My debt is through not living within my means and I look around and think I have made silly decisions. Most of my debt isn't a visible posession now. I used to feel guilty for being out at work for 55 hours a week and leaving my 3 boys with a childminder, so I would suggest weekends away, dinners out etc.
Since I have been at home, my children haven't even asked for these things, they just wanted me! And I'm free!
I don't think any of us should feel that we are letting our families down. We are all dealing with our problems and will be debt free and so much wiser one day.
I do feel like im letting my family down, its my daughters 10th birthday on friday and ive had to be really carefull as we came back from our sun holiday end of september to having someone try to break in. hence need a bran new door but that was alot of money to find upfront for the excess, thank god my insurance has covered the cost of a door or i would be stuck.
I keep thinking why did i get ourselves in this position, and can things get any worse
I thought the same as you yesterday. My car wouldn't start, no lights nothing and I froze in sheer panic that I might face an expensive bill with no money to pay. Luckily, it was just the battery but that 1/2 hour waiting for the AA gave me time to think how life will be until I can say I'm debt free. I am angry with myself for overspending but just think that your 10 year old has a Mum who loves and cares for her and money can't buy that.
I am dreading December, my eldest will be 13, my youngest 8, my Dad 74 and to top it all- Christmas! Dreadful family planning!!
I am starting to admit to my kids that the funds won't stretch and they are quite understanding. They don't need to ask for all the latest things, they have 2 parents that adore them, we all have our health and as long as we stick together we should be fine.
You've had a horrible time with the break-in but try to enjoy your daughters Decade milestone xxx
Heidi - how awful for you! So glad the insurance was able to cover the door and thank goodness they didn't manage to get in!
As regards presents - Ebay is a good source of cheap stuff, clothes are cheap at Asda (I use both all the time)
I use them all the time for presents for my step grandkids.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Oh Ladyh, there's nothing on the TV in March, that's the problem!!
If any Members have a Costco near to them, try and get membership, it's £12 for the year but you save a massive amount. They have everything from food to books, seasonal gifts and electricals. It is incredible and they have some lovely unusual, always good quality things that look like they cost a fortune when they don't. I bought a lovely Vanity case, full of make-up for £18, looked like it was at least £50, ideal for teenage girls.
My nearest is Croydon. If anyone wants to go but can't get membership, I can take you in as a guest. Let's have a Frugal Friends trip! They only accept cash and debit cards too.
I'll pass on a Frugal Friends trip to Croyden though - our nearest is Birmingham and we'll stick with that. Get our dog food from there, a lot cheaper than Asda.
Ladyh - I've got mine, hubby's, stepson's all in December! I know where you are coming from there!
Christmas is mostly being funded by vouchers earned doing online surveys.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
There's a pattern forming- we all have loads of extra expense in December! Time to suggest having 'Official and Unofficial' birthdays to our nearest and dearest, like HM The Queen! Spread the outgoings...
I'm not surprised that you're not tempted by a trip to Croydon Kallis, it's only saving grace is the wonderful new Costco and Ikea!!
I'm not overly fussed on IKEA. I refuse to queue to get on the car park, as we have to by us, go round in a one way system and find that most of the stuff is not what you want anyway!
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Never eaten there. In fact I can't remember the last time we ate out anywhere other than when my parents have paid for Sunday lunch.
Meatballs doesn't do it for me though!
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
I've never been in an Ikea, do fancy it I must admit, but can imagine with money I would come away with lots of things I didn't really need!
Thank you to everyone for your good wishes, I think I was having a down day and today is a better day. This forum is wonderful for offering the support to all of us if we are having a bad day.
AR, my granddaughter is 5 and the others are all grandsons but thank you so much for your very kind and generous offer it is much appreciated.
I do realise my IVA isn't forever and I'm in a much better position than I was 2 yrs ago with the pressure of mounting debts, just some days I forget and have a quick wallow in self pity, but doesn't last and normally feel better soon after. Thank you all x
IVA final payment left the bank on the 26th January 2013...looking forward to a debt free future.
We have one or two things from IKEA - went in the middle of the week when there were no queues! It's not my first port of call though!
You know where I am if you want a rant or to offload!
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Ikea is good for kitchen utensils, very cheap and drinking glasses etc. I'm veggie so can't recommend the meatballs but with the coffee/tea, you pay once for a cup and can keep topping up.
