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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2011 22:44:37 GMT -5
How much is in your EF right now? Can you use that to take a chunk out of the credit cards? Pay one or two of the little ones off?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2011 22:53:16 GMT -5
Here's a suggestion CLean..... Put a jar on your dresser. At the end of the day, put all loose change in it. When you have enough to wrap, put it in the bank and then do a online payment to your lowest balance credit card!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 21, 2011 23:30:01 GMT -5
I would get rid of the phone, we have prepaid and spend very little. If you keep internet and its broadband you can use Skype its quite cheap. Computer to computer is free and computer to phone or vice versa is a few cents per minute. Get rid of cable, go less on hair care stuff, you can look around and get stuff cheaper. Buy a Magic Jack. What is like $20.00 @ year or something? OR,, You can use GOOGLE voice for your answering machine... IT"S FREE!
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Frappuccino
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Post by Frappuccino on Jan 21, 2011 23:32:02 GMT -5
I don't think you should put your home at risk with a bankruptcy. If you can't put the home in your parent's name, then I think you have to try cutting your spending or getting a job that pays more. I took a paycut recently, so I am currently cutting back and it really isnt too bad. The first two months without internet on my cellphone hurt a little, but now it is no big deal. I have not eaten a MEAL out in 2 months. However, I stayed up late last night, and felt that I NEEDED a frappucino this morning before work, so I wasted $4.75 today. It ruined my new healthy way of eating plan too. Staying focused and on task with budgeting and my meal plan are my goals for 2011. It's a new year for me and it will be a new year for you too!! You just have to get motivated and knuckle down. This is only temporary if you get down to business!! Yes, we will have the cheap shampoo this year and will splurge on the good stuff next year when we have wiggle room in our budget. Good luck!! You can get yourself out of this mess.
This message board is truly inspirational, my life is better since reading these boards. Come here often for inspiration!! it will keep you motivated
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Jan 22, 2011 7:57:42 GMT -5
I have to agree with rebecca. These are temporary changes that will have a big impact if you can just buckle down and do them. You can do anything for 6 months, or a year, really.
I have been at the point of considering BK at a couple different times in the past 5 years, even a year ago. If someone told me even one year ago that I would be in SO much better position in just a year, I never would've believed them...
You do have to make some tough choices though. You do have to get rid of the "I work hard and I deserve it". No, now you are working hard to pay off all that stuff you already bought that you felt you "deserved."
Cable is something I could not completely cut either, but I did cut back from expanded basis to basic (which basically gets you ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and maybe 2-3 other stations). Many companies don't even advertise this option, but they have it. It's usually around $10-$15 a month. Decide to do it for 6 months then watch your other shows online.
If you take a little time to learn to coupon and do the CVS and other drug store deals, you can get your Herbal Essences shampoo for free. I had it coming out of my ears last year, (and gave most of it away, cuz I honestly think it's crap, but to each their own...) But, my point is, I too went from spending probably $150 a month on groceries, plus another $50 for personal care/cleaning stuff, plus another $50 on pets, to now spending less than $100 in ALL those categories combined...WAY less...
Feel free to join us over at the Grocery Challenge if you'd like to really cut that spending and start getting groceries and HBA for pennies.
I also agree with whoever said to sell anything you don't need. I'm sure you have stuff hanging around your house that you don't want/need. Put it on Craigslist and make some $$ to pay your debt or get an EF in place.
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Elderkind
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Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty....
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Post by Elderkind on Jan 22, 2011 18:36:25 GMT -5
It's shitty comments like these that drive folks away from the boards that are looking for help. This forum is to give advice, not to pass judgments on someone who is trying to rectify the situation... NICE!
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2011 19:37:06 GMT -5
It's shitty comments like these that drive folks away from the boards that are looking for help. This forum is to give advice, not to pass judgments on someone who is trying to rectify the situation... NICE! BINGO!
