Debt Dumpers - 2017

[Judique]

You know, cars are such money sucks....sigh. One of the cars needed a new tire pressure sensor to the tune of almost $400. We had brought it to the dealership for this and they also recommend four new tires and an axel will need replacing soon. So then I called my regular mechanic who said bring it in and he’ll see what’s what. We trust this guy even though this particular dealership is usually good too, but he will probably be cheaper IF he even thinks this stuff needs to be done now. I may bring it in and leave it over Christmas week because we won’t need it then and he can take his time on it.

Meanwhile, this past week DS turned 17 and failed his driving test because he hit a cone while doing the parking part of the test. You have never seen a sadder face walking back into the motor vehicle building. He’s trying again this coming week. They have to back into a spot within three minutes. Dh took him out practicing today and they’ll go again tomorrow. When we’d offered to take him to practice several times, he declined and said he could do it. Well, now he’s decided to practice. If he fails this week (he never even got to the actual road test part! But I don’t worry about that part so much) he’ll have to wait until January because we will be out of state.

Tire pressure sensors - an imposed safety feature that I refuse to repair or replace. If my tire is going to blow, it's going to blow and one did while I was going about 75mph in South Carolina on my way to Disney. Sounded like a train and we were able to get over and call AAA. The TPM light was already on because of my spare. (I just ignore the flashing symbol and the message.)

I've had all the TPS's replaced with the $3 regular valve stems.

In said blowout above, the TPS blew out my tire. The metal had corroded and some of the pieces were still inside my flattened tire. The rest of it went through my sidewall. The tires I had were Goodyear 60K tires with about 15K miles on them.

When my daughter got her license at MVA in Waldorf, we were able to go on Sundays and practice the parking on the course at MVA. Not sure if this is still possible.

 

[Eureka]

Tire pressure sensors - an imposed safety feature that I refuse to repair or replace. If my tire is going to blow, it's going to blow and one did while I was going about 75mph in South Carolina on my way to Disney. Sounded like a train and we were able to get over and call AAA. The TPM light was already on because of my spare. (I just ignore the flashing symbol and the message.)

I've had all the TPS's replaced with the $3 regular valve stems.

In said blowout above, the TPS blew out my tire. The metal had corroded and some of the pieces were still inside my flattened tire. The rest of it went through my sidewall. The tires I had were Goodyear 60K tires with about 15K miles on them.

When my daughter got her license at MVA in Waldorf, we were able to go on Sundays and practice the parking on the course at MVA. Not sure if this is still possible.

I hear you re the sensor. But DH wants it done because he doesn’t want to risk a blow out on the Beltway.
We are in Waldorf and apparently some people do practice in the MVA lot but others have told us it’s forbidden. We borrowed cones from a friend and they did a nearby lot where DS practiced with the drivers ed people. He knows the driving route well so thinks that should be no problem. Are you still in Waldorf area?

 

[Judique]

I hear you re the sensor. But DH wants it done because he doesn’t want to risk a blow out on the Beltway.
We are in Waldorf and apparently some people do practice in the MVA lot but others have told us it’s forbidden. We borrowed cones from a friend and they did a nearby lot where DS practiced with the drivers ed people. He knows the driving route well so thinks that should be no problem. Are you still in Waldorf area?

Just north of you in Clinton. I've been here for 30 years. Getting ready to retire and may move up to Laurel or Columbia to be near my grandchildren.

I'm sure your son will get it next time. Good luck to him! We were told similar stories about practicing at MVA, but when we went over, several young drivers were there with their parents and there was no problem.

 

[Eureka]

Just north of you in Clinton. I've been here for 30 years. Getting ready to retire and may move up to Laurel or Columbia to be near my grandchildren.

I'm sure your son will get it next time. Good luck to him! We were told similar stories about practicing at MVA, but when we went over, several young drivers were there with their parents and there was no problem.

Thanks. We have been here almost 20 years. When DS14 is in college, we think about maybe moving to a condo in Alexandria or DC if we can swing it. The kids are involved in stuff here but we’d rather be closer to the city, museums etc. than it always being an hour (more in rush hour!) drive.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

So i know we have a few moms of little ones in this group- what's the most cost effective infant formulas you guys have found? I'm going to need to supplement at the very least and honestly breastfeeding is killing me- DS is two weeks old but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.

 

[bababear_50]

So i know we have a few moms of little ones in this group- what's the most cost effective infant formulas you guys have found? I'm going to need to supplement at the very least and honestly breastfeeding is killing me- DS is two weeks old but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.

Hi Hon
I guess I missed your birth announcement and just wanted to say Congratulations on the birth of your son.
I Hope mommy is getting lots of rest!
Big Hugs and Welcome to the new baby!
Hugs Mel

 

[DisneyMandC]

So i know we have a few moms of little ones in this group- what's the most cost effective infant formulas you guys have found? I'm going to need to supplement at the very least and honestly breastfeeding is killing me- DS is two weeks old but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.

