Debt Dumpers - 2016

[Gena001]

Update on hubby: basil cell carcinoma. Whew! Low grade. But I know it's still nothing to mess with.

The darned doc office he's been playing phone tag with...for a week... told him he could come in 3rd week of August. He and I discussed the general attitude of the office personnel and decided to go elsewhere. Then that office called him back to say they can get him in next Thurs. He told thrm, no, he decided to see a different doctor. The girl was astounded. I'm happy and feel better with this other doctor anyway. First doctor will get an informative letter from us.

Now he's waiting for 2nd office to call back.

Why can't anyone just set an appointment for you? His normal derm already sent his info over.

 

[Ngwira]

Update on hubby: basil cell carcinoma. Whew! Low grade. But I know it's still nothing to mess with.

The darned doc office he's been playing phone tag with...for a week... told him he could come in 3rd week of August. He and I discussed the general attitude of the office personnel and decided to go elsewhere. Then that office called him back to say they can get him in next Thurs. He told thrm, no, he decided to see a different doctor. The girl was astounded. I'm happy and feel better with this other doctor anyway. First doctor will get an informative letter from us.

Now he's waiting for 2nd office to call back.

Why can't anyone just set an appointment for you? His normal derm already sent his info over.

I'm glad you are being proactive about his care. Good luck and everything crossed for you guys.

 

[DisneyMandC]

So I got my first paycheck today with the new job. It's actually a little bit higher than I thought, but things are still going to be super tight until the end of the year when I can get my student loan payments redone. SUPER tight. We're cutting back everywhere we can and really trying to stick to our YNAB budget closely. I will (sadly) save a lot of money having put my pony down this past weekend as he ate a very high quality and high price food and hay combination because I liked to spoil him in his old age. I'm looking for other ways to cut too. I decided to contact Directv to see about cutting back our package and they gave us $20 off each month for the next year! So that was nice, I certainly wasn't expecting that much. Already cut back the cell phone. Can't cut back internet since I'm locked into that contract until next spring, unfortunately.

Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything because I am so, so much happier at this job, even though it pays less. I'm honestly happy to walk into work everyday! One of my good friends has a big law firm job where he is making almost 3 times what I make. He told me yesterday that he had paid off all his law school student loans, which is fantastic for him! However, he also told me he is so miserable at his job and has such severe anxiety from it that he spends his weekends constantly worried about work. Sorry, but it's not worth the salary to live like that to me.

 

[PrincessKymm]

I sat down and re-evaluated my budget. Having a teenager is significantly different budget wise than I thought it would be.

If I hardcore attack debt, I can be done with credit cards in 18 months. That's IF we go on this cruise. Still waiting for my sisters paperwork so I can do her budget. I decided to put a stop to the cruise this year if she can't handle the cost. I can always move it out and not lose our deposit. She might get mad but oh well.

On my list of habits I need to change/items to help the budget:
Cook at home more
Pack my lunch 3-4 days a week
Find a cheaper apartment
Stay out of clothing stores and Target.

If I don't take any vacations next year, I can get rid of all of my credit card debt by December 20th 2017. It's one year. I can still take time off and do cheap stuff around Cleveland with DS. I had already been planning on going to AZ to visit family over spring break and going to SC for my birthday. None of that can happen. Is it worth it? Probably.

I will still put my 1% into my 401k. Our retirement has changed at work so I need to save more in my retirement. I want to max out by 2020.

I need to pay off this debt so I can help DS with college and pay for his high school needs in cash. DS is working for my dad now and will probably get a job when he is old enough to unless my dad keeps his side business going.

If I do all of this I can buy a new car in 2018, just in time for DS to be getting his license. I hope to keep my current car as his car since its low mileage and I'm the only owner.

I will be able to vacation, but a home, pay off my student loans and just generally be in a better financial position. So why am I fighting with myself?

 

[DnA2010]

I sat down and re-evaluated my budget. Having a teenager is significantly different budget wise than I thought it would be.

If I hardcore attack debt, I can be done with credit cards in 18 months. That's IF we go on this cruise. Still waiting for my sisters paperwork so I can do her budget. I decided to put a stop to the cruise this year if she can't handle the cost. I can always move it out and not lose our deposit. She might get mad but oh well.

On my list of habits I need to change/items to help the budget:
Cook at home more
Pack my lunch 3-4 days a week
Find a cheaper apartment
Stay out of clothing stores and Target.

If I don't take any vacations next year, I can get rid of all of my credit card debt by December 20th 2017. It's one year. I can still take time off and do cheap stuff around Cleveland with DS. I had already been planning on going to AZ to visit family over spring break and going to SC for my birthday. None of that can happen. Is it worth it? Probably.