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ses
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Post by ses on Jan 22, 2011 21:25:17 GMT -5
When I read your original post I got a sick knot in my stomach. Then i really started looking at the numbers. It is "do-able." If you make some changes, you could be debt free in five years and no BK. I am making some major assumptions based on the numbers you gave us. Is your mortgage for 15 years? Is your car loan for 3 years? I didn't see your SL payment in your monthly budget, nor the $25 to the attorney. Where do those payments come from? Here come the tough changes. I am looking at your variable expenses only. I didn't address the cell phone issue since i know nothing about cell phones. Here goes: CURRENT BUDGET --- CHANGES EF $145--- $0 CABLE $67 --- $0 INTERNET $30 --- $30 DINING OUT $25 --- $0 GROCERIES $150 --- $100 GAS $130 --- $130 CLOTHING $15 --- $0 PERSONAL $90 --- $40 ENTERTAINMENT $47 --- $0 PETS $55 --- $25 ------ ------ $754 --- $325
Your 3 smallest CCs= $1698 and you currently pay $34 on these three CCs. Add the $429 saved from your variable expenses to the $34 you currently pay and they will be eliminated(and closed) in 4 months.
When you get your bonus, stash $1000 in a savings account for irregular annual expenses(auto ins, registration, inspection, auto repairs and disability) Add $150 each month so you will always have a rolling account for these expenses. I opened a checking account at a different bank for just these expenses, so I am not tempted to use them when I shouldn't. Put the remaining bonus into an EF. You need to be prepared for anything when you are this close to the edge.
After your bonus and paying off the three smallest CCs I would rank them by amount due and start paying off the smallest amount first with the $429 saved from your variable expenses+ the $34 from the first three CCs snowballed into those payments. I know some people say to rank them by % rate, but by amount you will be able to close them down faster. By rough calculations you could be debt free (not counting mortgage and SL) in about 5.5-6 years. Actually less, I forgot you will be able to roll in the amount of your car payment.
I recently learned store specific credit cards count against you more than a general credit card ; MC, Visa, discovery... Canceling them as quickly as you can will really help your credit score.
Now that you have seen the overall picture and declared it impossible, lets look at some of the individual issues. Your EF will be funded by your bonus or tax returns. You need to have at least enough for one months' expenses. I think I would include the 2 extra paychecks per year in building your EF and not worry about monthly contributions at this point. Drop the cable and use the public library and the other options others have mentioned. Keep the Internet. It is a great tool for finding ways to save and even more important, connecting with a support group like this to keep you motivated and accountable. Put a jar on the dresser and collect change for your eating out. Also, see of there isn't some way your job might help with this if it is a job expense. Plan a menu. Start reading the Grocery Challenge. Once I had a fairly diverse pantry I would plan a monthly menu for 6 days a week with meal plans that could be swapped around and a day for leftovers. Then shop monthly as much as possible. The less i am in stores the easier it is to not spend. Always carry your lunch, drink water you bring from home and avoid sodas. Always shop from a list. I find using cash only for shopping really helped. I never carry a CC or debit card, just an extra $20 bill for true emergencies. No new clothing. Care for and repair the clothes you have or plan replacements during the two "extra" paychecks. Check out consignment shops. For personal needs check out the "Dollar" stores. Your entertainment will become the public library, walking your dogs, free local festivals and activities and building a spreadsheet showing your debt disappear. I have learned if you are honest with your friends and family (your parents need to know about this-- and your plans to take care of things on your own) they will support you or you will find out how good the friends really are. This is a lifestyle change you are making. It won't always be easy or fun, but I sense you are ready to do this. Good wishes and keep in touch.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 22, 2011 21:33:58 GMT -5
It's shitty comments like these that drive folks away from the boards that are looking for help. This forum is to give advice, not to pass judgments on someone who is trying to rectify the situation... NICE! This is not a judgment. It is a statement of facts. She refuses to change her ways. At this rate, she is not only going to end up homeless (or at least without her current home), she will also run her parents' credit through the mud. She said she had changed, but arguing against every suggestion that is made (other than the ones that suggest bankruptcy) is not indicative of change. I laid out the harsh reality of the situation, and I stand by my statement. It's not all roses and sunshine in life. Her current situation is unpleasant. Digging out will be unpleasant (either way she goes). Pulling her parents down with her is unnecessary if she will just change her ways. If she doesn't change her ways, she will always be in financial trouble and never understand why.
