Interest Paid

In 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.
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!

One year Blog-a-versary

My first post 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 $6975 in debt, now I owe $1970. Over $5000 paid. Yay!

This has been a year of big changes for me--selling the family home, buying a new smaller house, DD and DSIL moving in while building. These are all good things. I like having a little chronicle of the year on my blog.

The coming year will be exciting as well. I should become debt-free (except mortgage)!!! DS 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.

Thank you for joining me on my journey. I have learned so much from your comments and blogs. Let's start Year 2!
What about you? What exciting changes are on your horizon?

Menu Plan for Week 3

This 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.

1. Crock Pot Salsa Chicken , noodles



2. Spaghetti with meat sauce


3. Quesadillas


4. salmon cakes, green beans, mac 'n cheese


5. Homemade pizza, salad



6. Savory Crescent Chicken squares Thank you, McCarthyCOH for the link to this recipe--it sounds really good.



7. Steak hoagies

I think DS will enjoy all of these meals except salmon cakes. He can supplement with left-overs!

Better Results in Week 2

Spending 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.

Making and following a meal plan really helped. Why don't I do this every week?
The meal plan for next week is almost complete. I just need another easy chicken recipe.

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.

Mortgage 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.
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:
Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to offer an online payment option.
Please mail your payment to the following address:
Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp.
Attn: Cashiering
1417 N. Magnolia Ave.
Ocala, FL 34475
Also, please be sure your loan number is written on your check and include any special
payment instructions such as additional payments to principal or escrow.
If you have recently received notification your loan was transferred to a new servicer,
please disregard these payment instructions and follow the instructions outlined in the transfer notice.

Taylor, Bean & Whitaker Mortgage Corp. has officially ceased a majority of its operations on
August 5, 2009; however, we will continue functioning in a reduced capacity until all
loans have been transitioned to new servicers.

. 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:

"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.

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.

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 I get an official notice before trying to make a payment.

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.
Dave Ramsey's 100% down idea is looking better and better.

My First..

... award!

Thank you Sharon, for sharing this with me.

"The Humane Award honors eight certain bloggers that I feel are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn’t for them, my site would just be an ordinary blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendships through the blog world. Link back to the person who gifted you with the award and share the love with other bloggers.”

In turn, I'm bestowing this award to 8 bloggers who teach me and make me smile with their comments. Thank you!

Leigh @ reconciling my gross habits with my net income

Shopping Ethically @ Shopping Ethically

FT @ Notes from the Frugal Trenches

Jolie @ Shaking the Money Tree

JvW @ The Good Life on Budget

Miss M @ M is for Money

Ms Money Chat @ My Money Chat

Shtinkycat @ Shtinkycat's PF blog

30 day want list for August

I started this list two weeks ago. I decided to post it now to help curb my unplanned spending. I won't be able to budget for these items until Sept. 15. I'll see if I still "need" them then.

new jeans--My old ones have holes. Maybe I'll look at Goodwill.

brown top--Would coordinate with a skirt and pants I already have

new shower and bathroom curtains--So DS can use his shower instead of mine.

added 8/19/09 small cooler for cross country meets

ynab pro--Since the online bill pay mess up last month, I've been thinking about upgrading to ynab pro.

Now that these are recorded, I'm going to let them go until September.