tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50054573706229735332024-03-19T08:49:30.102-04:00Ready to ChangeRTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-9009952062896996192010-03-29T19:31:00.002-04:002010-03-29T19:44:25.119-04:00Credit Card Debt Gone!And it "only" took 33 months to pay it off :(. $13,700 of debt divided by 33 months--that's an average of $415/month. I'm really glad to be done with this debt. I had no idea when I was charging on the credit cards that it would be this difficult to pay them off. Never again! <br /> I still have the car loan to go ($2300) before I'm free of non-mortgage debt. I'm going to take a break for April, then starting in May, try to pay off the car in three months. With pay from the summer job, that should be possible.<br />It really hasn't sunk in yet that I finally paid this debt. I think I'll stare at the sidebar for a while!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-14715036199899867402010-02-17T13:25:00.005-05:002010-02-17T13:43:15.173-05:00One Month Later ...Because of computer problems, it's been almost a month since my last post. I've been able to read other blogs for 5-10 minutes at a time, but if I would try to comment or post, my computer would freeze. No fun.<br />Quick update on my goals:<br />1. Pay off credit card ($1125) by March 31. <span style="color:#3366ff;">(I think this will be possible with income tax refund and $$ from 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">nd</span> job)<br /></span>2. Pay off car by Oct. 31. <span style="color:#3366ff;">On track</span><br />3. Save a one-month buffer.($2500) <span style="color:#3366ff;">(Emergency fund took a hit because of $700 car repair. Will rebuild with $$ from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FSA</span>.)<br /></span>4. Get a part-time summer job. <span style="color:#3366ff;">Got it!</span> <span style="color:#3366ff;">This will really help pay off the car and save the buffer.</span><br /><span style="color:#3366ff;"><span style="color:#000000;">1. Establish a daily exercise routine. <span style="color:#3366ff;">(Not going well. 2x a week instead of daily.<br /></span>2. Lose 15 pounds by June 1 (3 pounds/month) <span style="color:#3366ff;">Lost 3 lbs then gained it back</span><br />3. Volunteer 30 hours with Master Gardeners by June 1 <span style="color:#3366ff;">There are opportunities to volunteer in March.<br /></span>4. Find a place to serve in church. <span style="color:#3366ff;">Not yet</span>.</span></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br />Since the financial goals are coming along and should be on autopilot as long as I don't increase spending, it's time to refocus on the personal goals for a while.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-1034232949457268182010-01-18T09:48:00.000-05:002010-01-18T09:46:55.872-05:00Menu for Jan 18-24I forgot to post last week's menus, so I'm recycling some of them and adding a few new ones<br /><br />navy beans, cornbread<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/down-home-with-the-neelys/easy-lemon-pasta-with-chicken-recipe/index.html">lemon pasta with chicken</a> (Thanks, <a href="http://www.moneyfunk.net/">MoneyFunk</a>, for the idea)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.gianteagle.com/Recipes/RecipeDetails.aspx?recipeId=352">Pepperoni roll log</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/tacolentilsrice.htm">Taco style lentils and brown rice</a><br /><br />scrambled eggs, bacon<br /><br />cheese burgers<br /><br />pizza<br /><br />I start teaching two nights this week, so I need fast meals or ones that I can prepare in advance.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-88306123621183260712010-01-06T08:05:00.000-05:002010-01-06T08:15:17.570-05:00Goals for 2010, Part 3<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">I'm keeping my goals for 2010 simple. I will make small goals each month in each category to keep myself on track. </span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Financial</span><br /><br />1. Pay off credit card ($1125) by March 31.<br /><br />2. Pay off car by Oct. 31.<br /><br />3. Save a one-month buffer.($2500)<br /><br />4. Get a part-time summer job.<br /><br /><br /><br />Personal<br /><br />1. Establish a daily exercise routine.<br /><br />2. Lose 15 pounds by June 1 (3 pounds/month)<br /><br />3. Volunteer 30 hours with Master Gardeners by June 1<br /><br />4. Find a place to serve in churchRTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-66836889139403636642010-01-04T21:21:00.000-05:002010-01-04T21:22:27.320-05:00Menu Plan for Jan 4-10Since we didn't eat many meals at home last week, I am repeating several meals.