Debt Dumpers - 2016

[Dentam]

Thanks, everyone. This is such a nice and supportive group!

I sold my rower already on craigslist for my asking price. Posted a few other items that I never use but haven't gotten any bites on those yet. The rower was the biggest item and will definitely help in my debt dumping efforts.

 

[Ngwira]

Murphy is here Our fridge/freezer is dunzo. I noticed the temperature rising last night and attempted to reset it. This morning the temperature read 40 degrees when it should be 0 degrees fahrenheit for the freezer! I unplugged it immediately as it's obvious something is wrong.
Luckily, we have a chest freezer which saved all of our food. And we bought the extended warranty on the fridge/gas range and dishwasher which is good until June of 2018. It covers repair AND replacement if it can't be fixed. They are coming tomorrow morning. Appliances don't last like they used to... smh!

My tire pressure light also came on again..UGH.. The dealer said because of the change in temperature (70's daytime, 40's at night), the tires lose air. They advised that I could bring it in anytime for a free checkup. I plan to bring it in on Thursday.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Murphy is here Our fridge/freezer is dunzo. I noticed the temperature rising last night and attempted to reset it. This morning the temperature read 40 degrees when it should be 0 degrees fahrenheit for the freezer! I unplugged it immediately as it's obvious something is wrong.
Luckily, we have a chest freezer which saved all of our food. And we bought the extended warranty on the fridge/gas range and dishwasher which is good until June of 2018. It covers repair AND replacement if it can't be fixed. They are coming tomorrow morning. Appliances don't last like they used to... smh!

My tire pressure light also came on again..UGH.. The dealer said because of the change in temperature (70's daytime, 40's at night), the tires lose air. They advised that I could bring it in anytime for a free checkup. I plan to bring it in on Thursday.

That stinks on your fridge! At least you have the warranty though. We're rounding the one year mark since we purchased our home and the home warranty we received as part of the deal is expiring. I was debating whether or not to renew it, but I checked it and it really does cover a lot. Plus, I was able to add our well pump to it. I suspect our well pump is about 16 years old now and the usual life span is 10-15 years, so I figured it was worth the peace of mind to have it covered since I know we couldn't afford a replacement out of pocket right now if something happened.

And I wouldn't worry too much about your tires. I think all of those tire pressure sensors are really sensitive to the change in temperatures. Mine has been on lately with it getting cooler at night, but I just keep a tire gauge in my car and check them regularly and have never been more than a few pounds off.

 

[Ngwira]

That stinks on your fridge! At least you have the warranty though. We're rounding the one year mark since we purchased our home and the home warranty we received as part of the deal is expiring. I was debating whether or not to renew it, but I checked it and it really does cover a lot. Plus, I was able to add our well pump to it. I suspect our well pump is about 16 years old now and the usual life span is 10-15 years, so I figured it was worth the peace of mind to have it covered since I know we couldn't afford a replacement out of pocket right now if something happened.

And I wouldn't worry too much about your tires. I think all of those tire pressure sensors are really sensitive to the change in temperatures. Mine has been on lately with it getting cooler at night, but I just keep a tire gauge in my car and check them regularly and have never been more than a few pounds off.

I think home warranties make sense, especially for first time home buyers who don't have tons of cash laying around. We bought our first home in October 2013 and did not get a warranty at first. Two months after we bought the house (December), our gas heater broke and ONE part was $600! Needless to say, I added the home warranty ASAP. It covers heater, central air unit and water heater. We pay $24.00 a month for it through our utility company. Last year that same part broke in February and there was no out of pocket cost!

I also added a warranty on our range, fridge and dishwasher in 2013 even though these appliances came with the house. They were purchased new in June 2013 by the seller. I was able to buy the 5 year warranty for $350.00 or so and it has paid off in the end.

Thanks for the tip about the tire sensor. Yeah, the Toyota dealership said that unless the light is flashing, I shouldn't worry too much. They have been getting lots of calls since the temps dipped.

