example to your readers of good stewardship. We're all a work in progress and we're all ad different places in our journeys. Saving money is not easy in a culture that pushes instant gratification. I'm so thankful that my parents taught me to save from an early age. But so many people in my generation were not taught that at all. Its hard to change old habits, especially spending habits. Like you said baby steps can add up to alot when you stick to them. Thanks for doing a good work! God Bless! I think its great that you are setting such a great example to your readers of good stewardship. We’re all a work in progress and we’re all ad different places in our journeys. Saving money is not easy in a culture that pushes instant gratification. I’m so thankful that my parents taught me to save from an early age. But so many people in my generation were not taught that at all. Its hard to change old habits, especially spending habits. Like you said baby steps can add up to alot when you stick to them. Thanks for doing a good work! God Bless!

]]> By: Liz @ Hoosier Homemade http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221423 Liz @ Hoosier Homemade Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:18:04 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221423 Thanks for hosting! I love your blog! Thanks for hosting! I love your blog!

]]> By: Becky http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221422 Becky Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:55:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221422 Congrats Crystal on your achievements! You are an inspiration to me-We have been praying for you and your health during the pregnancy-thanks for all you do to encourage Godly moms! Congrats Crystal on your achievements! You are an inspiration to me-We have been praying for you and your health during the pregnancy-thanks for all you do to encourage Godly moms!

]]> By: Mary http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221421 Mary Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:23:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221421 If anyone who was considering buying a home would look at an amortization table for the amount they intend to borrow, they would very likely understand your wanting to save up 100% much more easily. Google the words "amortization calculator" and input $100,000, 6%, 30 years, 12 payments per year. That is a reasonable amount for a mortgage in my area. You will see your payments are $599.55 over 360 months. That doesn't include taxes or insurance, just the basic payment on the loan. For the first 140 payments (more than 11-1/2 YEARS!) the amount going towards your principle is UNDER $200 PER MONTH. That means only 1/3 (or less!) of each month's payment is going towards your principle. The rest is all interest - money you are never going to see again! Now, start when you are first married - say you plan to live in an apartment for 6 years or so. I googled "savings calculator" and input an initial amount of $600, saving for 6 years at just 2% rate of return (some online accounts offer much higher than this, you just need to shop around) compounded monthly. At the end of 6 years, you'll have $46,611 in your account - almost half of your $100,000 investment! After 11-1/2 years, you'd have nearly $90,000 in your savings - roughly the same amount you originally borrowed...but if you go the traditional mortgage route, that $100,000 turns into $215,000 worth of payments! I'm not saying this is possible for everyone. But think about $600 - couponing, not getting a $3 latte everyday (that's $90 a month!), shopping sales and consignment, etc. Especially if you planned to live in an apartment or rental for the first few years anyway? And, every parent should be stressing the importance of regular saving once a kid starts their first job at 16 or 18. That's the beauty of compounding interest - you just want it to work in your favor! If anyone who was considering buying a home would look at an amortization table for the amount they intend to borrow, they would very likely understand your wanting to save up 100% much more easily.

Google the words “amortization calculator” and input $100,000, 6%, 30 years, 12 payments per year. That is a reasonable amount for a mortgage in my area. You will see your payments are $599.55 over 360 months. That doesn’t include taxes or insurance, just the basic payment on the loan.

For the first 140 payments (more than 11-1/2 YEARS!) the amount going towards your principle is UNDER $200 PER MONTH. That means only 1/3 (or less!) of each month’s payment is going towards your principle. The rest is all interest – money you are never going to see again!

Now, start when you are first married – say you plan to live in an apartment for 6 years or so. I googled “savings calculator” and input an initial amount of $600, saving for 6 years at just 2% rate of return (some online accounts offer much higher than this, you just need to shop around) compounded monthly. At the end of 6 years, you’ll have $46,611 in your account – almost half of your $100,000 investment!

After 11-1/2 years, you’d have nearly $90,000 in your savings – roughly the same amount you originally borrowed…but if you go the traditional mortgage route, that $100,000 turns into $215,000 worth of payments!

I’m not saying this is possible for everyone. But think about $600 – couponing, not getting a $3 latte everyday (that’s $90 a month!), shopping sales and consignment, etc. Especially if you planned to live in an apartment or rental for the first few years anyway? And, every parent should be stressing the importance of regular saving once a kid starts their first job at 16 or 18. That’s the beauty of compounding interest – you just want it to work in your favor!

