Just when I thought we were getting ....

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mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Just when I thought we were getting ....
7
 Mon, 04-28-2003 - 11:00pm
ahead. I got the $400 from the insurance, and I sent to the cc. I was able to start an emergency fund, and saved $30. Well...we don't have any more left. Thank God, my h gets paid on Friday. Today I had to take my DD to the doctor. Copay was $30. I had to take it from the emergency fund. Boy....these copays are a killer. Our car needs a brake job. We don't have cash nor cc to pay for it. I cut all my ccs as well. I only left one cc, and I froze it solid in the freezer (ha, ha,) Reason is so i wouldn't be tempted to use it.

I feel a little down about this financial crap. At times, I get angry at myself for letting myself get down about it. I shouldn't be worrying about this. I have my kids who are a God sent. My DD is alive and well w/her new liver. It has been 13 months, since she received it. Why the heck should I be worrying about $$$$. My baby girl has been through so much and she is alive. So many people have lost their love ones in this war. Selfish me.....at least I have my health, my kids have their health. We have food on the table every night and a roof over heads.

Sorry I just needed to vent. My h would not understand. He was the one who got us in this mess. Sunday he didn't have a penny to his name. It was so nice we went outside w/the kids. Guess what???? he finds $5 on the ground. Can u believe that?

Thanks for reading this far and letting me vent.

MYM

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momof2boys1663
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Mon, 04-28-2003 - 11:54pm
I know how you feel. At times I think things are going well. Debt is getting paid able to save a little and whamo! something unexpected comes up and I feel like I will never get ahead. Last week our van cost us over 700.00 to fix . .. so I have a little pity party as my friend likes to call it and than I pull up my boots and get my determination back to pay off our debts. I know you can do it too. Like you said you have a roof over your head and food in your belly (me too) and a healthy family. You have done well thus far and you know what? There will ALWAYS be those unexpected expenses BUT one your debt is paid it won't be such a cash crunch. Just think you managed to put 400.00 down on a cc so what if you used up the 30.00? Right? That is what it is there for. Sometimes looking at the same situation at a different perspective can make everything seem alright again. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

Sandra

lesliekc
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Tue, 04-29-2003 - 12:52pm
Someone on this board recommended "How to Get What you What With the Money you already have" by Carol Keeffe. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. Its philosphy is a little bit different- but I think it is a great way to start on the way to being debt free. One thing she espouses is to only pay the minimum on your credit cards - that way there is more money available for you to do the things you need to do with your money- such as copays or food or whatever. I don't know if I've explained it very well- but if you can find it, its worth a read.

good luck!

Leslie
jbtex
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Tue, 04-29-2003 - 1:14pm
The book you mentioned is what really got me serious on money management. I began by following her savings advice. In about 5 months I saved around $4000 and stayed current on my monthly bills. This was a great confidence builder. For the first time ever I was saving money.

I have changed things up a little. I realized even with the savings being debt free was my top priority. I'm still saving 1/12th of our total monthly bills and expenses. This way I will have savings for a months bills and expenses at the end of the year. This is a slow go but by saving and reducing debts I can meet both goals sooner. The more I reduce our debts the further our savings will go in an emergency.

A good generic plan for everyone is savings, debt reduction, controlled spending.

Julie

jbtex
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Tue, 04-29-2003 - 1:36pm
I forgot to mention how the book helped me psychologically. I finally feel more important than my debts.

Julie

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mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Tue, 04-29-2003 - 1:45pm
Thanks ladies for your words of encouragement, and your recommendation on the book. This board is the best. You ladies now how to make someone feel better.

MYM

jbtex
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Tue, 04-29-2003 - 3:21pm
Does the company your h works for offer a cafeteria plan. The cafeteria plan is a way of deducting the cost of medical and dental insurance, medical expenses, and child care expenses before taxes. It is especially helpful for the medical expenses. This acts kinda like a savings account but with the advantage of income tax savings. You decide on a estimate of your annual medical expenses. Then each payday they take out a deduction. As you have medical expenses you submit a request for reimbursement to the company. You shouldn't over extimate because you can't change your deduction and you don't get back what you don't use. But if you have a month with a medical emergency you can get back what you spend and the expense is spread out over the year in payroll deductions.

Julie

Avatar for mymartes
mymartes
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: mymartes
Just when I thought we were getting ....
 Tue, 04-29-2003 - 3:37pm
Julie,

My h's company does not offer no such thing. However, we do have excellent medical insurance. It just the copayments we have to pay, when we see a dr. When our cashflow is low, it's hard to pay the copays. Our DD has to see a specialist. therefore, copay for a specialist is $30.

Thanks anyway.'

MYM

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