Debt Dumpers - 2017

[Jen and Ashwin]

Haven't had a real financial update in a while.

I mailed our state return 2 weeks ago, but it got sent back as postage due. Ugh. So I had to go to the post office and make sure it had enough postage to actually be accepted this time. We are expecting $315 back and since it is going into our DVC fund, there is no immediate need so waiting a few more weeks won't matter.

And we finally got the $1000 deductible reimbursement for the car accident in mid-December from the other person's insurance. We had to temporarily borrow that money from our auto maintenance fund to cover the cost. So this means that we can finally go and buy DH's 5 year service plan and 6 year warranty for his car this week.

March is one of DH's triple paycheck months, so we talked yesterday about how to use that money. We had to take some money from our emergency fund to pay off our spring cruise, since final payment was due at the end of January. We will be using the extra paycheck to pay back the emergency fund so that we will still be on track for our emergency fund goal by the end of the year. DH's next triple paycheck month is in September and we plan to put that money towards my auto loan which should put us on track to pay the car off completely in December. That will help free up money to put towards child care expenses next year as well as some extra to put towards DH's auto loan. We would like to get DH's car paid off by the end of 2019 so that there will be more flexibility in our budget for the possibility of putting a second child into daycare (maybe in 2020?). It seems crazy to be thinking this far ahead sometimes, but the next 5-6 years are probably going to be some of the most financially taxing years of our lives so making good decisions now should make it much more manageable later.

And finally, not financial related, but I had a bit of a scare with some very heavy bleeding on Thursday. They scheduled me for an ultrasound on Friday to make sure everything was alright. I was worried, but was trying to be optimistic all day Thursday and Friday morning. I definitely cried a little when the ultrasound tech found everything was alright. I was even able to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was just amazing to me that it is detectible at only 6 weeks. I was able to bring some pictures home for DH to see and he was so happy and relieved. I already had an ultrasound scheduled for this coming Friday, so they said to keep that appointment as well. As long as everything else seems good, the reproductive clinic will be transferring me to an OB then for my first prenatal appointment.

 

[mousefansmom]

We love Aldi's for saving on groceries!

Not dumping much debt, but I am trying hard to not accrue any more. My family gave the kids $$ to buy valentine candy, but they already had a lot of sweets. So I am using that money as our "fun money" this weekend.
They are showing Sing on post for free tomorrow. We will take candy and juice pouches, but will buy popcorn there. Not sure what else we will do, but we will stretch it as far as possible! I am always looking for free or cheap family activities!

Still waiting for the tax refund to post. I am leaning towards paying down debt but we will see..[/QUOTE

We love Aldi's for saving on groceries!

Not dumping much debt, but I am trying hard to not accrue any more. My family gave the kids $$ to buy valentine candy, but they already had a lot of sweets. So I am using that money as our "fun money" this weekend.
They are showing Sing on post for free tomorrow. We will take candy and juice pouches, but will buy popcorn there. Not sure what else we will do, but we will stretch it as far as possible! I am always looking for free or cheap family activities!

Still waiting for the tax refund to post. I am leaning towards paying down debt but we will see..

Also an Aldi's fan! Don't HAVE to shop there, I CHOOSE to shop there!

 

[bcwife76]

Jealous of those who have already filed and received their refunds! We are unable to file until mid March probably. Still waiting on two more tax receipts (one for each of us) that we probably won't receive until the first or second week of March

 

[DnA2010]

Haven't had a real financial update in a while.

I mailed our state return 2 weeks ago, but it got sent back as postage due. Ugh. So I had to go to the post office and make sure it had enough postage to actually be accepted this time. We are expecting $315 back and since it is going into our DVC fund, there is no immediate need so waiting a few more weeks won't matter.

And we finally got the $1000 deductible reimbursement for the car accident in mid-December from the other person's insurance. We had to temporarily borrow that money from our auto maintenance fund to cover the cost. So this means that we can finally go and buy DH's 5 year service plan and 6 year warranty for his car this week.

March is one of DH's triple paycheck months, so we talked yesterday about how to use that money. We had to take some money from our emergency fund to pay off our spring cruise, since final payment was due at the end of January. We will be using the extra paycheck to pay back the emergency fund so that we will still be on track for our emergency fund goal by the end of the year. DH's next triple paycheck month is in September and we plan to put that money towards my auto loan which should put us on track to pay the car off completely in December. That will help free up money to put towards child care expenses next year as well as some extra to put towards DH's auto loan. We would like to get DH's car paid off by the end of 2019 so that there will be more flexibility in our budget for the possibility of putting a second child into daycare (maybe in 2020?). It seems crazy to be thinking this far ahead sometimes, but the next 5-6 years are probably going to be some of the most financially taxing years of our lives so making good decisions now should make it much more manageable later.