 

[Dentam]

That stinks on your fridge! At least you have the warranty though. We're rounding the one year mark since we purchased our home and the home warranty we received as part of the deal is expiring. I was debating whether or not to renew it, but I checked it and it really does cover a lot. Plus, I was able to add our well pump to it. I suspect our well pump is about 16 years old now and the usual life span is 10-15 years, so I figured it was worth the peace of mind to have it covered since I know we couldn't afford a replacement out of pocket right now if something happened.

Definitely wise to keep the warranty. Mine expired and shortly after my entire HVAC system had to be replaced. Over 5k - if I could go back in time I sure would have renewed the warranty!

 

[bcwife76]

Thanks, everyone. This is such a nice and supportive group!

I sold my rower already on craigslist for my asking price. Posted a few other items that I never use but haven't gotten any bites on those yet. The rower was the biggest item and will definitely help in my debt dumping efforts.

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your coworker

Good job on selling the rower, a big ticket item frees up space and makes a nice chunk of change!

 

[Dentam]

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your coworker

Good job on selling the rower, a big ticket item frees up space and makes a nice chunk of change!

Thanks, it has been pretty somber in the office so far this week. It happened so quickly we are all in shock a bit.

I also sold a rocking chair with footstool on the same day the person came to pick up the rower, so over $800 to put toward debt which finally got me back on track! I was feeling like I was going backwards and getting pretty stressed about it. I also bought some sealing tabs to put in my engine coolant and that seems to have slowed or stopped the leak so I'm hoping it will buy me more time before I need to take on a car payment. Still concerned about my debt to income ratio. My rent is 33% of my income and that is low for this area. But I've read that to get a loan, your debt should be 36% or less, and with my cc payments, I am above that.

 

[DisneyMandC]

@Dentam , I don't think I ever commented on your coworker's passing. I'm sorry to hear it, hugs to you and your coworkers. I tell you what, 2016 has just been one heck of a year. It's like it never ends.

I had a little success selling items this week! I've been riding horses since I was 6 and finally made the decision to part with the first saddle my parents ever bought me. My first pony died 3 months ago, and it was the saddle I used on him. I was holding onto it for nostalgia's sake, but there really was no point since I'm too big to fit in the saddle and won't be having kids who can ride in it. I listed it for sale on Facebook and a friend of mine who actually rode my pony when she moved here from England when she was 12 asked if she could buy it from me! She said it was the first saddle she rode in when she came here and how much it helped her moving internationally to have my pony to ride around on, so she wanted to buy it even though she didn't have a horse right now. I was very touched that she would want it. I did knock some money off the price for her, but am still getting $200 for it, which I'm plenty happy with. I will likely use this money to buying a couple items I need for my new horse when we travel to a big horse show next month.

 

[Ngwira]

Thanks, it has been pretty somber in the office so far this week. It happened so quickly we are all in shock a bit.

I also sold a rocking chair with footstool on the same day the person came to pick up the rower, so over $800 to put toward debt which finally got me back on track! I was feeling like I was going backwards and getting pretty stressed about it. I also bought some sealing tabs to put in my engine coolant and that seems to have slowed or stopped the leak so I'm hoping it will buy me more time before I need to take on a car payment. Still concerned about my debt to income ratio. My rent is 33% of my income and that is low for this area. But I've read that to get a loan, your debt should be 36% or less, and with my cc payments, I am above that.

Congrats on making $800! I'm sorry for your loss. I hope the car issue resolves soon.

 

[Ngwira]

Well wouldn't you know it, but the tire sensor light AND the fridge are both working today! D'oh! The light went off last night and the fridge was fine this morning (freezer at 0 degrees and fridge at 33). We are still having them come out to check the fridge, however, since it's done this twice in a 6 month time frame.

 

[dayvewc]

Ok, so I did a thing. It might not be the best thing, but I did it.

