3 Families, 4 Months, $26,000 Paid

The housing market tanked, and they're now stuck paying about $1,000 a month on the second property. They have renters, but the rent doesn't cover the $2,800 monthly mortgage payment.

"I'm still frustrated because, for me, this is out of my comfort zone," said Trenton, who isn't used to being so cash-strapped. A lifelong saver, he's struggling with the notion of being buried under so much debt, which includes $20,000 in loans from their Thrift Savings Plan, about $10,000 left on credit cards and a home-equity loan for one of the houses. Plus, Amber has about $55,000 in undergraduate student loan debt.

"I feel frustrated to see him frustrated," Amber said. "But we are so blessed. Things are happening, even if slow. I feel good to be able to have some results."

The Holmeses have made progress. Like the other couples, they have reduced their spending tremendously. They've negotiated to reduce their cable and cellphone bills. They're eating out less. Trenton hasn't golfed as much as he wants -- a huge sacrifice for the avid player.

Overall, I'm pleased with all the challengers' results so far. These military families are displaying the kind of discipline any drill sergeant would expect and require.

Research assistant Charity Brown contributed to this column.

· On the air: Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" program and online athttp://www.npr.org.

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· By e-mail:singletarym@washpost.com.

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