PCC Todd.0 or BUST! My adventure in climbing out of debt! 10/13 T-Minus 29 hours!

[A.Mickey]

The Plan: Be on Podcast Cruise 2.0 (December 12th-16th)

How did this trip come about: Jason and I had such a fantastic time on PCC 1.0 that we want to experience it all over again! When we were on PCC 1.0 we rebooked on the ship for PCC 2.0 so we would get a discount....the best pricing is too be had when you rebook on board.

How will it happen: I am in quite a bit of debt that I need to get out of before I go on any vacation. My dad helped me out a great deal with some financial stuff, and he told me he wants me to pay off all my debt before I book another trip(period). If he finds out that I am going on a vacation before my debt is paid off, he is going to make me repay all of money he lent to help with my debt.

Jason's brother is getting married in Arizona this November and I am staying home to save the money. My former self would have had us all fly out there, rent a car, get a hotel room and possibly extend the trip a week and a half to go over to Disneyland and spend sometime in San Diego. Instead it is looking like this, Jason is flying out and his brother or dad will be picking him up and he will be staying on his brother's couch. We also are forfeiting DAP (disapalloza) so we will be able to go on PCC 2.0, this was very hard forfeiting DAP, as we got a free dining pin code for the time of DAP and alot of the friends we made on PCC 1.0 are going.

So.....will we be able to get out of debt to go on PCC 2.0?!?

I have to pay off 3 credit cards, I am starting with the highest interest rate cards first. I don't make the most money in the world, but I can be happy I have a job in this economy.

PCC 2.0, is making me disciplined so I can get out of debt and pay cash for the remaining balance on our cruise. I cannot wait to be on that ship again and this time with 600 of my closest friends!

How will it not happen: If I do not get my 3 cards paid off in full, and the cruise paid off in cash I will have to cancel this cruise.

Let's see what happens!

 

[jojo05]

I'm joining in! I hope everything works out!!! and hey, it's never to early to start a PTR. I just started mine and we're not going untill next august or september!!

 

[MickeyisBeast]

It's never too early to start planning!

Joining in!

I cant wait to see what you decided to do...

 

[A.Mickey]

I'm joining in! I hope everything works out!!! and hey, it's never to early to start a PTR. I just started mine and we're not going untill next august or september!!

Thanks I hope everything works out too! Ok, glad it isn't too early to start planning, but hey I am already trying to scrimp as much as possible, so why not start a PTR!!

It's never too early to start planning!

Joining in!

I cant wait to see what you decided to do...

I can't wait to see what I decide to do either! Hopefully, I can get this debt dwindled away and get on PCC 2.0! When someone wants something so bad, it will happen, right?......And all your Wishes....will come true!!

 

[A.Mickey]

Weekends are the times when I usually will spend the most money....I did pretty well for myself this weekend and only spent a total of $90.00. We went to Jason's brothers wedding shower today so I spent 50 of the 90 on a gift card to Target. I could have bought them a greeting card to go with the giftcard for 3.00 extra, but then I thought...this is 3 extra dollars that I will have to pay towards my debt to Disney! (Is this bad that I think this way?) Well if anything it is sure giving me discipline!! I spent 14.00 for lunch for Aaron, my mom and myself and spent the rest of the money with essentials that I needed to buy...Diapers, bath soap, storage bags etc....

I have come up with a plan of no impulse shopping, write a list and buy what is on the list! Let's see if I can keep this up!!

Sorry, if this is a little awkward pretrip report, but this will really help me stay on track, I gotta be on that boat in December of 2010!!

 

[jojo05]

Weekends are the times when I usually will spend the most money....I did pretty well for myself this weekend and only spent a total of $90.00. We went to Jason's brothers wedding shower today so I spent 50 of the 90 on a gift card to Target. I could have bought them a greeting card to go with the giftcard for 3.00 extra, but then I thought...this is 3 extra dollars that I will have to pay towards my debt to Disney! (Is this bad that I think this way?) Well if anything it is sure giving me discipline!! I spent 14.00 for lunch for Aaron, my mom and myself and spent the rest of the money with essentials that I needed to buy...Diapers, bath soap, storage bags etc....

