Debt Dumpers - 2016

[hollybearsmom]

Does he realize the financial debt? I'm going off of memory here - but if I recall correctly you have items in collections - right? If so and your credit isn't that good how does he plan on getting a new vehicle?

I have collections, not in his name, so he thinks he can do it. I just wanted to jump on the snowball idea to see quick results. We have different trains of thought.

 

[gracie1]

I have collections, not in his name, so he thinks he can do it. I just wanted to jump on the snowball idea to see quick results. We have different trains of thought.

I think you have the right strategy. Maybe try talking to him again. Do you have it all written out so he can see it on paper? Not just what you owe right now but everything in collections as well. If he still disagrees with you and refuses to get on board the only thing you could maybe do is try to pay extra on the smaller balances like you planned. I hate to make it sound like your sneaking behind his back to pay extra money. Good luck!! They say that finances can cause stress between couples when their not on the same page.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

Sounds like a good plan. And you don't want to get too much on yourself to make him think it's a good idea if you suddenly disappeared ....

OOPS - that was for BC wife - not sure why it didn't quote her post.

 

[momtosam]

Bad bill week for us. I told DH that I feel like I'm squeezing quarters out of my butt crack ( | )

 

[Dentam]

Bad bill week for us. I told DH that I feel like I'm squeezing quarters out of my butt crack ( | )

I'm in the same boat over here!

 

[Dentam]

I know what you mean - I'm getting ready to put mine in the shop to do an over haul check on it! I know there's going to be some issues but I didn't have to put a penny into it in 2015. I'm expecting at least a $1500 bill this year but it's better than a car payment. My car is 13 years old with 156k miles but I plan on keeping it for a few more years at least!

My main reasons for wanting a newer vehicle are to have something with 4WD for the Colorado winters and mountain driving and also something that I could more safely transport my 85 pound dog in. My new goal is to get something in October once I've paid off two cc's and saved up a 20% downpayment. If it weren't for those factors I'd drive my little car until it died.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I just paid off a 0% CC that was expiring after this month, so I won't any interest now! And last month I finished paying the 0% CC with our wedding rings. It feels great to have 2 credit cards paid off to start the new year. I will snowball these payments into another 0% card so that it is paid off before it expires in two months.

And then once all of our tax documents come in, I will file and use our refund to replenish our emergency fund. It feels like so much progress. This group has been really inspirational to help me stay focused on our goals.

And DH got a response to one of his job applications today. The position is at the same university at which I work, which would be great. I am hoping they schedule him for an interview soon and he gets the job. Then he can start making a dent in his student loans.

 

[bcwife76]

Sounds like a good plan. And you don't want to get too much on yourself to make him think it's a good idea if you suddenly disappeared ....

OOPS - that was for BC wife - not sure why it didn't quote her post.

haha, good point ;-)

And I get the quotes wrong all the time on the Disboards, too

 

[4Mickeys]

I just paid off a 0% CC that was expiring after this month, so I won't any interest now! And last month I finished paying the 0% CC with our wedding rings. It feels great to have 2 credit cards paid off to start the new year. I will snowball these payments into another 0% card so that it is paid off before it expires in two months.

And then once all of our tax documents come in, I will file and use our refund to replenish our emergency fund. It feels like so much progress. This group has been really inspirational to help me stay focused on our goals.

And DH got a response to one of his job applications today. The position is at the same university at which I work, which would be great. I am hoping they schedule him for an interview soon and he gets the job. Then he can start making a dent in his student loans.

Great work with the CC so far - its a great feeling paying off a card! And good luck to your other half for his job application.

 

[SirDuff]

Pay the high interest rate cc and buy a new car instead of sinking more money into our old van. Grrrrrrrrrr.

Ignoring the new car but, I totally understand your husband. I get the thinking behind paying off the lowest first, but my brain gets stuck on the fact that I save more money by getting rid of highest interest first. Though, I get that that assumes following through which many find easier the other way.

There are online calculators which show you how long each option would take and how much total you'd pay to get rid of the debt. Maybe play with one to see how close/far the two options are for you. That might help your discussions.

 

[Dentam]

I just paid off a 0% CC that was expiring after this month, so I won't any interest now! And last month I finished paying the 0% CC with our wedding rings. It feels great to have 2 credit cards paid off to start the new year. I will snowball these payments into another 0% card so that it is paid off before it expires in two months.