]]> By: libby http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221420 libby Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:40:14 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221420 Your attitude is great. I recently read this quote, "If you have to wonder whether or not you can, then you CAN"T". Continued success in your goals. I know from personal experience how great it feels. Last year my B-day gift to myself and husband......paying off our home! Libby P.S. LOVE your blog!! Your attitude is great. I recently read this quote, “If you have to wonder whether or not you can, then you CAN”T”. Continued success in your goals. I know from personal experience how great it feels. Last year my B-day gift to myself and husband……paying off our home!

Libby
P.S. LOVE your blog!!

]]> By: Michelle Burkhart http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221419 Michelle Burkhart Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:22:46 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221419 I know you recommended My Total Money Makeover and I would like to thank you for doing so! My husband and I actually teach Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and I was really encouraged that people get so much out of the class AND the book! Thanks for being another encourager of living DEBT FREE!!! :-) I know you recommended My Total Money Makeover and I would like to thank you for doing so! My husband and I actually teach Financial Peace University by Dave Ramsey and I was really encouraged that people get so much out of the class AND the book! Thanks for being another encourager of living DEBT FREE!!! :-)

]]> By: FrugalChick http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221418 FrugalChick Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:38:33 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221418 Once again, thanks for the encouragement! Once again, thanks for the encouragement!

]]> By: Jessica http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221417 Jessica Fri, 13 Mar 2009 16:15:27 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221417 At your suggestion in several posts over the years (sometimes I'm a bit slow on the uptake, but I'm getting there) I checked out Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" from my library. I grew up in a very fiscally savy family, and have always maintained "good" finances, but over the years I always felt "I think I can do better than this." Watching people outspend their incomes and buy things they could neither afford or pay for, I thought for a while something was wrong with me. But common sense prevailed and I knew that I was on the right track, while everyone else was spinning out of control. Although Dave's book was mostly common sense, I loved hearing that other people were keen on eliminating and staying off debt. I love his step by step approach and that he encourages people to find value in life outside having to spend to find happiness. Since then I have started my Debt Snowball and am making great progress. Your updates are reinforcement that others are living within their means, are happier without more things, and making every dollar count. Congrats on your progress, I hope I can catch up! At your suggestion in several posts over the years (sometimes I’m a bit slow on the uptake, but I’m getting there) I checked out Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” from my library. I grew up in a very fiscally savy family, and have always maintained “good” finances, but over the years I always felt “I think I can do better than this.” Watching people outspend their incomes and buy things they could neither afford or pay for, I thought for a while something was wrong with me. But common sense prevailed and I knew that I was on the right track, while everyone else was spinning out of control.

Although Dave’s book was mostly common sense, I loved hearing that other people were keen on eliminating and staying off debt. I love his step by step approach and that he encourages people to find value in life outside having to spend to find happiness. Since then I have started my Debt Snowball and am making great progress. Your updates are reinforcement that others are living within their means, are happier without more things, and making every dollar count. Congrats on your progress, I hope I can catch up!

