Debt Dumpers 2025

[DL1WDW2]

I noticed BJs is limiting to 2 dozen purchase….
I don’t know if it is being enforced But sign is behind customer service when I was waiting to return an item .

 

[firefly_ris]

it seems that any time we get new neighbors to rural living they feel compelled to start raising chickens but like clockwork within 6 months or so they realize how much the feed costs, how much work goes into it AND how it draws predators to their property that then get attracted to their little dogs and cats...there are at least a half dozen very nice (electrically wired for heat lamps and all) chicken coop set ups within walking distance to our home that have not been used in years (we had one neighbor whose chickens that were spared in a raccoon attack ended up with PTSD and stopped laying entirely-yeah, he did'nt count on having a couple dozen 'pet chickens' for the next 8 or 10 years).

Our friends prevented that problem by having 2 goats that live in the pen with the chickens. The chickens even sleep right outside sometimes -- nothing comes and bothers them with those horned goats in there. This has worked out pretty well for them, enough that they have moved on to adding meat birds and processing their own meat. They have a basement freezer full of chicken, enough to feed them for 4 months or so.

 

[Tygerlilly]

Our friends prevented that problem by having 2 goats that live in the pen with the chickens. The chickens even sleep right outside sometimes -- nothing comes and bothers them with those horned goats in there. This has worked out pretty well for them, enough that they have moved on to adding meat birds and processing their own meat. They have a basement freezer full of chicken, enough to feed them for 4 months or so.

This is my goal in life. Lol. I want a little homestead with chickens, goats, pigs, and a massive garden. Then I can have a whole freezer for chicken, one for pork, one for beef, and a whole area for canned and preserved fruits/veggies.

 

[barkley]

Our friends prevented that problem by having 2 goats that live in the pen with the chickens. The chickens even sleep right outside sometimes -- nothing comes and bothers them with those horned goats in there. This has worked out pretty well for them, enough that they have moved on to adding meat birds and processing their own meat. They have a basement freezer full of chicken, enough to feed them for 4 months or so.

so long as they have good covered pens so nothing can get them from above (if they have flying predators) that would work well (we have bald eagles nesting on our property along with owls and hawks which all enjoy chicken). I enjoy passing by a property near ours that has guard llamas to protect their goats.

This is my goal in life. Lol. I want a little homestead with chickens, goats, pigs, and a massive garden. Then I can have a whole freezer for chicken, one for pork, one for beef, and a whole area for canned and preserved fruits/veggies.

we went to a homesteading conference last year-really interesting. it's how my husband got the bug to start up a sour dough starter and make sour dough bread every week or two. the presentations were fascinating. I need to go back and watch the recordings that they made of the ones we were unable to attend (that's one way if you are interested in it to learn more-some, like the conference we went to record everything and sell for less than $100 access to all those).

note-i do not homestead. we primarily went b/c temple grandin was the keynote speaker.

sorry I had to edit on price of recordings.

 

[Nettlelondon]

We have friends who used to raise pigs & chickens. They had two little girls at the time and there was concern about the girls gettting too attached to the animals, especially when they gave them names. However, no one needed to worry - when the cockerel got a bit grumpy and attacked the younger girl, Sasha, he became dinner and Sasha took great delight in tucking in to heer coq au vin.

And when asked about the pigs they were very happy to say that they were looking forward to the sausages & bacon that they were going to become.

Unfortunately changes in laws around slaughtering and processing meant it became too difficult for them to carry on which is a real shame as the sausages were amazing.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

The bird flu has really hit our area hard. So many people have lost their whole flock so it’s hard to even find local eggs. The police actually shot a turkey in front of our house last week because the turkey was so sick it looked like something from The Walking Dead.

 

[piglet1979]

My mom grew up on a family. They had cows, pigs, chickens and horses. It wasn't a huge farm but one that was enough to supply them with food. By the time I was born they just had horses and dogs (my grandmother breed them). One summer they found a stray baby pig. THey were not able to find the owner so they fattened it up and that was Christmas dinner. They all refused to tell us kids because all got attached to it. All we knew is it was there one day and gone another. They told us after dinner. A few cousins were not happy. I didn't mind as much since I don't care for ham and didn't have any.

 

[428mom]

I missed my check in last week. February is set to be an expensive month (property taxes, kids school registration, volleyball registration) so I'm planning on paying minimums until the end of the month ams if there's any extra ill throw it at our credit card.

School was close yesterday due to illness and closed today because of ice. We don't have school the 13th, 14th and 17th so my paychecks will be light until March. I have read 19 books so far this year!

 

[firefly_ris]

Peace of mind example: Had some ice damming issues on our roof, along with excessive moisture in our attic above the 2nd floor (2nd story was an addition about 12 years ago). We did not air seal around fixtures properly and didn't have the required R-rating for our area. Right now we have less than zero time to address this on our own so I had an insulation company come and take care of it by pulling up all existing insulation, air sealing everything, new extended baffles, putting the insulation back down then blowing in another 8 inches on top for a total of 18 inches of insulation in the attic. We also had them spray foam parts of the basement while they were at it. Now to keep an eye on it.