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cleanslate09
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Post by cleanslate09 on Jan 22, 2011 21:56:35 GMT -5
Frugalnurse - I really debated even replying to your post because if anyone is set in your ways and redefines judgemental, it is you. You really are not worth my time.
I am not set in my ways and have made so many cut backs, you really have no idea. The reason that I am in such extreme debt is not because I have no idea how to budget, how to control my spending or buy whatever I want.
I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I was in a relationship that turned way beyond unhealthy and got out of it with my parents support. Most of the cards were taken out during hthe relationship and I cannot undo nor do I wish to ever have him know where I am at to help with payments.
Say what you want, throw stones all you want, be who you are, but at the end of the day you have no idea who I am and make your judgements based upon what you see between the lines. May you not be judged so harshly the day of your judgement.
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naturallyfrugal
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Post by naturallyfrugal on Jan 22, 2011 22:17:14 GMT -5
I normally don't comment on budget type posts because what I consider important, may be different than the OP. However, regarding Zyrtec - do you buy name brand or generic? I switched to the Target brand (Up, I think) and it is about 1/3 the cost. I think I pay around $8 for 45 pills (taken once a day). I first switched when Children's Zyrtec was taken off the shelf (my son takes it) and the pharmacist said the Target brand was just as good and had no recall. So, I switched both of us to the generic and it's been working well for us.
If you buy it over-the-counter, this could represent a nice savings.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 22, 2011 22:18:12 GMT -5
Frugalnurse - I really debated even replying to your post because if anyone is set in your ways and redefines judgemental, it is you. You really are not worth my time. I am not set in my ways and have made so many cut backs, you really have no idea. The reason that I am in such extreme debt is not because I have no idea how to budget, how to control my spending or buy whatever I want. I am a survivor of domestic abuse. I was in a relationship that turned way beyond unhealthy and got out of it with my parents support. Most of the cards were taken out during hthe relationship and I cannot undo nor do I wish to ever have him know where I am at to help with payments. Say what you want, throw stones all you want, be who you are, but at the end of the day you have no idea who I am and make your judgements based upon what you see between the lines. May you not be judged so harshly the day of your judgement. First, let me start by saying this: Domestic abuse is a terrible situation and you have my sympathies for having gone through that. I hope that no matter what your financial situation ends up like, that you are able to find the support you need to heal the emotional scars such situations usually leave behind. The rest of my post has nothing to do with your past and everything to do with your future: I did not say you were in the situation you are in because of any one reason or another. I never said you "couldn't budget, control spending or buy whatever you want." You are the one who threw those words out there. I said without extreme changes your situation will never be any better and that is the truth. Bankruptcy is not a cure-all. I have not judged you, and if you take reality as a judgment so be it. I don't know you and have no reason to judge you. Everyone on here has given you great ideas and you've refuted most. I understand you want your creature comforts, we all do, but the situation you are in is pretty severe and you really can dig out of this if you would be willing to just give a few things up for a few months. Like I said before, make a goal to make certain changes just until you get your bonus. If I remember correctly, you said that bonus was in March, right? That is two teeny tiny months to make changes. Then, when you get your bonus and have a little wiggle room, challenge yourself to make some more changes until the next windfall comes in (taxes, gift money, card paid off, whatever that may be). It won't be as hard as it seems right now to get yourself out of this. I'm not sure where you get that I've "judged" you. I do think it would be unfair to your parents for you to drag their credit down too, when a few changes could be made to prevent that from happening. Have you talked to them about this? How do they feel about you filing bankruptcy? Maybe talking to them would be a better place to start than a message board, that way you don't have the stress of this all on just you. I'm not on here to get into silly little "message board fights". I am a realist, however, and I am not going to sugar coat reality. I've given you my opinion, as have many others. It is up to you do follow some very sound financial advice, or to decide to do your own thing. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
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Elderkind
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Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty....
