Comments on: Monthly Financial Check-up http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html Helping You Be a Better Home Economist Fri, 25 May 2012 12:54:03 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Lisa B. http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173987 Lisa B. Sun, 20 Sep 2009 23:03:58 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173987 I'm very excited for you, what a great thing to be able to pay cash for a home. From a real estate agent standpoint, people who buy in cash are also in a great position to negotiate the price. When a seller can look at a calendar and know that in 7-10 days they can literally walk away from their home with some cash, most will not quibble over a few thousand dollars if it interferes with them having some closure and moving to their next destination. You won't be required to get an appraisal but make sure you get one anyway, it's well worth the $$. Good luck! I’m very excited for you, what a great thing to be able to pay cash for a home.
From a real estate agent standpoint, people who buy in cash are also in a great position to negotiate the price. When a seller can look at a calendar and know that in 7-10 days they can literally walk away from their home with some cash, most will not quibble over a few thousand dollars if it interferes with them having some closure and moving to their next destination. You won’t be required to get an appraisal but make sure you get one anyway, it’s well worth the $$. Good luck!

]]> By: katie http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173986 katie Sat, 19 Sep 2009 13:12:26 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173986 I live in New York City - and while I think your goal is wonderful, I don't think it is practical for someone living in a place like New York. I am wondering if you are worried about housing price changes (I know prices have gone down considerably here - but they are still ridiculous). Considering you are at 65% now are you worried that by the time you save up 100%, prices may increase? I don't know what the real estate market is like in your area, but some house prices in NY doubled in a 2 or 3 year period. That is one of the reasons that when we saw a house well below market value we jumped on the chance to buy (even with a RIDICULOUSLY large mortgage). I live in New York City – and while I think your goal is wonderful, I don’t think it is practical for someone living in a place like New York. I am wondering if you are worried about housing price changes (I know prices have gone down considerably here – but they are still ridiculous). Considering you are at 65% now are you worried that by the time you save up 100%, prices may increase? I don’t know what the real estate market is like in your area, but some house prices in NY doubled in a 2 or 3 year period. That is one of the reasons that when we saw a house well below market value we jumped on the chance to buy (even with a RIDICULOUSLY large mortgage).

]]> By: Penny http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173985 Penny Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:42:05 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173985 I love reading your financial check -up. It is motivating and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing this with your readers. I love reading your financial check -up. It is motivating and inspiring!! Thank you for sharing this with your readers.

]]> By: Eli - perhaps your only male reader :) http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173984 Eli - perhaps your only male reader :) Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:30:04 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173984 I can't tell you how impressed I was the day I realized that you, who write's so diligently about the ins and outs of clipping coupons, were actually from a wealthy, upper-class household. To me, for some reason, that made the whole idea all that much more interesting. I am an avid reader and big fan of your blog. However, I have to say I find these update posts fairly misleading. It's great that you can provide such a lofty inspirational goal for so many of your readers but your frugality (or at least the frugality you promote) has to account for such a tiny percentage of your savings, here, that it makes me cringe when I see people attribute your financial successes to it. Your family makes a substantial amount of money, there is no getting around that. 7.2% of a home, even in the cheap mid west, is still I'd imagine a minimum of $10,000 in "savings" this month. Depending on your house it could definitely be much more. While it's cool to see that having a large income, money in investments, etc, etc can net you significant growth each month (so long as you don't go out and spend), I don't think that's really all too shocking and it definitely is not what your blog is about. I suppose the thing that just doesn't quite sit right with me is that since your blog is called moneySAVINGmom and not moneyMAKINGmom a monthly update would seem much more appropriate if it provided an idea of what you've truly saved through the frugal means you promote in your posts. How do the tips you provide and live by get you closer to your dream of home ownership without debt? Perhaps show what percentage of this month's total income was spent on groceries, bills, kids, entertainment, etc. I think those might be more appropriate numbers for your readers to compare, relate and strive to. The monthly percentage increase towards your house, while a very important number for you, really only makes sense to those in your same financial situation. I can guarantee you most of your readers are not. With all that said, please don't get me wrong. I'm really not trying to be confrontational, only helpful. I throughly enjoy reading your posts and look forward to your awesome tips every day. I think it's fantastic you guys are doing so well. It sounds like you have a happy, healthy family that will someday soon enjoy walking into a nice new home. I can almost see the eyes of your kids lighting up and I look forward to reading about it the day it happens. ******************** Money Saving Mom here: Eli, thanks for commenting! We've chosen--for a variety of reasons--not to make the specifics of our personal finances public information. When I did this before, I found that people got hung up on numbers instead of getting the principles of the matter. Truth be told, the principles behind everything I promote here are exactly why we are where we are today. Hard work, living on less than you make, scrimping, being creative, and being the best manager of the resources God has given you can lead to surprising things! We have certainly been amazed at how God has blessed and opened doors when we have sought to do the best with the little we have. It was only a few years ago--when my husband was in law school--that we were living on $1000 per month. I well remember those days! As our income has increased--through much hard work, wise stewardship, careful investing, and the blessing of God--we have sought to be good managers of that money through continuing to live simply and frugally, live on less than we make, work towards big goals, and be generous givers. Clipping coupons *does* make a big difference. In fact, I'd wager to say we have saved at least $15,000-$20,000 over the course of the last 6 years by doing so. And that's a modest estimate. But it's the principle behind clipping coupons (seeking to be a creative and wise steward of the resources which you have and living a disciplined financial life) which really makes the difference. And that is the vision I'm hoping people catch here. Once you catch the vision, amazing things are possible! I can’t tell you how impressed I was the day I realized that you, who write’s so diligently about the ins and outs of clipping coupons, were actually from a wealthy, upper-class household. To me, for some reason, that made the whole idea all that much more interesting.

