Women in Red Racers - South Region

[forwardwego]

Good Morning WIRRs!
(i like our new coffee cup)

Wow, the board has been so active.

CleanSlateGood job following up w/ Target and scoring a better payment plan.

Posted by redracerris on Yesterday at 6:34pm

cleanslate be sure to get all these payment arrangements IN WRITING, otherwise it could get ugly and you'd really have to file BK.

Great advice, and maybe you could actually use a separate notebook and set up a calling plan for the 7 accts that aren't in collection. Then try regularly calling (remember honey gets you more bees) log EACH person you talk to (use their name as you converse with them), date & time, along with details of the calls. I'm guessing you'll get a lot of "no's", but eventually someone within one or more of those companies is going to have the authority to help and then will want to because you've been so positive & determined. They probably have millions of people who call once or twice and then fade out. But you want to stand out from the million as someone who has the fortitude to follow through & deserves a boost. We are here for you. The southern WIRRs will boost you and shore you up for what lies ahead!

Suz i am sorry your company let you down on that special gala night out. i am sorry you were disappointed and then had to tell your BF after he was planning on it too. Many moons ago something similar happened to me and i know it feels really bad to be on the receiving end of that deal. i'm glad that they are usually a very good place to work and usually seem to appreciate your hard work and committment. i appreciate your presence and example here. BTW i'm in the Daytona area so would like to join you, speech , & nasa if you meet up. But don't base any plan on me because i am now on the OT list at work which means i'm subject to very last minute requests to work.

Speech Way-to-go! ditching that last interest bearing acct. and i've been anticipating getting to congratulate you on being in the 2K range because (get ready for a corny comment):
Two GRAND is TOOOOO GRAND
Ready4aChange Welcome to the $5500 club. i think there are SIX southern gals there now!! hope it updates soon cause i'm really looking fwd to seeing all of our names there

[speechchick71]

Forwardwego: Thanks for the CHEER! I was thinking the same thing, too, that the $5500 and under group was going to have a lot of SOUTH written in the one column. However, MY hope is that the next time Minnesota updates it, I go from "Welcome Speechchick" to "Congrats to Speechchick for graduating!"....all between one up date to the next! I'm going to have to remember that corny comment for when you get to that point too!

Suz: I meant to comment about your lousy boss for telling you that you have to stay home. It reminded me of when I was working in TX and they told me, first, that the office was closed and I had to find something to do because they were all going out for lunch and then a week later when we closed early, that they were "all going to the Christmas party but you aren't invited". I didn't like those people and may have even bowed out but it still hurt. It made me dislike them even more for being so petty and immature. But for you, you LIKE the people you work for so I'm sure it smarts even more. Maybe you and your DBF should splurge, get dressed up, and go out somewhere special?

Happy Saturday to all!

[reducemydebt]

Suz: Sorry to hear about the change in plans for the Gala event. I know that really disappointed you. Maybe you and DBF should still get dressed up and go out to eat. If not on Feb. 5 then how about Valentine’s Day? It won’t be free, but you could at least plan a nice elegant evening out. Excellent update by the way!

Speech: Glad to hear that your race will be over soon and that you’ll still hang out with us. You and Suz are too much with your posts! ;D

cleanslate09: Unfortunately, I don’t know about the rules for bankruptcy but I certainly can sense your frustration with the situation. I have been there at times when I felt that I had no way out. As Suz mentioned, is there anyone that can help you in the short term? Have you tried to get a consolidation loan with a co-signer if needed to get your payments down? I would think the creditors will work with you instead of pushing you into bankruptcy.

[suzwantstobefree]

Maybe you and your DBF should splurge, get dressed up, and go out somewhere special?

I was thinking the exact same thing!!! I think I will do it on the same day even, he-he. The thought of going out on Valentines weekend makes me break out in hives (joking) but I honestly don't like the huge crowds!!!!

Speech - when you are done with your race perhaps you can join me and RedRacerRis on the savers race board. I need my fellow constant poster I want to be able to raz you when you get the "I post a lot" message

Clean I went out and got my hair done today and was thinking of you. I really love the way my hair looks when they dry it all the way and it is straight and shiney. I think I would give up cable before I gave up my hair day. Don't let the mean people get to you - we still you!!!! Just don't give up and keep thinking about all the suggestions you have heard and put into action one or two of them and it should become more manageable for you.

