Need some DVC Cheering Up...and opinions?

[dbprimeaux]

I am so depressed right now, and I need to spill my guts to someone else who LOVES WDW & DVC as much as I do.... Well, we have a trip planned home (SSR) for Feb. 2nd-9th, 2008 , but I didn't realize our dues are due this month !! That like wipes out our "spending" money...tickets to Pirate & Princess Party, breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, etc... And, it also puts a damper on us purchasing AP's... I just got reservations for Nov. 22nd-29th, 2008 at SSR 2 bedroom!! I made the November reservation yesterday morning and got the dues bill in yesterday afternoon... (By the way, we are new owners). DH doesn't want to cancel either trip (well, we really can't, you know the rules...). He suggestion was get a personal loan at our local credit union and pay it back when we get our income tax in (usually around March 1). I just don't know...

 

[3DisneyKids]

Remember that you can always switch to monthly payments. There is no interest charge, so it does not cost anymore and it is much less out of pocket just after the expensive holidays!

 

[nzdisneymom]

Our dues are set up to be paid monthly -- how 'bout calling Member Services Accounting to see if you can get it switched over to monthly?

 

[dbprimeaux]

I didn't realize you could pay them monthly... I really thought they would be due around the end of your use year month... instead of the month before your use year month....oh well....now I know

 

[Chuck S]

I didn't realize you could pay them monthly... I really thought they would be due around the end of your use year month... instead of the month before your use year month....oh well....now I know

Actually, dues have nothing to do with use year, they are on a regular calendar year. Everyone's dues are "due" in January.

 

[Good Ol Gal]

call Member Accounting and they can switch it to monthly for you.

And OT... that is SOME pic you have in your siggy! You're one lucky family :

 

[luvthattink]

Wow that is a helpful little tidbit...I didn't know that dues could be broken down and paid monthly...I'll be making a little phone call tomorrow. THanks for sharing that!

 

[DisMN]

OP, we ran into a similar problem! When we realized we were going to be tight with our funds we quickly contacted member services and will hopefully be all set to go when our trip date arrives. Not sure how long it will take things to be finalized but having the dues come out monthly will sure be easier to swallow than one big chunk huh? LOL

Anyone know how quick they get you set up for the monthly payments? We faxed our info to them Dec 28th........

TIA

 

[wilma-bride]

As others have said, switching to monthly payments sounds like the option for you. Hope you get it sorted and have a great trip

 

[disney junky]

I am so depressed right now, and I need to spill my guts to someone else who LOVES WDW & DVC as much as I do.... Well, we have a trip planned home (SSR) for Feb. 2nd-9th, 2008 , but I didn't realize our dues are due this month !! That like wipes out our "spending" money...tickets to Pirate & Princess Party, breakfast at 1900 Park Fare, etc... And, it also puts a damper on us purchasing AP's... I just got reservations for Nov. 22nd-29th, 2008 at SSR 2 bedroom!! I made the November reservation yesterday morning and got the dues bill in yesterday afternoon... (By the way, we are new owners). DH doesn't want to cancel either trip (well, we really can't, you know the rules...). He suggestion was get a personal loan at our local credit union and pay it back when we get our income tax in (usually around March 1). I just don't know...

File early, file often...
Pay monthly.
Have a WDW spending money yard sale....

 

[acourtwdw2]

OP, we ran into a similar problem! When we realized we were going to be tight with our funds we quickly contacted member services and will hopefully be all set to go when our trip date arrives. Not sure how long it will take things to be finalized but having the dues come out monthly will sure be easier to swallow than one big chunk huh? LOL

Anyone know how quick they get you set up for the monthly payments? We faxed our info to them Dec 28th........

TIA

DVC website will have the information updated almost the same day they put it in there system. Check there to see if it has been done. I always check the website after i make a reservation or if im waiting for a wait list to make sure things are correct.

 

[judie]

We are new too and just set up the monthly payment. Somehow it looks much better divided into smaller payments. A spending money yardsale is a good idea! I keep looking at stuff around my house wondering if I should try selling it on line, but a friend with experience says it's not worth it for most things. I need someway to support my Disney habit!

 

[vwlvette]

we just paid our $1,400+ in dues, remember that the dues if paid in lump sum is due 1/15 and late fees apply on 2/15, If you file taxes early on line, and use direct deposit, it is likely that your refund will be in by the 2/15, early returns usually take about 10 calendar days to process.

Then again you can make do the monthly payment plan, it doesn't cost anything to pay it over the year.

Enjoy your trips, Happy New Year!

 

[crisi]

Switching to monthly will help with the budget, but I'm more concerned that you apparently have nearly nothing in your liquid savings account - with two fairly pricey Disney trips scheduled this year. What if the washing machine breaks right before the next trip? What if the dog needs surgery, or one of your wage earners ends up on short term disability for three months?

I'm pretty finanicial conservative, and I find not having savings (and having debt) to be a really stressful situation - others are much more comfortable nearer the edge. This sounds nearer the edge than you are comfortable with - or you wouldn't be posting.

Move to monthly payments on DVC, that will solve the short term stress. Create a budget and stick to it. Put a few hundred a month into a savings account until you have a few grand (at least) in there. Review all your bills to see what can be cut short term (around my house we are currently on restricted dining out after my husband bought a little more car than I had budgeted for) or even long term. See if you can't bring in a little income (garage sale, ebay, craigslist). Visit the budget board here - they are always talking about slashing budgets.

 

[Muushka]

I'm with Crisi on this one also. I probably would have cancelled the SSR trip next month, but it's too late now, right?

Other than doing what Crisi mentions, I would have this Feb trip be financially conservative. Yes, plan on the parks, but I would eliminate lots of the extra expenses.

When my husband was laid off a few years back and we had to survive on my pitiful State of NC employee pay check we still did our DVC trips, But did minimal spending. And we still maintained our buffer in savings for emergencies (and no, the WDW trip did not fall in that category!)

Best wishes on the finances.

 

[drag n' fly]

It is crummy it comes right after Christmas. Part of owning DVC is knowing your responsibilities. Sorry your unexpected bill will affect your vacation. I don't want to sound like a preacher but crisi is right

 

[canda]

i thought i heard on the news that the democrats (not to get political... they are the ones who make the rules at present)

did something to hold off on the refunds going out to early filers.

 

[eva]

Sorry for the lecture. It must be that old math teacher in me.

 

[CarolA]

Only on the DIS, does ONE post provide the FINANCIAL impact of the poster which allows lots of us to provide you with "moral" advice on how to live your life....


Perhaps the OP has a NICE "ready savings account" that is to be used only for EMERGENCIES (and dues are not an emergency)


The OP really was a rant not a "request for how to live my life"

 

[jfelcie]

I also have my dues deducted monthly. Question . . . Do the dues remain the same for the life of the membership?