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Post by Elderkind on Jan 22, 2011 22:40:17 GMT -5
FrugalNurse: We are all well aware that life is not roses and sunshine! That's why we are here on this forum and that is why CleanSlate is here. She did not scoff at every suggestion that wasn't BK but she is clearly frustrated and scared about her situation. Who wouldn't be? Whether or not we choose to buy a $5.00 bottle of shampoo is irrelevant; but for many of us, including myself, that fact that I could not buy a bottle of $5.00 shampoo because I didn't have enough money for that small item would be close to rock bottom.
CleanSlate needs a little time to process the information and suggestions given her. Of course she is going to be hesitant to cut cable and haircuts... but I bet if you gave her a chance, she would take these suggestions and come up with a viable plan. Who knows, she may think about it awhile and decide that the cable has got to go. But, if she feels that she is being attacked, she is going to do what other posters have done and retreat, feeling bullied and rejected...
Put yourself in her position... how would you feel being publicly told that you were dragging your parents through the mud and ruining their credit? Humiliated, hurt and embarrassed maybe? CleanSlate has essentially bared her financial soul to us and she deserves a little respect...
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naturallyfrugal
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Post by naturallyfrugal on Jan 22, 2011 23:55:36 GMT -5
I think the OP has been, at the least, hesitant to cut all extras. After my divorce in the mid-90s when I was in my mid-20s, I was also downsized from my job (both happened within 2 weeks of oen another) and could not afford food. The company I worked for was small and not required to pay unemployment tax, so I received none.
I had just enough saved to pay rent, utilities and part of my car payment. I wasn't at all familiar with any services I could receive and my pride probably wouldn't have allowed me to apply to any and there were times that all I had to eat was a spoonful of peanut butter (maybe with bread) or a small bit of cheese. It was awful!
My XH racked up a bunch of debt on cards in my name and I was responsible for them - I agreed to a quickie divorce to be rid of him, so I know where you're coming from. But, I sure as heck didn't have internet, cable, cell phone.....nada! It had to be done....did it suck? Absolutely! But I got past it.....you just need to prioritize. I found a new job 4 months later and started climbing out of debt and saving....it took 4 years, but I did it and went back to school for another degree (again, a period of no extras because I was paying for school out-of-pocket) and.....oh, right....in between...I had 2 back surgeries....sometimes you just have to put on your big girl panties and stop feeling sorry for yourself (I went through that period) and get on with getting back on track. You can do it - whether you opt for bankruptcy or paying it back yourself.
This is not meant to be slam.....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2011 23:59:15 GMT -5
I think the OP has been, at the least, hesitant to cut all extras. After my divorce in the mid-90s when I was in my mid-20s, I was also downsized from my job (both happened within 2 weeks of oen another) and could not afford food. The company I worked for was small and not required to pay unemployment tax, so I received none. I had just enough saved to pay rent, utilities and part of my car payment. I wasn't at all familiar with any services I could receive and my pride probably wouldn't have allowed me to apply to any and there were times that all I had to eat was a spoonful of peanut butter (maybe with bread) or a small bit of cheese. It was awful! My XH racked up a bunch of debt on cards in my name and I was responsible for them - I agreed to a quickie divorce to be rid of him, so I know where you're coming from. But, I sure as heck didn't have internet, cable, cell phone.....nada! It had to be done....did it suck? Absolutely! But I got past it.....you just need to prioritize. I found a new job 4 months later and started climbing out of debt and saving....it took 4 years, but I did it and went back to school for another degree (again, a period of no extras because I was paying for school out-of-pocket) and.....oh, right....in between...I had 2 back surgeries....sometimes you just have to put on your big girl panties and stop feeling sorry for yourself (I went through that period) and get on with getting back on track. You can do it - whether you opt for bankruptcy or paying it back yourself. This is not meant to be slam..... Spoken like someone who can really understand what the orgional OP is going thru!!