Anyway, $2200 later but no troubles thanks to the Emergency Fund.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

Got a question about retirement savings and Baby Steps.

So I've been listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts almost daily over the past month or so. I know he's in the boat of younger people stopping contributions until Baby Steps 1-2 are done. But I'm nearing 50 (will be there in July, lol). So should I stop my 401K/IRA contributions until I can get my EF set up and my car/school loans paid off? Or just keep saving. I've been thinking about calling in to his show, but I know my problems are small compared to most others' situations. So I don't want to bother him personally.

I've been saving 401K because my company matches up to 4%. I know that's not a ton, but anything free is better than nothing. I talked to our 401K people yesterday, and I actually have that and a Simple IRA through them from the same company. I haven't talked to my 2 previous employers about where my 401K/IRA stuff is that I earned while working for them. But I plan on doing that in the next day or 2. I'm supposed to meet with a financial advisor for the first time ever in about a week. So I want to make sure all my I's are crossed and my T's are dotted before doing so.

I am hoping no one comes with hate about me being nearly 50 and just now starting to think about my retirement and meeting with a financial advisor. But since I've been listening to Ramsey's things on a daily basis, it's really opened my eyes to money (budgeting, saving, four walls, retirements, being charged interest (yuck)). I've already gotten out of debt on 1 credit card (0 interest for 2 months now, whoop). Hoping to pay the other off in the next couple of 3 months or so then focus more on school and car loans. By the way, we rent our house. So no mortgage there.

 

[sandam1]

I've been saving 401K because my company matches up to 4%.

I've always heard to never turn down "free money." Maybe only contribute up to the company match, but not using this job perk would be like taking a 4% pay cut.

 

[DanceDisney23]

Got a question about retirement savings and Baby Steps.

So I've been listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts almost daily over the past month or so. I know he's in the boat of younger people stopping contributions until Baby Steps 1-2 are done. But I'm nearing 50 (will be there in July, lol). So should I stop my 401K/IRA contributions until I can get my EF set up and my car/school loans paid off? Or just keep saving. I've been saving 401K because my company matches up to 4%. I know that's not a ton, but anything free is better than nothing. I talked to our 401K people yesterday, and I actually have that and a Simple IRA through them from the same company. I haven't talked to my 2 previous employers about where my 401K/IRA stuff is that I earned while working for them. But I plan on doing that in the next day or 2. I'm supposed to meet with a financial advisor for the first time ever in about a week. So I want to make sure all my I's are crossed and my T's are dotted before doing so.

I am hoping no one comes with hate about me being nearly 50 and just now starting to think about my retirement and meeting with a financial advisor. But since I've been listening to Ramsey's things on a daily basis, it's really opened my eyes to money (budgeting, saving, four walls, retirements, being charged interest (yuck). I've already gotten out of 1 card (0 interest for 2 months now, whoop). Hoping to pay the other off in the next couple of 3 months or so then focus more on school and car loans. By the way, we rent our house. So no mortgage there.

Don’t stop the retirement contributions. Contribute at least to the match. Don’t leave free money on the table.

I know Dave Ramsey says focus on retirement later, but I think that’s terrible advice. Time and compound interest are everything when it comes to retirement savings. If young people have even a little wiggle room financially, they should put it into retirement.

I’m not coming at you for just now seriously thinking about retirement. Better late than never! And it sounds like you have been contributing at least some for several years now. Keep doing what you can.

 

[afan]

I've always heard to never turn down "free money." Maybe only contribute up to the company match, but not using this job perk would be like taking a 4% pay cut.

Agree with this, especially since you are making it work without it. It does help a little bit with the taxes.

Don't feel bad about the age thing, a lot of people are that way or don't even get to that point.

I know some work places automatically enroll new employees in the 401k unless they opt out partly because some just don't get around to it and some just don't think about it.

When we (country) get to the point that most of the retired generation doesn't have a pension and is fully relying on SS, 401k and any other savings, I think we'll all be in for a shock at what it really means. Bad enough you can't get full SS until 66.5 but it's just going to keep going up. We shouldn't have to work until we're 70, if SS still has money by the time some of us get there.

I'm also meeting with my finance guy in a few weeks, we've never talked retirement age and specific goals I need to look at meeting. A coworker retired last week, she's 70 and should have retired before this (her memory wasn't what it once was, we changed to a new system and her work was affected) but she needed the money and also something to do. It made me realize I need a better plan because I don't want to work until I'm 70. I'd retire tomorrow if I could at almost 46. My BFF did last month and is a day younger than me, but worked as an engineer and made $ from graduation.

All that to say it's not too late to make a plan but also, for everyone have a hobby or two you enjoy so your work isn't all you have/do.

 

[Nettlelondon]

Obviously as I am not in the US I am not entirely sure how your retirement savings work, but definitely don't stop contributing. Go as far as the employer match and if this leaves you with cash leftover pay off your credit card debt, build your emergency fund and then work out what to do next.