]]> By: Amanda http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221416 Amanda Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:50:45 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221416 My big goal has been to pay off my school loan in five years, $50,000 worth. My loan debt was after scholarships and grants as well, but still a huge burden. Particularly, I have been agressively paying off the one that is considered a private loan and has a variable rate, which started at 30,000 and some interest. I still pay twice the required payment on my fixed rate student loan with the 2.5% rate. While I was not able to pay off as much when I first got out of school in 2004 and my husband was overseas in Iraq, I have been lowering my debt vigorously since the fall of 2006 when I started my current job and started my career. The interest rate on this loan has been as high as 8.25% and was down to 5% recently and just dropped to 3.25%. Fortunately, my husband had no debt since the army National Guard paid for his school and his car was paid off. Also, we do not have credit card debt, although we do use ones with cash back offers and pay them off montly. My husband also has a savings CD we are saving towards a home purchase in the furture. We have been able to take advantage of our current living situation in our effort to pay off my loan. We have been lucky in that my mother-in-law had another house that was paid for, but that she was not ready to sell and said we could live there for a small monthly rent and to take care of it. She knew we wanted to take the opportunity to pay off my school debt. Another big plus we have on our side is that my father-in-law has a car repair shop and takes care of any of our car repairs for us. Since, we can save on these areas we take every opportunity to pay off my loan when we have extra money besides the huge amount that I a pay monthly as my goal. I have continued to increase my monthly payment and challenge myself to make higher payments. Most of my salary goes to paying off my loan. We also put my bonuses towards it, usually half our tax return while the other half goes towards our savings and sometimes Christmas money as well. At the end of last year I estimated the pay-off of the $30,000 loan would be in February 2010 and that I could finishing paying of the rest of my fixed rate student loan in another year. Since the one date is getting so close we have been focusing our efforts even more to get it paid off in the end of 2009. This year we put my bonus towards it, half our Christmas money (that was supposed to go towards a vacation) and all of our tax return in addition to my payments. At the end of last month my variable loan will now be paid off in November of 2009. I am getting really good at couponing and hope my efforts will help me raise my monthly payment even more as well. I also have a Upromise college account that I have over $200.00 in from last year and plan to withdraw from and add that to my payments. My husband recently bought a car, but b/c of the trade in and our awesome credit we have a low rate. He pays extra money on it every month and also puts money into savings. As the economy worsens, and I could lose my job since our company has had less work and has recenlty had lay-offs, I feel it is even more important to get my loan paid off. We are fortunate in that my husband is a sheriff's deputy and will not lose his job, but I still want to make every effort to pay it off and even more so if I may not have a job. I borrowed Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University kit from a friend at work and hope that will help my efforts even more. I had a friend recently buy a house and try to encourage us to do the same, saying everyone has school debt and not to worry about paying it off now. While, my husband and I would like to take advantage of the lower housing costs now too and buy a house, we will not until my two loans are paid off. After that I will need to get a new car, but plan to save for a few months for a down payment and pay that loan off as soon as possible as well. Then we will work on looking for a house. I am so thankful we can focus a lot of our money on paying off my loan. I know when it is paid off I will feel a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. The end is in sight. My big goal has been to pay off my school loan in five years, $50,000 worth. My loan debt was after scholarships and grants as well, but still a huge burden. Particularly, I have been agressively paying off the one that is considered a private loan and has a variable rate, which started at 30,000 and some interest. I still pay twice the required payment on my fixed rate student loan with the 2.5% rate. While I was not able to pay off as much when I first got out of school in 2004 and my husband was overseas in Iraq, I have been lowering my debt vigorously since the fall of 2006 when I started my current job and started my career. The interest rate on this loan has been as high as 8.25% and was down to 5% recently and just dropped to 3.25%. Fortunately, my husband had no debt since the army National Guard paid for his school and his car was paid off. Also, we do not have credit card debt, although we do use ones with cash back offers and pay them off montly. My husband also has a savings CD we are saving towards a home purchase in the furture. We have been able to take advantage of our current living situation in our effort to pay off my loan. We have been lucky in that my mother-in-law had another house that was paid for, but that she was not ready to sell and said we could live there for a small monthly rent and to take care of it. She knew we wanted to take the opportunity to pay off my school debt. Another big plus we have on our side is that my father-in-law has a car repair shop and takes care of any of our car repairs for us. Since, we can save on these areas we take every opportunity to pay off my loan when we have extra money besides the huge amount that I a pay monthly as my goal. I have continued to increase my monthly payment and challenge myself to make higher payments. Most of my salary goes to paying off my loan. We also put my bonuses towards it, usually half our tax return while the other half goes towards our savings and sometimes Christmas money as well. At the end of last year I estimated the pay-off of the $30,000 loan would be in February 2010 and that I could finishing paying of the rest of my fixed rate student loan in another year. Since the one date is getting so close we have been focusing our efforts even more to get it paid off in the end of 2009. This year we put my bonus towards it, half our Christmas money (that was supposed to go towards a vacation) and all of our tax return in addition to my payments. At the end of last month my variable loan will now be paid off in November of 2009. I am getting really good at couponing and hope my efforts will help me raise my monthly payment even more as well. I also have a Upromise college account that I have over $200.00 in from last year and plan to withdraw from and add that to my payments. My husband recently bought a car, but b/c of the trade in and our awesome credit we have a low rate. He pays extra money on it every month and also puts money into savings. As the economy worsens, and I could lose my job since our company has had less work and has recenlty had lay-offs, I feel it is even more important to get my loan paid off. We are fortunate in that my husband is a sheriff’s deputy and will not lose his job, but I still want to make every effort to pay it off and even more so if I may not have a job. I borrowed Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University kit from a friend at work and hope that will help my efforts even more.

I had a friend recently buy a house and try to encourage us to do the same, saying everyone has school debt and not to worry about paying it off now. While, my husband and I would like to take advantage of the lower housing costs now too and buy a house, we will not until my two loans are paid off. After that I will need to get a new car, but plan to save for a few months for a down payment and pay that loan off as soon as possible as well. Then we will work on looking for a house. I am so thankful we can focus a lot of our money on paying off my loan. I know when it is paid off I will feel a huge sense of relief and accomplishment. The end is in sight.