And then once all of our tax documents come in, I will file and use our refund to replenish our emergency fund. It feels like so much progress. This group has been really inspirational to help me stay focused on our goals.

And DH got a response to one of his job applications today. The position is at the same university at which I work, which would be great. I am hoping they schedule him for an interview soon and he gets the job. Then he can start making a dent in his student loans.

Congratulations on paying off the cc's!! Great job! Hope the job works out for your husband!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Hollybearsmom,

So all the bad debt is in your name? (Collections) I went back to try and find were you listed your bills but couldn't find it, sorry. You asked earlier in the thread about opening a savings account in your name but couldn't because of your credit score. Does your husband have a checking account are you on it? Are you a stay at home Mom? Sorry to ask so many questions but really have been trying to think what would help you most.

 

[gracie1]

I just paid off a 0% CC that was expiring after this month, so I won't any interest now! And last month I finished paying the 0% CC with our wedding rings. It feels great to have 2 credit cards paid off to start the new year. I will snowball these payments into another 0% card so that it is paid off before it expires in two months.

And then once all of our tax documents come in, I will file and use our refund to replenish our emergency fund. It feels like so much progress. This group has been really inspirational to help me stay focused on our goals.

And DH got a response to one of his job applications today. The position is at the same university at which I work, which would be great. I am hoping they schedule him for an interview soon and he gets the job. Then he can start making a dent in his student loans.

Great job!! You are on a roll!!!! I think once the first card gets paid off it really starts to motivate you!

 

[MrsTurnerLovesDisney]

why are cell phones such a rip off???

My smart phone was broken beyond repair back in Sept my mother in law gave me her old one...it was fine for a bit but started acting up battery draining really quick I needed something new in case of emergencies.
I'm over a year into my contract with Verizon and I could either buy a phone at full cost up front or they could charge me extra $30 dollars a month to my bill to cover new phone. We will be getting away from Verizon come Sept when our contract ends so I wasn't about to pay $400-500 for a new phone that would be useless soon. I looked at cheap smart phones but decided I spend too much time on it which is my one true addiction and opted for a old plain basic flip phone. I have a tablet to keep my apps I don't need a smart phone. Plus the $40 a month savings by me not having a smart phone made me quite the happy camper.

Well I went bought my $50 basic phone.....I have no signal what so ever. I thought ok fine in my office I can't make calls but I can text. I go out to the parking lot at my office to place a call....still won't work...I'm like seriously!?? that was the whole point if I need to call I can. I am beyond mad about this! I just got it about 2 hours ago if it still is doing this tomorrow I will pitch a fit at the Verizon store. UGh!!!

 

[hollybearsmom]

Hollybearsmom,

So all the bad debt is in your name? (Collections) I went back to try and find were you listed your bills but couldn't find it, sorry. You asked earlier in the thread about opening a savings account in your name but couldn't because of your credit score. Does your husband have a checking account are you on it? Are you a stay at home Mom? Sorry to ask so many questions but really have been trying to think what would help you most.

I do stay home. I am not on the account. And my bills are pending my figuring out how to read my credit report, there seems to be a lot of duplication on it.

 

[gracie1]

why are cell phones such a rip off???

My smart phone was broken beyond repair back in Sept my mother in law gave me her old one...it was fine for a bit but started acting up battery draining really quick I needed something new in case of emergencies.
I'm over a year into my contract with Verizon and I could either buy a phone at full cost up front or they could charge me extra $30 dollars a month to my bill to cover new phone. We will be getting away from Verizon come Sept when our contract ends so I wasn't about to pay $400-500 for a new phone that would be useless soon. I looked at cheap smart phones but decided I spend too much time on it which is my one true addiction and opted for a old plain basic flip phone. I have a tablet to keep my apps I don't need a smart phone. Plus the $40 a month savings by me not having a smart phone made me quite the happy camper.

Well I went bought my $50 basic phone.....I have no signal what so ever. I thought ok fine in my office I can't make calls but I can text. I go out to the parking lot at my office to place a call....still won't work...I'm like seriously!?? that was the whole point if I need to call I can. I am beyond mad about this! I just got it about 2 hours ago if it still is doing this tomorrow I will pitch a fit at the Verizon store. UGh!!!

