I have not written a blog post in nearly two years. We have been so busy and once I quit my job, I wasn't on a computer very much any more so blogging was the first thing to go... but I have missed it and I have missed reading other people's blogs and stories so I'm back.
I didn't work for the first year and 3 months that we lived in TN and just started working this past September, but in a very different field than teaching. I started doing payroll for my brother's company. His wife has done it for the last 25 years but she wants to retire. I actually really like it. It's very detail oriented work and that speaks to the Type A in me. It's also very part-time and allows me to have a very flexible schedule but still make a little money. I work from home and only work about 15 hours a week.
We moved to Tennessee in July of 2024.
Life has been crazy since then!!! Our drive across the country was very eventful and very expensive. Moving cost us nearly $25,000 with the price of the pods and U-Haul we rented, as well as hotels, gas, and food.
We have done a lot of work on the house, which has also been very costly, but still have a lot to do.
From the proceeds of our home, we kept $100,000 to make the repairs and upgrades and to move. We have used a lot of that money, but still have some in savings.
We got new windows for $15,000.
We got new floors for $15,000
We got a new heating and air conditioning unit for $15,000.
We bought some new furniture: a queen bed, two sofas, and a chair for $5000.
And we bought various and sundry remodeling supplies for another $10,000.
We have more we still want to do to our home, but it all takes time.
We are credit card debt free, but we do have a car loan, 401k loan, and a mortgage. Our car loan has 3 years to go, but we do pay extra every month so it should be paid off in 2.5 years. Our 401k loan will also be paid off in 2.5 years. Our mortgage is scheduled to be paid off in 2054, but should be paid off in 2043. We pay more than 2 full extra payments throughout the year and are currently on track to pay it off 18 years from now.
We have decent retirements. In total we have almost $800,000 in our retirement accounts, plus I will get a pension from teaching, and plan to start a 401k with my current company once I am eligible. The Husband contributes 14% to his 401k and gets a 3% match from his company. Additionally, on the first paycheck of every year, he gets 6% profit sharing dumped into his 401k.
A lot of information in a little bit of time. I'm hoping to be back more regularly with life and debt updates!
January 10th, 2026 at 08:25 am 1768033528
From what you've written there has been a lot has happened in your life. I hope all that is settled somewhat and you are enjoying your home as well. Here's hoping that you are working towards an even bigger and better future!
January 10th, 2026 at 03:08 pm 1768057688
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January 16th, 2026 at 07:45 pm 1768592747
That's cool about your new job. It sounds like a great one that allows you to do something that is attuned to your talents, but isn't life encompassing so you can have a life besides working.
January 19th, 2026 at 04:51 am 1768798306