20k in flakes in 2009 for us!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
20k in flakes in 2009 for us!
29
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 2:44pm

It's not like we're rolling in it - to the contrary, we're just facing one crisis after another - but today we topped $20,000 in flakes just for 2009! We're already short about 2k a month, so we made up that 2k and averaged another 2k each month to make it. That's 4k a month on top of regular pay! We had very little help from our tax return b/c that went for repairs and stuff.

If anyone doesn't "know" me, here's the condensed version. We're been flaking like crazy to get our bills down so we DON'T need extra each month. We don't have CCs so we literally have to pay off a whole bill to get any relief in the monthly obligations, and we're working our tails off to do it. So that's why we're still short each month and having so much trouble in spite of the impressive flaking.

In spite of the whole sordid mess and the fact that it's still not easy, I'm PROUD of that number. Or perhaps BECAUSE it's such a struggle. We had to fight for every penny.

I started the year with the goal to flake 6k. I'll have another $400 in flakes this year, but otherwise all that "extra" (LOL) is going for a cash Christmas. Man, it hasn't been easy, but I bet we shaved years off the struggle by digging in like we have. It feels GOOD!

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FIVE KIDS.

Sarah

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Registered: 08-23-2006
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 3:52pm

Sarah, you inspire and shame me a the same time!! I read your blog and still just don't understand HOW you do it!! I don't have his whole "flaking" thing down.

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Registered: 07-02-2008
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 3:54pm

We also have paid down about $22,000 in debt this year. I have only $1,200 left on ONE credit card. So far from where I started.


It's tough and hard and we did it. I am so proud of my DH and myself. And I got laid off in the process. It CAN be done.

Avatar for sohappilyme
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Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:01pm

You're probably asking the wrong person, LOL. I think for a normal person that efund is pretty essential. For us, we'd flake that $18. We know we'll never been able to sit on an EF until we're past the point where DH has to pull an all nighter to cover a bill. But yeah, the $18 is a flake. In my ideal world I would get the efund first b/c when disaster strikes you don't have to go into debt for it.

A lot of our flakes came from DH. He'll buy a truck for a couple hundred dollars, put a couple hundred in it, and resell it for 5x-10x what he's got in it. He does paint and body work and that will spiff 'em up in a hurry!

Thanks for reading along - I'm glad I'm inspiring someone even when I want to hide under the bed! LOL.

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FIVE KIDS.

Sarah
Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:03pm

We would have only paid down about $4,500 if we didn't flake. That's a HUGE DIFFERENCE. I can't believe flakes took us from 5k to 25k!

Congrats to you. That's an amazing accomplishment and you're almost DONE!!!! Wahoooo! (I like "yelling" online - it doesn't hurt my headache, LOL).

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FIVE KIDS.

Sarah
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:05pm

So many people here have done amazing and are inspiring - you included!!! You should be so proud!


Right now we have $3800 in an Efund too. Amazing to think how far we've come. I am telling people - if I can do it - anyone can. It's just determination and smart thinking. Flaking little amounts does go a LOOOOOONG way.


I like to WHOOOOT WHOOO loudly too!!

Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:15pm
That's incredible. I'm really looking forward to that magical day when we have savings, LOL! We had an EF for a while earlier this year, but it bit it when those taxes came up. sigh. or *swoon*. LOL.

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FIVE KIDS.

Sarah
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2008
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:17pm

You deserve to be VERY PROUD!

Norma


"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus


Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:35pm

Thanks for "making" (LOL) me start the blog, Norma. It really keeps me focused, even though I've not done the best job of updating lately. I'm trying to get back on the ball. I've had a couple of comparatively good days, but as bad as the bad ones were they've still be rough. It gives me a whole new compassion for people with chronic health problems. I know what I'm facing is NOTHING compared to what so many others do.

Anyway, thank you for the encouragement. It really does help. =c) You've been a part of this for me, and I'm so, so grateful!

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FIVE KIDS.

Sarah
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 4:53pm

I am also inspired by your blog. I read it all the time.

That is an amazing amount of debt to pay off in one year. You guys are gifted! That dream home is going to become a reality for you, I just know it!


Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 11-12-2009 - 5:08pm

LOL. Thanks! And my dream home #1 just downgraded into one bedroom too small. We might do a small addition and make the family room bigger downstairs and add a bedroom upstairs. My life is INSANE!

It's ridiculous to worry about such things when I have no idea how I'm going to get a bill paid by Monday that's a must-pay, but those goals give me a very clear focus. I get right fierce when we're talking new house, LOL.

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FIVE KIDS.

Sarah

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