I am an avid reader and big fan of your blog.

However, I have to say I find these update posts fairly misleading. It’s great that you can provide such a lofty inspirational goal for so many of your readers but your frugality (or at least the frugality you promote) has to account for such a tiny percentage of your savings, here, that it makes me cringe when I see people attribute your financial successes to it.

Your family makes a substantial amount of money, there is no getting around that. 7.2% of a home, even in the cheap mid west, is still I’d imagine a minimum of $10,000 in “savings” this month. Depending on your house it could definitely be much more.

While it’s cool to see that having a large income, money in investments, etc, etc can net you significant growth each month (so long as you don’t go out and spend), I don’t think that’s really all too shocking and it definitely is not what your blog is about.

I suppose the thing that just doesn’t quite sit right with me is that since your blog is called moneySAVINGmom and not moneyMAKINGmom a monthly update would seem much more appropriate if it provided an idea of what you’ve truly saved through the frugal means you promote in your posts. How do the tips you provide and live by get you closer to your dream of home ownership without debt?

Perhaps show what percentage of this month’s total income was spent on groceries, bills, kids, entertainment, etc. I think those might be more appropriate numbers for your readers to compare, relate and strive to. The monthly percentage increase towards your house, while a very important number for you, really only makes sense to those in your same financial situation. I can guarantee you most of your readers are not.

With all that said, please don’t get me wrong. I’m really not trying to be confrontational, only helpful. I throughly enjoy reading your posts and look forward to your awesome tips every day. I think it’s fantastic you guys are doing so well. It sounds like you have a happy, healthy family that will someday soon enjoy walking into a nice new home. I can almost see the eyes of your kids lighting up and I look forward to reading about it the day it happens.

********************
Money Saving Mom here: Eli, thanks for commenting! We’ve chosen–for a variety of reasons–not to make the specifics of our personal finances public information. When I did this before, I found that people got hung up on numbers instead of getting the principles of the matter.

Truth be told, the principles behind everything I promote here are exactly why we are where we are today. Hard work, living on less than you make, scrimping, being creative, and being the best manager of the resources God has given you can lead to surprising things!

We have certainly been amazed at how God has blessed and opened doors when we have sought to do the best with the little we have. It was only a few years ago–when my husband was in law school–that we were living on $1000 per month. I well remember those days!

As our income has increased–through much hard work, wise stewardship, careful investing, and the blessing of God–we have sought to be good managers of that money through continuing to live simply and frugally, live on less than we make, work towards big goals, and be generous givers.

Clipping coupons *does* make a big difference. In fact, I’d wager to say we have saved at least $15,000-$20,000 over the course of the last 6 years by doing so. And that’s a modest estimate. But it’s the principle behind clipping coupons (seeking to be a creative and wise steward of the resources which you have and living a disciplined financial life) which really makes the difference. And that is the vision I’m hoping people catch here. Once you catch the vision, amazing things are possible!

