Coming back for support

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Coming back for support
3
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 5:17pm
Hi everyone.....

It's been a long time since I've been to the board, but I feel that I need a little boost - so here I am.

Just as a brief intro. - I'm Jennifer. I'm 34, married for 9 yrs. to a wonderful husband who has put up with a lot of crap regarding my irresponsible financial ways. I'm a recovering compulsive spender who is slowly chipping away at her debt. I'm currently unemployed as we're expecting our first baby on December 6th. So, right now, all we've got is DH's salary - and he's in the military, so you know that's not much. I help out by selling books on Amazon and selling other stuff on Ebay.

I've been exploring a frugal lifestyle, but haven't completely embraced it quite yet. I have had some slipups with spending - such as spending so much on Ebay for the baby that I've overdrawn our checking account. (It's balanced out now, but that's money that just didn't need to be spent to cover the overdraft charges -- $20 a pop!!)

I worry all the time about money and how we're going to make ends meet -- especially with a baby now. I'm just trying to keep faith, keep my head above water, and hope that there's a light at the end of the tunnel.

You're definitely going to be seeing a lot more of me around here!!

~ Jennifer

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-06-2003
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 5:37pm
It's good to hear from you. I'm sure things are stressful but as you said have faith and try your best and that's all you can do. Things will work out for you and your family.

Kassandra

Kassandra

"It is said that life has its peaks and valleys.  The challenge is to accept them equally and experience them

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-09-1999
Mon, 10-04-2004 - 5:57pm
Welcome back and CONGRATULATIONS on your baby. Dec 5th would be a great day for a birth, 1 day before your due date (you'll be ready!!) and its mine and my sons' birthday!:) I hope you can get settled and organized with your finances so that you don't have to worry, you need to stay well emotionally & physically during your pregnancy! Good Luck and keep us posted.

cindylee

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2004
Tue, 10-05-2004 - 5:12am
Hi, and welcome back to the board. I just wanted to tell you that I can completly relate to your situation! I also was selling things on ebay, but then found that I was buying so much it wasn't even worth it! I also overdrew our checking acct to the point that I just cancelled it. We now pay cash for absolutley everything. I definitly recommend doing that. It makes you much more aware of what you are spending. My advice to you is to "hide" your checkbook and check card. When you need to pay for something, pull out cash from your acct. If you are mailing a payment, get a money order. You may have to spend a dollar on the money order, but like you said, overdraft fees are usually $20 and the checks can come through twice. It's a great way to get control over your finances.

As for buying things on ebay for the baby, you should definitly try and look in secondhand or consignment shops first. I know people swear by ebay, but alot of times, the shipping is way overpriced. You can buy fantastic new outfits and toys, etc at walmart too! Their baby/toddler clothes are the best priced, I think. Also, you will most likely find that alot of things you have bought for the baby, you won't even use! You can then resell them! another thing, although i didn't do this myself, is to breastfeed. That's the biggest cost saver.

My last piece of advice, once you have the baby, join a mom's group. It's the best thing I did. I went through a period of loneliness/depression after my daughter was born, and what did i do to cheer myself up? shop, of course! Join a mom's group, get out with other moms and spend time with your baby. Your baby will not remember the things you bought him/her but she will remember quality time you spend with her/him! Don't worry yourself too much about the money situation. Of course, embrace a more frugal lifestyle and pay down your debt, but do not worry yourself sick. Your health and your baby's is much more important! Good luck and keep us posted!!

kel