Debt Dumpers - 2013

[momof2gr8kids]

Everyone's doing a fantastic job! Keep up the great work and keep those credit cards away during the Christmas Season.

I was worried that we would have to pay less than what we budgeted to go towards debt coming up to Christmas, but dh just announced that they settled their contract and will be getting some back pay from Jan. 2011. So that's great news. Planning to use half towards Christmas and other half into savings.


Since we will have more savings, I am comfortable with moving the amount I budgeted for savings towards debt. Come March we will be able to put another hefty amount into savings when we get income tax back.

After that all extra will be piled towards debt. That's the plan anyways. I do have an amount that comes off my cheques into a Canada Savings Bond that's supposed to be for travel. But in emergency, I could dig into it. (But don't want to! LOL)

Do you guys still put money into kids education, etc? We still do, along with RRSPs each cheque and I'm hesitant to stop that to pile onto debt. Especially since oldest will be in university in 6 yrs. It's not tons, but it's a bit to help them.

 

[PrincessKymm]

Do you guys still put money into kids education, etc? We still do, along with RRSPs each cheque and I'm hesitant to stop that to pile onto debt. Especially since oldest will be in university in 6 yrs. It's not tons, but it's a bit to help them.

First-you are doing a fantastic job! Great plans!!!!

I haven't put much into DS's 529 because of my bankruptcy. I'm still adjusting to my new income but I have hopes that come January I can put a minimum of $25 a month away. I usually put money in at the end of the year. He also saves chore money each week and it's usually just 25 cents but the idea is for him to learn to always save something no matter what. At the end of the year I roll up his change saved and then deposit that into his 529 as well. I've got 7 years left to save before his first year of college.

 

[SpaceGirl]

I have been telling my husband we need to freeze our credit cards in a class of water as we are obviously too irresponsible to not use them (we don't want to cut them up as we want them available to us if needed) and he has resisted until now. He has finally agreed to do it so that helps! I love the holiday season and hate stressing over things so as long as we stay responsible we should be fine!

Crazycatstacy
You may want to use a plastic container instead of a glass of water, (Water expands when frozen it will break the glass in your freezer) when you are ready to thaw them don't use the microwave it will melt your cards and ruin the magnetic tape on the cards. I read that in one of Suze Orman's books one of her readers wanted to go shopping in a hurry.

Christine
Less then 3 Weeks, I know you and your girls are so excited.

Yupikgal and Ktdid23
WELCOME

OhMari
Your gift is way outside the box, I would have never thought of a gift certificate for the electric bill let alone the Gas bill, during the winter either would be a much welcomed gift.

I did used Gracie1's idea of using reward points for gifts, one of my nephews is a senior at Central Florida in Orlando he and his girlfriend have passes for Disney so I redeemed points for a gift card for him. They visit the parks about once a month but take their own food, this way he can make an ADR and have a nice meal or whatever he wants.

This next month maybe tight for me with all the gifts, but I have been watching the cost trying to find the best deals.

Everyone keep dancing

 

[SpaceGirl]

PrincessKymm,

I have been meaning to send you this information, you posted that your bills should be discharged this month and that's great news.

I was reading and found out that some companies or businesses sell your debt to other financial collection agencies when they know you are going to be discharged. (This is totally illegal) So you need to wait until everything should be cleared then pull one of you free Credit Reports to make sure the debt is really gone.

I'm sure you may have already known about this but I just wanted to make sure once you have gone through all this that you don't have others taking advantage of your situation.

Good Luck
Beckie

 

[PrincessKymm]

PrincessKymm, I have been meaning to send you this information, you posted that your bills should be discharged this month and that's great news. I was reading and found out that some companies or businesses sell your debt to other financial collection agencies when they know you are going to be discharged. (This is totally illegal) So you need to wait until everything should be cleared then pull one of you free Credit Reports to make sure the debt is really gone. I'm sure you may have already known about this but I just wanted to make sure once you have gone through all this that you don't have others taking advantage of your situation. Good Luck Beckie

Thanks so much!!! I didn't think about pulling the credit report but I did know I've got to keep track of anyone who calls to make sure it's a legit bill. I appreciate the suggestion! I will pull it after I get my letter. Thank you!!!!

