Debt Dumpers - 2017

Got new tires for my car today. About $460 total. I really needed them since my others were over 5 years old and the tread was getting pretty low on them. Also, as I mentioned a couple of days ago, I hit something on the road near my house and punctured the tire that actually had the best tread on it, so that was what forced me to get my act together and replace them all. So, I guess my tax return is going to be partly for tires and partly for my WDW park tickets this year. At least March is a three paycheck month so I should be able to make a large cc payment that month.
 
First payday of 2017 came in today...I'm now getting about $60 more per month so I'll take it :) It's not an official raise just that our health insurance premiums lowered (company wide we all went to High Deduction plans resulting in a small decrease in what we have to pay)

Also going shopping this weekend to get supplies for freezer/crockpot meal plan cooking weekend. Plan to make 8 different meals for the freezer and make doubles of some of them. This will also be the start of me getting a grip on using cash only to go shopping.

We have a lot of family outings planned the next several weekends so hopefully we don't break the bank on extras/eating out.
 
it's going to be a tight week.

I just finished paying this week's bills. I was tempted to pay less than the budget amount on the two cc bills I paid this week, but I held strong and paid the budgeted amount AND put $50 into savings.

This may seem like a little thing, but for me it's a big step. Normally, I would leave a bit more of a cushion in case we wanted to do something fun during the long weekend and paid less on the cc or not done the savings.

But prioritizing fun over paying down debt is how I got in this spot in the first place.

It's a process...
 
MrsTurnerLovesDisney said:
Also going shopping this weekend to get supplies for freezer/crockpot meal plan cooking weekend. Plan to make 8 different meals for the freezer and make doubles of some of them. This will also be the start of me getting a grip on using cash only to go shopping.
Click to expand...

This is my plan for the weekend as well! Although I'll probably start with 2-3 different meals. Since being sick, I haven't had time or energy to do a proper grocery run and have been spending too much money on grabbing food on the go. Time to get with it!
 
Had to do a payment from my survey funds from Paypal and use a couple of gift cards ( again for doing surveys) but managed not to over draft the bank account.
 
Got my first paycheck and no pay raise in it, and they were off by 4 hours somehow!

But still on target to pay off our car in February.

AND I finally made a GOOD financial decision. A work trip to Seattle which is where I grew up came up for February. Immediately I wanted to turn that into a week long family trip, which spiraled up to $1500 (which is cheap for a week long family trip, for sure!) but we just don't have that $$. Last year, I would have booked it and "figured it out" later, but this time we said that we just can't swing it this time. Instead focusing on December 2019 - debt free date!! If I can just stay on track, we'll have a LOT more freed up $$ to plan trips, I'll be able to work part-time if I want to and spend more time with the kids, etc. It seems so far away, but I wish that 3 years ago I would have made the changes and we'd be at that place now, so I'm really hoping to be good.

I still get to go on the work trip, though, and will be staying with relatives 2 extra nights, costing me nothing but giving me a chance to see some friends/family and some old sights!
 
Imagineer5 said:
Got my first paycheck and no pay raise in it, and they were off by 4 hours somehow!

But still on target to pay off our car in February.

AND I finally made a GOOD financial decision. A work trip to Seattle which is where I grew up came up for February. Immediately I wanted to turn that into a week long family trip, which spiraled up to $1500 (which is cheap for a week long family trip, for sure!) but we just don't have that $$. Last year, I would have booked it and "figured it out" later, but this time we said that we just can't swing it this time. Instead focusing on December 2019 - debt free date!! If I can just stay on track, we'll have a LOT more freed up $$ to plan trips, I'll be able to work part-time if I want to and spend more time with the kids, etc. It seems so far away, but I wish that 3 years ago I would have made the changes and we'd be at that place now, so I'm really hoping to be good.

I still get to go on the work trip, though, and will be staying with relatives 2 extra nights, costing me nothing but giving me a chance to see some friends/family and some old sights!
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As someone who travels for work often, this a temptation for me as well. Congrats for thinking about your overall goals and forgoing the family trip. 2019 and debt-free will be here before you know it.
 