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 23, 2011 9:05:46 GMT -5
Whether or not we choose to buy a $5.00 bottle of shampoo is irrelevant; but for many of us, including myself, that fact that I could not buy a bottle of $5.00 shampoo because I didn't have enough money for that small item would be close to rock bottom.
CleanSlate needs a little time to process the information and suggestions given her. Of course she is going to be hesitant to cut cable and haircuts... but I bet if you gave her a chance, she would take these suggestions and come up with a viable plan. Who knows, she may think about it awhile and decide that the cable has got to go. But, if she feels that she is being attacked, she is going to do what other posters have done and retreat, feeling bullied and rejected...
Put yourself in her position... how would you feel being publicly told that you were dragging your parents through the mud and ruining their credit? Humiliated, hurt and embarrassed maybe? CleanSlate has essentially bared her financial soul to us and she deserves a little respect... The fact is that she finds the $5.00 to spend on shampoo, so she is choosing to buy it. And that isn't the big issue anyway, there are much larger areas where she can and should cut back. If she cuts out those areas (cable, dining out, haircuts) then the $5.00 won't be near as much of an issue. If I were on these boards bearing my financial soul and was at rock bottom, I would hope that I'd have the humility to realize that my way isn't working and I need to listen to the advice of others who are not in financial hardship, or who have been at one point, but have now dug their way out. And it needed to be pointed out that her refusing to cut cable, haircuts, etc. would not just hurt her credit, but also her parents'. Her family put their financial lives on the line for her, and I think they deserve her to be respectful enough to not compromise their credit scores over a few months of cable and haircuts. I really hope she talks to them. It sounds like her parents have been very helpful to her in the past, and confiding in them may relieve a huge amount of stress from her shoulders (it sounds like she is carrying this burden on her own). They might even loan her $$ to help get her through. if she doesn't ask, she will never know.
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constanz22
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Post by constanz22 on Jan 23, 2011 9:39:41 GMT -5
I kind of have to agree with frugalnurse here. My problem with the OP is that there have been numerous helpful posts with realistic ideas, and not only has she not even acknowledged any of these posts, she also hasn't said, "gee, I need to look at that, that might help..." I agree, DV is a terrible thing that nobody should have to go through, but, I also think that victims can get caught up in that "victim mentality" that permeates all areas of their life, including financial. I didn't feel that anyone was being judgemental to her or "picking on" her. I found it interesting that the only post she chose to comment on was one where she felt she was being judged or attacked and NONE of the ones that offered helpful suggestions.
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chicg
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Post by chicg on Jan 23, 2011 11:08:00 GMT -5
frugalnurse, constanz - well said.
Cleanslate - honestly, people only post when they think they can help or they've been in a similar situation. There is no personal judgement in the posts, no one knew the background of your circumstances but that doesn't change the actions that are necessary moving forward. Take the tips that were offered here or don't, but if you come here asking for advice on how to avoid BK, there will be hard advice because it's not an easy process. I've crawled out from under a rock and life didn't end but I had to make a lot of changes. No one is saying you need to look homeless...I didn't cut out my haircuts but I cut back on them and went to an all over color that required less maintenance then my highlights, many do home color, my best friend cuts her hair herself. You can take each suggestion and make it work for your circumstances. I know not everyone is superwoman and you might not be able to realistically implement all suggestions but there are enough tips in this thread to get you to March when you get your bonus and then how to manage for the months beyond. Best of luck, the tough love is hard to hear but for me, that's what helped me most. If something stings, it's often because there is an element of truth in it. You have a job and a supportive family and sought out help from this board, I'm confident you can do this.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jan 23, 2011 13:43:35 GMT -5
I have to agree with frugalnurse, and like chicg, I've also been in a very tough financial place, though not as deep as the OP's position.
