what would you do?

[eeyoregirl1970]

Ok, here is my deal/dilemma... I am really wishing to celebrate my 40th birthday (this Oct) in disney world. My DH has no idea first of all that is my wish, so that is one little prob, then there is the money... always the money right? My situation is this... we are actually getting a tax refund this year, about $2300. My husband MAY get a nice $3500 bonus in June (his boss hinted at it, but didn't confirm). We have about $7000 in credit card debt. So should I pay off some of the higher interest rate cards and plan for the trip and just enjoy? OR do I be the responsible adult and get the cards paid off and go next spring? So hard to decide when you have the DISfever. I know what is right, but I am wondering what other folks might do. Are there others out there willing to stay in debt a little longer just to visit WDW?

 

[okeydokey]

I would pay the cards off first and then save for the trip next year. I could never go on vacation with that much credit card debt hanging over my head.

 

[Hannathy]

If I had $7,000 in credit card debt there is no way I'd even be thinking about vacation!!! Even an overnight at a local hotel. Heck I probably wouldn't be sleeping well at night.

Pay off the credit card and if there is any left over put it in the bank so you don't get $7,000 on your card again. This shouldn't even be a second thought as to what to do with it.

 

[littlbugmom]

You have the chance to clear away debt. I would do that.

Even though a 40th celebration at Disney would be great, you will benefit so much more from paying off that debt.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

I would rather pay off the debt. Once you get the debt paid off, save the money you were using to pay the debt for Disney. I think you would enjoy the vacation a lot more if there wasn't debt hanging over your head when you get back. I would still ask for the vacation as my present, but take a raincheck on taking the vacation until you pay off the debt. The prospect of Disney at the end of the tunnel may help motivate you.

 

[ceecee]

I agree with the above posters! Pay off the CC bills and start a Disney fund when they are paid.

 

[mrsklamc]

Well for one thing, I think you should TELL your DH that's your birthday wish. One of our household rules is 'guys don't get hints.'

Is there any way you can pay off the credit card AND take the trip? Personally I would have a hard time enjoying it with the CC hanging over my head. BUT you might be surprised at the ways you can come up with to cut debt when you get 'gazelle intense' as they say. Can you pick up a part time job? Do some childcare or pet-sitting? Cut the budget elsewhere? Find some 'found money' by selling stuff, medical reimbursements, and your state's unclaimed funds division?

Also, remember if you book a package on a Disney Visa you get 6 months no interest so maybe you could pay off the 7,000 and then pay off the Visa w/in six months of your trip?

 

[Mathfailure]

Pay off debt. Disney is not going anywhere.

 

[wdwfan16]

Ok, here is my deal/dilemma... I am really wishing to celebrate my 40th birthday (this Oct) in disney world. My DH has no idea first of all that is my wish, so that is one little prob, then there is the money... always the money right? My situation is this... we are actually getting a tax refund this year, about $2300. My husband MAY get a nice $3500 bonus in June (his boss hinted at it, but didn't confirm). We have about $7000 in credit card debt. So should I pay off some of the higher interest rate cards and plan for the trip and just enjoy? OR do I be the responsible adult and get the cards paid off and go next spring? So hard to decide when you have the DISfever. I know what is right, but I am wondering what other folks might do. Are there others out there willing to stay in debt a little longer just to visit WDW?

Pay off the CCs and go when you have saved the money.

 

[tnmt]

Pay off the debt and the money that you usually put towards the CC debt then just act like you are still paying it and put in away for Disney next year.

 

[auralia]

if you wait until next spring you can tell everyone it is your 40th birthday and note it on your reservation no one will be the wiser and no one will question you you could just celebrate it later when it is more feasable and i bet you would enjoy it more too not fealing guilty and feeling so liberated with all that debt gone! it can be a dual celebration.

 

[michelle06]

I would recommend finding a debt calculator and calculating how much you save by paying it off now vs. the predicted schedule. The amount you save in fees and interest might surprise you - it may actually be enough to fund the next trip. Do it, I think it will help you feel better about your decision.

An example- now on your credit card bills, they show you how long it takes to pay off your credit card bill by making the minimum payment. Then it shows you the difference if you increase your payment by a little. I had a $1200 bill which I intended to pay in full. It said if I made a minimum $15 payment, it would take 10 years to pay off. But if I increased it to $40, it would be paid off in 3 yrs and the savings was hundreds!!

 

[Sinderelly]

Pay off the debt now. Then you can plan your 40th birthday celebration trip.

You can enjoy all the fun of planning the trip with no credit card debt!

Maybe you could have a small Disney party with a MIckey cake to celebrate your birthday and upcoming trip. Throw some hints to your DH for a Disney gift card.

Enjoy your birthday and your trip!

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

OR do I be the responsible adult and get the cards paid off and go next spring? Are there others out there willing to stay in debt a little longer just to visit WDW?

Yes.
Not in this economy.

Plus you can celebrate your credit card being paid off when you go!

 

[tjs198]

Ok, here is my deal/dilemma... I am really wishing to celebrate my 40th birthday (this Oct) in disney world. My DH has no idea first of all that is my wish, so that is one little prob, then there is the money... always the money right? My situation is this... we are actually getting a tax refund this year, about $2300. My husband MAY get a nice $3500 bonus in June (his boss hinted at it, but didn't confirm). We have about $7000 in credit card debt. So should I pay off some of the higher interest rate cards and plan for the trip and just enjoy? OR do I be the responsible adult and get the cards paid off and go next spring? So hard to decide when you have the DISfever. I know what is right, but I am wondering what other folks might do. Are there others out there willing to stay in debt a little longer just to visit WDW?

I say go on the trip - the days are long, life is short, and all we take with us is our memories. You could be dead by next spring. Good luck.

 

[eeyoregirl1970]

Pay off the debt now. Then you can plan your 40th birthday celebration trip.

You can enjoy all the fun of planning the trip with no credit card debt!

Maybe you could have a small Disney party with a MIckey cake to celebrate your birthday and upcoming trip. Throw some hints to your DH for a Disney gift card.

Enjoy your birthday and your trip!

What a great incentive LOL... Disney Cake! Everyone just confirmed what I was thinking and what I know... I guess I was hoping that crazy had company out there hahaha...

thanks everyone for reminding me to be sensible and THEN have fun.

 

[eeyoregirl1970]

I say go on the trip - the days are long, life is short, and all we take with us is our memories. You could be dead by next spring. Good luck.

"dead by next spring" hilarious!!! Totally how I think, but as others have reminded me, I don't want to be penny pinching and worrying about debt while I'm on vacation.

I guess I can start planning now, even if I don't have a real date to go.

 

[laliwalden]

Could you not book a trip and pay for it little by little? Then when you get those big chunks of money you could pay your credit cards off. You still pay off the CCs and get your Disney trip!!

 

[All American]

First, tell your husband what you want to do for your birthday. Don't hint and don't expect him to read your mind. Just tell him. It's not hard, and he'll probably appreciate the fact you said, "Honey, for my birthday I really want to go to DisneyWorld; however, the money...blah, blah, blah." Let that springboard into a discussion of what to do about the money and debt. Make the decision together.

With that being said, I would hold off on the trip and pay off the debt. Mickey doesn't get grey hair, as my dad would say, and think how much more fun it will be knowing you are going and celebrating without owing anyone else any money.

 

[Shreggor]

Pay off debt. Disney is not going anywhere.

Just go in the spring and get the b-day button then. Disney won't mind. Just say you are just getting around to celebrating.