And one person that won't be in the <$5500 club for a long time is me but I am almost $25K less heavy then last year. One of these days I am going to have to calculate how much I have saved on interest due to paying off this amount of debt. I would really have to think about how to calculate that though, so not today!!! My DBF is coming over soon and we are going to Outback thanks to a Gift Card I have.

[suzwantstobefree]

Oh and Speech - those girls from Texas belong in the OMG group - original mean girls!!!!!

[Elderkind]

Jdnstl: Oui! You so beat me by a mile on the posts... Looks like the bathroom is completely finished but not without a little more drama! The shelves are horribly made and were thrown out in the carport with one coat of cheap paint on them. At 11:30pm last Tuesday I get a text from the LL telling me to put them in the house. Well, I tried putting them in place and they don't fit...Whatever...The workmen also left a bunch of trash (coke cans, food wrappers) and various pieces of equipment laying around the house for me to clean up... But, I am just glad that it is all over...
SuzWantsToBeFree: That really stinks that your company withdrew their invitation to the gala; especially after all the hard work you put in. Very unclassy... Maybe a romantic dinner & dancing for you and your DBF on the same night would ease the sting a little. Hugs! Fantastic Paydown and kudo's on your increased EF!
SpeechChick71: LOL at your 4 p o s t s! ;D
NasaGreen: Sending good juju's that the house sells soon!
CleanSlate09: Great Update!
CraftySarah: I totally hear you about January being a hard month! I always struggle a bit after Christmas myself...

[Elderkind]

CleanSlate: I am so very sorry that you are going through this. About seven years ago I was in a similar predicament and BK was starting to look like the only option. What I did instead was get a low interest debt consolidation loan from my credit union for $10K. The payments were $260 a month and it gave me enough breathing room to start working on the other interest bearing debts that were over $20K. I took advantage of the 0% interest for a year CC offers and moved my highest interest bearing debt over. Each 0% CC had no more than $3K so my payments were not real high. At the end of the year, I would move the balance to another 0% card. This combination gave me a little breathing room to pay rent and buy groceries but not much else. But it was a start and after a couple of years, the breathing room became larger and I was in a much better place... Don't give up! You can do this and we are behind you all the way! Hugs!
SpeechChick71: Congratulations! You are almost across the finish line and I am so very happy for you!
Ready4Change: Great Update! Let us know how the free coupon class is!

[cleanslate09]

Elderkind...I you for your comments on the other post. It is insane. I wanted to post that for the record, I have hair that is to the middle of my back with minimal layers that gets cut every twelve weeks and my hair dresser helps with highlights every twelve weeks by just doing the crown. But, then I realized most of them over there are not worth air.

I honestly feel better about things and they will work themselves out in the in long run. My first change is that I have two diet cokes a day, Monday thru Friday, a total of $0.50 a day. I am cutting that back to one a day and will transfer $0.25 a day to my smallest card hoping to "race" it a small bit faster. Plus I have a personal blog on blogspot and my friends are being great about critiquing what I spend money on. I post every penny spent and they weigh in. ;D

I just going to chip away at this as fast as I can and tell those naysayers on the other thread where to put it.

Elderkind - I am happy that you are done with the bathroom remodel!

forwardwego All the cards are in payoff arrangements that are in writing. Plus, with the exception of a couple smaller ones, all are 0% interest.

Suzwantstobefree - Maybe I am selfish but I just feel so better about myself and confident when I have my hair done. Ironically I was suppose to get it cut today but had to put it off until I got paid again.

Speechchick - Congrats on getting rid of that last bit of interest! Definitely an inspiration!

[freshnewday]

CoNGRaTS on your awesome new milestone, Speechchick!
You are on fire!

I got another hurtful email from my dad a few minutes ago. I wouldn't have opened it, but he put in the title that my brother was having a serious health problem. My dad has been so manipulative and hurtful, threatening and mean. It's really hard on my heart, because it's my dad, you know? I don't know why he is still emailing. He already told me the daughter he loved doesn't exist. I have nightmares about him. I wish I could move far away.

[freshnewday]

cleanslate: I hate financial stress. I'm so sorry you are going through this. We were in a very scary place 4 years ago. I want to encourage you that you can make it. Making cuts to a budget hurts. Scraping by and putting every dime to debt stinks. You are doing it, and it is going to be so worth it when you are free and have financial peace. As each creditor is paid and a chain falls off, it is so amazing. Once you are debt free and have no payments, you are going to be able to build wealth for you. I really want that for you. Thank you for sharing your situation with us. We are here to support you whatever you decide to do!