I have come up with a plan of no impulse shopping, write a list and buy what is on the list! Let's see if I can keep this up!!

Sorry, if this is a little awkward pretrip report, but this will really help me stay on track, I gotta be on that boat in December of 2010!!

I know what you mean about the shopping on weekends!! I'm in the middle of saving up for our trip to wdw, and now, thinking on buying a horse. While only making as little as i do as a groomers asst. and starting college in feb. I still REALLY want this perfect horse I have my eyes on. Not sure what I should do! My boyfriend and I are really bad about eating out and going out with friends, so now i`m stuck trying to figure out things. But. I want this horse, and our trip. Hope you can keep up the saving on weekends!

 

[A.Mickey]

I know what you mean about the shopping on weekends!! I'm in the middle of saving up for our trip to wdw, and now, thinking on buying a horse. While only making as little as i do as a groomers asst. and starting college in feb. I still REALLY want this perfect horse I have my eyes on. Not sure what I should do! My boyfriend and I are really bad about eating out and going out with friends, so now i`m stuck trying to figure out things. But. I want this horse, and our trip. Hope you can keep up the saving on weekends!

Thanks me too!

Yeah eating out and going out with friends can be very costly! I am trying to eat out less and less, if at all to pay off this credit card debt! I am trying to pack lunches on the weekends. How much does a horse cost? That sounds like a lot of work! Good luck on whatever you decide!

 

[A.Mickey]

How I have saved:
1. Stopped playing World of Warcraft (savings of ~$300/year)
2. Have the lower tier of cable television (savings of $600/year)
3. Removed comprehensive coverage on our automobiles and now just have collision coverage (savings of $600/year)
4. One car was paid off in May (savings of $3000/year) the other car has $500 left (once paid off will save $1200/year)
5. Use to have Broadway in Chicago season tickets usually see 5 shows between train and going out to eat after the show for skipping this next season (we are saving $500 dollars).
6. I enjoy Jason Mraz and have been going to all of his concerts since 2002 but this summer I passed on his show (savings of $100)
7. Skipped getting Chicago Bears tickets this year, even though every year since I met Jason we have been going to at least one game (savings of $200)
8. We have a new energy efficient fridge in our apartment, our last fridge was from the 1970's so it will be interesting to see if we can see a difference in our electric bill. (probably savings of at least $100/year)

Just from these things I am saving close to $7000/year!

I only go out to eat at work on Fridays and I bring my lunch Mon-Thurs. I use to eat out almost every day!

Since I am trying to be more and more disciplined so I can get on PCC 2.0 I have been working longer hours at work. Before I would maybe get 7 hours a day, I am trying to arrive at work earlier but still leave at my regular time. Having that extra hour a day would add up to 10 extra hours a paycheck! Close to $5000 extra a year! Amazing what an hour a day will do!

If I keep all these things up, I see no problem of us getting on that ship but I have to keep them up!

Future Spending:
Jason's tux rental for his brother's wedding $120
Plane ticket $260
Imagination Mover's Tickets ???
VHS to DVD recorder $180
Pay off balance on 2.0 $700
Plane tickets to Orlando for 2.0 ~$300-$500

I heard of a cool website on the radio today...called www.feedthepig.org
Also I have been keeping track of everything on www.mint.com

It is really interesting to see where our money goes!

 

[jojo05]

Thanks me too!

Yeah eating out and going out with friends can be very costly! I am trying to eat out less and less, if at all to pay off this credit card debt! I am trying to pack lunches on the weekends. How much does a horse cost? That sounds like a lot of work! Good luck on whatever you decide!

Well, I decided to do both. Get a horse, and my Disney trip! I' m from canada, so, yesterday I went to get $200 amercian out, and it only ended up costing me $220.00 The dollar's good right now, which is perfect for me. Each paycheck I've been taking a bit of money out and putting it in American right away so I don't spend it. And, as for the horse, I'm getting her for free at a place I used to work at. But, I made a list forself to see how much yearly, monthly, and weekly I'll have to be saving up. here's what I've done:


Purchases: Vet Bill: yearly: $150.00 Monthly: $12.50 Weekly: $3.00
Ferrier: yearly: $320.00 Monthly: $26.00 Weekly: $6.00
Board: yearly: $1,800.00 Monthly: $150.00 Weekly: $35.00





Total Yearly would then be: $2,280.00

That being said I hope there is no unexpected vet bills. And I'll need to save up $3,500.00 for Disney world I already started a list in my pre-trip report to help me get organized.

here's a picture of my horse She's the grey, and the little one is her foal. and that's my Darling boyfriend being brave and feeding them. These were takin in Dec. 2008 when I worked there.