I received my first paycheck of the new year and boy am I relieved. The city I work in had a 0.5% tax hike and I maxed out my HSA to pay for DS braces. I thought for sure the additional money coming out would kill my take home but I'm actually ok. I brought home close to normal pay and was able to adjust my budget a bit. All my bills will be paid and spending money will be tight but I'm off to a great start.

I have January residential city taxes ready (1% of my gross income).
I put $140 into my EF, need $102 more to make it $1,000.

DS messed up big time the last couple of weeks so he ruined our fun weekend but is saving me a few bucks. No treat for eating out tomorrow night so I'll save my gift card and coupon for another time but still saves me $20 or so. Also saved me parking at the art museum ($10) but I'm still going to let him see Hidden Figures with me at the theatre (I'm dying to go and I think we will have lots to talk about after). Since he got braces we will not be purchasing popcorn so that's a savings as well and our tickets will be free as I received a gift card for Christmas.

He is losing all electronics except his phone (no landline) but he can't access apps so it is not anything I feel the need to take away, but I'm really hoping my electric bill goes down. If it is significant we will be having a talk.

I leave for my girls trip in less than 30 days! I've got $175 in Disney gift cards for my shopping excursion to Disney Springs, $100 Landry's gift card, $40 in starbucks gift cards and $160 in cash, all of which were gifts to me from family and coworkers. I will have to charge a small amount but the cash is covering our transportation to and from the airport to Universal and some of my food. I'll be able to save a bit more and I still have to roll all my change and deposit that before we leave. I've been saving my change for about 6 months but rarely use cash so I'll be happy if it's $20. I got paid today and again at the end of the month and I get paid the day we return from the trip so I'll apply a little bit to my credit card that morning to offset what I charged.

We all agreed to make a trip to Walmart to get food and split everything so we can all save some money.

I just have to remember this is not a crazy "I saved for 18 months" trip and have money to spend. This is a let's go somewhere warm in the middle of winter budget trip. I hope I succeed!
 
Took the dog to her eye doctor today and not only did I have the money budgeted for it ahead of time (which is a first, even though I always know these appointments are coming up), but it was also $20 less than what I budgeted for! Instead of blowing that extra money on something, I'm putting it towards our debt. Thanks for the motivation to do responsible things with money!
 
First check of the year and it was less due to the 401k kicking in. It isn't much less, but I want to increase the percentage, but unsure if I want to do it now or in April until I finish paying three or four credit cards and adding to the savings account. I guess I'll see how January works to make my decision...but I've been good on making my payments more than before (always done more than the minimum), and I have stopped using them...which is what would delay me in finishing paying them off. But I am determined. I guess what helps is that I'm actually employed now and not just the hubby.
 
Well, I've been away for a bit. Time to catch up some:

The good/great news - I finally got everything finished with the fiasco of the timeshare company. Got everything refunded (except $49 required 'owner explanation reservation'). I'm still kind of laughing about it, because I signed the final paperwork in November - which stated that everything would be refunded within 30 days of their receipt of the paperwork. They acknowledged receipt on Dec 5, but did not get the final refunds done until Jan 9 (5 days late). Does this mean that they were in violation of yet another contract with me? :-)

The mediocre news - I decided to opt for a debt management/negotiation plan. All of my credit card debt is being transferred to this, and will pay off in about 4 years, for roughly 60% of what the balance. There is a part of me that feels like a loser for not paying everything, but considering how much was accumulated from interest I don't feel too bad overall. This will leave me with a $525 payment for 48 months (which is about $300 less than I was paying on the cards), 1 credit card that was my "absolute emergency" card that had a $0 balance, and my house and car payments. So, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, just not quite the way I was expecting to get there.