Congrats!!

No personal experience here, but I believe several people were talking with @Jen and Ashwin a couple pages back about using Costco's Kirkland brand formula.

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

Hi Hon
I guess I missed your birth announcement and just wanted to say Congratulations on the birth of your son.
I Hope mommy is getting lots of rest!
Big Hugs and Welcome to the new baby!
Hugs Mel

Thank you Mel! No worries, you didn't miss anything- i didn't even post about his birth on here yet, I've been so busy! he was born at the beginning of the month and we are both doing great!

several people were talking with @Jen and Ashwin a couple pages back about using Costco's Kirkland brand formula.

Ah ha! I knew I'd read something about Costco brand formula- it must have been here! Thank you!

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

Thank you Mel! No worries, you didn't miss anything- i didn't even post about his birth on here yet, I've been so busy! he was born at the beginning of the month and we are both doing great!



Ah ha! I knew I'd read something about Costco brand formula- it must have been here! Thank you!

DD has been eating the Costco brand formula for a few weeks now and is doing well. I think it is easier on her stomach than the expensive Enfamil we bought before.

And don’t beat yourself up over breastfeeding if you decide to stop. Decide what is best for you and your family. It didn’t work for us and I spent the first 6 weeks feeling guilty and killing myself with pumping. It took me about 3 weeks to taper down and completely stop pumping. Life feels much better now and I am enjoying time with DD much more. I wish I hadn’t been so hard on myself those first 6 weeks. Live and learn.

 

[Alexle2007]

So i know we have a few moms of little ones in this group- what's the most cost effective infant formulas you guys have found? I'm going to need to supplement at the very least and honestly breastfeeding is killing me- DS is two weeks old but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.

I always used Similac with my DS. There were always coupons around and that was what he had started on at the hospital and they can gave us to bring home. And no worries about breastfeeding! The only shot I gave it was when I actually came home from the hospital and the girls were hurting so much and the frozen peas weren’t helping so I gave it a quick try. It was like they knew DS did not want them and quickly dried up. (I knew from the start that I wanted nothing to do with breastfeeding and my hospital was wonderful about it and didn’t try to pressure me into it.)

 

[fifthdimensiondweller]

thank you so much for the support and tips everyone! makes me feel much better!

 

[DnA2010]

So i know we have a few moms of little ones in this group- what's the most cost effective infant formulas you guys have found? I'm going to need to supplement at the very least and honestly breastfeeding is killing me- DS is two weeks old but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.

Def the Kirkland - all the babies I know that have been on it have done great on it. I found breastfeeding so hard too my LO was so hard to get fed...I struggled with it, did manage to make it to 11 months (I went back to work at 10 months something s) but it was really hard and really painful...I did so much feeding and pumping- it was so exhausting. Do what’s best for you and your family xx

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

So we are over our budget in quite a few areas this month. DD is doing well on her transition from breastmilk to formula, but at her 2 month wellness exam, her weight gain was on the low side. The pediatrician does not suspect anything is wrong with what she is eating, but rather how she is eating. She has always seemed to struggle with feedings, first not being able to breastfeed and then lots of dribbling with bottle feedings. Her intake is also on the low side for her age. We still have to feed her 8 times a day to ensure that she is eating at least 20+ ounces each day, while lots of babies her age have dropped down to 5 larger feedings.

The pediatrician referred us to an specialty eating clinic. She had a physical therapy appointment on Friday and they said that her lips and tongue are tight (but no ties). It now makes a lot more sense to me why we had such trouble with breastfeeding. We are supposed to do exercises to loosen up her lips and tongue, which aren't easy because she really hates when you stick your finger in her mouth. She has another PT appointment again tomorrow and then an occupational therapy evaluation on Wednesday. And we have a follow up weight check appointment with the pediatrician Dec. 28, plus more PT appointments too.

This has meant lots of co-pays. We ran out of FSA money some time last month, so everything has been coming out of our medical care fund, which is now running on fumes. And all of these issues around pumping and DDs feedings issues have given me a lot of anxiety. I have been going to a social worker at my OBs office to help with those issues, which means more co-pays.

And we bought several sets of new bottles to try out to see if they help her with feedings. She seems to be doing better with the Dr. Brown's wide neck bottles because she is less gassy, but she still dribbles a ton and doesn't really get a good suction on the nipple. All the bottles wiped out our baby fund. And we have eaten out more too because we have been so busy and stressed. Hoping for less stressful and costly times in the new year.