<br /><br /><br /><br />Steak, roasted potatoes<br /><br /><br /><br />BBQ's<br /><br /><br />Italian Chicken<br /><br /><br />Frozen Pizza<br /><br /><br />Quesidillas<br /><br /><br />Roast beef sandwiches<br /><br /><br /><br />SpaghettiRTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-46487110859552937942010-01-03T13:46:00.000-05:002010-01-03T13:48:48.686-05:00Goals for 2010, Part 2Yesterday's review of my 2009 goals was a little discouraging for me, but I'm looking ahead with optimism. I can learn from my past missteps and keep moving in the right direction, enjoying the journey along the way. This journey is my life, so I'd better be enjoying it!<br /><br />Lessons I'm learning:<br /><br />1. I have put several financial right steps in place--a spending plan and tracking, but I still have to pay attention to them. Finances shouldn't take as much energy as in the past; I just need to keep to my routines (eg. menu planning, sinking funds)<br /><br />2. I should plan to reward myself for met goals.<br /><br />3. I should evaluate my progress more frequently. (Monthly mini-goals?)<br /><br />4. Blogging helps keep me accountable.<br /><br />5. Making separate personal and financial goals is a good idea for me, but I need to limit the number of goals.<br /><br /><br /><br />I feel better. Now on to 2010!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-65004207389692958722010-01-02T20:18:00.010-05:002010-01-02T21:44:32.987-05:002010 Goals, Part IBefore I can look ahead to 2010, I must look back and evaluate my 2009 goals. I've really been dreading doing this. I really dropped the ball on the financial goals. Here goes:<br /><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Financial goals </span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">1</span>.<a href="http://www.youneedabudget.com/" target="_new"><span style="font-size:85%;">Track spending with YNAB weekly</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">B+.</span> <span style="color:#000099;">I</span><span style="color:#6666cc;"> really liked keeping track of my income and expenses. I now have realistic numbers for my budget. I lost track one time in the spring, though and couldn't figure out my mistake)<br /></span>2. Begin sinking fund account. Keep in checking account. (Grade <span style="color:#33cc00;">B-.</span> <span style="color:#6666cc;">Got off track with my summer pay. I hopefully have corrected this for 2010. )<br /></span>3. Pay off $6000 in credit cards by Dec 1 (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">C-.</span> <span style="color:#6666cc;">I owe $1125 on the CC, but $2725 on the car. Since the total $3850 is less than $6000, I'm giving myself a barely passing grade)</span><br />4. Save emergency fund of $1600 by Dec 31</span><span style="font-size:78%;"> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">(Grade <span style="color:#ff6600;">D</span>-. <span style="color:#6666cc;">I have $550 in the EF, so I'm less than half way to my goal, and I have less than last year,)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Personal Goals</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />1. Work out or walk (1 mile) 2x week (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">C-)</span> <span style="color:#6666cc;">I did really well on this during the spring and summer, but since school started in Sept., I have been a couch potato!</span></p></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><p>2. </span></p><span style="font-size:85%;">Walk Gretsky every day (Grade:<span style="color:#33cc00;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#33cc00;">B</span>. <span style="color:#6666cc;">Some "walks" were too short</span>)</span> <p><span style="font-size:85%;">3. Do Flylady routines (Grade: <span style="color:#ff6600;">D</span>. <span style="color:#6666cc;">Forgot about these during the summer.)</span><br />4. Bible study (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">B</span>. <span style="color:#6666cc;">I joined two small groups, which I really like</span>.<span style="color:#6666cc;"> )</span><br />5. Learn something new (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">B+.</span> <span style="color:#6666cc;">I became a Master Gardener this year and have volunteered with them a few times)<br /></span>6. Compost bin/garden (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">C</span>. <span style="color:#6666cc;">I started the compost bin and garden, but didn't protect the tomatoes from the deer, so the yield was poor)<br /></span>7. Monthly house project (Grade: <span style="color:#33cc00;">B</span>. <span style="color:#6666cc;">Projects completed: paint touch-up in DR and LR, DR curtains and mirror, bathroom repaired and painted, flowers for deck and front porch, landscaping started (1/4 done), refrigerator and range replaced, kitchen cabinet pulls replaced. I didn't complete as many projects as I wanted, but I am very pleased with what's been done.)