I am plugging away at the retirement funds, I added $1,000 to retirement from my 1/15 paycheck and it felt good. Only, $10,000 more to go for the year. I love putting money away for the future and I know that I am extremely fortunate to be able to do so. I feel so much for the federal workers who are not getting paid right now, due to the government shutdown.
I have contributed $100 to charity this year. I gave $50 to my law school and $50 to St. Jude's. My goal is to give $400 this year, I am already a quarter of the way there!! I hope to be able to make a charitable contribution every month. Even if it is only $1. I should probably try to take some clothes to goodwill every month too.
My escrow review statement arrived via email this morning and, of course, there is a almost $200 shortage. The payment is also going up by $11 a month. Face palm. Mortgages are the worst. I have read horror stories on the internet about people having thousands of dollar shortages. I take that as a reminder to be thankful that mine is only $200. Also, my PMI should drop off this year so that will make my escrow and total mortgage payment drop. I'm certain it won't be long before my payment creeps back up though.
Alright, that's all I have time for this morning! Have a great Friday everyone!
I feel your pain with the escrow shortage. Ours was $798. Rather than have our monthly payment go up, I paid it in full today. Good job on the savings and charitable giving!
ReplyDeleteThe escrow shortages are so annoying!! I always pay them in full, but my mortgage payment always increases because the property taxes increase each year.
Deletemrs. me bought our house before we met and we never had escrow set up. that turned out to be kind of a blessing in the end. we had to pay attention to our own taxes and have funds available but we made fairly good yield in a high interest savings account while accumulating that sinking fund each year. i built a little extra slop into that category for stuff like municipal fees like water/trash/etc. for when those came at an inconvenient time. you're doing great with your set-up.
ReplyDeleteI would like to not have an escrow account if I ever have another mortgage. I hate that I do not get to keep that money in a savings account all year.
DeleteI am starry-eyed at the thought of putting $1K into retirement. Good for you! :-) Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteIt will definitely happen, you are making all of the right moves!
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