Do you remember the other day, how I requested my PMI be removed? I got a letter on Friday that said I have to send them a check for $130 for an appraisal. Which is not how I understand the law. The law says: For home mortgages signed on or after July 29, 1999, your PMI must - with certain exceptions - be terminated automatically when you reach 22 percent equity in your home based on the original property value, if your mortgage payments are current. So it seems to me that making me pay for an appraisal is against the law. I mean, maybe I’m reading into it too much, but the word automatically makes me think I shouldn’t have to do anything to have it removed. Besides, what difference does it make? I have reached 22% equity based on the original property value so who cares what the property is worth today. Plus, I don’t trust their appraisal company, they work for the very people who benefit from me having PMI.

So I filed a complaint with the FTC. I filled out a form online and it was very painless. I’m curious to see what happens next.

Here are a few articles that really caught my eye this week…

Frugal dad gave some great tips on how to have a successful yard sale.
My two dollars reminded us to take care of what we own to save money.
Blunt money noticed that some people stand in their own way on the road to financial health.
Saving savy wondered why people are so irrational when it comes to money.
Master your card uncovered the state of our revolving debt.
Pinching copper told us how much to put down on that new car.

And here is an interesting article from Yahoo about financial illiteracy.

Hope you enjoy them!