</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;color:#6666cc;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Yep, it's as bad as I thought. Overall grade: C-. I'll have to ponder this a little more before I commit to goals for 2010.<br /></p></span>RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-79938805989471420462009-12-29T08:16:00.002-05:002010-01-01T10:42:45.904-05:00Menu PlanLeftover turkey, dressing<br /><br />Roast beef sandwiches<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Quesidillas</span><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Mannicoti</span><br /><br /><a href="http://heatherbakes.com/2008/12/16/and-15-episodes-of-true-life-later/">Vegetarian chili (Heather's recipe)</a><br /><br />Italian chicken (Spark people)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Need <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">moz</span> cheese, chicken breasts, noodlesRTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-84618599995579622592009-12-27T15:33:00.004-05:002009-12-27T15:56:37.634-05:00New DebtI haven't posted in three months and my finances reflect my lack of focus. I've been on this <a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2008/08/current-debts.html">debt-free quest </a>for two and a half years and I really lost focus. I think several factors contributed to my relapse into spending, including the long-time in this step of debt repayment. <a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2009/06/two-years-ago_29.html">Dave Ramsey </a>recommends trying to finish Baby Step 2 in 18-24 months. I can see the wisdom in that.<br />My new debt is a car loan. I bought a 2004 Dodge Stratus, mainly for my son to use. Sharing a car was proving difficult once school and cross country were in full swing, so after much deliberation and car shopping I found a car that should last him through college. He is thrilled and I am able to make plans more freely.<br />My total debt is now just under $4000. Not where I wanted to be, but on the bright side, it is less than this time last year!<br />Time to refocus--plan meals, apply for a summer job.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-8266642835382744572009-12-19T13:26:00.003-05:002009-12-19T13:32:16.048-05:00Enjoying the snow!This pre-Christmas snow is just gorgeous! We have about 8 inches here and it's still falling! I'm staying inside, making cookies, and listening to Pandora radio.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-74419165665009848952009-09-14T19:05:00.000-04:002009-09-14T18:53:32.566-04:00Menu Plan1. Cheeseburgers, pasta salad<br /><br />2. BBQ's, coleslaw<br /><br />3. Pizza<br /><br />4. Spaghetti with meat sauce<br /><br />5. chicken or steak (I have not done the grocery shopping for the week, yet, but I think I have everything else on hand.)<br /><br />6. salmon cakes, macaroni 'n cheese<br /><br />7. scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, toast<br /><br />I know, I know, these menus are boring, but it's what we eat. Having a list of meals does help me save money and not be stressed at dinner time.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-43883822210926239722009-09-09T20:07:00.003-04:002009-09-09T20:18:03.380-04:00Very funny!I just read the funniest post by Soph at <a href="http://boomama.net/2009/09/02/needing-some-closure/">BooMama</a>. Honestly, I laughed throughout the entire post and all 289 comments! The topic is "Christian closing phrases for letters", which doesn't sound too funny, but get ready to laugh. My favorite is from Shannon:<br /><br />"<span style="font-size:85%;">Training my children up in the way they should go while submitting to my husband and considering a field and buying it and having no fear for my household because all of them are clothed in scarlet"</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br />I found Soph's post because she is BlogHer of the week. It is a classic post.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-23734614701422131422009-09-05T08:53:00.002-04:002009-09-05T09:14:09.181-04:00Menu Plan1. Cheeseburgers, oven fries<br />2. Homemade pizza<br />3. <a href="http://thehappyhousewife.com/easy-mexican/">Beefy bean burritos</a><br />4. Hot dogs, pasta salad<br />5. Steak <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hoagies</span><br />6. Oven fried chicken, browned potatoes, broccoli<br /><br /><br />Only 6 meals to plan this week because we're going out of town for a cross country meet.