I rented points - may not be able to go....advice wanted

[bobbiwoz]

I'm glad things are looking up for you!!!

Bobbi

 

[REL1203]

Ya it's pretty darn expensive out here in sunny So. Cal. And those are middle class payments, yikes! It's very much the average in my area. Of course with the utility payments I added in cell bill, cable modem, Dish network....all bills due in May. Although, last summer our electricity bill alone was over $1k for one month!!

Really, I'm not worried about the future, just the right now. Our mortgage will be paid with steady incoming checks, just not until we've been gone on vacation. By this time next month we'll be ahead again, and it should just keep getting better. The timing with my husband reinvesting in his business just was off, but he did it on assumption of well, two big checks in particular that we should have had by now. Besides the one payment we're still expecting, UPS owes us over $7k from a lost package that looks like they are going to weasel out of now. So you see we "thought" we had everything under control. In hindsight he should have not reinvested in the business... well maybe, because if he hadn't have we might be in real trouble right now.

Things are looking slightly up. DH has made a couple of decent local deals today, and it will afford at the least the kids and I to go to WDW and have a little extra spending money plus air back if we need it. In the meantime, he'll keep trying to make more local deals to meet us in FL and take the cruise! He buys and sells computer components - vintage and new (I'm sure someone is wondering). That's the plan for now. Please keep sending for that check or some amazing local deals so he can go with us. I'm a little scared traveling with all 5 by myself, but gosh darn it, I'll do it, lol!

Thanks all!
Jan

Thats an interesting line of work (yes, i was wondering).. I didnt realize that was that big of a market for it... I hope everything works out (things always seem to in the end).

 

[OntFamily]

Oh you guys make it sound so easy, lol!

1. Transportation to the airport - no biggie, just gas money
2. groceries - probably around $500
3. transportation to the port cost ?? (we were originally going to rent a limo for $204 tip included)
4. cruise tips ($1144.50 - remember there are 7 of us going for 15 days, so that's the minimum recommended tipping).
5. laundry onboard ship $100 approx. (I'm only bringing 7 days worth of clothes - luggage would be too much with 7 (1 baby 1 toddler...too much stuff) of us if I brought more.
6. transportation home from port - again just gas money if friend picks us up.
6. House payment $3300
7. utilities $1500

I sympathize with your plight. However, much of the costs you've outlined will happen regardless (ie house payment, groceries, utilities, etc). Not going on the trip doesn't mean those will go away.

My thought is essentially you have the opportunity to have a three week vacation for approx $1500. It'd be a shame to lose that opportunity.

 

[PBB]

Jan,

I have been in your shoes before. There is nothing worse than doing the work and not getting paid for your services. Going to the post office everyday with your fingers crossed hoping the check is in the P.O. Box. I did work for a bank that took forever to pay their bills. Go figure. When they finally sent the check it took 26 days for the check to go from San Diego to Atlanta. From then on I sent them a prepaid Fed Ex Envelope to make sure I would get it.

I am shocked at how judgmental and just ashamed at some of the posters on this board regarding this topic. Your husband put effort and money into his business and because of someone is not paying their receivable it is trickling down to the your husband and your family.

To tell someone how to save, spend and handle their finances is just wrong especially unsolicited. The fact of the matter is Jan and her family would be fine if the customer would just pay the bill. Jan asked for some help on how to figure out what she could do they can go to WDW not how to handle her mortgage and utilities.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Ask the person who is renting the points to you if he/she would be willing to change the dates of the reservation. I am not sure when their points expire. If his points expire in the next month you could have a problem.

2. Ask the cruise line the same thing. You might have to pay a little extra. Explain the financial issue to the cruise line. You will be surprised at how helpful they will be. My MIL injured her back 4 days before a cruise and was hospitalized. After 2 hours I got half their money back and cruise line vouchers for the next season. Give it a try.

3. Have hubby make a one time deal to the customer. Discount the bill by a percentage if they pay by next Wednesday. He is on the right track asking for payments. Maybe a discount will interest them. If this is a customer he doesn't want to keep, contact a lawyer. I knew of a supplier who went to a local government and got permits to picket and picketed in front of the business. You should have seen how quick they got the money. Of course, they never worked for the supplier again. Hubby has to go sit down with someone and find out what the situation is with the customer. I am sure he is trying. God Bless him......I have worn out his shoes before,lol.

4. Can hubby use a factoring service ? If the customer is a creditable company then some company will pay you for the receivable. Of course, expect to take a discount. The client will pay the company direct instead of you.

5. Can you go to the bank of Mom and Dad ?? or another relative ? If you feel that strong you will get paid maybe they can help. If you don't, I would not go that route. You need them if things get really bad.

God Bless you two. When I read your post to my wife it reminded us of all the stress and aggravation of owning a small business. Small business is great if you can get paid.

GOOD LUCK !

Patrick

 

[Liljam]

Hey Jan,
I, too, am hoping that things come through for you. My family has been in the auto repair business since 1980 and while we are a multi million dollar company now, my dad and mom along with myself have had to often hope and pray for funds to come through so that we can get our bonus $$ above our regular salaries. With our trip coming up shortly, my DH who is our painter is doing a cash side job over the weekend and I plan to help him get it done just so we have a little more for spending. We have been booked for 11 months and when we had our taxes done, we actually ended up owing $1600 so that was a chunk out of our trip budget. luckily, a repeat customer wanted the miata repainted that he had purchased from me last year, so DH is doing that for a great price! I totally do understand and feel for you. I was also going to suggest a loan through a bank, and it's likely if you tried, you may find one that would work with you. Even if you did a small loan of $2000. Heck, I would even suggest attempting this as it is a reasonable amount to pay back and it would show as something you've paid back on your credit... I do agree that if it comes down to mortgage and utilities, you have to do what is right, but if you no without a doubt that you'll be ok, then try to find a way to go! Good luck! BTW, $3300 around here could buy a mansion I couldn't imagine paying that amount for an average house payment!!!