 

[SpaceGirl]

October is almost over! I can't believe how fast it went by. This is the second month of our family being on a budget and I am thrilled with our success!

SummerSalt
Great job at getting started, it's wonderful that you are moving forward toward your goals.

PrincessKymm
You are doing great, I would also pull another report six months later just to make sure you have a correct report.

 

[jenny105]

PrincessKymm,

I have been meaning to send you this information, you posted that your bills should be discharged this month and that's great news.

I was reading and found out that some companies or businesses sell your debt to other financial collection agencies when they know you are going to be discharged. (This is totally illegal) So you need to wait until everything should be cleared then pull one of you free Credit Reports to make sure the debt is really gone.

I'm sure you may have already known about this but I just wanted to make sure once you have gone through all this that you don't have others taking advantage of your situation.

Good Luck
Beckie

Ugh. Portfolio Recovery is a company that does this. They've been contacting me for years over old debt from college that is way past the statute of limitations. They're relentless! I never respond and I've read enough horror stories about them on the internet that make me glad I never did. They've reported me a couple times and each time I've had it removed from my credit report. I don't know how they get away with it!!

 

[SpaceGirl]

Ugh. Portfolio Recovery is a company that does this. They've been contacting me for years over old debt from college that is way past the statute of limitations. They're relentless! I never respond and I've read enough horror stories about them on the internet that make me glad I never did. They've reported me a couple times and each time I've had it removed from my credit report. I don't know how they get away with it!!

Jenny
It's good that you haven't responded to them but next time they try adding something to your credit report....Report them to the FTC agency, call the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's toll-free hotline at (877) FTC-HELP. They also have a website.

One of these companies came after my Mom, when I finished with them she ended up with a letter of apology. "Ya Don't mess with a Southern Girls Mama."

They said my Eighty + year old mother owed for a Gym membership. She has never even been to a gym.

 

[pryncess527]

One of these companies came after my Mom, when I finished with them she ended up with a letter of apology. "Ya Don't mess with a Southern Girls Mama."

Lol, you are awesome

 

[Eureka]

Everyone's doing a fantastic job! Keep up the great work and keep those credit cards away during the Christmas Season.

I was worried that we would have to pay less than what we budgeted to go towards debt coming up to Christmas, but dh just announced that they settled their contract and will be getting some back pay from Jan. 2011. So that's great news. Planning to use half towards Christmas and other half into savings.

Since we will have more savings, I am comfortable with moving the amount I budgeted for savings towards debt. Come March we will be able to put another hefty amount into savings when we get income tax back.

After that all extra will be piled towards debt. That's the plan anyways. I do have an amount that comes off my cheques into a Canada Savings Bond that's supposed to be for travel. But in emergency, I could dig into it. (But don't want to! LOL)

Do you guys still put money into kids education, etc? We still do, along with RRSPs each cheque and I'm hesitant to stop that to pile onto debt. Especially since oldest will be in university in 6 yrs. It's not tons, but it's a bit to help them.

We just opened 529s (college saving plans) for the kids now that I am working full time again. They are in 7th and 5th grades so kind of late in the game, but at least we will be able to have something set aside for them.

Otherwise, we have been holding steady, trying to get into a new routine with everything (finances and life!) over the past month since I started my job. We have bought (and paid cash for) 6 out of the 8 nights of Chanuka presents for the kids already, and bought the big (put on the credit card since we paid online) Christmas present for them/the family (sports tickets) so we are well on our way with holiday shopping.

 

[lovingeire]

I don't think I've posted anything since before our Disney trip, but we are slowly trucking along. With a new baby coming next month and the holidays we know things are going to be a little tight, but we'll just keep plugging away at our baby steps.