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-88068240291733445822009-09-03T23:45:00.000-04:002009-09-03T23:45:00.201-04:00September Earn More GoalsEven though September is a very busy month for me, I going to make several goals for the <a href="http://www.moneyfunk.net/daily-grind/let-the-game-begin/">Earn More Challenge</a>. I plan to learn from the other participants and hopefully add some $$ to September's budget. I'm going to keep my goals modest and practical:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Collect snowflakes--reimbursement from school and medical savings account</li><br /><li>Post on Craig's list--2 window air conditioners</li><br /><li>Inquire about teaching another class next semester and about summer job</li></ul><br /><p>I think that's all for right now. These seem doable and not overwhelming!</p><br /><p>Thank you, <a href="http://www.moneyfunk.net/">Money Funk</a>, for the great challenge for September! It should be fun!</p>RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-67702894931843050412009-09-01T20:51:00.002-04:002009-09-01T21:01:50.696-04:00Emergency Fund DepletedIt's more of an unexpected expense than an emergency, but I raided my emergency fund today. My house has a pellet stove, and pellets are less expensive if I order them now, before winter hits. Next year, I will plan ahead and save for the pellets all summer.<br />Using the pellet stove should decrease my heating bill overall this winter. Since this will be my first full winter in the house, I should be able to track my heating expenses by keeping good records in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">YNaB</span>.<br />With the September 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> pay, I'll start rebuilding the emergency fund. It's a good thing that September's Challenge is to earn more. It looks like I'm going to need a little income boost!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-46463574925097500862009-08-31T21:13:00.000-04:002009-09-01T06:13:32.606-04:00Results of the Spend Less ChallengeI closed out my "Spend-less" month on August 30, because I began on July 30.<br /><br /><br />The results are mixed: I did spend less on house projects and gifts, but I went way over in the other categories.<br /><br /><br />I budgeted $480 total for everything: food, gas, gifts, eating out, school expenses, and house projects. I spent $740--$260 over budget! I had purposely set my limits very low, with the hope that I could raise them if my summer job money came in. Due to paperwork glitches, I won't be getting that money until Sept. 20. I, also will get reimbursed for $100 of school expenses.<br /><br /><br />One thing that I have learned from this experience is that I need to increase my budget categories for groceries and gasoline to be more realistic. I really was as frugal as I could be for food and travel this month and I still went over quite a bit.<br /><br /><br /><br />My overall grade: C- Even though I went over in several categories, I did spend less than I would have without the challenge. I also got back into the habit of planning my menus weekly, which helps reduce stress and grocery costs.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to the September Earn More Challenge! I think I'll learn a lot.<strong> </strong>RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-2150272497900239652009-08-29T20:55:00.006-04:002009-08-29T21:12:48.797-04:00Menu PlanMenu planning really does help me get through these busy weeks. Even though this past week was super busy with school starting, we enjoyed eating dinner together each night.<br />Next week DS will eat out with the cross country team two times. I will eat left-overs on those days.<br /><br />1. Spaghetti Estivi (Summer spaghetti)<br />2. Mjeddrah<br />3. Cheeseburgers, oven fries<br />4. Soft tacos, salad<br />5. Spaghetti<br />6. DS eat out (CC meet)<br />7. pizza<br /><br />I'll post recipes tomorrow!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-8170566754514820982009-08-24T06:15:00.005-04:002009-08-25T07:54:07.122-04:00Menu Plan Week 4This will be a busy week with school starting, the menu plan is simple and easy--I hope.<br /><br /><br /><br />1. Steak <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hoagies</span></span><br /><br /><br />2. <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=400947"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crock pot</span> Salsa Chicken</a>, rice<br /><br />3. Soft tacos<br /><br />4. Cheeseburgers, oven fries, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">edamame</span><br /><br />5. $5 pizza (Thursday)<br /><br />6. Chicken wings, mac /n cheese<br /><br /><br />I'm only listing 6 dinners, because I'm providing the drinks and salad for the cross-country team dinner Friday night.