 

[DisneyMandC]

So we are over our budget in quite a few areas this month. DD is doing well on her transition from breastmilk to formula, but at her 2 month wellness exam, her weight gain was on the low side. The pediatrician does not suspect anything is wrong with what she is eating, but rather how she is eating. She has always seemed to struggle with feedings, first not being able to breastfeed and then lots of dribbling with bottle feedings. Her intake is also on the low side for her age. We still have to feed her 8 times a day to ensure that she is eating at least 20+ ounces each day, while lots of babies her age have dropped down to 5 larger feedings.

The pediatrician referred us to an specialty eating clinic. She had a physical therapy appointment on Friday and they said that her lips and tongue are tight (but no ties). It now makes a lot more sense to me why we had such trouble with breastfeeding. We are supposed to do exercises to loosen up her lips and tongue, which aren't easy because she really hates when you stick your finger in her mouth. She has another PT appointment again tomorrow and then an occupational therapy evaluation on Wednesday. And we have a follow up weight check appointment with the pediatrician Dec. 28, plus more PT appointments too.

This has meant lots of co-pays. We ran out of FSA money some time last month, so everything has been coming out of our medical care fund, which is now running on fumes. And all of these issues around pumping and DDs feedings issues have given me a lot of anxiety. I have been going to a social worker at my OBs office to help with those issues, which means more co-pays.

And we bought several sets of new bottles to try out to see if they help her with feedings. She seems to be doing better with the Dr. Brown's wide neck bottles because she is less gassy, but she still dribbles a ton and doesn't really get a good suction on the nipple. All the bottles wiped out our baby fund. And we have eaten out more too because we have been so busy and stressed. Hoping for less stressful and costly times in the new year.

I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles. While I have no experience being a mom, I can only imagine the anxiety you are feeling. I'm glad you are seeking help for it. I've dealt with severe anxiety previously and I know how crippling it can be. Please know that you are not alone, and if you ever need to vent to someone, you have at least one internet stranger here who would be happy to listen!

I'm sorry about the budgetary issues. At least you know that you have been very careful with money before this and had that money built up so you aren't going into serious debt over it. I know how hard you've worked on your budget, so consider this a small (and worthy) budgetary bump in the road and just work to move on from it once your DD's issues have improved.

Hope you can get some relief soon- all the way around!

 

[Tygerlilly]

Well, I made a slip up and forgot the new furniture lease was due Friday. Between the funeral expenses and christmas shopping, I really don't have the money to pay it. I have until Friday to try and figure out where to come up with $250.

On a brighter note, I'm going to work 2 days of overtime this week and 2 days next week. It will be nice to have the extra, especially for the check that I pay rent with.

 

[bababear_50]

Sometimes it just pours instead of a nice rain shower,,,,,,,,,, but I am still swimming.
#1 Car issues --I was able to ask ex hubby for help (this is something I have never done since we separated many years ago) but he is a Mechanic and it is a week before christmas so I asked. My decision saved me about $1,300.00. My pride in myself took a bit of a hit.
2# Kitchen sink repair and new taps,,,,,,,,,, $540.00....this went on VISA and I am going to try and pay it off in Jan. Luckily I have been paying down my VISA so I should be able to double up some payments. I think I need to increase my emergency household fund.
3# My townhouse maintenance fees are going up $57.00 per month,(starting Jan) YIKES this is a big jump. They say they are using the increase to enhance our Reserve Fund.

I am still on track to go from fulltime to part time work starting Feb 1 2018.
I am a little anxious (OK alot anxious) bit scared (OK alot scared) but keep telling myself "You Can Do This".
I definitely am going to be a permanent fixture on a 2018 Debt Dumpers thread.

BIG Hugs to all our New Moms and babies
Hugs Mel

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

So we are over our budget in quite a few areas this month. DD is doing well on her transition from breastmilk to formula, but at her 2 month wellness exam, her weight gain was on the low side. The pediatrician does not suspect anything is wrong with what she is eating, but rather how she is eating. She has always seemed to struggle with feedings, first not being able to breastfeed and then lots of dribbling with bottle feedings. Her intake is also on the low side for her age. We still have to feed her 8 times a day to ensure that she is eating at least 20+ ounces each day, while lots of babies her age have dropped down to 5 larger feedings.

The pediatrician referred us to an specialty eating clinic. She had a physical therapy appointment on Friday and they said that her lips and tongue are tight (but no ties). It now makes a lot more sense to me why we had such trouble with breastfeeding. We are supposed to do exercises to loosen up her lips and tongue, which aren't easy because she really hates when you stick your finger in her mouth. She has another PT appointment again tomorrow and then an occupational therapy evaluation on Wednesday. And we have a follow up weight check appointment with the pediatrician Dec. 28, plus more PT appointments too.