]]> By: Roxanne http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221415 Roxanne Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:46:02 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221415 We, like you and your husband, feel that a mortgage is DEBT, just like any other debt. We originally planned to pay 100% cash for our 1st home, but several financial hiccups happened to prevent that. We did put down a hefty downpayment, and will have it paid off next year - two years after purchasing. God gets all the glory, not our discipline, budgeting, planning, or anything else. We fully realize it is only through Him we have been able to do this. Anyway, thanks for the post. It's nice to be in the company of like-minded people :-) We, like you and your husband, feel that a mortgage is DEBT, just like any other debt.

We originally planned to pay 100% cash for our 1st home, but several financial hiccups happened to prevent that. We did put down a hefty downpayment, and will have it paid off next year – two years after purchasing.

God gets all the glory, not our discipline, budgeting, planning, or anything else. We fully realize it is only through Him we have been able to do this.

Anyway, thanks for the post. It’s nice to be in the company of like-minded people :-)

]]> By: Lynette S http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221414 Lynette S Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:58:51 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221414 I gave you an award! Visiy my blog to pick it up: <a href="http://lynssavingsjourney.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://lynssavingsjourney.blogspot.com/</a> I gave you an award! Visiy my blog to pick it up:

http://lynssavingsjourney.blogspot.com/

]]> By: Lyn http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221413 Lyn Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:52:05 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221413 I commend you for all that you've been able to accomplish and I hear all that you are saying, I really do. Just sometimes though there are circumstances for some that make those big goals not achievable. I am frugal in all aspects of my life - I have always been. When there are issues like health (especially getting ill at a younger age) it can make a big difference to the goals that one can attain. Having youth and good health on one's side really do matter. Some do have to make the best out of living on less for the rest of their lives. That's where we are at and I am peace with it. I do thank you for your post. I wanted to share another perspective from someone on the other side of the fence. ******************** Money Saving Mom here: Absolutely, Lyn. However, I strongly believe that everyone can do *something* and go somewhere--even if it's just a little something. That was the point of this post. If we aim at nothing, we'll hit it every time. I commend you for all that you’ve been able to accomplish and I hear all that you are saying, I really do.

Just sometimes though there are circumstances for some that make those big goals not achievable. I am frugal in all aspects of my life – I have always been. When there are issues like health (especially getting ill at a younger age) it can make a big difference to the goals that one can attain. Having youth and good health on one’s side really do matter.

Some do have to make the best out of living on less for the rest of their lives. That’s where we are at and I am peace with it. I do thank you for your post. I wanted to share another perspective from someone on the other side of the fence.

********************
Money Saving Mom here: Absolutely, Lyn. However, I strongly believe that everyone can do *something* and go somewhere–even if it’s just a little something. That was the point of this post. If we aim at nothing, we’ll hit it every time.

]]> By: Sarah D http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221412 Sarah D Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:31:36 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221412 I am a SAHM to two little boys and I recently started watching two additional children in my home so that we could aggressively pay off our debt. In 2004-2005, my husband's company had some hard times, and he went without a paycheck for over a year. I was pregnant, in school, and working two part time jobs to make ends meet. We racked up a LOT of credit card due to poor choices and trying to survive, but due to some hard work and living without more times than we'd like (we don't even own a tv at all anymore), we've gone from over $25,000 in credit card debt to $7,000, which should be paid by the end of the year. I know that God has brought us through this, and he has blessed us 100 times over for being faithful to His call. We made a decision a couple of years ago to put giving ahead of whatever else we wanted to do, including getting out of debt, and He has blessed us for it. We have had help when we needed it, and money has stretched when it shouldn't have. He is amazing!!!! Thank you not only for your encouragement, but for always giving God the glory when you speak. I am a SAHM to two little boys and I recently started watching two additional children in my home so that we could aggressively pay off our debt. In 2004-2005, my husband’s company had some hard times, and he went without a paycheck for over a year. I was pregnant, in school, and working two part time jobs to make ends meet. We racked up a LOT of credit card due to poor choices and trying to survive, but due to some hard work and living without more times than we’d like (we don’t even own a tv at all anymore), we’ve gone from over $25,000 in credit card debt to $7,000, which should be paid by the end of the year. I know that God has brought us through this, and he has blessed us 100 times over for being faithful to His call. We made a decision a couple of years ago to put giving ahead of whatever else we wanted to do, including getting out of debt, and He has blessed us for it. We have had help when we needed it, and money has stretched when it shouldn’t have. He is amazing!!!! Thank you not only for your encouragement, but for always giving God the glory when you speak.

