Debt Dumpers 2024

[Tygerlilly]

This month is starting off something special. I somehow messed up adding hubby's vacation time to his time sheet, so we're suuuuuper tight money wise. Like, we have $60 for the next two weeks. On the plus side, we only need milk, bread and some fruit for groceries for the next... long time. We have tons of meat and rice/pastas.
I did splurge $15 from my side hustle sales to join Frugal Fit Mom's private fb group. I'm struggling with budgeting and meal planning lately and she hosts a lot for fun challenges, meal planning, etc. And since it's on fb and there's daily challenges, I'm feeling like the daily accountability is worth the $15/month to keep me mentally in the game.

I finished up my training for my new part time job today, and my first day is Sunday for a private party. I absolutely love this place and am so excited for the 2ish days a week I'm going to work. It won't be a lot of money, but every bit helps at this point.

And to top all the things off, hubby is 10000% fed up with his job. He's been there 18 years next month and new hires are now making more than he is. They're going after all the veterans for silly things just to get rid of them. If he brings up something they brush it off. And then make up rules that contradict each other and don't follow written policy. So, once his dad's house finally sells and we see the money from that, I think it's time for him to look elsewhere for a job.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Just keep swimming!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

And to top all the things off, hubby is 10000% fed up with his job. He's been there 18 years next month and new hires are now making more than he is. They're going after all the veterans for silly things just to get rid of them. If he brings up something they brush it off. And then make up rules that contradict each other and don't follow written policy. So, once his dad's house finally sells and we see the money from that, I think it's time for him to look elsewhere for a job.

That is so scummy!!
Veterans and their families sacrifice so much to serve our country.
It's infuriating to hear stories like this about vets being mistreated by some shmuck who's never left his cushy office.
I'm looking forward to the day your dh can tell them all to go suck it.

 

[Tygerlilly]

That is so scummy!!
Veterans and their families sacrifice so much to serve our country.
It's infuriating to hear stories like this about vets being mistreated by some shmuck who's never left his cushy office.
I'm looking forward to the day your dh can tell them all to go suck it.

I meant veterans of the company, not actual military veterans. Just the guys who have been there 15+ years

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I meant veterans of the company, not actual military veterans. Just the guys who have been there 15+ years

Sorry, I get feisty!

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

That's awesome news about your cards. I'm trying, but it's so tough. As soon as pay one down some, I charge it back up becuase we're in a bind because we don't make enough money to live. But how in the world do you read 46 books in a month? That's 1-1/2 per night. Also, what kind of work out do you do? Just at home? I don't have any workout apparatus or anything like that. So just curious.

I read on another thread that you now have a new Disney trip booked for November? People have been giving you excellent advice, which you asked for, to get out of debt and have enough money to live on month to month so you are not always late for your payments so this seems a bit counter-productive, to say the least. I guess you do you.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

Haha, I thought about that. I truly did. We were gifted the tickets and the hotel stay, and we used past flight credits for the flights. So we're not paying a dime for this trip. Only way we could go. Otherwise, we wouldn't be taking it. Of course, we're only going to be there 2 nights, so it's not even really a true Disney trip. And I hated to say no when we were gifted those tickets. But yes, I thought about what others would say.

All that said, we are doing better with our finances (I was getting ready to do an update since we just reached the end of July). We've paid down the cards a bit and haven't used them in 2 months. We've kept our car payments and rent payments up to date and paying our bills on time, which is a good thing. Wife hasn't gone out and tried to take out any more of those crappy loans where they charge 500+ interest rate. The biggest thing is we've stopped eating out as much (now only about 2 times per week), and that's helped tremendously. I have taken all the advice and used it.

And we're using this free trip as a chance to recharge. And as a reward for getting on top of debt. Our debit is not gone, but we've gotten a handle on how to get out of it. And we're working on getting out of it. So that's the biggest thing. But the trip didn't cost a dime out of pocket.

I read on another thread that you now have a new Disney trip booked for November? People have been giving you excellent advice, which you asked for, to get out of debt and have enough money to live on month to month so you are not always late for your payments so this seems a bit counter-productive, to say the least. I guess you do you.