On the plus side, I took a large paycheck I got and paid off a card!!!!!

We need to rebuild our emergency fund a bit after a few emergencies, but after the new year my checks will be going to pay off debt. I'm a little nervous about our tax refund since we're renting a house, even though we have to rent here, but that could definitely mess up our return.

Other than that, I'm just very excited to have one more card down the drain. Here's to our goal of being completely debt free by my husband's impending military retirement!

 

[momof2gr8kids]

I did used Gracie1's idea of using reward points for gifts, one of my nephews is a senior at Central Florida in Orlando he and his girlfriend have passes for Disney so I redeemed points for a gift card for him. They visit the parks about once a month but take their own food, this way he can make an ADR and have a nice meal or whatever he wants.

Everyone keep dancing

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I will be doing that as well. Have $110 worth of points to use at one of our drugstores. Will be using that for stocking stuffers.

SD just bought herself a car, and want's car stuff. So part of that will be a $50 gas card we can get using other points.

 

[disneylover1980]

Jumping in a bit late here, but hoping to join in on the official 2014 debt dumpers thread. We decided about 45 days ago to FINALLY take our lives back. We have a massive amount of credit card debt, 2 vehicle loans, a 20K personal loan and about 70K in student loan debt....on top of our house. With what my hubby makes, since right now I am a sahm because our 2 year old has special needs....if we can stick to the budget we created we should be good to go in about 2 years. Serious buckling down is involved though, which is fine for me, but a totally new concept for my husband. It took our almost 7 years of marriage for me to convince him that living with this much debt should NOT be "the american way." When we met/married almost 7 years ago I was debt free...not even a car payment, and he had a substancial amount and it has only gotten worse.

 

[bababear_50]

I followed Gracie's idea also:
I just cashed in airmiles rewards for five movie passes for two with drinks and popcorn included.
Also cashed in my Petro Points for a 25.00 toys R Us gift card for my grand-daughter,the rest I'm saving for a future flight discount.
Christmas shopping has started here, just have to keep myself in check,and NOT overspend."I must remember it is the thought that counts".
Hugs to everyone during one of the most "spending seasons' of the year.

Hugs Mel

 

[bababear_50]

Jumping in a bit late here, but hoping to join in on the official 2014 debt dumpers thread. We decided about 45 days ago to FINALLY take our lives back. We have a massive amount of credit card debt, 2 vehicle loans, a 20K personal loan and about 70K in student loan debt....on top of our house. With what my hubby makes, since right now I am a sahm because our 2 year old has special needs....if we can stick to the budget we created we should be good to go in about 2 years. Serious buckling down is involved though, which is fine for me, but a totally new concept for my husband. It took our almost 7 years of marriage for me to convince him that living with this much debt should NOT be "the american way." When we met/married almost 7 years ago I was debt free...not even a car payment, and he had a substancial amount and it has only gotten worse.

Welcome
it's great to have you join and congrats on taking steps to make a happy future for your family.
Hugs Mel

 

[ceemys]

Yukipgal - and congrats on your job! I have friends in Juneau and they just love, love AK.

summersalt - Great job on your debt!

pryncess527 - bartering is a good thing. food for a tile job..not bad.

OhMari - Those electric G.C's are a reaaly great idea.

ktdid23 - Good luck on your student loans. We are hear for support!

ruadisneyfan2 - Ugh..the quality of items these days are horrible. Hoe you got it replaced without spending too much $.

momof2gr8kids - I don't have any $ for my kids college. They can work through it like I did. I will help though. I hope for soem scholarships.

Becki - you are awesome! I'm a souther girl also...just displaced here in IN. lol I can't belive they tried to pin a gym membership on your mother.

Erica - How is your new job going?

lovingeire - congrats on paying off the CC!!