It took me a year to dig myself out of debt, and two years to build up enough money in an emergency fund and other savings to the point where I could sleep well at night. You have to take what works for you from these posts, and understand that tough love does work, along with tough discipline. It really stinks to do without what you want, and to work with "lesser" and "cheaper" products, when you've been used to the best, or accustomed to buying whatever, whenever you want. But the party needs to stop because this financial situation is not just about you, and it's not just about now. Your parents are involved, and your future credit, and even job opportunities are in serious trouble. Prospective employers can and will look at your credit and payment history, and they may decide not to hire you if they see anything that indicates poor payment history, missed payments, too much spending, etc.
While never having experienced domestic abuse personally, I am familiar with what it does to people from a professional viewpoint; I worked in the criminal justice system for years. The effects are deep and overwhelming, and counseling is absolutely necessary for many victims. But I'm not sure I can accept your putting it out there as an excuse for the current situation. It's one thing to acknowledge the fact that the abuse happened, and it's had an effect; it's another thing to use it as a crutch to continue out-of-control financial behavior, even if the card usage did occur during that time. That time is no longer the present. The current situation, as you posted with your charts, is your present. I am a believer in making changes large and small; a statement that goes against the beliefs of some who post here. I believe it because both types of budget changes worked for me. Some of the big changes involved finding a second income, paying off and keeping an old car, getting serious about couponing and rebates (and actually saving the money I save). Others are saving my change on a daily basis and banking it once a year, changing hairstylists and the number of annual haircuts, using thrift and consignment stores, and using reward points to buy what I need. But most important change: I changed my relationship with money. I used to use it as a salve, a bandage, a means to "fix" what was bad or as a cocktail to celebrate what was good. Now it's a tool, and a means to comfortable and richer, though not a hugely wealthy life. We own what we have, we can afford to do all the things we need to do, and some of what we want to do, and understand that paying off debt and saving for later is not a form of punishment.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2011 15:27:17 GMT -5
I kind of have to agree with frugalnurse here. My problem with the OP is that there have been numerous helpful posts with realistic ideas, and not only has she not even acknowledged any of these posts, she also hasn't said, "gee, I need to look at that, that might help..." I agree, DV is a terrible thing that nobody should have to go through, but, I also think that victims can get caught up in that "victim mentality" that permeates all areas of their life, including financial. I didn't feel that anyone was being judgemental to her or "picking on" her. I found it interesting that the only post she chose to comment on was one where she felt she was being judged or attacked and NONE of the ones that offered helpful suggestions. If you were her, down and out, DEPRESSED and the whole 9 yards, would you acknowledge anyone! NO, you'd go away!!
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jan 23, 2011 17:16:45 GMT -5
The OP risks nothing by posting and commenting on advice given. She gains nothing by leaving, other than the mistaken notion that no one likes her and everyone is out to get her.
I have said this before: you cannot post on these boards in the hope of getting advice, and then get defensive when you get it. Granted, some posts on any of the boards are genuinely rude and mean-spritied. Most of the responses on the financial boards come from people who either have solid financial backgrounds, and can help the OP get there, or people like the OP, who have been in trouble and clawed their way out, or folks in the financial sector who have worked with budgets, bankruptcies and such, and have seen this scenario before.
It does amaze me sometimes that people do not have a thicker skin when coming here. I realize that some of what happened to the OP has been a factor in making her more vulnerable. But the toughness here is Hello Kitty territory compared to what she will have to steel herself to do next, should she make the decision to really get her bills paid and her financial life together.