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-41462391052072240392009-08-21T05:47:00.003-04:002009-08-21T06:06:09.468-04:00Week 3 ResultsEven though spending was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">minimal</span> this week, my monthly totals are looking pretty sick. I think that almost all of my categories will be in the red by the end of the month (3 of them are there <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">already</span>!) What I spent:<br /><br />Groceries $50<br />Restaurants $5 ($5 pizza!)<br />Miscellaneous $19.50 (dry cleaning)<br />Gasoline $26<br /><br />I definitely will increase my budgeted amounts next month to reflect how much I really spend.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-26090680040373842172009-08-20T06:50:00.004-04:002009-08-20T07:17:39.354-04:00September Challenge: Earn More<a href="http://planning4everything.blogspot.com/">Saving Savy Pinkie </a>made the suggestion that the September Challenge be an earn more challenge--above our regular salaries. <a href="http://midlifemommusings.blogspot.com/">Sharon</a> and <a href="http://www.moneyfunk.net/">Christine</a> are already in. I was intimidated at first, because September is a busy month for me, with school starting, cross country going strong every Saturday, and teaching a class at the community college.<br /><br /><br /><br />This morning, I decided to try the challenge. The Spend Less Challenge this month has been fun because we were doing it together, so I'm going to join the group for September. I just remembered that I have 3 window air conditioners sitting in a closet--I can put them on Craig's list. It's a start!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-8902214844196691142009-08-18T18:49:00.002-04:002009-08-18T19:04:01.019-04:00Interest PaidIn reporting how much I have reduced my debt by this past year, 1I didn't mention how much interest I paid. ( I don't like to think about that!) To get rid of denial, I added the interest I have paid for one year. I won't go back any further--too painful. It looks like I have paid over $300 in interest during the past year. Two more months of credit card debt and then no more interest paid. Instead I'll be earning interest on my savings.<br />On a more positive note, last month I actually earned more interest in savings than I paid to the credit card. Just a little bright spot...Light at the end of the tunnel!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-39147357092926263122009-08-17T07:56:00.000-04:002009-08-17T08:01:19.656-04:00One year Blog-a-versaryMy <a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2008/08/launch.html">first post</a> on this blog was exactly one year ago. I am so glad that I started this blog to stay motivated in reducing debt. It really helps! One year ago, I was <a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2008/08/current-debts.html">$6975 </a>in debt, now I owe $1970. Over $5000 paid. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Yay</span>!<br /><br />This has been a year of big changes for me--<a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2008/10/quick-update.html">selling the family home</a>, <a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2008/10/new-house.html">buying a new smaller house</a>, <a href="http://reallyreadyforchange.blogspot.com/2008/09/cross-country-races-and-exciting-family.html">DD and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DSIL</span> moving in while building</a>. These are all good things. I like having a little chronicle of the year on my blog.<br /><br />The coming year will be exciting as well. I should become debt-free (except mortgage)!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">DS</span> is beginning his senior year in high school and DD 21 is in her senior year of college. Lots of life to enjoy now while staying financially responsible.<br /><br />Thank you for joining me on my journey. I have learned so much from your comments and blogs. Let's start Year 2!<br />What about you? What exciting changes are on your horizon?RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-9628886785335417192009-08-15T07:52:00.001-04:002009-08-17T17:47:03.724-04:00Menu Plan for Week 3This week's menu looks pretty much like last week. The reason for so much chicken is that boneless chicken breasts are on sale this week at Food Lion. I'm really trying to stay within my budgeted grocery amount.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=400947">Crock Pot Salsa Chicken</a> , noodles<br /><br /><br /><br />2. Spaghetti with meat sauce<br /><br /><br />3. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Quesadillas</span></span><br /><br /><br />4. salmon cakes, green beans, mac 'n cheese<br /><br /><br />5. Homemade pizza, salad<br /><br /><br /><br />6. <a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=12362">Savory <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Crescent</span></span> Chicken squares </a>Thank you, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">McCarthyCOH</span></span> for the link to this recipe--it sounds really good.