I will still put my 1% into my 401k. Our retirement has changed at work so I need to save more in my retirement. I want to max out by 2020.

I need to pay off this debt so I can help DS with college and pay for his high school needs in cash. DS is working for my dad now and will probably get a job when he is old enough to unless my dad keeps his side business going.

If I do all of this I can buy a new car in 2018, just in time for DS to be getting his license. I hope to keep my current car as his car since its low mileage and I'm the only owner.

I will be able to vacation, but a home, pay off my student loans and just generally be in a better financial position. So why am I fighting with myself?

Looks like you've got a good head on your shoulders- the ones from your list that worked for me are the eating at home and shopping- we don't have any food services available at my work so I have to pack lunch, but we no longer eat out/do take out and that has saved sooooo much- I participate on the "Eat at Home" thread and that has made a big difference in holding me accountable.

I think you have a great balance of immediate thinking and forward thinking

 

[bababear_50]

I sat down and re-evaluated my budget. Having a teenager is significantly different budget wise than I thought it would be.

If I hardcore attack debt, I can be done with credit cards in 18 months. That's IF we go on this cruise. Still waiting for my sisters paperwork so I can do her budget. I decided to put a stop to the cruise this year if she can't handle the cost. I can always move it out and not lose our deposit. She might get mad but oh well.

On my list of habits I need to change/items to help the budget:
Cook at home more
Pack my lunch 3-4 days a week
Find a cheaper apartment
Stay out of clothing stores and Target.

If I don't take any vacations next year, I can get rid of all of my credit card debt by December 20th 2017. It's one year. I can still take time off and do cheap stuff around Cleveland with DS. I had already been planning on going to AZ to visit family over spring break and going to SC for my birthday. None of that can happen. Is it worth it? Probably.

I will still put my 1% into my 401k. Our retirement has changed at work so I need to save more in my retirement. I want to max out by 2020.

I need to pay off this debt so I can help DS with college and pay for his high school needs in cash. DS is working for my dad now and will probably get a job when he is old enough to unless my dad keeps his side business going.

If I do all of this I can buy a new car in 2018, just in time for DS to be getting his license. I hope to keep my current car as his car since its low mileage and I'm the only owner.

I will be able to vacation, but a home, pay off my student loans and just generally be in a better financial position. So why am I fighting with myself?

I know for me if I feel like I'm not getting "paid or "rewarded' some how I have a hard time feeling like I am succeeding or that I'm on the right course. I am trying to tell myself that I do not need to take a trip out of the country next Dec but somehow I keep thinking about it.
Your plan sound very well thought.
Hugs Mel

 

[momtosam]

So happy for you both!

Update on hubby: basil cell carcinoma. Whew! Low grade. But I know it's still nothing to mess with.

The darned doc office he's been playing phone tag with...for a week... told him he could come in 3rd week of August. He and I discussed the general attitude of the office personnel and decided to go elsewhere. Then that office called him back to say they can get him in next Thurs. He told thrm, no, he decided to see a different doctor. The girl was astounded. I'm happy and feel better with this other doctor anyway. First doctor will get an informative letter from us.

Now he's waiting for 2nd office to call back.

Why can't anyone just set an appointment for you? His normal derm already sent his info over.

 

[toystoryduo]

Toystoryduo
Sending you a "catcher's mitt" to slow down the curve balls,,,hugs Hon,,,everytime I feel things are going great i get hit with a curve ball. Keep on swimming Hon!
Hugs Mel

Thank you! I really needed to hear some kind and encouraging words today. I really appreciate it!

 

[dayvewc]

Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything because I am so, so much happier at this job, even though it pays less. I'm honestly happy to walk into work everyday! One of my good friends has a big law firm job where he is making almost 3 times what I make. He told me yesterday that he had paid off all his law school student loans, which is fantastic for him! However, he also told me he is so miserable at his job and has such severe anxiety from it that he spends his weekends constantly worried about work. Sorry, but it's not worth the salary to live like that to me.