]]> By: Lisa http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173983 Lisa Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:22:33 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173983 I love reading your posts about your parents. Does your mother have a blog? I love reading your posts about your parents. Does your mother have a blog?

]]> By: Sherry http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173982 Sherry Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:56:00 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173982 That is awesome, Crystal! Praise God for how you have been good stewards of what God has given. YOu are such an inspiration to me. Last month I was super excited. We paid off one debt and within one month reduced our debt by close to 20%. Praise God! That is awesome, Crystal! Praise God for how you have been good stewards of what God has given. YOu are such an inspiration to me. Last month I was super excited. We paid off one debt and within one month reduced our debt by close to 20%. Praise God!

]]> By: Tausha Habecker http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173981 Tausha Habecker Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:33:37 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173981 I have done the math on trying to reach this goal many times. For families earning around $50,000 a year or less it just doesn't add up. My husband and I are currently saving almost 50% of his take home pay. And that does not count the 5% that comes out automatically for his 401K. His paychecks range from $650-$800 per week take home and we consistently save $350 per week. So saving for 5 years gives us around $91,000 plus a little interest earnings. So that is not enough to buy the average house. Let's increase the goal to 10 years, that gives us $182,000. More realistic amount to buy a house with. But even a house currently worth $182,000 with an increase of value at 2% per year would cost $222,258. So do I increase savings, do I put the money in riskier investments to try to earn more interest, do I wait 12 years to buy, or do I take out a mortgage at the 5 year mark with a sizable down payment? We have chosen the 5 year goal. ****************** Money Saving Mom here: I'd agree with you, Tausha! And way to go on your savings goals! You guys are doing incredibly well--most people don't even consider a sizable down payment in today's day and age! Because of wise training from our parents, no debt, wise stewardship, good income, and the blessing of God, we're in a position where if we are very aggressive and frugal, we can save a large amount of our income and it makes sense to wait a short while and pay 100% down. However, if we were only able to save a small amount each month, we'd still scrimp and save, but we'd likely consider a different route and possibly even consider a mortgage (with a very large down payment which we'd aggressively seek to pay off in less than 7 years). That said, we never expected to be able to save as much as we have been as fast as we have been able to. We've found that having a big goal and both working together very, very hard towards it as well as seeking to be the best managers of the resources God given us has allowed us to become much more creative and has opened up all sorts of doors which we never anticipated. So you just never know. Be faithful with what you have where you are, set goals, work hard, don't give up, and you just might be surprised as well! I have done the math on trying to reach this goal many times. For families earning around $50,000 a year or less it just doesn’t add up. My husband and I are currently saving almost 50% of his take home pay. And that does not count the 5% that comes out automatically for his 401K. His paychecks range from $650-$800 per week take home and we consistently save $350 per week. So saving for 5 years gives us around $91,000 plus a little interest earnings. So that is not enough to buy the average house. Let’s increase the goal to 10 years, that gives us $182,000. More realistic amount to buy a house with. But even a house currently worth $182,000 with an increase of value at 2% per year would cost $222,258. So do I increase savings, do I put the money in riskier investments to try to earn more interest, do I wait 12 years to buy, or do I take out a mortgage at the 5 year mark with a sizable down payment? We have chosen the 5 year goal.

******************
Money Saving Mom here: I’d agree with you, Tausha! And way to go on your savings goals! You guys are doing incredibly well–most people don’t even consider a sizable down payment in today’s day and age!

Because of wise training from our parents, no debt, wise stewardship, good income, and the blessing of God, we’re in a position where if we are very aggressive and frugal, we can save a large amount of our income and it makes sense to wait a short while and pay 100% down. However, if we were only able to save a small amount each month, we’d still scrimp and save, but we’d likely consider a different route and possibly even consider a mortgage (with a very large down payment which we’d aggressively seek to pay off in less than 7 years).

That said, we never expected to be able to save as much as we have been as fast as we have been able to. We’ve found that having a big goal and both working together very, very hard towards it as well as seeking to be the best managers of the resources God given us has allowed us to become much more creative and has opened up all sorts of doors which we never anticipated.

So you just never know. Be faithful with what you have where you are, set goals, work hard, don’t give up, and you just might be surprised as well!