I got rid of my smartphone and went back to the basic flip phone as well. Did you make sure it's activated? I think that the *228 and you can do updates as well. Or if you can use another phone to call them and they can walk you through some solutions. We had 2 smart phones and a regular flip phone and the bill was $162 a month - dropped the 2 smartphones and changed the plan a little and now we have just 3 basic phones for $65 a month!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Holly
Are the duplicate reports only on the accounts that are in collections ? I believe you posted you had three accounts that were 7 years old DON'T TOUCH any of those accounts (meaning don't query any information on them or the age could/may reset) they should be reaching the SOL (statute of limitations) which means they should/may fall off your report and be gone forever. The SOL is different in each State so you can check on line to see what limits your state has. The other accounts in collection also needs the SOL on them checked. This doesn't mean you can't or won't pay them but for now it would be best to let them age off your report.

You are just going to have to go over the credit report line by line to check if the information and balances they have is correct. You should be able to tell which credit lines are active and in good standing. There is a website that has loads of information available to help you understand the report it's the CreditBoards they also have form letters available for you to copy and apply your information to assist in removing credit lines that should be off your report or incorrect so you can have them removed. You have to follow certain guide lines to protect yourself. My FICO also has some great information that you may find helpful understanding the whole process

There should also be some information at the end of your report as to where you can challenge any duplicate or errors that have been listed on your report. Keep going you can do this even without your DH agreeing with you, it's your report. If you get your score up it would only be an assist for both of you as a couple.

Maybe you could talk to him and instead of a NEW CAR check into to purchasing a NEW TO YOU CAR. (Used) I also think that for you as a family one vehicle needs to be totally dependable.

Good Luck you can do this but remember your score didn't get this way over night and it will take time to rebuild it. Slow and Steady

 

[PrincessKymm]

I have convinced my mother to move into a cheaper apartment!!!! It's a bit smaller than her current place but I kind of threw a hissy fit over the phone one day and convinced her that she couldn't afford her rent increase. She's only saving $15 a month in rent BUT she's going from an electric start central heating/cooling system on the first floor to a baseboard heating/wall A/C unit on the second floor. This change in the way her heat works should save her a pretty penny for at least half the year. Also with her being on the second floor she's more likely to catch a nice breeze and not need to run her AC all the time.

The only expense that is increasing is her laundry charges but it's only $1 extra a load and she lives about 3 blocks from a laundromat so I can either take her to the laundromat or slip her a little extra here and there instead of Monthly. I have a monthly line item labeled "mother" that costs me at least $100.

I've put my foot down about helping her. I told her I love her but I just can't afford to continue to support her and I need her taken care of since I'm starting at a new company and basically relaunching my career. I don't need the distraction, DS is quite enough! I will continue to buy her small items like TP, paper towels, clothes etc but not like before.

I'm crossing my fingers my pay checks will be where I want them to be (and where 2 of the 5 sources I've used have put them) so I can concentrate on taking care of my responsibilities and paying off my debt but still able to afford to vacation and spend time with my son before he's gone to college. That may be 5 years away but 5 years is not that long!

I'm also very interested in purchasing a condo that I live near now. One is up for sale for $68k and if I paid full asking price, financed it for 30 years, with zero down and put about $10k into remodeling over a few years it would be about half of my rent! I need to get on the ball and pay off some debt and then inquire at a bank about financing. I doubt I'll get anything with zero down and I know how expensive owning a home is so I will need to boost up my savings as well.

I can't believe how much I pay in rent compared to homes in the area! I have to stay in this area to let DS attend this pre-engineering program at the high school (next closest program is like 2 hours away by car) so I'm looking to move to a cheaper apartment that is closer to the high school. There are sometimes Duplexes for rent across the street from his school (my alma mater) so I'm hoping to land one at a good price when I have to move this fall. If not I will probably see about staying one more year but then I'm done with this place! I pay in rent what I paid for a 3 bedroom 1400 square foot home across town when I was married! It feels like I'm just throwing money away month after month. I love my apartment (hate my neighbors) but I can't live paying this much forever.

I upped my debt a little purchasing new clothes for this job. I was laying out clothes for next week and noticed the weight I put on while I was not working has caused my jackets to not fit properly. The dress code at my new employer is "business professional" so I consider this a need and not a want. I've got two jackets that are in good condition so I purchased two more. One other jacket is slightly tight so I'm saving that for Friday and hoping they allow "dress down" and I don't need to wear it all day. If not I will purchase one more to give me 5. Time to diet!!!!!