 

[A.Mickey]

Well, I decided to do both. Get a horse, and my Disney trip! I' m from canada, so, yesterday I went to get $200 amercian out, and it only ended up costing me $220.00 The dollar's good right now, which is perfect for me. Each paycheck I've been taking a bit of money out and putting it in American right away so I don't spend it. And, as for the horse, I'm getting her for free at a place I used to work at. But, I made a list forself to see how much yearly, monthly, and weekly I'll have to be saving up. here's what I've done:


Purchases: Vet Bill: yearly: $150.00 Monthly: $12.50 Weekly: $3.00
Ferrier: yearly: $320.00 Monthly: $26.00 Weekly: $6.00
Board: yearly: $1,800.00 Monthly: $150.00 Weekly: $35.00





Total Yearly would then be: $2,280.00

That being said I hope there is no unexpected vet bills. And I'll need to save up $3,500.00 for Disney world I already started a list in my pre-trip report to help me get organized.

here's a picture of my horse She's the grey, and the little one is her foal. and that's my Darling boyfriend being brave and feeding them. These were takin in Dec. 2008 when I worked there.

That is great that you have figured out a weekly budget for those things! I use to be like that when I was young...and then I let the credit cards get the best of me, by using them to pay for Disney vacations . That horse is beautiful...when are you getting it? How come Disney is costing sooo much? Is it really that expensive?

 

[A.Mickey]

Hmmmm....

Well I have a few options! I wanted to buy park tickets for next December before the increase in August, but that did not happen. I still don't know what to get for the two of us.

I first was thinking to purchase two 10 day no expiry since I don't think we will be there for that long after the PCC 2.0. We definitely would like to be there for a few days though.

Then I was thinking of just seeing what kind of package we can get....

Then I was thinking, well you can always book a package with just a one day ticket on the package.....so what if we purchase a 10 day base ticket....and then add no expiry on whatever days are leftover....can we even do this?

I definitely think buying the 10 day ticket is the way to go though....the price difference between a 3 day and a 10 day base ticket is minimal!

 

[A.Mickey]

Here are some introductions:

Jason and I

Nana (Jason's mom) and Aaron (our son)...they will be in WDW when we are hopefully on PCC 2.0 (Nana cannot wait! She wants to already book her package now!)

 

[jojo05]

That is great that you have figured out a weekly budget for those things! I use to be like that when I was young...and then I let the credit cards get the best of me, by using them to pay for Disney vacations . That horse is beautiful...when are you getting it? How come Disney is costing sooo much? Is it really that expensive?

well, we have to buy our plane tickets which is $1,000.00 then our hotel, which is $700.00 then the disney dining plan, then park hoppers, then the park tickets, plus whatever spending money..it adds up fast!

Here are some introductions:

Jason and I

Nana (Jason's mom) and Aaron (our son)...they will be in WDW when we are hopefully on PCC 2.0 (Nana cannot wait! She wants to already book her package now!)

That's so cute!! your son is adorable

 

[A.Mickey]

well, we have to buy our plane tickets which is $1,000.00 then our hotel, which is $700.00 then the disney dining plan, then park hoppers, then the park tickets, plus whatever spending money..it adds up fast!

WOW! The plane tickets for you are expensive!! I don't know if this will help you or not, but there is a site out there called Farecompare.com....this really has helped me find the cheapest times to leave and the cheapest flights!

Also, if you are going in August/September...you do know that there is a possibility that there will be free dining?

Hope that helps you a little!

 

[A.Mickey]

Well, who knows who else is here besides Jojo , but I feel since I started posting this PTR it has really helped me curb my spending. I know it has only been a week but this week at work...(remember I said how I usually work 7 hour days?) well I am on track to make a 40 hour work week (this will be an extra 5 hours of pay on my next paycheck, if I can keep that up next week too, make that an extra 10 hours!) and I even asked if I can come in on Saturday (this would be overtime!). We usually never get overtime at work, but we have been really busy the last two weeks.