]]> By: Kelly http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-2#comment-173980 Kelly Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:06:41 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173980 Thank you for sharing your progress Crystal. Reading about your commitment to your large goal has kept me inspired to stick to my smaller ones! Thank you for sharing your progress Crystal. Reading about your commitment to your large goal has kept me inspired to stick to my smaller ones!

]]> By: Gail http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173979 Gail Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:09:44 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173979 Way to go! You are such an inspiration to so many! I wondered about the real estate market in your area. Has it been affected much by the downturn in real estate prices? It seems some areas are hard hit, and there are real bargains to be had. I live in a paid for home, but was thinking that if I were not, would it make sense to buy now while prices are lower? I wondered if you had re-calculated your goal based on the new real estate pricing, and also the possibility of the $8000 one time offer for new homeowners. No, I am not trying to tempt you from your goal of 100% down, I just wondered if the real estate downturn has brought you closer to your goal. Way to go! You are such an inspiration to so many! I wondered about the real estate market in your area. Has it been affected much by the downturn in real estate prices? It seems some areas are hard hit, and there are real bargains to be had. I live in a paid for home, but was thinking that if I were not, would it make sense to buy now while prices are lower? I wondered if you had re-calculated your goal based on the new real estate pricing, and also the possibility of the $8000 one time offer for new homeowners. No, I am not trying to tempt you from your goal of 100% down, I just wondered if the real estate downturn has brought you closer to your goal.

]]> By: Melissa http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173978 Melissa Fri, 18 Sep 2009 02:06:27 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173978 Crystal, I have been reading your blog for some time and my husband is about to start law school next year. I have been so inspired by the way you have been able to get through law school with no debt and we are hoping to do the same. I was wondering if you could do a post or just email me info on how you did that. did you work? did you have children? did he get scholarships and grants? if so, how did you find out about those? we are trying to look at all the possibilities and start now to get things in order so we can get to our goal. Crystal,

I have been reading your blog for some time and my husband is about to start law school next year. I have been so inspired by the way you have been able to get through law school with no debt and we are hoping to do the same. I was wondering if you could do a post or just email me info on how you did that. did you work? did you have children? did he get scholarships and grants? if so, how did you find out about those? we are trying to look at all the possibilities and start now to get things in order so we can get to our goal.

]]> By: The Prudent Homemaker http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173977 The Prudent Homemaker Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:25:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173977 Jaclyn's comment above is very true. Right now most of the Las Vegas Real Estate market is foreclosures. My husband lists houses for the bank (and also works with buyers). A year ago, there were a lot of houses on the market, and now we have less than a month's worth of houses on the market. Competetion for buyers is stiff, and many people are making 10 offers before they are able to be accepted on one. My husband has noticed that the bank puts a higher priority on cash buyers, even if their offer is less than someone's who is getting a loan (even a lot less). It sounds like you're doing great on your goal! Jaclyn’s comment above is very true.

Right now most of the Las Vegas Real Estate market is foreclosures. My husband lists houses for the bank (and also works with buyers). A year ago, there were a lot of houses on the market, and now we have less than a month’s worth of houses on the market. Competetion for buyers is stiff, and many people are making 10 offers before they are able to be accepted on one. My husband has noticed that the bank puts a higher priority on cash buyers, even if their offer is less than someone’s who is getting a loan (even a lot less).

It sounds like you’re doing great on your goal!

]]> By: Lee http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173976 Lee Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:17:09 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173976 My husband and I are expecting our 3rd baby and we were trying to decide if we should buy a house this year or stay in our rental. When I sat down and crunched th numbers some more I realized we could buy a house but it would financially strain us. So we have decided to wait and I am so happy that we are. IN less than 5 months we will be car payment free and in about a year we will be credit card free. I am excited to be making these steps in our life. I know I would love more room, mroe this, more that, but I don't need it. My husband and I have barely increased our spending as our income has. And while I can't save 100% down I plan to go into it with a short term plan of paying it off! My husband and I are expecting our 3rd baby and we were trying to decide if we should buy a house this year or stay in our rental. When I sat down and crunched th numbers some more I realized we could buy a house but it would financially strain us. So we have decided to wait and I am so happy that we are. IN less than 5 months we will be car payment free and in about a year we will be credit card free. I am excited to be making these steps in our life. I know I would love more room, mroe this, more that, but I don’t need it. My husband and I have barely increased our spending as our income has. And while I can’t save 100% down I plan to go into it with a short term plan of paying it off!

