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In May I am receiving £1,000 before stoppages from work as a loyalty bonus as we are being privatised (NHS). The question is, although I have relatively manageable debts totalling £3,900 in 4 credit cards and a Next account, all of which have no defaults on, should I

a) Pay1 card or account off in full

b) Pay some off all of them.

c) Keep it in the bank and just save it for a rainy day.

My partner is in dire straits with his money and it brings it home reading everyones stories on here just how important this small amount could be.

Before joining here the plan was to go out and get a golden retriever!! Something I've always wanted.

I don't want to waste a penny of it, but after years with an ex partner of not having my own money its so tempting to go out and just blow it.

Advice please!!

I know I shouldn't say this, (and I'm sure someone else will be on to correct me later!) but I would get the golden retriever! I love dogs and hate not having one around. When we (eventually) move from a flat to a house I'm having a dog, even though my partner prefers cats - a Rotty or a chocolate labrador for me!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Onwards and upwards!!!

I know Skippy, I'm so tempted.

But is it wise?

Suppose I could always breed her and make some money out of it. So it could be an investment.

Hi

I do not know your full story but assuming that youre not with your partner anymore. I would spend half on your puppy and pay the other half on your cards at least then you can have what you want without feeling guilty.

Good luck

LILY

Sorry, I shouldn't encourage you!!! Someone I know bought a bulldog (ugly thing) 18 months ago to breed from him - no sign of any breeding (apart from trying it with my partner's leg!), and they have to keep taking him to the vets. He cost a fortune to buy and has cost them £600 in the last 3 months in vet's fees.

Anyway, if you want to do the right thing with your money, don't take any notice of me!

Onwards and upwards!!!

Lily you are so much better than me!

Onwards and upwards!!!

As you are managing your debts perfectly adequately, I am with the dog lovers on this one! Do bear in mind to take into account pet food and insurance within your family budget.

Regards, Melanie Giles, Insolvency Practitioner for over 20 years.

For further details contact me at http://www.melaniegiles.com and view my IVA blog at: http://melaniegiles.blogs.iva.co.uk

Hell yes, the pet insurance, vital. My old english sheep dog, was diagnosed with lymphoma, and just one drip was 200 pounds, he had this and other drugs every week, I had insurance and only paid 55 pounds. He died, that was three years ago, we now have a golden retriver girl, she was a gift from a patient, she is naughty, but wouldnt be without her. The breeding thing though, no I wouldnt, it could br really costly, if something went wrong, the pups wouldnt be covered, the mess/the damage?

good luck

LILY

Life is too short - get the dog (being a dog lover I may be biased) anyway it would only probably cost about half your bonus then you can be "sensible" with the rest.

We had an Old English Sheepdog when I was growing up - stupid but adorable. Now my mum has a Rottweiler crossed with something else (no idea what!) that is totally unsuitable for her as my mum is 76 and the dog is big! The best bit is I am the dog's next of kin! When my mum adopted her I had to sign the form to say that if my mum couldn't look after Blaze her I would have her - could be interesting trying to explain my change of circumstances to my IP! One very large, hungry dog to keep - please can I have a variation?!?

Onwards and upwards!!!

Right, my minds made up!

I'm getting a pup, The money should pay for the dog, insurance for the year, injections, flea treatment, worming treatment and food for a while!!

And I could still pay off my smallest credit card which is only for £200.

Thanks you lot, I would have regretted not getting a pup!

Helen
x

Good choice! Let us know when you get him / her and keep us updated - it's nice to have something to smile about on here!

Onwards and upwards!!!
View my blog at: http://skippy13.blogs.iva.co.uk/

hi helen remember if you do decide to breed pregnancy and whelping is not covered on a standard pet insurance policy. you need breeders insurance, a c section could set you back about £600 and vets require payment upfront.