The bad news - my dad has been in bad health for a few years now, and back in August was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He went through a couple of rounds of chemo, and seemed to be doing a lot better. All of the "bad cells" they looked for were gone. So, we celebrated Christmas and he was doing about the same as he had been before the leukemia diagnosis. On December 30, he was unable to walk - even assisted with a walker and people to help support him. We got a hospital bed for him to stay in, but by Jan 2 he was in and out of a comatose state (completely non-responsive most of the time, confused if he did respond, and unable to speak clearly). I alerted work and took off Jan 4-6 to go back home and stay with him. My other sisters also came in the night of Jan 4th. He passed away about midnight on Jan 5th, but only after all of the family was there to hold his hand and let him know that we loved him and knew he loved us. It has been a major roller-coaster of a week, and doesn't look to really end in the near future. He and mom had pre-arranged most of the funeral, but there are still lots of other loose ends that have to be taken care of.

In light of how the year started, I seriously hope that this year improves. But I also don't know how regular I will be in posting for a while. Remember me, and know that even if I don't post, I do read to stay current on how everyone else is doing. There are times when just knowing that all the people here are so friendly and helpful is all that helps me get through the day.
 
dayvewc said:
Well, I've been away for a bit. Time to catch up some:

The good/great news - I finally got everything finished with the fiasco of the timeshare company. Got everything refunded (except $49 required 'owner explanation reservation'). I'm still kind of laughing about it, because I signed the final paperwork in November - which stated that everything would be refunded within 30 days of their receipt of the paperwork. They acknowledged receipt on Dec 5, but did not get the final refunds done until Jan 9 (5 days late). Does this mean that they were in violation of yet another contract with me? :-)

The mediocre news - I decided to opt for a debt management/negotiation plan. All of my credit card debt is being transferred to this, and will pay off in about 4 years, for roughly 60% of what the balance. There is a part of me that feels like a loser for not paying everything, but considering how much was accumulated from interest I don't feel too bad overall. This will leave me with a $525 payment for 48 months (which is about $300 less than I was paying on the cards), 1 credit card that was my "absolute emergency" card that had a $0 balance, and my house and car payments. So, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, just not quite the way I was expecting to get there.

The bad news - my dad has been in bad health for a few years now, and back in August was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He went through a couple of rounds of chemo, and seemed to be doing a lot better. All of the "bad cells" they looked for were gone. So, we celebrated Christmas and he was doing about the same as he had been before the leukemia diagnosis. On December 30, he was unable to walk - even assisted with a walker and people to help support him. We got a hospital bed for him to stay in, but by Jan 2 he was in and out of a comatose state (completely non-responsive most of the time, confused if he did respond, and unable to speak clearly). I alerted work and took off Jan 4-6 to go back home and stay with him. My other sisters also came in the night of Jan 4th. He passed away about midnight on Jan 5th, but only after all of the family was there to hold his hand and let him know that we loved him and knew he loved us. It has been a major roller-coaster of a week, and doesn't look to really end in the near future. He and mom had pre-arranged most of the funeral, but there are still lots of other loose ends that have to be taken care of.

In light of how the year started, I seriously hope that this year improves. But I also don't know how regular I will be in posting for a while. Remember me, and know that even if I don't post, I do read to stay current on how everyone else is doing. There are times when just knowing that all the people here are so friendly and helpful is all that helps me get through the day.
Click to expand...

So sorry to hear of your dad's passing, but how wonderful that you were all able to be there with him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
 
dayvewc said:
Well, I've been away for a bit. Time to catch up some:

The good/great news - I finally got everything finished with the fiasco of the timeshare company. Got everything refunded (except $49 required 'owner explanation reservation'). I'm still kind of laughing about it, because I signed the final paperwork in November - which stated that everything would be refunded within 30 days of their receipt of the paperwork. They acknowledged receipt on Dec 5, but did not get the final refunds done until Jan 9 (5 days late). Does this mean that they were in violation of yet another contract with me? :-)

The mediocre news - I decided to opt for a debt management/negotiation plan. All of my credit card debt is being transferred to this, and will pay off in about 4 years, for roughly 60% of what the balance. There is a part of me that feels like a loser for not paying everything, but considering how much was accumulated from interest I don't feel too bad overall. This will leave me with a $525 payment for 48 months (which is about $300 less than I was paying on the cards), 1 credit card that was my "absolute emergency" card that had a $0 balance, and my house and car payments. So, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, just not quite the way I was expecting to get there.