Really, you are so amazing! Look at all those zeroes you have! You work TWO jobs. I'm impressed with how organized you are with your budget. Girl, you are inspiring!

[freshnewday]

elderkind is awesome!

[Elderkind]

CleanSlate: No worries! The board is supposed to be flame free and I didn't feel that FN's comments were appropriate or true so I had to say something... You defended yourself quite well and see, you are already coming up with a plan...
FreshNewDay: I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's actions toward you. I have an uncle that sounds just like him and his kids barely speak to him... It's very sad but it's his choice. Could you change your email so he can't bother you anymore? Sending hugs your way and thank you for the kind words!

[forwardwego]

cleanslate Your payment arrangement sounds great! Your CC #7's days are numbered and they are few. Elderkind is a very loving mama bear and we are lucky to have her !
SuzThat was a rocking update! i think you've done so well & set such a good example of finding balance between paying it down and the occasional reward.
Nasa Sending good wishes for the house to sell. i hope your repair went well, your plan for continued price reductions sounds very pro-active and should set your house apart and get it sold. (Plus it is a very lovely home.)
Congrats to jdnstl & speech on your 2 s!
Nice update Pammy, offsetting most of the price of your ring

[forwardwego]

freshnewday My sympathies to you in regard to your father's manipulative , hurtful actions. You are doing a great job of breaking the cycle here. Often this kind of behavior gets passed through the generations, but you are taking your stand against it. You are in a tough spot. Both financially and in parenting you are creating that fresh new day for your family! It's apparently not going to be easy but it's the loving thing to do for DH, yourself, and your children.
ETA do you have your brother's contact info so you can check on his well-being directly?

[suzwantstobefree]

Fresh - I would change the email address and your phone numbers. I had to do that with the ex husband for my own well being - you don't deserve to go through this, especially if he has already written you off (ie: telling you that you that you are not the daughter he loved). I know it is difficult, but if he is hurtful to you, it isn't in your best interest to continue to have contact with him that causes you to feel this way. BTW - if you change your email address you can move your contact information over and then email the people that you want to have you contact information. This way you won't lose contact with those you want to remain in contact with. You can even say that you were receiving too much spam so you decided to get a new email address

Elderkind your LL is just terrible. Perhaps your df can help you build shelving? I don't think it would cost very much and at least you can have what you need You are the best!!!! It is really nice having a supportive group of women that help each other with our common goal - getting out of debt. We wouldn't have gotten here if we didn't occasionally make poor decisions, but we really are trying and don't deserve to be beat up. There is always going to be someone who could say that we shouldn't spend our money the way we do, but we are trying to make better decisions and to do the best we can with the money we have.

Clean - the best thing would be able to post an "I told you so" to the naysayers that are mean! I know you can do it and there were plenty of good suggestions you just have to figure out what works best for you I have long hair with layers too but I have to spend a little more money getting rid of the gray. I have to go every six weeks and I know that I could color it myself but I am scared to try it It is not something I would give up unless I had no other choice!

Pammy - How great is it to have a shiny new ring while still paying of debt? What a nice Christmas present!!!

[Deleted]

Jan 22, 2011 21:26:43 GMT -5 freshnewday said:

elderkind is awesome!

I concur!

freshnewday, I am so sorry you are having to deal with all of this. I think the suggestion to change your contact information is probably a good one. You may have to tell some family members the real reason though, if you don't want them to share your info with your father.


I had a pretty good day yesterday in a way that only the folks on this Board will really understand... My W-2 and most of my other tax forms came in the mail, and I got super excited that it was almost Turbo Tax day. (Is it weird that I sort of love doing my taxes?) I'm hoping to get around $500 back that I can throw at my last CC.

I also "won big" at nickel dime poker. Or, at least, I had budgeted for a $10 night out and I came home a few bucks ahead. I'm going to celebrate by parking at the meters for school this week, instead of hoofing it three blocks in the cold so I can find a free spot.

It really is the little luxuries

[suzwantstobefree]

It really is the little luxuries

Isn't this the truth? People that aren't trying as hard as us really don't even get it!!!!

I dropped off everything at the accountant and cannot wait to see how I end up. I just don't want to do it myself since I have the rental home, but I am hoping I will get a refund anyway

[suzwantstobefree]

Clean - if you have a CVS near you.... They have diet coke on sale 5 12 packs for $15.00. Once you pay for this, on the bottom of the receipt you will get $5 off your next purchase. With this $5 you can get a bottle of herbal essence. This way you are buying the coke you like at the .25 per can you have budgetted and getting your HE for free. (Or you can use the $5 for whatever else you need, but at least that would be one idea based on what you have said). I am trying to cut down on my soda too, but not for money savings as much as better health.

