Here's a front view of the sunroom, which I just took. There will be another chair across from the couch, but this is what it's looking like now.
And in one hour I'll own this free and clear - it's monthly vehicle payment freedom day!
Like my license plate frame?
I hope no one thinks I'm showing off. Believe me, both Jim and I have lived through our share of financial stress and drama, and that is why I'm so happy to be where we are now. It can happen, it just takes time. I think that is one of my favorite things about being in my late (yikes) 30s now - financial stability. I would never re-live my 20s (or my teens, for that matter) with all the stress and worry and studying. I never ever felt secure, and wasn't handed anything except some help from my grandmother (God bless her) when I bought my first condo at 25. Jim and I have been good for each other and have helped each other make good choices. So I'm very thankful for everything I have!
Happy Belated Birthday! 37 sounds like a good year to be. :)
Your sunroom looks likes it is similar in shape to my living room. Very awkward to decorate. Looks like you are making nice progress.
And don't feel bad about sharing your exciting milestone (the car, I mean). I think it is a good thing to set a good financial example for others to follow. I think that other than the people that have had dire, unexpected financial emergencies, lost their jobs, or in fear of losing their jobs, most of us shouldn't really be feeling too much hurt right now, if we have been living financially responsible lifestyles. Being responsible during good times has the benefit of being able to more easily ride out the tough times.
okey dokey. Getting down off my soapbox, now.
Posted by: kristina | February 20, 2009 at 09:52 AM
CONGRATULATIONS
and a hearty GOOD FOR YOU!!!
Freedom from car payments is a wonderful, wonderful feeling :)
Posted by: wmk | February 20, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Freedom is great. I may only be in my late 20's but I too own my car. And I'm planning on keeping it as long as I can. I got it new in 2003 and finished paying it off last year! Now our only dept is our mortgage, which if all goes well we should have paid off in 10 years! My dh is a financial planner so that is where my planning comes from. I really think it is all about choices and hard work.
Congrats!!!!
Posted by: Roslyn Hazen | February 20, 2009 at 10:55 AM
I agree with everyone else, it is nice to see someone who is financially responsible!
Posted by: Mary Heather | February 20, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Yay for being car payment free!! I don't think you're bragging; it's great news worth sharing!
Posted by: Jenny | February 20, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Brag on! It's nice to work hard and have it pay off. In light of all the negative information about the financial crisis, we could use some good news!
Posted by: Susan - Knitters Delight | February 20, 2009 at 12:07 PM
I think anyone who visits your blog regularly knows how hard you and Jim work, and that you just finished your degree, and so deserve to have the nice car and furniture! So no apologies; just enjoy!
Posted by: Debby | February 20, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Amen to that sister! Yes, it all comes with time :-) I'm thankful to have my hubby and we definitely keep each other in check. You and Jim really seem great together - and you guys are a great example for those around you.
Posted by: Annie | February 20, 2009 at 12:38 PM
Ever think of getting "yarncrwl" or "yrncrawl" as a personalized plate? (I live in California, the land of personlized plates)
Posted by: bettyc | February 20, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Happy Birthday! Yes, I like your license plate frame! I've always bought my cars outright because I detest payments, so I totally understand your decision to buy your car instead of enter into another lease.
Your room looks great, too. Nice and bright and airy. Comfy.
Posted by: Arizona | February 20, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Happy Birthday!
Yay for paying your car off! I can never seem to get myself to keep cars that long!
Posted by: Michelle | February 20, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Congrats!!! She's a pretty little ride. :-)
Posted by: Kerry | February 20, 2009 at 04:53 PM
That feels SO good! I remember paying off our mortgage 5 or 6 years ago. It was like, "Ha, Ha, Ha Bank X. Take that!" We made a wise decision at a very young age to do a 15-year loan instead of a 30. However, we still have a mortgage on an investment property, and there's less than 4 years left. Like a car payment schedule now. I CAN'T WAIT for the last payment.
Posted by: Kat | February 20, 2009 at 08:08 PM
YAY for no car note!!! I don't have one and I LOVE IT! LOL. I Love your plate cover!
Posted by: adrienne | February 21, 2009 at 07:05 AM
I am SO happy for you and Jim!!
I can't wait to get to my place of financial freedom overall too!!
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | February 21, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Good for you!!! No one would think you're showing off. You worked hard for it and now enjoy it and be proud of the fruits of your labours! I think a trip to the LYS is in order for your first trip out in totallyyourownedoutright car!!!!
Posted by: Liz | February 21, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Good for you! You've worked hard and are smart with your choices so I don't feel that you are showing off at all! Enjoy your success.
Posted by: tiennie | February 21, 2009 at 11:14 PM
Good for you with no car payment!! Definately enjoy your success, we like to live vicariously through you :) I do like the license plate cover too!
Posted by: Zonda | February 21, 2009 at 11:59 PM
We, who follow your blog know you don't live over your possibilities! You deserved everything you have/owe!
Enjoy in everything you have!
Posted by: sandra | February 22, 2009 at 09:46 AM
I love how your sun room so far. I love the feeling of paying something off. Congratulations!!! I love the license plate!!!
Posted by: Andrea | February 22, 2009 at 09:53 AM
The room looks great! I love the furniture you choose. It looks so clean, bright and airy.
I think you and Jim should be very proud of yourselves. It is tough to get financially stable and most of learn how to do it the hard way. Congrats to both of you!
As much as I love being a stay at home mom, I also wish I had worked. Not having much control over financial decisions during my marriage has put me in a bad spot since the divorce. Now I have the opportunity to start over and make good decisions for myself and it feels good. For starters, my car will be paid off next month and I am sooo glad!
Posted by: Lara | February 23, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Good for you!!!! You home looks so lovely.
Posted by: Jeanine | February 23, 2009 at 01:14 PM
I find that financial stability has come, gone, and returned--but the feeling is liberating.
How do you keep your car so salt-free in the snowy weather you've got?
Posted by: marjorie | February 24, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Yay for owning your car! It's a gorgeous car? Which year is it? My hubby has an 04 Audi and loves it.
I love your sunroom. The daylight that comes in is awesome.
Posted by: Robyn | February 28, 2009 at 12:34 PM