This has meant lots of co-pays. We ran out of FSA money some time last month, so everything has been coming out of our medical care fund, which is now running on fumes. And all of these issues around pumping and DDs feedings issues have given me a lot of anxiety. I have been going to a social worker at my OBs office to help with those issues, which means more co-pays.

And we bought several sets of new bottles to try out to see if they help her with feedings. She seems to be doing better with the Dr. Brown's wide neck bottles because she is less gassy, but she still dribbles a ton and doesn't really get a good suction on the nipple. All the bottles wiped out our baby fund. And we have eaten out more too because we have been so busy and stressed. Hoping for less stressful and costly times in the new year.

Hang in there. You're doing all the right things. It's great to hear your pediatrician is proactive in getting your dd the help she needs. It's good to have a budget but when it comes to parenting there are infinite possibilities for unexpected expenses. Tweak your budget when you find some time to sit down with your dh. Add some funds to baby expenses so you don't add to your own stress that you're blowing all your past progress in your budget. Honestly, I'd go right back in debt if I had to in order for my kids to get the help they need.(medical/dental/mental/social, etc.) And they've needed LOOOOOOOTS of various help over the years, including OT/speech at 18 months.

Ask your pediatrician if your state offers any services. NJ has a service called Early Intervention where an evaluation & services are completely free in home up until age 3. (After 3, they are turned over to the school district which has a different focus than private providers. Not that they don't care, but they focus on issues that would impede a child's learning.)
They were phenomenal! Super professional. They came to his day care to give weekly OT and biweekly speech at our home with dh. I only called them because I felt his speech was delayed compared to his older brother and which was understandable given all the ear infections he had by age 2.5. We had tubes placed in his ears and called for an evaluation. Speech & OT came to evaluate and noted muscle tone issues around his mouth, in his trunk (he would "W sit) I never knew that was a sign of anything; my brother did it too. So many little things they pointed out that I noticed but didn't really know it was something I should be noticing. I was so grateful to have them. They really made his therapy fun for him. EI has nothing to do with proof of low income or anything like that. It's open to any child in NJ under 3 who meets the criteria for needing services.
As I said, once a child reaches 3 our school district takes over services but only if his/her deficit would impede learning. If a child is 7 and still can't ride a bike, they need help but that is not school's responsibility to provide it for that particular deficit.
So he did qualify for speech in preschool too. If he didn't qualify through school, I would have found private speech therapy for him and continued with copays, etc. For all the frivolous things we spend $ on, this is $ well spent and worth every penny.

So, sorry this is so long. Whew, this stirs up a lot of stressful memories.

Stay strong; you're doing a great job Mommy!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

So i know we have a few moms of little ones in this group- what's the most cost effective infant formulas you guys have found? I'm going to need to supplement at the very least and honestly breastfeeding is killing me- DS is two weeks old but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up.

Congrats on your new baby!

 

[Ava]

Ask your pediatrician if your state offers any services. NJ has a service called Early Intervention where an evaluation & services are completely free in home up until age 3. (After 3, they are turned over to the school district which has a different focus than private providers. Not that they don't care, but they focus on issues that would impede a child's learning.)
They were phenomenal! Super professional. They came to his day care to give weekly OT and biweekly speech at our home with dh. I only called them because I felt his speech was delayed compared to his older brother and which was understandable given all the ear infections he had by age 2.5. We had tubes placed in his ears and called for an evaluation. Speech & OT came to evaluate and noted muscle tone issues around his mouth, in his trunk (he would "W sit) I never knew that was a sign of anything; my brother did it too. So many little things they pointed out that I noticed but didn't really know it was something I should be noticing. I was so grateful to have them. They really made his therapy fun for him. EI has nothing to do with proof of low income or anything like that. It's open to any child in NJ under 3 who meets the criteria for needing services.

I second this recommendation. We live in NY and our state also offers free Early Intervention services for children under 3. We had our younger DD evaluated at a year old because she wasn’t pulling up to stand and also had trouble getting from laying down into a sitting position on her own. It took a while (I want to say about a month?) between our first meeting at the EI office and when she finally got evaluated by a therapist, and she had improved some on her own in that time, but the therapist still determined that she had low muscle tone and qualified for physical therapy. She had weekly appointments in our home for I want to say 6 months, all at no cost to us. The therapist was great, and also showed us exercises to do with her at home to help her improve. After the 6 months they determined that she had “caught up” to where she should be for her age (she was walking by then) and no longer needed services.

If your state has an EI program, it can’t hurt to have your DD evaluated to see if she qualifies for free services.

 

[Aurora_Australis]

I've got a lot of reading to do to catch up (we're on our summer break now and I've been working like a maniac this week to get all my teaching programs ready so I can focus on family over the summer for a change) but before I do, we just booked a trip to Disney for DH NDnd I for our 10th anniversary! And I have the money in the budget thanks to YNAB! Definitely a convert!