We’ve got some unexpected news this week—yes, it’s a little wild—and we also share how we managed to pay off our mortgage, plus how the decisions we made over a decade ago in our first home made that possible. We talk about items you shouldn’t pass down to your children (some of which may surprise you) and walk through everything from the price of our first house to how the mortgage on our third house ended up being smaller than the first.
You can download this episode from Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio, or listen using the player below. Use this page to find links, notes, and photos we mention. Note: if you’re reading in a feed reader you might need to click through to see the player.
What’s New
- We bought another property—a duplex that’s only one house away from our pink house—and we’re excited to share how and why we made the purchase. In the episode we explain how we could afford it, and we’ll post a full write-up and a video tour soon.
- We’ve also seen another duplex a couple of blocks away that sparked design ideas for our new place. We’re already imagining mint-green shutters and doors, or maybe warm wood doors with classic shutters—expect a lot of changes of heart as we decide the final look.
- We’re dreaming about the exterior because of what’s inside: here’s the main living area on one side of the duplex, followed by the kitchen, which currently occupies what used to be a side porch.
- There’s much more to show—watch for a video tour and a detailed post covering the scope of the project, budget, and timeline.
What’s Not
- We discuss items you might want to clear out before they become a burden for the next generation—referencing a concise list of six practical things to consider removing from your home.
- We also share a counter-list of five investment pieces that do make sensible long-term heirlooms—quality furniture and well-chosen decor that hold value and meaning.
Paying Off Our Mortgage
- In the episode we go into detail, but the short version: refinancing our first home made a huge difference. Back in 2009 we refinanced and saved $430 a month, which translated into an extra $430 monthly applied to the principal. That accelerated payoff in a meaningful way.
- Being self-employed early on pushed us to buy homes below our means, and that discipline helped us stay flexible. We recommend a 15-year mortgage when possible and buying within a conservative budget.
- Other practical choices that added up: a simple backyard wedding that cost under $4,000 and sharing one car for over a decade. These intentional lifestyle choices freed up cash that we could redirect to the mortgage.
- If you want more practical tips, we’ve written about cutting costs and staying debt-free—topics like cancelling cable, reducing recurring expenses, and negotiating bills all contributed to our financial progress. We also shared actionable money-saving episodes, including one about six phone calls that saved us $1,500 and another that covered negotiation and money-coaching tips.
We’re Digging
- We’re into a range of shelf-bracket options right now, including the pair we use in our own kitchen—handy choices for practical shelving that still look stylish.
- For a small bathroom fix, we mentioned a tub drain stopper that works with older tubs that won’t hold water properly.
If you want a quick reference, we keep a master list of everything we’ve been “digging” from past episodes so you can find the products, tools, and ideas we’ve recommended over time.
Thanks to Universal Furniture for sponsoring this episode. They’re offering a chance to win $10,000 in dining room furniture—details were available through their campaign during the sponsorship period.
Thanks for listening and following along—we’ll share more photos, plans, and a video tour as soon as we can.
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