One thing about house construction sheetrock, wiring, tile sort of projects- the more of them you do, the faster you get.

No such thing............

Not True^

Great job for someone your age. My credit card debt was crazy through my 30's. NEVER carry credit card debt.

H- Taxes and property taxes seem to be my biggest concern.

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Property Taxes are out of hand in Texas

No state income tax. Gotta come from somewhere.

True but I am beginning to think the state income tax with reasonable property taxes would be a better system. At least from the descriptions from those living in other states it sounds like overall dollar wise it is better. They have other taxes but more on the consumption level where you have control. Here you have no control unless you want to live in a dump to pay lower property taxes.

Every so often, I see a financial show host (Suze Orman comes to mind) talk about living a totally debt-free life. Sure wish that were possible some days, but the reality is that we have to incur SOME debt to keep a roof over our heads, wheels in the driveway, etc. But I get the gist of what people like her are saying - get rid of all debt that is not absolutely necessary.

By the end of this year, the only debt I'll have is:

- the mortgage on my home (gotta have someplace to live after all)
- the mortgage on a rent house (which generates net income)
- the loan on my truck (expected to last a solid 5-7 years past payoff)
- student loans, with a graduated payment plan (low payments at first that get larger later on)

The credit cards are finally paid down to zero, and are going to STAY that way! The money that was going to interest can now get socked away in savings. The redhead and I have had to agree on basics - we don't go shopping for stuff without having cash in the bank to pay for it right away. Likewise with planning trips to Alaska, tuna trips in the Gulf, etc. This is forming the basis of our New Years Resolutions for 2019 (wow, I'll actually have those on the first of the year!!)