]]> By: Heidi http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173975 Heidi Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:05:23 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173975 You are your family is amazing. I am very impressed with your patience. I have learned so much from you. I hope you realize the impact you have on people. May God bless you and your family. You are your family is amazing. I am very impressed with your patience. I have learned so much from you. I hope you realize the impact you have on people. May God bless you and your family.

]]> By: Katie Price http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173974 Katie Price Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:59:41 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173974 Thanks for the update. We are big Dave fans and I am proud of you! Sometimes I want to call him and say, "Get real! A modest home here is half-mil!" It is encouraging to know that you are managing it & working toward your goal. What a blessing that you will be able to pay cash. Thanks for the update. We are big Dave fans and I am proud of you! Sometimes I want to call him and say, “Get real! A modest home here is half-mil!” It is encouraging to know that you are managing it & working toward your goal. What a blessing that you will be able to pay cash.

]]> By: JennyM http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173973 JennyM Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:02:57 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173973 Please keep posting about your progress because it is such an encouragement!! DH and I have considered backing out of this commitment several times but we are committed to doing it too and trying not to be swayed into "just taking a small mortgage". Any more posts about your "patience with the process" or encouragement to save more than you think you can in a given month would be very welcome. Your testimony alone here is a blessing to us. Thanks for keeping the faith and encouraging others!!! JennyM Please keep posting about your progress because it is such an encouragement!! DH and I have considered backing out of this commitment several times but we are committed to doing it too and trying not to be swayed into “just taking a small mortgage”. Any more posts about your “patience with the process” or encouragement to save more than you think you can in a given month would be very welcome. Your testimony alone here is a blessing to us.

Thanks for keeping the faith and encouraging others!!!

JennyM

]]> By: Lea http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173972 Lea Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:13:43 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173972 Will you have any other major financial goals after you purchase your home? I read that you intend to give to others in need, but I'm just wondering where all that saving intensity will be directed. Being debt free will put so much giving/saving power in your hands, I guess I'm curious as to where you'll direct this intensity next! Will you have any other major financial goals after you purchase your home? I read that you intend to give to others in need, but I’m just wondering where all that saving intensity will be directed. Being debt free will put so much giving/saving power in your hands, I guess I’m curious as to where you’ll direct this intensity next!

]]> By: Lisa V. http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173971 Lisa V. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:59:19 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173971 That's pretty darn awesome. You really should be applauded. It's awesome that you had an example set for you which I most certainly did not. But knowing I will be an example to my children, I'm trying so hard to figure out how I can be that good example. I'll keep visiting you here because you've inspired me. That’s pretty darn awesome. You really should be applauded. It’s awesome that you had an example set for you which I most certainly did not. But knowing I will be an example to my children, I’m trying so hard to figure out how I can be that good example. I’ll keep visiting you here because you’ve inspired me.

]]> By: April http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173970 April Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:54:58 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173970 Awesome job, you two! (Dave Ramsey would be SO proud!!) Keep it up- won't be too much longer! Awesome job, you two! (Dave Ramsey would be SO proud!!) Keep it up- won’t be too much longer!

]]> By: Virginia http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173969 Virginia Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:41:00 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173969 That's awesome! Congratulations- you're almost there! :-) That’s awesome! Congratulations- you’re almost there! :-)

]]> By: Rosie T. http://moneysavingmom.com/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html/comment-page-1#comment-173968 Rosie T. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:07:44 +0000 http://moneysavingmom.net/2009/09/monthly-financial-checkup.html#comment-173968 WOW! You are a braver, more patient woman than I am. I've only got 2 kids and I know that I could not live in a 2 bedroom apartment... I feel like 3 is too small for us! My husband and I both have hobbies that require space... he's into woodworking and sound recording, I'm a seamstress and a scrapbooker. I'm so completely impressed by your efforts and excited for the (not too distant!) day you get to buy your house debt free! WOW! You are a braver, more patient woman than I am. I’ve only got 2 kids and I know that I could not live in a 2 bedroom apartment… I feel like 3 is too small for us! My husband and I both have hobbies that require space… he’s into woodworking and sound recording, I’m a seamstress and a scrapbooker. I’m so completely impressed by your efforts and excited for the (not too distant!) day you get to buy your house debt free!

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