 

[mom to minnie&mickey]

That's awesome news about your cards. I'm trying, but it's so tough. As soon as pay one down some, I charge it back up becuase we're in a bind because we don't make enough money to live.

This is what you posted as of 3 days ago. That is a very generous benefactor to gift you hotel and tickets to Disney. However, a trip there is never "nothing out of pocket" Transportation to/from airports and overly expensive meals/snacks at Disney. You posted on another thread that you are paying $32 per person for Mears, so there is that expense to start. Listen, I don't care either way and hope you have a fantastic vacation however you get to go to Disney but it is just that I find some of your statements to be not always the whole story.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

This is what you posted as of 3 days ago. That is a very generous benefactor to gift you hotel and tickets to Disney. However, a trip there is never "nothing out of pocket" Transportation to/from airports and overly expensive meals/snacks at Disney. You posted on another thread that you are paying $32 per person for Mears, so there is that expense to start. Listen, I don't care either way and hope you have a fantastic vacation however you get to go to Disney but it is just that I find some of your statements to be not always the whole story.

 

[afan]

I finally paid my student loan off today. Interest was less than 3% so it was never a huge concern. But I really wish these places would make the page rain confetti when you finally pay that big balance off for whatever loan or cc it was. It's very anticlimatic.

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

That's great news. And I agree. Needs to be something for when you pay off that big balance. They're probably upset, though, when you pay it off cause that means no more free money (interest paid) in their pockets. But that's huge you paid that off. Congrats.

I finally paid my student loan off today. Interest was less than 3% so it was never a huge concern. But I really wish these places would make the page rain confetti when you finally pay that big balance off for whatever loan or cc it was. It's very anticlimatic.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Haha, I thought about that. I truly did. We were gifted the tickets and the hotel stay, and we used past flight credits for the flights. So we're not paying a dime for this trip. Only way we could go. Otherwise, we wouldn't be taking it. Of course, we're only going to be there 2 nights, so it's not even really a true Disney trip. And I hated to say no when we were gifted those tickets. But yes, I thought about what others would say.

All that said, we are doing better with our finances (I was getting ready to do an update since we just reached the end of July). We've paid down the cards a bit and haven't used them in 2 months. We've kept our car payments and rent payments up to date and paying our bills on time, which is a good thing. Wife hasn't gone out and tried to take out any more of those crappy loans where they charge 500+ interest rate. The biggest thing is we've stopped eating out as much (now only about 2 times per week), and that's helped tremendously. I have taken all the advice and used it.

And we're using this free trip as a chance to recharge. And as a reward for getting on top of debt. Our debit is not gone, but we've gotten a handle on how to get out of it. And we're working on getting out of it. So that's the biggest thing. But the trip didn't cost a dime out of pocket.

Were they able to fix your dw’s car?

 

[WDW_fan_in_TX]

No. We paid for it out of pocket. And we also had to get a new battery for it Wednesday. We paid for both of those things ourselves. And we were still able to stay on top of all of our bills. So that's promising. Like I said, I've been taking the advice and adhering to it. And I really appreciate all of it. It's been helpful.

Were they able to fix your dw’s car?

 

[dpswift]

Haha, I thought about that. I truly did. We were gifted the tickets and the hotel stay, and we used past flight credits for the flights. So we're not paying a dime for this trip. Only way we could go. Otherwise, we wouldn't be taking it. Of course, we're only going to be there 2 nights, so it's not even really a true Disney trip. And I hated to say no when we were gifted those tickets. But yes, I thought about what others would say.

All that said, we are doing better with our finances (I was getting ready to do an update since we just reached the end of July). We've paid down the cards a bit and haven't used them in 2 months. We've kept our car payments and rent payments up to date and paying our bills on time, which is a good thing. Wife hasn't gone out and tried to take out any more of those crappy loans where they charge 500+ interest rate. The biggest thing is we've stopped eating out as much (now only about 2 times per week), and that's helped tremendously. I have taken all the advice and used it.