And finally, not financial related, but I had a bit of a scare with some very heavy bleeding on Thursday. They scheduled me for an ultrasound on Friday to make sure everything was alright. I was worried, but was trying to be optimistic all day Thursday and Friday morning. I definitely cried a little when the ultrasound tech found everything was alright. I was even able to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was just amazing to me that it is detectible at only 6 weeks. I was able to bring some pictures home for DH to see and he was so happy and relieved. I already had an ultrasound scheduled for this coming Friday, so they said to keep that appointment as well. As long as everything else seems good, the reproductive clinic will be transferring me to an OB then for my first prenatal appointment.

I am beyond thrilled to read this update- I struggled to get pregnant so know the feeling for sure- I cried at my first ultrasound too DH wasn't able to go with you? Hopefully he can go to the rest of the appts I know my DH was so happy to see that little bean on the screen.

Sending millions of positive vibes that things continue to go well... it's so worth it (as my 5 month old is currently pulling out the little hairs of my neck!)

 

[DnA2010]

Jealous of those who have already filed and received their refunds! We are unable to file until mid March probably. Still waiting on two more tax receipts (one for each of us) that we probably won't receive until the first or second week of March

Me too - the company I work for doesn't do them till like the 26th generally! Such a pain!

 

[Dentam]

I knew I shouldn't have said anything on here about how well my car has been doing lately. The check engine light came on when I got in it yesterday morning. Still not sure what is causing it since the fluid levels seem to be fine. It's running fine also. Checked the gas cap too to see if that might be triggering it, but it was on tight. Sigh... I hope it doesn't blow up on me, lol.

 

[Eureka]

What model of Keurig do you have? I have a Vue, and I had to clean the needle out several times from trying to use my own ground coffee with the refillable cups. It had gotten to where I had to do it every few weeks until I found a new model of refillable cup.

No idea, lol. That's been DH's domain. I know it's not the VUE or 2.0.

 

[Eureka]

Haven't had a real financial update in a while.

I mailed our state return 2 weeks ago, but it got sent back as postage due. Ugh. So I had to go to the post office and make sure it had enough postage to actually be accepted this time. We are expecting $315 back and since it is going into our DVC fund, there is no immediate need so waiting a few more weeks won't matter.

And we finally got the $1000 deductible reimbursement for the car accident in mid-December from the other person's insurance. We had to temporarily borrow that money from our auto maintenance fund to cover the cost. So this means that we can finally go and buy DH's 5 year service plan and 6 year warranty for his car this week.

March is one of DH's triple paycheck months, so we talked yesterday about how to use that money. We had to take some money from our emergency fund to pay off our spring cruise, since final payment was due at the end of January. We will be using the extra paycheck to pay back the emergency fund so that we will still be on track for our emergency fund goal by the end of the year. DH's next triple paycheck month is in September and we plan to put that money towards my auto loan which should put us on track to pay the car off completely in December. That will help free up money to put towards child care expenses next year as well as some extra to put towards DH's auto loan. We would like to get DH's car paid off by the end of 2019 so that there will be more flexibility in our budget for the possibility of putting a second child into daycare (maybe in 2020?). It seems crazy to be thinking this far ahead sometimes, but the next 5-6 years are probably going to be some of the most financially taxing years of our lives so making good decisions now should make it much more manageable later.

And finally, not financial related, but I had a bit of a scare with some very heavy bleeding on Thursday. They scheduled me for an ultrasound on Friday to make sure everything was alright. I was worried, but was trying to be optimistic all day Thursday and Friday morning. I definitely cried a little when the ultrasound tech found everything was alright. I was even able to hear the baby's heartbeat, which was just amazing to me that it is detectible at only 6 weeks. I was able to bring some pictures home for DH to see and he was so happy and relieved. I already had an ultrasound scheduled for this coming Friday, so they said to keep that appointment as well. As long as everything else seems good, the reproductive clinic will be transferring me to an OB then for my first prenatal appointment.

I had some bleeding with DS13 at that stage too. Definitely scary and so much relief to see the heartbeat. And you get to see it again next week, how exciting!

 

[amalone1013]

No idea, lol. That's been DH's domain. I know it's not the VUE or 2.0.