My only question is how long did it take him to pay off his loans? And I am NOT advocating for a job that gives you that much stress and anxiety, but coming from the perspective of working 3 or 4 different jobs over the course of a year, for several years, there are days I would gladly trade for a more stressful job that paid sufficient for me to get ahead IF I knew that I could leave it in 2-3 years for something I liked better. Just my opinion, but as much as you like your new job, and the problems you had with your old job I think you are in a much better place right now. :hugs:

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

My only question is how long did it take him to pay off his loans? And I am NOT advocating for a job that gives you that much stress and anxiety, but coming from the perspective of working 3 or 4 different jobs over the course of a year, for several years, there are days I would gladly trade for a more stressful job that paid sufficient for me to get ahead IF I knew that I could leave it in 2-3 years for something I liked better. Just my opinion, but as much as you like your new job, and the problems you had with your old job I think you are in a much better place right now. :hugs:

I know many people that took the high paying but insanely stressful firm jobs right after graduation. The smart ones paid off their loans asap and then jumped ship for something much more enjoyable and sane. I was lucky not to have to worry about student loans, so I had the luxury of taking a job at a university. It doesn't pay as well as a law firm would, but I work 40 hours a week and telecommute from home 3 days each week. I get good benefits with a generous retirements match of 10%. And I love what I do! We just hired a new attorney that left a firm. She hated every second of it, but is now in a financial position to take a pay cut and be happier.

 

[gracie1]

So I got my first paycheck today with the new job. It's actually a little bit higher than I thought, but things are still going to be super tight until the end of the year when I can get my student loan payments redone. SUPER tight. We're cutting back everywhere we can and really trying to stick to our YNAB budget closely. I will (sadly) save a lot of money having put my pony down this past weekend as he ate a very high quality and high price food and hay combination because I liked to spoil him in his old age. I'm looking for other ways to cut too. I decided to contact Directv to see about cutting back our package and they gave us $20 off each month for the next year! So that was nice, I certainly wasn't expecting that much. Already cut back the cell phone. Can't cut back internet since I'm locked into that contract until next spring, unfortunately.

Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything because I am so, so much happier at this job, even though it pays less. I'm honestly happy to walk into work everyday! One of my good friends has a big law firm job where he is making almost 3 times what I make. He told me yesterday that he had paid off all his law school student loans, which is fantastic for him! However, he also told me he is so miserable at his job and has such severe anxiety from it that he spends his weekends constantly worried about work. Sorry, but it's not worth the salary to live like that to me.

I think you are smart!! I went from a high stress job paying good money and benefits to a much less stressful job with a paycut but I would never change it! You can find ways to try to cut out extra expenses. I haven't been on vacation in many years which is a luxury I gave up to be happier. I know a lot of people would refuse to not vacation in order to pay off their debts, etc. but for me it worked. I would rather have everyday stress free versus one week of vacation!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I sat down and re-evaluated my budget. Having a teenager is significantly different budget wise than I thought it would be.

If I hardcore attack debt, I can be done with credit cards in 18 months. That's IF we go on this cruise. Still waiting for my sisters paperwork so I can do her budget. I decided to put a stop to the cruise this year if she can't handle the cost. I can always move it out and not lose our deposit. She might get mad but oh well.

On my list of habits I need to change/items to help the budget:
Cook at home more
Pack my lunch 3-4 days a week
Find a cheaper apartment
Stay out of clothing stores and Target.

If I don't take any vacations next year, I can get rid of all of my credit card debt by December 20th 2017. It's one year. I can still take time off and do cheap stuff around Cleveland with DS. I had already been planning on going to AZ to visit family over spring break and going to SC for my birthday. None of that can happen. Is it worth it? Probably.

I will still put my 1% into my 401k. Our retirement has changed at work so I need to save more in my retirement. I want to max out by 2020.

I need to pay off this debt so I can help DS with college and pay for his high school needs in cash. DS is working for my dad now and will probably get a job when he is old enough to unless my dad keeps his side business going.

If I do all of this I can buy a new car in 2018, just in time for DS to be getting his license. I hope to keep my current car as his car since its low mileage and I'm the only owner.

I will be able to vacation, but a home, pay off my student loans and just generally be in a better financial position. So why am I fighting with myself?

I think it sounds like a great plan! Perhaps you're fighting with yourself because they may not be realistic goals? Or maybe you feel like you won't be able to stick to The Plan? Usually, we know ourselves well enough and can guess whether or not we'll cave into temptation/give up soon after starting.
Starvation diets don't work and it's the same with paying off debt. I'm not encouraging you to give up and book some trips but there must be some reason it's nagging at you.
Are to trying to be "gazelle intense"? (as DR would say.) I would go for it and even if you decide to try it for 6 months as a short term goal, maybe you'll adjust so that after a while it doesn't feel so painful or overwhelming. I did that with tapping the ATM for cash. I got used to it and now I don't even carry my ATM card in my wallet. I can't remember the last time I took out cash just to be able to keep a few $$ in my wallet.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

So I got my first paycheck today with the new job. It's actually a little bit higher than I thought, but things are still going to be super tight until the end of the year when I can get my student loan payments redone. SUPER tight. We're cutting back everywhere we can and really trying to stick to our YNAB budget closely. I will (sadly) save a lot of money having put my pony down this past weekend as he ate a very high quality and high price food and hay combination because I liked to spoil him in his old age. I'm looking for other ways to cut too. I decided to contact Directv to see about cutting back our package and they gave us $20 off each month for the next year! So that was nice, I certainly wasn't expecting that much. Already cut back the cell phone. Can't cut back internet since I'm locked into that contract until next spring, unfortunately.

Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything because I am so, so much happier at this job, even though it pays less. I'm honestly happy to walk into work everyday! One of my good friends has a big law firm job where he is making almost 3 times what I make. He told me yesterday that he had paid off all his law school student loans, which is fantastic for him! However, he also told me he is so miserable at his job and has such severe anxiety from it that he spends his weekends constantly worried about work. Sorry, but it's not worth the salary to live like that to me.

I'm so sorry about your pony.


As for your job, it's a really long day if you hate your job. Money is nice but it isn't everything. Constant stress takes a toll on your mind, body & health. Life is too short to live in misery. If you're happy to go to work, you made the right choice.

Dh took a pay cut to switch from a private contractor to our local county around 15 yrs ago. So when our kids were still very little, he would be working anywhere in a 2 hr radius and would often be calling me at work at 4 to ask my mom to pick up the kids from day care. No paid vacation, holidays or sick time either.
So when his current job opened, he jumped on the chance to be about 6 miles from home and always walking out at 3:30 & all of us home together for dinner every night. Plus he gets all the federal holidays off when schools would close that I didn't get off working in a hospital. That's a lot of days we used to have to scramble to find someone willing to take them or have to pay hundreds for the school's child care program. Financially, it was an adjustment but we were all happier.

 

[DisneyMandC]

My only question is how long did it take him to pay off his loans? And I am NOT advocating for a job that gives you that much stress and anxiety, but coming from the perspective of working 3 or 4 different jobs over the course of a year, for several years, there are days I would gladly trade for a more stressful job that paid sufficient for me to get ahead IF I knew that I could leave it in 2-3 years for something I liked better. Just my opinion, but as much as you like your new job, and the problems you had with your old job I think you are in a much better place right now. :hugs:

It only took him a couple years. I don't think he had nearly what I had though, maybe only about half. Which is great, and would be nice, but still wouldn't be worth it for me. But I definitely understand what you're saying! I'm thankful that my new job qualifies for public service loan forgiveness, and as of Monday when my next payment comes out, I'll be 15 payments down!

Financially, it was an adjustment but we were all happier.

Yup! It will be tight, but DH is happy that I'm finally happy. Being the depressed, anxious person that I was at my last job is NOT who I am at all. It was really shocking for DH to see me like that, so he is glad I'm enjoying the new work.

 

[Ngwira]

Back from Canada and I tallied up our expenses and I came under budget. I budgeted about $1,000 and I am under which is no small feat given how expensive everything is there. The 1k includes upgrades to our hotel i.e. Club level and fallsview rooms. We spent $978.00. That includes gas, food, souvenirs, rental car too.

 

[gracie1]

Back from Canada and I tallied up our expenses and I came under budget. I budgeted about $1,000 and I am under which is no small feat given how expensive everything is there. The 1k includes upgrades to our hotel i.e. Club level and fallsview rooms. We spent $978.00. That includes gas, food, souvenirs, rental car too.

That is great!! What hotel did you stay in?

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Back from Canada and I tallied up our expenses and I came under budget. I budgeted about $1,000 and I am under which is no small feat given how expensive everything is there. The 1k includes upgrades to our hotel i.e. Club level and fallsview rooms. We spent $978.00. That includes gas, food, souvenirs, rental car too.

That's great! If you're gonna go, might as well get the fallsview! It's beautiful!! No regrets here!

 

[Ngwira]

That is great!! What hotel did you stay in?

We were at the 4 points at Sheraton fallsview and the Sheraton Centre Toronto.

 

[Ngwira]

That's great! If you're gonna go, might as well get the fallsview! It's beautiful!! No regrets here!

Definitely worth it. We saw fireworks from our room.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Please keep my DH's family in your thoughts and prayers. My father in law had a heart attack today. He'll be in the hospital for several days heavily sedated until they can determine if he has any brain damage. Not what we were expecting when we came down to visit this weekend, but thankful we were here.