Did I mention my recent sabbatical from reality the past 3 months?
It's kicking my a**.
I organized my bills for November and there are so many ones I need to make double on because I missed them last month. Plus there are late fees to take care of. I want to cry. I want to have a melt down. But instead I will take out my frustrations with these words and this blog. Acknowledging you have a problem is the first step right?
1. I have a problem.
Ok. Inhale. Exhale. The good news is that I am facing this financial mess and am attempting to get current on EVERYTHING.
The bad news is that...well just the entire situation. Christmas is coming and I have no idea how I am going to pay for it. This is horrible! Because of this effed up economy my husband will not be getting his bonus (was going to be $5000 before taxes) so I feel like I am about to suffocate.
Sorry I am ranting, it's either this or I get in my car, with my passport and American Express card and fly faraway. No, I wouldn't do that but I have a silly imagination. Plus, we have no money to pay AMEX.
One extremely small bright spot to my day is that my phone bill will be appx. $16 -$20 less per month because I downgraded plans.
That is it. Right now I literally have about $4.00 cash on me. I have 11.85 in checking and 72.71 in savings. I have another savings account but I think it only has like 10 or 20 in it.
We have a retirement account that is currently getting pummeled, ravaged and raped by the stock market. So, I feel like my head is going to explode. I am 33 years old and I am so ashamed of myself for letting this happen.
Inhale...exhale.
Will update tomorrow with exact figures/paycheck.
Please say a prayer for me and I will send prayers to all.
Bills are making my head explode!
November 6th, 2008 at 09:59 pm
November 6th, 2008 at 10:09 pm 1226009398
Prayers and hugs to you.
Do you have groceries? Plan your menu from your cupboards and avoid the store unless you need it. Head to Aldi's for milk (powdered if you need to)and produce (but canned is fine).
Prioritize your bills according to what you have to pay. Mortgage and utilities first. Make the minimum payments and get current on the ones that you can.
When is your next paycheck coming in? Suspend contributions to your 401K and DH's if it means more cash in your paycheck. Do your children have savings bonds that you can cash in and pay them back later? At this point any cash you can get your hands on is critical.
If you owe double on a bill, pay 1-1/2 now and 1-1/2 in December. You are already behind, don't suck yourself dry because of it.
Don't worry about Christmas just yet. It sucks about the bonus, but you both do have paychecks coming in and depending on the age of your kids, you can talk about the real meaning of Christmas or simply downgrade items.
Can you cancel your cable if you have premium channels? Try out Netflix and the library. Check your insurance premiums and see if you can raise deductibles to lower payments. Round up kids items and clothing that aren't in use and take to a kids consignment place like Once Upon a Child. Take stock of what you have around your house and try to sell it on Craigslist.
Good luck to you.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:22 pm 1226010127
I would say first try to get a handle on everything - what you owe and what you have coming in. Scream and take a deep breath.
Try to set up a budget for the month. Not enough money? prioritize - house, food, utilities, cars, credit cards. Your first budget, you'll miss a lot of stuff. That's ok. Keep at it.
Lastly, communicate with your husband. Talk to him. Work on this together.
Some of us are on or have traveled the same path as you. To me, honest communication with my wife and the budget were key. The first few months were hard. very hard. You are changing your behavior and how you view things.
Good luck and a lot of us are here for you.
November 6th, 2008 at 10:31 pm 1226010690
November 6th, 2008 at 11:21 pm 1226013718
November 6th, 2008 at 11:58 pm 1226015907
November 7th, 2008 at 12:10 am 1226016657
Thanks so much, you are all amazing!