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jan 23, 2011 18:06:08 GMT -5
Ok, so can you do the following for a few months, maybe until you get the bonus and can pay off some debt, so that your money wont' be so tight?: Cable- get rid of it. It is only for a few months. Watch TV on Hulu.com, youtube, funnyordie, rent movies from blockbuster express for $1.00 (you can usually find promo codes to get these for free), use a free 3 week subscription to netflix, then another free 3 week to blockbuster, etc. Savings: $67.00/month (that is a lot of money for someone looking at Bankruptcy) Dining out- $25.00 -stop this now. you can't afford it and it isn't healthy anyway. you can make a healthy, easy meal at home very cheap. A favorite that got us through some lean times: Whole Wheat Tortillas- $1.50 for 10 Vegetarian refried beans: $.60/can Canned corn: $.33/can Cheese : $1.00 for the block of cheese Spread one tortilla with some refried beans, top with a little corn and some shredded cheese. Fold in half, and brown in skillet or microwave for 1 minute. These ingredients make 10 "quesadillas" and are unbelievably filling. Total time: about 5 min Cost: $.34 per serving Personal -$90.00 - I'm not sure what this entails, but start reading some couponing blogs, get your personal care items for free. At Rite aid this week you can get three 4-roll packs of toilet paper free after rite aid rewards. Start there, then work on getting shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, toothpaste for free. You can also get your household cleaning supplies for pennies on the dollar Entertainment- $47.00 - Someone who is looking at bankruptcy should not be spending on entertainment. There are lots of free ways to entertain yourself. There is a thread about that on the smart spending blog. Total amt. you can trim just by doing these things: $229.00 That is HUGE for someone who currently has no wiggle room. If you can keep it up after you get you bonus, and make this a way of life until things are more comfortable, you will be able to get out of this without filing bankruptcy Reduce your grocery spending by just a liitle on top of this and add your emergency fund and you will be able to pay of cc #7 this month. In two more months you can pay off cc#5 etc. Keep throwing the freed up money at your debt and soon you will be making real inroads without taking your parents down with you, because you are not willing -or too overwhelmed- to makes the necessary changes
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cleanslate09
Junior Member
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Joined: Jan 4, 2011 13:32:12 GMT -5
Posts: 139
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Post by cleanslate09 on Jan 24, 2011 12:38:02 GMT -5
Ahhh to the almighty intelligent ones. You are so wise and so quick to point out what I will do and won't do. You might not call it judging, but I do.
Yes, there are things that I will continue to be hesitant to cut and that is my choice. But there are other things that I am willing to cut and have taken some of the advice given here where or not I came back and said yep, I like that idea and I am going with it.
It is a work in progress. For the record, I have no new debt since I left my ex two years ago. I currently have three credit cards that are open, all which have a balance of zero. I was making head way on paying things off until the credit cards changed laws and all of them decided to bump my interest rates to 29.99% before they couldn't.
For the record, my hair is to the middle of my back and gets cut every 3 months. I recognize that it grows extremely fast and having a very short style is not feasible. Not that I need to justify it to the oh might ones.
I felt in a panic mode on Thursday and have worked through it and will continue to work through paying off my debt. For those of you that are stone throwers, keep throwing stones, all it does is fuel my fire to get rid of it.
For the ones that have offered great suggestions, THANK YOU! I do appreciate it and have taken some of the suggestions to heart.
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Frugal Nurse
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Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
Posts: 988
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 24, 2011 12:48:44 GMT -5
Ahhh to the almighty intelligent ones. You are so wise and so quick to point out what I will do and won't do. You might not call it judging, but I do. Yes, there are things that I will continue to be hesitant to cut and that is my choice. But there are other things that I am willing to cut and have taken some of the advice given here where or not I came back and said yep, I like that idea and I am going with it. It is a work in progress. For the record, I have no new debt since I left my ex two years ago. I currently have three credit cards that are open, all which have a balance of zero. I was making head way on paying things off until the credit cards changed laws and all of them decided to bump my interest rates to 29.99% before they couldn't. I felt in a panic mode on Thursday and have worked through it and will continue to work through this. For those of you that are stone throwers, keep throwing stones, all it does is fuel my fire to get rid of it. Definition of judging (from Google dictionary): derived from the word Judge: 1.Form an opinion or conclusion about 2.Decide (a case) in court 3.Give a verdict on (someone) in court 4. Decide the results of (a competition) A statement of facts is not judging. Had we said "you are ____type of person because you are in debt" that would be a judgment. We have offered suggestions and pointed out facts, which for some reason makes you get very defensive. Have you talked to your parents yet? How do they feel about it? Do you at least acknowledge that filing bankruptcy would have a negative impact on their credit scores? Call it throwing stones if you want, but all we have done is thrown facts.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 24, 2011 12:51:21 GMT -5
The statement about the $90 monthly personal care money doesn't make sense if you are only getting a haircut every three months. Maybe that money is going somewhere else? Try writing every thing down each week and look at it closely, to find where your money goes.
