The Money Diet

We signed the contract buying our home nearly a year ago now, on September 26. We did not move in until late November, but I do not want to talk about that right now.

When we purchased our home, we knew the taxes were going to be high. Our home was not yet tax assessed, so we estimated as close as possible. And, we were off. But, when we are talking this kinda money...what is a few hundred dollars more! (um, food, clothes, a life!).

We have been enjoying saving some money and spending some to get this house more up to our standards. It is really hard to come from a completed home to one that needs a lot of work. Although this home is new - it has needed a lot and attention...Shutters and window treatments, closet/drop zone, trees and landscaping, a vinyl fence, paint, new fans, hang the TV in the family room and hook up the surround sound (that we never use), etc, etc.

Next month, the monsterous mortgage payment begins.

I am far from excited. Afterall, the new mortgage payment reflects that fact that Nebraska and the city of Papillion do not know how to balance a budget without stealing from our wallets. Seriously, if I add up what is just in this neighborhood for taxes...we should be able to buy a private island every year! (Each home has probably an average of $8000-$12000/year in taxes). Oh, and we are not in the city of Papillion. In other words, we have to pay an additional fee to use the library and join the pool.

I am more than ready to return to our simple life...downsized. Living large is not what it is cracked up to be. I am wore out and soon to be poor.

Awesome.

And so the money diet begins. And I thought we were already on one?!