]]> By: Laura http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221411 Laura Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:13:55 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221411 Thanks so much for your encouragment in this area. This past month we got rid of satelite television to save $50 a month. We are putting that money directly into savings. We did decide that it was worth it to use the Redbox to get movies, but so far we've only spent $1 on that because of free codes. I'm so glad that you encourage people to live frugally when they are in school. My husband and I married while he was in his second year of a four year grad program. He brought debt into our marriage from undergrad and a car he had, but I did not. He was unable to work much during this time, but I had a full time job in retail. During that 4 year grad program we accumulated no new debt and actually paid his car off due to hail damage that "totalled" my car, but left it drivable. We took the money from the insurance and put it towards his car making a big dent in the bill. Anyways, thanks for your encouragment! Thanks so much for your encouragment in this area. This past month we got rid of satelite television to save $50 a month. We are putting that money directly into savings. We did decide that it was worth it to use the Redbox to get movies, but so far we’ve only spent $1 on that because of free codes.
I’m so glad that you encourage people to live frugally when they are in school. My husband and I married while he was in his second year of a four year grad program. He brought debt into our marriage from undergrad and a car he had, but I did not. He was unable to work much during this time, but I had a full time job in retail. During that 4 year grad program we accumulated no new debt and actually paid his car off due to hail damage that “totalled” my car, but left it drivable. We took the money from the insurance and put it towards his car making a big dent in the bill. Anyways, thanks for your encouragment!

]]> By: polly http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221410 polly Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:00:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221410 Way to go! Keep up the good work and the inspiring words. My dh and I have about $18k left on a mortgage that we are paying off very fast, we should be without a mortgage by the time he's 35 (he's 33 now) and I'm 33--if not sooner. It is a great feeling and worth the sacrifices. Way to go! Keep up the good work and the inspiring words. My dh and I have about $18k left on a mortgage that we are paying off very fast, we should be without a mortgage by the time he’s 35 (he’s 33 now) and I’m 33–if not sooner. It is a great feeling and worth the sacrifices.

]]> By: Jaime G http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221409 Jaime G Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:55:26 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221409 Keep it up... we became debt-free (home included!) in the summer of 2006. I have no regrets and hope to never go back! It was hard and people thought we were crazy for trying but now we are in our 30s and DEBT FREE!!! =) Keep it up… we became debt-free (home included!) in the summer of 2006. I have no regrets and hope to never go back! It was hard and people thought we were crazy for trying but now we are in our 30s and DEBT FREE!!! =)

]]> By: tara http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221408 tara Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:13:02 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221408 Thanks to you and Dave Ramsey we have paid of 5 credit cards and have several hundred saved up for an emergency fund all in the past year! Of course we still have a car payment (which I pay extra on every month) and a personal loan but we hope to have those paid off by 2010. We cut the telephone land line, we cut the cable, we didn't go out to eat, we stuck to $100 every week for groceries for a family of 6. I even kept the heat at 65 degrees just to save an extra 20 on the electric bill. You are a true inspiration! Thanks to you and Dave Ramsey we have paid of 5 credit cards and have several hundred saved up for an emergency fund all in the past year! Of course we still have a car payment (which I pay extra on every month) and a personal loan but we hope to have those paid off by 2010. We cut the telephone land line, we cut the cable, we didn’t go out to eat, we stuck to $100 every week for groceries for a family of 6. I even kept the heat at 65 degrees just to save an extra 20 on the electric bill. You are a true inspiration!

]]> By: Michele http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html/comment-page-1#comment-221407 Michele Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:48:28 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/03/get-your-finances-in-line-in-2009-monthly-checkup-and-some-thoughts-on-setting-goals.html#comment-221407 MSM, I commend you for what you are doing regarding saving for your house. We saved $90,000 for our first home, although around here on the East Coast it was just a down payment. I'm curious if you have taken into account the other costs of buying, such as closing costs, home inspection, taxes, repairs, etc. We ended up setting aside $20,000 for a repair fund for things that would inevitably come up down the road - a new roof, furnace, etc. Home ownership comes with a lot of incidental costs that some people don't realize. MSM,

I commend you for what you are doing regarding saving for your house. We saved $90,000 for our first home, although around here on the East Coast it was just a down payment. I’m curious if you have taken into account the other costs of buying, such as closing costs, home inspection, taxes, repairs, etc. We ended up setting aside $20,000 for a repair fund for things that would inevitably come up down the road – a new roof, furnace, etc. Home ownership comes with a lot of incidental costs that some people don’t realize.

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