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cleanslate09
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Joined: Jan 4, 2011 13:32:12 GMT -5
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Post by cleanslate09 on Jan 24, 2011 13:00:44 GMT -5
Frugalnurse - Since you are so much better than us and we can learn so much from you, why don't you share your budget with us and exactly how much debt you have. If you don't have any debt, how much did you have when you started racing it and how long did it take you to pay it off.
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Frugal Nurse
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 24, 2011 13:22:47 GMT -5
Frugalnurse - Since you are so much better than us and we can learn so much from you, why don't you share your budget with us and exactly how much debt you have. If you don't have any debt, how much did you have when you started racing it and how long did it take you to pay it off. First of all, I have never once claimed to be better then anyone else, nor did I claim to know it all. I have tried offering you advice, which for some reason seems to make you think I am judging you. I'm not a racer. Debt-wise I have some student loan debt and a small amount of credit card that I will have paid off the first year after I graduate from my current program (I am continuing my education from LPN to RN). I know it will be paid off because I am signing a contract with my employer to work there for a year, and in return they will back-pay me the amount of my tuition. My other debt is my mortgage, which I will probably not pay off before DH and I sell and upgrade. I have no need to post my budget, because I am not in financial trouble. This is a thread you posted in order to get help, but you get offended when people off advice. Without an open mind, you won't gain much from the advice offered, because it is hard advice to follow, and it means really examining some things in your life. Turning this around on me is a defense mechanism and take the subject off you. I get that, but you are the one that started the thread about yourself. Again, I wish you good luck, and urge you to speak to your parents about everything. I think it would help you tremendously.
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cleanslate09
Junior Member
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Joined: Jan 4, 2011 13:32:12 GMT -5
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Post by cleanslate09 on Jan 24, 2011 13:32:04 GMT -5
Well, see you offer advice for a situation you don't have experience in. Just move along. You assume my parents don't know anything. Or wait, you don't assume because you have all the facts. I forgot. Have a nice day.
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Gardening Grandma
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 13:39:46 GMT -5
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jan 24, 2011 13:46:36 GMT -5
cleanslate, You posted your take home pay. Do you have a large tax refund coming? If so, I'd suggest changing your withholding so that your take home pay is a bit more. That can add a bit to your cc payments.
Also, the 68 for the cell phone IS high. If you shop around, I'm pretty sure that you can find a plan for about half that amount.
Is your internet broadband? If so, you could look at Skype (I think that's already been suggested, but it's worth considering).
You haven't said whether you've talked to your parents, but if their name is on the mortgage and you are seriously considering bk, that needs to happen - asap.
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Frugal Nurse
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Joined: Jan 3, 2011 18:19:55 GMT -5
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Post by Frugal Nurse on Jan 24, 2011 13:51:22 GMT -5
Well, see you offer advice for a situation you don't have experience in. Just move along. You assume my parents don't know anything. Or wait, you don't assume because you have all the facts. I forgot. Have a nice day. I didn't assume anything. I asked you if you had, and urged you to speak to them if you haven't. As for my having no experience at being in financial despair, I didn't realize that not being in financial trouble was a bad thing. If I were in financial trouble and needed advice, I would ask for it from someone who isn't in trouble. Getting advice from people who are also deep in debt with no idea how to fix it would be the blind leading the blind. Again, good luck to you. You have a very good chance of digging out, and a lot of us have given you good advice.
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