<br /><br /><br /><br />7. Steak <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">hoagies</span></span><br /><br />I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DS</span></span> will enjoy all of these meals except salmon cakes. He can supplement with left-overs!RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-39218380773806710662009-08-14T08:17:00.002-04:002009-08-14T08:29:23.608-04:00Better Results in Week 2Spending has been much better this week--updates on sidebar. I've only spent $5 on groceries and $25 on gasoline. I haven't done the grocery shopping for the upcoming week, but I'm confident that I can keep it close to $45.<br /><br />Making and following a meal plan really helped. Why don't I do this every week? <br />The meal plan for next week is almost complete. I just need another easy chicken recipe.<br /><br />Looking at my totals, I'll still have to be careful for the next two weeks, but I think I can make it under budget in most categories.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5005457370622973533.post-85881313688120368192009-08-13T10:10:00.003-04:002009-08-13T11:09:59.136-04:00Mortgage Company Gone?When I bought my house last November, I went to a small, local bank for my mortgage. I got great personal, fast service. The loan officer, my Realtor and the appraiser all worked together to get everything done in a timely manner. <br />That was all great, but my mortgage was really not with my local bank, it was with a financial company in Florida, Taylor, Bean, and Whittaker. I have paid my mortgage online through the Taylor, Bean website since January. No problems until yesterday. I logged on their website to find this disturbing message:<br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to offer an online payment option. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Please mail your payment to the following address: </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Attn: Cashiering</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> 1417 N. Magnolia Ave. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Ocala, FL 34475</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Also, please be sure your loan number is written on your check and include any special </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> payment instructions such as additional payments to principal or escrow. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> If you have recently received notification your loan was transferred to a new servicer, </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> please disregard these payment instructions and follow the instructions outlined in the transfer notice.</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. <strong>has officially ceased a majority of its operations</strong> on </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> August 5, 2009; however, we will continue functioning in a reduced capacity until all </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> loans have been transitioned to new servicers</span>.</em><br /><br />. I immediately started trying to find out what had happened. It seems that Taylor, Bean has a large share of HUD financed mortgages. The company did not file the correct reports with HUD, so HUD suspended Taylor, Bean from writing HUD loans on August 4. Taylor, Bean is being made an example:<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">"Today, we suspend one company but there is a very clear message that should be heard throughout the FHA lending world - operate within our standards or we won't do business with you," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan</span></em>.<br /><br />The fallout from this decision seems immense to me. Taylor, Bean shut down operations the next day. Over 1000 people immediately lost their jobs. 30,000 (estimated) people whose loans would have closed this month, have to start completely over with another company. The hurt and frustration of those people is very evident on the message boards.<br /><br />I'm not sure what this all means for my loan. It was probably transferred to Bank of America. My payment isn't due until Sept. 1, so I'll wait to see if<em> </em>I get an official notice before trying to make a payment.<br /><br />It seems to me that this power play between HUD and Taylor, Bean could have been handled much better. Thousands of people were caught in the crossfire with no recourse. <br />Dave Ramsey's 100% down idea is looking better and better.RTChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11943531986749855178noreply@blogger.com6