Last year, I talked myself into buying a sampler package from BlueGreen Vacations. (And yes, I convinced myself to get it. I actually would like to buy an interest with them, but couldn't afford it then, but I could afford the sample package and it "locked" the rate they were offering until the package is used. I was/am hopeful that I'll have a several other things paid off before that happens and I might could still purchase an interest).

So, to keep it from going to waste (unlike my desserts that all go to waist ) yesterday I booked the sampler and got 4 nights in Orlando for spring break. And since I don't want to drive 1000 miles each way to just spend 4 nights there, I also went through my other timeshare and booked the remaining 3 nights so I'll have a full week.

Now, I need to decide ... do I pay for the renewal on my Disney AP so I can get the renewal rate ($466 + tax) or buy a new AP when I go down ($594 + tax) or buy tickets ($367 base or $436 PH from UCT) and then pay parking ($20/day * 6 days = $120) and $150 for Memory Maker?

(OK, just in writing this out, I am almost 100% certain I am either going to renew my AP or get a new one. Not counting the potential for ticket price increase, just the cost of the base ticket and parking is more than the renewal rate. And if I add Memory Maker it is more than the cost of a new AP. The only way I would "save" is to get base tickets and plan on not getting any pictures. And that actually either breaks even on the renewal, or only saves me about $115 if I get a new AP).

I think I need to start a pre-trip planning report.

 

[Dentam]

@dayvewc - Orlando during Spring Break! You are braver than I am! I would avoid that time like the plague!

 

[dayvewc]

@dayvewc - Orlando during Spring Break! You are braver than I am! I would avoid that time like the plague!

Lol. That's the problem with being a teacher. When I have vacation time, so does every kid in the country.

 

[Eureka]

@dayvewc - Orlando during Spring Break! You are braver than I am! I would avoid that time like the plague!

We've done it before. If you're there at rope drop and use a touring plan, you can get a lot done before lunchtime even during spring break.

 

[Dentam]

We've done it before. If you're there at rope drop and use a touring plan, you can get a lot done before lunchtime even during spring break.

Yeah, we did Easter week one year and got a lot done but NEVER again!

 

[Dentam]

Lol. That's the problem with being a teacher. When I have vacation time, so does every kid in the country.

My mom worked at an elementary school until she retired 2-3 years ago. We always had to plan family trips around school breaks, so I feel your pain!

 

[DisneyMandC]

I was so thankful we inadvertently planned our honeymoon trip for the week AFTER spring break. I hadn't even considered it when we chose our wedding date, but it turned out to be a great week to go.

But I understand your plight, @dayvewc ! At least you have gone many times and have it down to a science. I think that makes the experience much more enjoyable regardless of whether you go during a crowded time or a slow season.

 

[Dentam]

Sold another item on craigslist - nice to clear up space in my house and put the money toward debt!

 

[DisneyMandC]

Got a $54 refund check from our escrow! Funnily enough though, our homeowner's insurance went up $56 a year after we moved our auto insurance and no longer get the bundled discount, so the bank should've just kept the check!

We're still coming out over $200/year ahead though since we got such a big discount on our car insurance by switching.

 

[dayvewc]

We've done it before. If you're there at rope drop and use a touring plan, you can get a lot done before lunchtime even during spring break.

Yep. Since busy times are the only ones I can go I'm kind of used to it.

Yeah, we did Easter week one year and got a lot done but NEVER again!

I took my parents between Christmas and new years. NEVER again on that one too!!!

My mom worked at an elementary school until she retired 2-3 years ago. We always had to plan family trips around school breaks, so I feel your pain!

Thanks. Growing up both my parents were teachers, so I'm used to it. It seems normal.

I was so thankful we inadvertently planned our honeymoon trip for the week AFTER spring break. I hadn't even considered it when we chose our wedding date, but it turned out to be a great week to go.

But I understand your plight, @dayvewc ! At least you have gone many times and have it down to a science. I think that makes the experience much more enjoyable regardless of whether you go during a crowded time or a slow season.

Yeah. I kind of have it down to an art. Lol.