Probably the original... That might be something to check though, if you google you can find photos/videos showing how to clean it. I just wanted to mention it because mine was doing the same thing, making strange noises and not giving much liquid, and I thought I was going to have to get a new one... But it ended up being the needle/water tube. I was able to clean it out with a paperclip. It was harder to find info for mine (I don't think the VUE was very popular lol), but I ran into the same issue for the original Keurigs a lot online.

It seems crazy to be thinking this far ahead sometimes, but the next 5-6 years are probably going to be some of the most financially taxing years of our lives so making good decisions now should make it much more manageable later.

I'm glad everything is going okay with the baby!

I think this is a great way to think about finances... It's hard to play catch up if you overwhelm yourself early on. I might have to steal this to tell DF I know a few people who are on income based loan payment plans, so they owe almost $0 now, for no reason other than to spend their money going out - I worry for when they can't keep putting them off...

DF and I need to sit down and figure out what to do with his first commission check now... it's almost like we had our three paycheck month so we should be able to make a dent in something. I keep trying to focus ahead too, because I know our expenses will only go up.

 

[Ngwira]

Thanks for the recommendation. We will check it out.

Hope we have nice weather for you. It was high 60s here yesterday. Was in Georgetown Friday night and we had a drink at the place I mentioned, Thunder Burger .

abks

 

[Ngwira]

Have several mini trips coming up which are all paid for including transportation. We only need to worry about food.
The one remaining trip that I need to pay on is our August Disney trip. We still owe a little over $1,000.00. That's due in June.
I made the first big camp payment last week. Have to pay $2,000 more before March 31st to be paid in full. This is budgeted.
Window loan is also down to $4,000 which means we've paid over $3,000 in only 8 months. We'll continue to pay $300 a month until it's gone. Final payment is due August 2018 so that there is no interest.

Several unexpected expenses are popping up.. my second grader needs enrichment. We are looking at Kumon to help her master spelling and handwriting. I also enrolled them in swim lessons as their camp requires them to take a swim test each year and they are the only ones that fail..I was lucky enough to find a Groupon for the swim program but after 4 weeks it's $85 a month each.

I also splurged on club level for one night at the hotel we are staying at in Washington D.C. I paid 50 percent of what the hotel actually costs so I think I got a really good deal. Plus I saved so much between parking, base hotel rate and driving our own car instead of renting a car or Amtrak that I think it makes sense. Museums are FREE so no attraction cost. Club level includes a full buffet breakfast, lounge access with hot finger foods and desserts along with concierge service. Invaluable when you have young kids. I'm really looking forward to it.

 

[Eureka]

@amalone1013 Thanks, I will see if I can find the info. I know DH has been doing the vinegar rinse thing at regular intervals. We've had it for a few years and I know others have said their have stopped working after a few years too.

 

[dayvewc]

I also splurged on club level for one night at the hotel we are staying at in Washington D.C. I paid 50 percent of what the hotel actually costs so I think I got a really good deal. Plus I saved so much between parking, base hotel rate and driving our own car instead of renting a car or Amtrak that I think it makes sense. Museums are FREE so no attraction cost. Club level includes a full buffet breakfast, lounge access with hot finger foods and desserts along with concierge service. Invaluable when you have young kids. I'm really looking forward to it.

If I can ask, which museums are you planning to visit? I went with a program several years ago that works with disadvantaged youth in the summer, and from my memory (faulty as it is sometimes) most of the museums we went to had a cover charge. I don't think it was very much, but I do remember that every morning the director handed out the admission tickets to all the chaperones to keep up with for "our" kids until we got to the museums. I don't remember now all of the places we visited, but the ones I do remember were a couple of the Smithsonian museums (American History and Air and Space), the International Spy museum, Ford's Theatre, and the house across the street (where Lincoln was taken after he was shot).

 

[SirDuff]

If I can ask, which museums are you planning to visit? I went with a program several years ago that works with disadvantaged youth in the summer, and from my memory (faulty as it is sometimes) most of the museums we went to had a cover charge. I don't think it was very much, but I do remember that every morning the director handed out the admission tickets to all the chaperones to keep up with for "our" kids until we got to the museums. I don't remember now all of the places we visited, but the ones I do remember were a couple of the Smithsonian museums (American History and Air and Space), the International Spy museum, Ford's Theatre, and the house across the street (where Lincoln was taken after he was shot).

The Smithsonian ones are free (this includes American History and Air and Space). Most of the others (in your list Spy Museum and Ford's Theater) are not.

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

DH wasn't able to go with you? Hopefully he can go to the rest of the appts I know my DH was so happy to see that little bean on the screen.

