Although I advocated the use of credit cards for an emergency (only if you could pay it off in full). I think you did the right thing. If you are going to do the Dave Ramsey program do it the way it was intended and before you know it credit cards won't even enter the picture.
Even though I am extremely disciplined and do pay it off in full when I use it that way, I am starting to use cash and it is really better.
Keep up the good work and remember "Baby Steps"
Even though I am extremely disciplined and do pay it off in full when I use it that way, I am starting to use cash and it is really better.
Keep up the good work and remember "Baby Steps"
$1,500 is a lot of money, and it's understandable that you immediately reached for the old standby. But it's fabulous that you didn't go through with it. There has been so much good advice here, whether or not everyone is on the Dave Ramsey boat or not. Almost every single post has SOMETHING you can pull out of it and use, no matter what the tone. You've got guts, girl. Pay with your cash and bonuses. Then you can smile all the way to the bank with the rest of the bonuses when you build up your emergency fund again. I am SO PROUD of you! Don't be too hard on yourself -- you're breaking a habit that has been years in the making, and that's not easy. BUT YOU ARE DOING IT! And Christmas, too. 
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep a spending journal. Just use a spiral notebook, keep your receipts for the day and record date, what you spent, and where. Very effective. You can see trends in your spending and start thinking what to cut out and what to trim.
I have been driving my moms car while mine is being repaired. Moms car is okay, however I all but tore the front bumper off of the cleaners car. She is someone we know, who cleans for our friends, and she just laughed it off. I told her to let me know how much the damage was. She said "Do you know how many times this old car has been banged up by people I clean for?" It was pretty bad though and she agreed she would need to get it fixed. Ok, so I leave for work. I get about three miles from my house and a guy in a truck goes left of center completely into my lane! 
At this point I was in hysterics. 
I called my DH cell. He had left a few min. behind me and said sit tight he would be right there. Thank the Lord he had taken the kids with him. I was shakey and very upset. I also called my mom and she said to calm down it would be alright and we would get it taken care of. I CAN NOT BELIEVE this has all happened to me all before 9AM! 
I got control of myself and drove on to work, red swollen face and all! I look like I have had a severe allergic reaction to something after I have been crying really hard. 
I am trying to remain upbeat. But, as the day has wore on, the financial impact of it all is hitting me hard. How will I ever cover all this? 
If I EVER meet this guy Murphy, he is one cooked goose!
Just a quick update. WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!! 
We had to counter three times and them four, but we finally came to an agreement. We will come away with the deal with about $150. Yeah! Remeber, we have already remortgaged once, so essentially I made alot more on the house, but I have to consider it money already spent. Also, they want to close by 12/30, but they are not moving here until Aug. 1,2006. So, they are leasing the house to us until then! 
We have plenty of time to find something to rent that is right for us and not have to rush into it. We will then be able to pay our debt down in 24 months or less and then make a decision on what to do. Also, part of the deal is that they are putting a 600 square foot addition onto the back of the house that should be completed in early March. We will also be allowed to use this living space. I was scared at first, but DH and I feel we made the best decision for our family. God is good. Prayers do get answered. Maybe not right when we want, but when the time is right, they are answered. Thanks to my fellow DIS'ers for the support. 
