thegarman
Dryer sheet wannabe
Now, you should check in from time to time and tell us how you're saving/investing all the $$$ that used to go for mortgage payments.
Original poster checking back in:
Its been almost three months since the dust settled on our mortgage payoff. Here are some details, as well as a few status updates from previous questions. As a reminder, we are a 42 y/o married couple, one grown child , no credit card debt, no car payments.
The Good:
1)Obviously, not having a mortgage payment feels pretty good! Most of my peers are amazed when I tell them we have paid our house off. They cant believe it can actually be done.
2) My "savings rate" is now much higher. We have been able to bank several thousand dollars very quickly. The "rainy day fund" is once again pretty healthy.
3) At the recommendation of someone here, I have an appointment tomorrow to review / shop around my homeowners insurance.
The Bad:
1) The simple act of "saving money" has kind of taken over my life. I have become almost too frugal. I have recently found myself pushing off a much needed vacation, probably because I don't want to "break my momentum" on my great streak of banking paychecks.
2) Because I was saving to pay off the mortgage, it has been months (years?) since I bought anything of value. I lately find myself drawn to old muscle cars. Like a sailor who has been at sea too long, I am afraid I am about to hit shore, and bust loose.
3) I hate my job. My high rate of savings could come to an end, if I make a change in employment someday.
All in all, life is pretty good right now. I wouldn't change a thing! I just need to learn to enjoy what we have accomplished, and find a nice balance.
Till next time...
The-Gar-Man