And we're using this free trip as a chance to recharge. And as a reward for getting on top of debt. Our debit is not gone, but we've gotten a handle on how to get out of it. And we're working on getting out of it. So that's the biggest thing. But the trip didn't cost a dime out of pocket.

It sounds like you have a good plan. Our tomorrows are not guaranteed so if you can find a way without adding more debt go for it. Worst case cut down more on eating out.

 

[sandam1]

No. We paid for it out of pocket. And we also had to get a new battery for it Wednesday. We paid for both of those things ourselves. And we were still able to stay on top of all of our bills. So that's promising. Like I said, I've been taking the advice and adhering to it. And I really appreciate all of it. It's been helpful.

I usually just lurk, but let me say that you are doing great! It sounds like you are making sustainable changes and moving in the right direction. Good for you! And if you ever start to doubt your progress, look back to your first post on this thread.

And I also want to give you a for coming back. Some people here have been pretty harsh/judgmental/nasty to you. And usually this is such a nice and supportive thread. The fact that you keep chugging along is impressive.

I hope that you enjoy your trip. I know that, for me, I'm more focused on my goals when I have something specific that I'm working towards. Do you have something that you would like to accomplish in advance of your trip?

P.S. Have you ever thought about a runDisney event as a future exercise goal? They definitely aren't cheap (and it is very easy to get sucked into doing more and more of them), but they are a lot of fun.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

It sounds like you have a good plan. Our tomorrows are not guaranteed so if you can find a way without adding more debt go for it. Worst case cut down more on eating out.

Good point. We cut down to going out to eat on birthdays and while on vacation, maybe get a pizza once a month.
Even after our debt was paid off, we still don’t because we just got used to it. It’s so expensive now; it just isn’t worth it.

 

[Tygerlilly]

Good point. We cut down to going out to eat on birthdays and while on vacation, maybe get a pizza once a month.
Even after our debt was paid off, we still don’t because we just got used to it. It’s so expensive now; it just isn’t worth it.

Man, I accidently burnt the pizza I was making the kids for dinner the other night and ordered McDonald's for delivery and it was $47! and it was missing my burger. And then the food was terrible.

Moral of this story, eating out is stupid.

We're planning our vacations from now on to include a kitchen in the room or an Airbnb so we can make most meals at the hotel/house. Originally we were planning on fall Disney/Universal trip but we've downsized that plan massively and are now looking at renting a cabin a few hours away.

 

[firefly_ris]

Man, I accidently burnt the pizza I was making the kids for dinner the other night and ordered McDonald's for delivery and it was $47! and it was missing my burger. And then the food was terrible.

Holy cow!! Was it mostly due to the delivery fee?

 

[ariel1025]

Man, I accidently burnt the pizza I was making the kids for dinner the other night and ordered McDonald's for delivery and it was $47! and it was missing my burger. And then the food was terrible.

Moral of this story, eating out is stupid.

We're planning our vacations from now on to include a kitchen in the room or an Airbnb so we can make most meals at the hotel/house. Originally we were planning on fall Disney/Universal trip but we've downsized that plan massively and are now looking at renting a cabin a few hours away.

Don't even get me started on this Had a smilier situation with ruining dinner a couple weeks ago. Went into DoorDash and just hit "repeat order"for Chick-fil-A. The fees and food had gone up so much that my previously $60 order for 5 people ended up being $87!!!!!! My fault for not paying attention before hitting the submit button. But yeesh!! $60 was horrible enough but it was late, everybody was crabby, we needed groceries...you know, all the excuses. Long rambling story short, I deleted the DoorDash app from both of our phones so that we aren't even tempted again!

 

[sandam1]

Moral of this story, eating out is stupid.

It is stupid - to you.

As with most things, it depends on what you value. For example, my mom and I go out to eat (or usually take it home) every Saturday night. It is our treat at the end of a week, a bonding activity, and something that we both look forward to. For me, the cost is 100% worth it and not something that I'm willing to give up. If I have to work an extra hour each week to afford it, I'm going to.

Everything in moderation...