I love watching YouTube videos of people who live in tiny houses. The thing that inspires me the most about it is that the majority of these people live mortgage free. Who wouldn't love that? Living in your own home that has been completely paid for. I love it! Being foreclosed on in 2009 scared the living daylights out of me, so if I can avoid having a mortgage I will.

Being a military kid I moved around a lot, so just the idea of settling down and putting down roots somewhere really appeals to me. I don't want to spend the rest of my life paying rent to someone. Owning my own home outright is my dream, and I think a tiny house may be just the way to do that. I love the idea of downsizing and living minimalist, only having things that I need and nothing more.

I had a wonderful life up until 2008. I had a full time government job, a condo that I was paying down as fast as I could, and a paid for car. All of that went belly up in September when I lost my job and the economic meltdown happened. Soon afterwards my husband and I separated, leaving me with no income at all. I had no emergency fund so I had no way to pay my bills. I couldn't find any regular work either, which was extremely frustrating to say the least. Over the course of the next year I wound up literally losing everything. I lost my condo to foreclosure as well as my car (no income meant I couldn't change the oil, so the engine locked up). Long story short I wound up being "couch homeless" and living with friends and family for the next 5 years. I was finally able to get back on my feet when I won my Social Security disability case in 2013. I was also able to find a part time job working at a local restaurant, and I've been there for almost 2 years now.

A line in one of my favorite songs pretty much sums up my life--"When you hit rock bottom you've got two ways to go, straight up or sideways." I've hit rock bottom and have slowly climbed my way out. It can happen to you as well. Don't give up!

Welcome to my blog!

My name is Jessica and I've started this blog as a place to put my thoughts on finances and managing my money. I love learning new tips and tricks on how to stretch a dollar until it screams for mercy, so I've come here looking for people who share the same interest. Feel free to leave a comment if you like what you are reading.