Thanks for the positive vibes! It was very short notice and the appointment was at noon. I told DH that it was up to him if he came or not, based on work. It isn't easy for him to leave work in the middle of the day. And when he got home that night, he was really frazzled so I think it had been a particularly busy day.

The appointment on Friday is at 11:40am, so again, not sure if DH will be able to make it. Maybe once I transfer to the OB the appointment times will be a little easier for him to make.

 

[brooke789]

Posted Aug 2015

Hi all! I'm not officially a part of the group, but ever since August 15 we've been seriously paying off debt! We've never had CC debt, but we have a mortgage, 2 student loan payments and 2 car payments as of 8/15. The big change for us in Aug 2015 was our twins starting Kindergarten! We were pretty much just getting by + having enough money to put some into savings until that point. But public school began savings us approximately 1000 each month vs paying for childcare or private preschool. First we started sending every bit of extra money to our van (lowest debt amount) and paid it off about Jan 16. Then we've rolled that money and any extra into our other car which is now down to about $4500. Once that is paid off (hopefully by the end of the year) we'll begin sending our extra money to the two student loans which are about $9K today. After that we'll move on to our house which is about $79K. According to a payoff spst I downloaded based on paying what we currently owe plus any snowball (not counting extra we have each month) we'll be debt free in 5 years. It's really hard to believe, but we're going for it!

We've got our disney trip coming up (Room + Tickets paid for last year and 2K spending money in the bank...so shouldn't set us behind) and then we'll slow down over the summer when we have childcare costs again, but hoping to be back up and running full speed come August 16!

Posted August 2016

One year after beginning our "big debt payoff" we've paid off $29,313 in debts! On August 15, 2015 we had 109,100 in debts. Today, Aug 15, 2016 we have 79,787. In the last year we paid off two cars as well as continuing to make regular (even overpayments) to our other debts (house, student loans, hvac system). I can't wait to see where we stand another year from today. We're expecting to only having our home loan one year from today and hopefully be making double/triple payments!

Its about 6 months later and I'm happy to report we've paid off both my and DH's student loans! We now only owe on our house (about 65,000 to go), HVAC (less than 1000 on 0% interest program) and we had to have some foundation work done and owe about 3000 on it (on 0% interest until December). We keep progressing right along even with another home report set back.

DH is set to get a decent raise/promotion this year and we'll put anything more we bring in straight to debt!

Oh yeah and we decided to take a family trip to WDW for Thanksgiving! We've got about half the money set aside (just got our tax refund) for that trip and will just not pay extra another month or so until we have all of that set aside!

 

[Gr8t Fan]

Posted Aug 2015


Posted August 2016


Its about 6 months later and I'm happy to report we've paid off both my and DH's student loans! We now only owe on our house (about 65,000 to go), HVAC (less than 1000 on 0% interest program) and we had to have some foundation work done and owe about 3000 on it (on 0% interest until December). We keep progressing right along even with another home report set back.

DH is set to get a decent raise/promotion this year and we'll put anything more we bring in straight to debt!

Oh yeah and we decided to take a family trip to WDW for Thanksgiving! We've got about half the money set aside (just got our tax refund) for that trip and will just not pay extra another month or so until we have all of that set aside!

Congratulations! You've made amazing progress. WDW at Thanksgiving is a lot of fun - ENJOY!

 

[Miss Whimsy]

Its about 6 months later and I'm happy to report we've paid off both my and DH's student loans!

woo! Congrats!

 

[Aurora_Australis]

Fallen off the bandwagon a little in the last fortnight, all essential expenses but on the cc as they're not things I can direct debit and we needed the cash elsewhere. Car rego and third party insurance, two tanks of fuel and this week's groceries (but under budget!).

Will sort it out this fortnight, we get our rental income at the end of the month too so that will boost the balance back up. Still need DH to actually GO to the gym so he can cancel the membership he is not using $29 fn, and now have the final bit of paperwork to get DD3's speech therapy completely covered, $80pw.

 

[Ngwira]

If I can ask, which museums are you planning to visit? I went with a program several years ago that works with disadvantaged youth in the summer, and from my memory (faulty as it is sometimes) most of the museums we went to had a cover charge. I don't think it was very much, but I do remember that every morning the director handed out the admission tickets to all the chaperones to keep up with for "our" kids until we got to the museums. I don't remember now all of the places we visited, but the ones I do remember were a couple of the Smithsonian museums (American History and Air and Space), the International Spy museum, Ford's Theatre, and the house across the street (where Lincoln was taken after he was shot).

The natural history museum as well as the zoo are free. There is a charge for the Newseum.