[forwardwego]

CraftySarah It is awesome gearing up for that tax refund, getting & gathering all the pieces that add up to a paydown! And while most Americans are planning what to buy with their refund, we're gearing up to make another payment toward freedom and security, the best purchases of all. i'm excited for all of us here...i bet there will be a lot of really good updates and we'll beat that $3.5 million marker really soon. Enjoy your treat of close parking

ETA i hope you'll visit regularly after you win your race...i really miss the "Alumni". They can be really encouraging. Love hearing the descriptions of shoulders feeling lighter, etc...

[redracerris]

cleanslate I'm glad that you're feeling a little bit better and not so close to bankruptcy.

suz, have you figured out where/what you're going to do to get dressed up w/dbf? Dressing up really fancy every once in a while is really fun.

speech Congratulations, no more interest!!! woohooo put that debt in it's place.

freshnewday so sorry that you're still having to deal with this. When it comes to family, it is really tough. Still, we all need boundaries. Do what you feel is necessary to keep your family safe.

elderkind we love having you around, you always have such great advice to give and support to share. THANK YOU!

[muffyinthered]

Clean - I don't know how much equity you have in your house but if it is not a lot, I don't think you have to liquidate your home. Also I think you can sign up for some debt that you don't want discharged. The bankruptcy laws have changed alot so you might want to call a bankruptcy attorney. They usually have a free initial consultation. You find out what they can do for you and how much they charge to do it.
Also if you decide not to go that route, you might want to call the CC companies and tell them that you are in a deep hole and thinking of bankruptcy and find out what they are willing to do for you so that they get their money. But remember that any money they forgive is taxable. You will receive a 1099 for any money they forgive. But I would get to the point of saying, if you don't help me, you will be going the Bankruptcy route. Hopefully you will get some help. Good luck!

[muffyinthered]

Clean - Sorry my last message was written before I read about your arrangements with Target that you were able to get them to agree to. Congratulations. I have to go over to your BK thread to see what these people told you to do. I don't like people that are truly supportive. That is what these different threads are suppose to be.
Elderkind - I agree that your shoutouts are great and you are awesome to have here with us.
Speech - Congratulations on ridding yourself of the last interest bearing CC. You will be at the end of your race in no time
Suz - Sorry about being un-invited to the gala. Since I work contract work, I am left out of a lot of functions. Know how you feel. But glad that you are going to go out with DBF for a good time with out the people you work with.
Crafty - I am not looking forward to tax season. We will definitely owe money because of my unemployment. I actually get jealous when I read everybody here getting money back. We haven't gotten money back for the whole time we have lived in NC (6 years). I long for the good old days when I could count on something coming back to me.
Fresh - I am so sorry that you have to deal with your Dad. My father died when I was young so I didn't have those problem but I know that DH had problems with his Dad. His Dad was telling him to leave me for another woman!!!! Luckily DH didn't listen to him and we have been married for 351/2 years! I guess we showed him, except that he isn't with us to see this.
I put about 15 things up on ebay, since the free list time and sold 12 items. I need to sell more stuff so that we can afford to go up to WI for Grandson's birthday the end of March. We no longer have any certificates for a hotel like we did for Christmas. Once I have that covered then I will put money toward debt. I sure hope this selling streak continues.
I tend to wait a long time for my haircuts. But I do my own coloring. I can't see since I am not working paying $60 or more for the beautician to do it. My hair doesn't hold color for as long as they say, so that could get very expensive.
Is anyone else having to redue their budget to incorporate the rising cost of gasoline? I hate this even when we buy it at Sam's club. Can only do that when we are near Sam's since it is 25 miles from our house. But this gas price rising as fast as it is, is maddening.
I hope everyone has a great no spending week. I have no money left until we get paid on Friday!

[Deleted]

Hello Everyone. I am a new member to the Women in Red Racers. I have been trying to work on my debt for the last few years. It is not moving fast enough for me, and I now want to speed it up and get serious. I want Financial Freedom!!! I heard about your group on the Today Show and MSN. How do I get started? Can someone send me the spreadsheets that are being used for both the debt and savings tracker. Please send in xls. Thanks much!!

[Deleted]

I am in the Midwest. Does that matter?