I did also purchase new flats and booties as my old flats are a bit worn looking. Not a good first impression! But don't worry, they were on clearance at DSW! I also purchased a couple of new dress shirts and shells for under my jackets and some new pants to replace the older worn looking ones. One pair I did own had the start of a hole so I will see if I or my mom can mend those.

Hopefully I can dress down some days and pick up some healthier habits than at my last job so if I lose weight my wardrobe will expand quite a bit. Lots more tops in my "can't quite squeeze into" side of the closet but if I walk more and am generally more happy I should drop the 8 lbs I gained easily.

This was much longer than I meant it to be but life has been pretty spectacular recently!

 

[gracie1]

I have convinced my mother to move into a cheaper apartment!!!! It's a bit smaller than her current place but I kind of threw a hissy fit over the phone one day and convinced her that she couldn't afford her rent increase. She's only saving $15 a month in rent BUT she's going from an electric start central heating/cooling system on the first floor to a baseboard heating/wall A/C unit on the second floor. This change in the way her heat works should save her a pretty penny for at least half the year. Also with her being on the second floor she's more likely to catch a nice breeze and not need to run her AC all the time.

The only expense that is increasing is her laundry charges but it's only $1 extra a load and she lives about 3 blocks from a laundromat so I can either take her to the laundromat or slip her a little extra here and there instead of Monthly. I have a monthly line item labeled "mother" that costs me at least $100.

I've put my foot down about helping her. I told her I love her but I just can't afford to continue to support her and I need her taken care of since I'm starting at a new company and basically relaunching my career. I don't need the distraction, DS is quite enough! I will continue to buy her small items like TP, paper towels, clothes etc but not like before.

I'm crossing my fingers my pay checks will be where I want them to be (and where 2 of the 5 sources I've used have put them) so I can concentrate on taking care of my responsibilities and paying off my debt but still able to afford to vacation and spend time with my son before he's gone to college. That may be 5 years away but 5 years is not that long!

I'm also very interested in purchasing a condo that I live near now. One is up for sale for $68k and if I paid full asking price, financed it for 30 years, with zero down and put about $10k into remodeling over a few years it would be about half of my rent! I need to get on the ball and pay off some debt and then inquire at a bank about financing. I doubt I'll get anything with zero down and I know how expensive owning a home is so I will need to boost up my savings as well.

I can't believe how much I pay in rent compared to homes in the area! I have to stay in this area to let DS attend this pre-engineering program at the high school (next closest program is like 2 hours away by car) so I'm looking to move to a cheaper apartment that is closer to the high school. There are sometimes Duplexes for rent across the street from his school (my alma mater) so I'm hoping to land one at a good price when I have to move this fall. If not I will probably see about staying one more year but then I'm done with this place! I pay in rent what I paid for a 3 bedroom 1400 square foot home across town when I was married! It feels like I'm just throwing money away month after month. I love my apartment (hate my neighbors) but I can't live paying this much forever.

I upped my debt a little purchasing new clothes for this job. I was laying out clothes for next week and noticed the weight I put on while I was not working has caused my jackets to not fit properly. The dress code at my new employer is "business professional" so I consider this a need and not a want. I've got two jackets that are in good condition so I purchased two more. One other jacket is slightly tight so I'm saving that for Friday and hoping they allow "dress down" and I don't need to wear it all day. If not I will purchase one more to give me 5. Time to diet!!!!!

I did also purchase new flats and booties as my old flats are a bit worn looking. Not a good first impression! But don't worry, they were on clearance at DSW! I also purchased a couple of new dress shirts and shells for under my jackets and some new pants to replace the older worn looking ones. One pair I did own had the start of a hole so I will see if I or my mom can mend those.

Hopefully I can dress down some days and pick up some healthier habits than at my last job so if I lose weight my wardrobe will expand quite a bit. Lots more tops in my "can't quite squeeze into" side of the closet but if I walk more and am generally more happy I should drop the 8 lbs I gained easily.

This was much longer than I meant it to be but life has been pretty spectacular recently!

That would be great having the condo where your monthly payment is half your rent! One question - what is the HOA fees? And also you would have to factor in condo insurance.
when does your new job start? I think once you start and see what everyone else wears it will help you with your wardrobe. And you will lose those 8lbs! But there's nothing worse than snug tops and pants to make you feel uncomfortable!

 

[hollybearsmom]

Magic-thank you for the advice on the report! I will try to look into it more this weekend with those websites in mind.