Debt Free Journey: June

When we first started our debt free journey I was afraid to share our debt total. Why? I guess the main reason was because of embarrassment. I am growing and growing and no longer feel embarrassed to share our debt free journey freely. 

If you have shared your debt free journey I know how hard it was to put it out there. I also know what an encouragement it can be for other that are on this journey.  As you can image this is a vulnerable post. 

If you know anything about Dave Ramsey, you know that he has what is referred to as "Baby Steps" to follow.  We have completed Baby Step #1.  If you are unaware, that is saving a $1000 emergency fund.  

Here is a link for free debt payoff tracking charts, including the one above. 

That money is safely tucked away.  Instead of moving on to Baby Step #2 we are starting another Savings Goal Chart for $1000.  The reason is to have the funds to pay to have a dead tree removed.  After that is complete it is then on to Baby Step #2.  

All of our credit cards are cut up and no longer in use.

Here is our current debt:

                                                          Personal Loan               $ 2,000

                                                          Furnace Loan                $ 2,100

                                                          401K Loan                    $11,080

                                                         Total                               $15,180

Our 401K loan is combination of several things.  It includes the repair of our septic system, credit card debt and medical debt. 

Some may look at this total and think it's nothing.  For us, it's a lot of money.  It won't be paid off over night, but as we all know slow and steady wins the race.  

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations... keep moving forward, friends.

Joy in the Ordinary

Look around, really look around and you will find joy... joy in the everyday... joy in the ordinary things.

A family gathering to celebrate Grandma's birthday.

Celebrating Chuck's birthday with his dad, stepmom, niece and nephew. We had lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory.  Yum. 

After lunch we walked to the center of the city. We enjoyed visiting the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. 

 

There is a circular street and sidewalk paved with brick around the monument.  The sidewalk has brinks engraved with the names and dates of fallen soldiers. 

We have plans to make several trips to enjoy the history of our state and city this summer.

After several days out and about it was nice to be home.

I tackled chores early so I could get outside.  This is my view when I head out to read after dinner.

 I find joy in my flowers.

We've had some mild, dry weather and I'm trying to make the most of it. 

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations... keep moving forward, friends.

Simple Celebration

We celebrated Chuck's 48th Birthday with a simple celebration.  I invited a couple of family members over for dinner.   

 I set the table with my every day dishes and flowers freshly cut from my garden.  

Dinner was lasagna, salad and garlic bread.  

 

Instead of cake Megan made brownies.  

We don't do over the top birthday presents.  A couple of small, necessary items to make the day special. 

 I said, "Say cheese!" and this what I received instead.  Crazy guy!!! *smile*

 Blurry, but much better.  

 Chuck was on vacation the week of his birthday.  I think we can all tell how relaxed he was by his silly faces.  *rolling my eyes*

It was a beautiful evening and after dinner we all went to the back porch.  We had a nice evening chatting and laughing.  So much so that it was after 9 before we wrapped the evening up.  

We love you, Chuck, and had a great time celebrating you! 

Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations... keep moving forward, friends.