[forwardwego]

Hi financial freedom! That's a lovely name . It's SO good that you've found the WIRRs (women in red racers). Congrats to you on the efforts you've already made in the past few years, and on your present determination to "speed it up and get serious". Right here is the WIRRs southern board, and there is a midwestern board. There are so many members that it was beneficial to break it down by regions of the country. If you back up one step in the choices you should see "Women in Red Racers- Midwest Region." Overall WIRRs has a lot of really wonderful women (and some men too) committed to winning their personal races against debt who will help you in your race too. If you're unable to locate the Midwest board, pop back in here & and one of the southern members who's more computer wise than i am will be able to direct you better. In general welcome to the "Greater" Women in Red Racers, you'll be so glad you joined.

[reducemydebt]

Elderkind: Sorry to hear that the saga continues on your bathroom issues. LL sounds absolutely dreadful!

cleanslate: Glad to hear that things are looking better today. There have been a lot of suggestions and hopefully you will be able to implement a couple of them in order to help you through this. Unfortunately, nothing will come quick so you will need patience as you get through this.

freshnewday: I am also sorry to hear that your dad is still bugging you. I agree with the others that you should look into changing your e-mail address. Has he said anything else about visitation rights with your kids? That may be something that you will need to mentally prepare yourself for in the future if he is serious. I believe you are in Florida and if so, we do have grandparent visitation rights. My DH was sued by his ex-MIL for visitation rights. It was very ugly and there wasn’t anything we could do. So, I would do like the others have suggested and keep the e-mails and letters that he is sending so you can have some type of proof regarding his character.

craftysarah: Enjoy your well deserved parking spot this week! LOL! I also agree with you that the little luxuries make life a little easier.


I'm nervous about our taxes this year. We lose a deduction since DS is out on his own and no longer a dependent. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we get a return back and if we do, it'll go towards one of our debts. Typically, DH and I split it and he puts half towards one of his and I'll do the same with my half. I read something that if you itemize that we can't file until mid to late February due to the tax laws. Has anyone else heard this?

[suzwantstobefree]

I ready something that if you itemize that we can't file until mid to late February due to the tax laws. Has anyone else heard this?

I read that as well. They had to reprogram the computers based on the changes that were passed in either the end of Dec or the beginning of Jan. But for the most part, those that are itemizing won't receive everything before the beginning of Feb. anyway.

[nasagreen]

forwardwego - thanks the shower is still under construction, so the house is off the market for now. i'm hoping it is finished sometime this week. had to borrow the money from my mother, but she is understanding and it is 0%! so that is nice. I just feel very irresponsible having to borrow from my parents. but hey, i made this bed. last year alone I went to Ohio, New York City, Chicago, and Australia. Not cheap in the least. So that is where the money went.

[cleanslate09]

Freshnewday – I echo the comments that you should change your email address. I would send him an email that at this time you request that he stop contacting you and your family. I would also file a complaint with your police department that he is trying to intimidate you, you have requested that he stop contacting you and hang on to those emails. If he does opt to try and get visitation of your grandchildren, you have laid ground works of how he is trying to disrupt your family.

Thank you for your kind words. I was an accounting major in college, so it kills me that I am where I am. But that said, I have this amazing spreadsheet that breaks down my budget to the 10th degree and allows me see if I go over budget this month, what my new budget amount is next month. In addition, I use a budget software from Snowmint Creative Solutions that lets you create envelopes and every deposit can be divided up amongst the envelopes. Plus, it has a cumulative envelope that shows me what my current net worth is. I am slowing trying to get that positive!

Craftysarah – I hadn’t heard about the changes that still need to come down from the itemized filers. I guess I better hold off for a little while longer.

Suzy – thank you for the info!!! I didn’t get a CVS add in the paper I picked up this week and would of missed it!
Muffyinthered – I am with you on the rising gas costs. We haven’t broke $3 yet in Texas, but something tells me that could be around the corner. How much cheaper is the Sam’s Club gas typically? I have one on the way to work and never thought about joining for the gas benefit.

Reducemydebt – How did you know patience was my major thing I consistently have to work on? I always want everything now. ;D

Nasagreen – I hope that you are able to get that shower fixed so you can get your house back on the market.

Now if it could just be Friday and my double payday! I have done some tweaking on the budget of places to cut back and can't wait to pay some bills. Sick, I know.

[reducemydebt]

cleanslate: Glad to hear that things are a little brighter for you. I think there are several of us who look forward to pay day so we can pay bills so you aren't the only one!

Nasa: Hope everything starts coming together with your house. I know you'll be glad to get this behind you. Everything okay with the baby?