The bad news - my dad has been in bad health for a few years now, and back in August was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He went through a couple of rounds of chemo, and seemed to be doing a lot better. All of the "bad cells" they looked for were gone. So, we celebrated Christmas and he was doing about the same as he had been before the leukemia diagnosis. On December 30, he was unable to walk - even assisted with a walker and people to help support him. We got a hospital bed for him to stay in, but by Jan 2 he was in and out of a comatose state (completely non-responsive most of the time, confused if he did respond, and unable to speak clearly). I alerted work and took off Jan 4-6 to go back home and stay with him. My other sisters also came in the night of Jan 4th. He passed away about midnight on Jan 5th, but only after all of the family was there to hold his hand and let him know that we loved him and knew he loved us. It has been a major roller-coaster of a week, and doesn't look to really end in the near future. He and mom had pre-arranged most of the funeral, but there are still lots of other loose ends that have to be taken care of.

In light of how the year started, I seriously hope that this year improves. But I also don't know how regular I will be in posting for a while. Remember me, and know that even if I don't post, I do read to stay current on how everyone else is doing. There are times when just knowing that all the people here are so friendly and helpful is all that helps me get through the day.
Click to expand...

Very sorry for your loss. I will definitely miss your posts. I have always gained motivation and insight from your comments. So take your time and know that I will be looking forward to your return.
 
dayvewc said:
Well, I've been away for a bit. Time to catch up some:

The good/great news - I finally got everything finished with the fiasco of the timeshare company. Got everything refunded (except $49 required 'owner explanation reservation'). I'm still kind of laughing about it, because I signed the final paperwork in November - which stated that everything would be refunded within 30 days of their receipt of the paperwork. They acknowledged receipt on Dec 5, but did not get the final refunds done until Jan 9 (5 days late). Does this mean that they were in violation of yet another contract with me? :-)

The mediocre news - I decided to opt for a debt management/negotiation plan. All of my credit card debt is being transferred to this, and will pay off in about 4 years, for roughly 60% of what the balance. There is a part of me that feels like a loser for not paying everything, but considering how much was accumulated from interest I don't feel too bad overall. This will leave me with a $525 payment for 48 months (which is about $300 less than I was paying on the cards), 1 credit card that was my "absolute emergency" card that had a $0 balance, and my house and car payments. So, I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, just not quite the way I was expecting to get there.

The bad news - my dad has been in bad health for a few years now, and back in August was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He went through a couple of rounds of chemo, and seemed to be doing a lot better. All of the "bad cells" they looked for were gone. So, we celebrated Christmas and he was doing about the same as he had been before the leukemia diagnosis. On December 30, he was unable to walk - even assisted with a walker and people to help support him. We got a hospital bed for him to stay in, but by Jan 2 he was in and out of a comatose state (completely non-responsive most of the time, confused if he did respond, and unable to speak clearly). I alerted work and took off Jan 4-6 to go back home and stay with him. My other sisters also came in the night of Jan 4th. He passed away about midnight on Jan 5th, but only after all of the family was there to hold his hand and let him know that we loved him and knew he loved us. It has been a major roller-coaster of a week, and doesn't look to really end in the near future. He and mom had pre-arranged most of the funeral, but there are still lots of other loose ends that have to be taken care of.

In light of how the year started, I seriously hope that this year improves. But I also don't know how regular I will be in posting for a while. Remember me, and know that even if I don't post, I do read to stay current on how everyone else is doing. There are times when just knowing that all the people here are so friendly and helpful is all that helps me get through the day.
Click to expand...
You and your family are in my prayers. May God comfort you in this sad time. Here's a virtual hug from NJ, Dave.
 
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