As for me....2 weeks from today and we close on the house. ugh. SO much to do! I'm very overwhelmed and just stay sck to my stomach. I was sick a few weeks back and ended up telling the man I am dating that I needed space. Then I realized I never missed him and now tonight I am going to tell him that it is over between us. We've been dating for 4 months. I don't want to hurt his feelings, but just getting a text is annoying now. I don't want him to drive 40 minutes only to have me break up with him, so I am calling. Can't do it via text...that is just too mean and rude. Should call after work and not wait until evening, but he had a fundraiser to attend.

eh, sorry. Not too much debt related, but it is messing with my stress level, so decided to vent a little.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

 

[Eureka]

Job is going great, thanks for asking. I really love it. The commute is tough but I only drive three days a week normally and work the other two at home, so that makes it bearable. I have gotten two paychecks, we have set up the kids' 529s and have been able to keep up with the $285/month parking pass we have recurring on the credit card and have been able to pay more than the minimum on top of that. Holiday shopping is well underway because Chanuka is so early and most of it has been bought with cash -- a couple things we charged because they were online purchases and I hadn't gotten paid yet.

Our town is in the process of getting a daily soup kitchen created and right now they serve dinner once a week. They send home individual "take home bags" with bottles of water and 6-8 non-perishable snacks per person when they get sponsors to make the bags. One of my friends has been the organizer of all of this, and our whole family has been involved in the effort: I did some writing for their website, DH is on a committee and the kids have helped with fundraising. The other day I realized we had absolutely no excuse not to help more, so this weekend we put together 24 take home bags with granola bars, small cans of tuna, pb crackers, raisins, etc. I calculated it all and it just cost $78 for us to make them....a small price to pay to help 24 people who are struggling have a day's worth of snacks. Made me feel good that we did that instead of, say, spending the same on dinner. Which, incidentally, DH and the boys pretty much did also later that day when they went to a sports bar and grill to watch football since we don't live near the team we root for. Lol.

I'm sorry I don't have time to post as much as I did before, but I am reading and glad to see everyone is doing well!

 

[OhMari]

Awesome!

Just when we were making great progress, our kitchen faucet needs replacing. grrr.... Products are such junk anymore. When I was kid, we had the same cheap faucet my whole childhood. We're now on our 3rd faucet in 17 yrs. We're really not hard on our things; our carpeting that we bought back when we first moved in still looks great, though I'm sick of the color. It will have to do for a few more years.

I hear ya with the faucets. We are on our 4th white faucet from our remodeled kitchen that we did 20 years ago and we need a new one again. Actually the whole kitchen could use a makeover. The kitchen cupboards are a light oak and could use a new sanding, stain and varnish, the counter top has a few nicks, the sink is porcelain white and was never suppose to chip-I proved that was possible. I do have new appliances that are 5 years old and I just got letters that warranties are expiring, which means your appliances are going to go kaput soon. Nothing is made to last.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I hear ya with the faucets. We are on our 4th white faucet from our remodeled kitchen that we did 20 years ago and we need a new one again. Actually the whole kitchen could use a makeover. The kitchen cupboards are a light oak and could use a new sanding, stain and varnish, the counter top has a few nicks, the sink is porcelain white and was never suppose to chip-I proved that was possible. I do have new appliances that are 5 years old and I just got letters that warranties are expiring, which means your appliances are going to go kaput soon. Nothing is made to last.

Oh yes, don't even get me counting the number of washing machines & dishwashers.
Whoever started that saying that the Maytag repairman has nothing to do is full of it.

 

[yupikgal]

Thanks for the welcome! I finished my 3rd day on the job today, I'm just happy to have one, and I'm especially excited for my first paycheck! I won't be getting one until the end of the month, but nonetheless, I look forward to it!!
I edited my monthly budget spreadsheet to include my projected payoff dates for my cc's. Once they are paid off, it will free up almost a two week salary (for some people) it's ridiculous. I can't WAIT!!

Good luck to everyone else who is with me in my journey of freedom from debt!