 

[Mamiamjo]

I am shocked at how judgmental and just ashamed at some of the posters on this board regarding this topic. Your husband put effort and money into his business and because of someone is not paying their receivable it is trickling down to the your husband and your family.

To tell someone how to save, spend and handle their finances is just wrong especially unsolicited. The fact of the matter is Jan and her family would be fine if the customer would just pay the bill. Jan asked for some help on how to figure out what she could do they can go to WDW not how to handle her mortgage and utilities.

Patrick

I disagree. The OP requested suggestions and most people were doing just that. I realize that some also gave suggestions for saving some funds for emergencies etc. This actually sounds pretty reasonable for most people to do and especially so if you are in a situation where money may or may not come in on a timely basis (even more so if you don't have any credit cards to fall back on and can't get a loan)

Nobody wants to see them lose the money spent but most people would rather have that than not being able to pay the mortgage. I (like all of us who took the time to post) hope that the OP is able to make things work.

To the OP Best of Luck!

 

[Nell123]

Advertise this reservation as "Reservation for Rent". It may very well be picked up by someone who would rather stay at a DVC resort than another hotel. They can cancel another Disney hotel right up 'til the day before and opt for your reservation.

Even if you take a small loss, it's better than losing the whole amount.

 

[lisaviolet]

Advertise this reservation as "Reservation for Rent". It may very well be picked up by someone who would rather stay at a DVC resort than another hotel. They can cancel another Disney hotel right up 'til the day before and opt for your reservation.

Even if you take a small loss, it's better than losing the whole amount.

My advice as well. However, I wouldn't immediately go to the rent/trade board. This should never be done without asking the owner IMO. The owner would have a new person under their name. And the owner is liable for any issues. And would want to okay any change to who is staying under their name.

Yes, renting brings in "strangers" anyway. But a rental transaction, and its back and forth with communication and personal information, gives more to the transaction. You need to okay it with the owner.

 

[crisi]

My advice as well. However, I wouldn't immediately go to the rent/trade board. This should never be done without asking the owner IMO. The owner would have a new person under their name. And the owner is liable for any issues. And would want to okay any change to who is staying under their name.

Yes, renting brings in "strangers" anyway. But a rental transaction, and its back and forth with communication and personal information, gives more to the transaction. You need to okay it with the owner.

Also the owner will need to be AVAILABLE. I was out of town last week and logged into these boards once and didn't check personal email at all.

Rentals are a very cost effective way to stay at Disney, but this is a good illustration of the risks involved that aren't at all related to trusting your owner.

To the OP, best wishes and I hope the money frees up quickly.

 

[Pennyguy23]

If we make it on the cruise, and if you meet a Jan, please don't mention this thread to my husband, lol. He wouldn't be too happy knowing I was sharing such personal information with strangers. I just needed to vent and try to figure things out since I feel so helpless waiting and relying on him to pull this through. I do however hope I see you there!!

Thanks,
Jan

Oh, I won't mention it. We can all just relax by the pool and take it easy for TWO WEEKS !!!!!!!! NO WORRIES

 

[BelievesinMagic]

Do you have trip insurance with your cruise? If so you may be able to get back almost 100% for your cruise if you cancel even now. In 2005 I had a major stroke about 2 months befor our 7 day cruise. We had forgotten that the insurance was included when we booked. DH was able to get almost all of it back. It did take a few phone calls but at least we were able to get our money back. Good luck and hope your dream trip comes true!

 

[Laxmom]

In most cases you must have medical documentation to get your money back for medical reasons and fill out a few forms. I don't think financial hardship would be included in the insurance coverage. If it is, I would be surprised.

 

[Booknut]

Have just read through this thread...wish I had some helpful advice - although I think you've had some great advice on this thread - but am sending you lots of pixie dust and praying you and your husband are able to take this trip and really enjoy it and relax after the stress of all this

 

[JFrey4240]

Same here. I'm sending you pixie dust that you have that check in your hands right now. Then you all can go and enjoy the vacation that you planned.

 

[MEK]

I feel bad for the OP. This is potentially a huge amount of money to lose, but I guess it shows what can happen when you are in business for yourself and a big account is over do. I guess it can also show what would happen to any of us if we lost our job.

Best wishes with a trip that was originally supposed to start tomorrow.

 

[beautygirlsmom]

So what's going on? Is anyone in touch with this woman? I hope she got the check and is too busy packing to update us! I feel terrible for her!

 

[mamawanavacation]

Sorry guys it's a no go.

I won't be online for a few days while I try to get over my grief.....this site is usually so wonderful, but right now it pains my heart to be here. I'm sure you know what I mean.

Thank you all so much for your well wishes! I appreciate knowing that there are so many genuinely warm hearted people.

Jan

 

[Laxmom]

I was so hoping, mamawannavacation. I understand.

 

[Booknut]

Is there any chance you guys can still make the cruise if that money comes in?

 

[mama03]

no offense but why would you post about your mom meeting you and then say you are not going?