Ok..I just remembered that I started a Sunshine Rewards account last year! This is another way I can make some money for our trip! I just ordered $135 worth of gift certificates for Restaurant.com for $25!! Plus I am getting 1.75 back to my sunshine rewards account. .

 

[jojo05]

WOW! The plane tickets for you are expensive!! I don't know if this will help you or not, but there is a site out there called Farecompare.com....this really has helped me find the cheapest times to leave and the cheapest flights!

Also, if you are going in August/September...you do know that there is a possibility that there will be free dining?

Hope that helps you a little!

Yup, we`ll be using the free disney dining plan. it`s wayyy better! and so cheap! that is why we aren`t going until aug. or sept. Thanks about the plane ticket site!

Well, who knows who else is here besides Jojo , but I feel since I started posting this PTR it has really helped me curb my spending. I know it has only been a week but this week at work...(remember I said how I usually work 7 hour days?) well I am on track to make a 40 hour work week (this will be an extra 5 hours of pay on my next paycheck, if I can keep that up next week too, make that an extra 10 hours!) and I even asked if I can come in on Saturday (this would be overtime!). We usually never get overtime at work, but we have been really busy the last two weeks.

Ok..I just remembered that I started a Sunshine Rewards account last year! This is another way I can make some money for our trip! I just ordered $135 worth of gift certificates for Restaurant.com for $25!! Plus I am getting 1.75 back to my sunshine rewards account. . My referral number is 12483 if anyone signs up! I could use all the help I can get

HAHA yes I am here! and any lurkers out there why not join in on this great PTR!

 

[jojo05]

p.s that`s great about getting more hours!! I`m glad for you This will help a lot. and hey, while your at work, if you bring your own lunch at least your not out shopping somewhere

 

[A.Mickey]

How I have saved:

4. One car was paid off in May (savings of $3000/year) the other car has $500 left (once paid off will save $1200/year)

Future Spending:
Jason's tux rental for his brother's wedding $120
Plane ticket $260
Imagination Mover's Tickets ???
VHS to DVD recorder $180
Pay off balance on 2.0 $700
Plane tickets to Orlando for 2.0 ~$300-$500


It is really interesting to see where our money goes!

Make that 400 left to pay on the car! And my 3 credit cards are almost down to two! Most likely a week from tomorrow I will have two credit cards left to pay!

And another good thing. Jason's mother has offered to pay for Jason's plane ticket! That is 260 off of our future expense tab!

Since I started this I have spent all my money on groceries and gas! The only time I splurged was when I spent $34 to go out to eat with Ann and her family. And I worked almost 5 hours of overtime last Saturday! I never do this!

This weekend is exciting! We are going to Wisconsin State Fair tomorrow, out to dinner with a few DISers on Saturday night. Going to a DISmeet on Sunday and the Zoo on Monday! Hopefully I can keep the spending under control.....I will let you know how it pans out!

 

[jojo05]

Make that 400 left to pay on the car! And my 3 credit cards are almost down to two! Most likely a week from tomorrow I will have two credit cards left to pay!

And another good thing. Jason's mother has offered to pay for Jason's plane ticket! That is 260 off of our future expense tab!

Since I started this I have spent all my money on groceries and gas! The only time I splurged was when I spent $34 to go out to eat with Ann and her family. And I worked almost 5 hours of overtime last Saturday! I never do this!

This weekend is exciting! We are going to Wisconsin State Fair tomorrow, out to dinner with a few DISers on Saturday night. Going to a DISmeet on Sunday and the Zoo on Monday! Hopefully I can keep the spending under control.....I will let you know how it pans out!

Hope you didn't spend much

 

[A.Mickey]

Hope you didn't spend much

So yeah....ummm...I ended up spending a lot! We saw a really great musical that Saturday and ended up getting tickets for when they are in Milwaukee. We also bought tickets for our son to go to the Imagination Movers concert when they are here in November. Other than those two things we just spent money on gas and food. But food alone for that weekend was pretty expensive since we went out to eat a lot with Jason's dad.