I have no idea how student debt works there so I can't comment - here your repayment % is fixed by law and the majority havce it taken straight from your pay each month (the majority of people are paid monthly here), and anything not repaid after a certain period of time gets written off so very few people ever overpay (except by accident in the final year if they haven't changed from payroll deductions to direct bank deduction).

 

[focusondisney]

Bad enough you can't get full SS until 66.5

That applied to anyone born in 1957. It increased 2 months per year until it reached 67 for anyone born in & later than 1960, which is anyone turning 65 this year.

 

[goofytinkerbell]

1

 

[Jsharp13]

Went grocery shopping today and kind of meal planned based off what looked good and what was on sale. My goal for the next few months is to be super intentional with groceries. I was doing well at the end of the year and then all this mess with my mom got me buying convenience and stuff I shouldn't be buying certain places (like $5/lb grapes from Walmart instead of $1.95/lb grapes from Aldi). I spent $220 today and I did think of a few things I forgot to grab, so I'll grab those, but I don't think it will be more than another $25 or so. I feel like that's acceptable for 2 weeks for a family of 5.

I'm trying to make more things at home from scratch. This week I'm baking muffins, banana bread, and cookies for snacks.

I rarely post or read on this particular thread, but when I do it is always helpful and inspriational!

Groceries is a big spend for me too. Yes, all the tag lines about how expensive groceries are now... I get it. But like you I am trying hard to be more intentional with groceries. I love that phrase. While I meal plan, watch the circulars, and make good lists, I still find that I put my grocery order away and my fridge and pantry are already chock full! So, BEFORE I shop, I'm trying hard to take a good luck at what I already have and try to build off of that. In a month or two, it has certainly made a dent in the spending! Keep it up!
And I just started to hit up Aldi. It sounds like I need to check there first!

 

[trenty]

Got a question about retirement savings and Baby Steps.

So I've been listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts almost daily over the past month or so. I know he's in the boat of younger people stopping contributions until Baby Steps 1-2 are done. But I'm nearing 50 (will be there in July, lol). So should I stop my 401K/IRA contributions until I can get my EF set up and my car/school loans paid off? Or just keep saving. I've been thinking about calling in to his show, but I know my problems are small compared to most others' situations. So I don't want to bother him personally.

I've been saving 401K because my company matches up to 4%. I know that's not a ton, but anything free is better than nothing. I talked to our 401K people yesterday, and I actually have that and a Simple IRA through them from the same company. I haven't talked to my 2 previous employers about where my 401K/IRA stuff is that I earned while working for them. But I plan on doing that in the next day or 2. I'm supposed to meet with a financial advisor for the first time ever in about a week. So I want to make sure all my I's are crossed and my T's are dotted before doing so.

I am hoping no one comes with hate about me being nearly 50 and just now starting to think about my retirement and meeting with a financial advisor. But since I've been listening to Ramsey's things on a daily basis, it's really opened my eyes to money (budgeting, saving, four walls, retirements, being charged interest (yuck)). I've already gotten out of debt on 1 credit card (0 interest for 2 months now, whoop). Hoping to pay the other off in the next couple of 3 months or so then focus more on school and car loans. By the way, we rent our house. So no mortgage there.

First off, good for you. You are taking control.
I got out of debt years ago using the Ramsey Baby Steps. I don't agree 100% with everything he preaches, but I do know that I followed the Baby Steps exactly, including stopping retirement contributions until I was out of debt. It hurt. And you know what: it made me more motivated to pay off that debt FASTER so I could restart my contributions. It didn't make a big difference in the big picture in my retirement savings.

In the end, do what you are comfortable doing. If you don't want to give up the match, keep it going. If you do end up pausing temporarily, make sure that extra money in your paycheck goes directly to the debt.

ETA: If you call Ramsey, he would tell you to stop the match.

 

[Nettlelondon]

In the UK we have something called Auto-enrolment for retirement savings. Within 3 months of starting a job your employer must enrol you in their retirement savings scheme which requires a minimum contribution of 4% from the employee, 3% from the employer and the government chips in another 1%. This applies to everyone over 21 and to earnings between the lower & upper thresholds. Employers can offer more generous schemes and employees can contribute more but this is the minimum.

Additionally you can ask to join below the age of 21 and your employer cannot refuse if you do.

Employees, once enrolled, can opt out - and get a refund if they do so quickly enough - and have to be re-enrolled every 3 years.

I worked in employee compensation for many years and clearly something I said over the years made an impression as my nephew started work at 18 and on his first day asked "how do I join the pension scheme?" I was really quite proud of that (although at times I do wonder if we have created a monster ). He fully understands the concept of compounding. And when he got his first payrise he increased his contribution % on the basis that "I haven't had the money yet, so I won't miss it".

 

[Tygerlilly]

I wish I was that smart at 18, but back then I barely held down a job for more than a year at a time. I was the very definition of "young and dumb". I'm hoping to teach my kids to do better.