It's my fault, so it's my responsibility. Time to take it.

debbie_debt · 12 October 2016 at 2:39PM

ab_saver wrote: »

Wow - amazing. Well done you! :T

Thanks ab_saver!

It's a nice feeling. I deliberately tried to make my goals achievable to keep me sane, but I didn't expect to hit it so soon. So happy!

I'm having real debates with myself today. Since having my son and returning from maternity leave, I've been part-time at work. I do 19 hours and have a salary of £17k. It's a good wage for the hours I do and have adapted to cope on this so that he doesn't have to go into full-time childcare, which I've always felt strongly against.

Now that I've realised the seriousness of our situation and know that I need to do everything possible to pay off the debt, I'm torn. Do I go back full-time and sacrifice this time with him/put him in full-time nursery, or do I acknowledge it's going to take longer to pay off? My last option is to try and pick up private work to go alongside my job and bump up my wages with evening/weekend work when my hubbie is home.

Any ideas? He's 19 months old now.

Debbie

clearmydebts · 12 October 2016 at 2:45PM

debbie_debt wrote: »

Thanks ab_saver!

It's a nice feeling. I deliberately tried to make my goals achievable to keep me sane, but I didn't expect to hit it so soon. So happy!

I'm having real debates with myself today. Since having my son and returning from maternity leave, I've been part-time at work. I do 19 hours and have a salary of £17k. It's a good wage for the hours I do and have adapted to cope on this so that he doesn't have to go into full-time childcare, which I've always felt strongly against.

Now that I've realised the seriousness of our situation and know that I need to do everything possible to pay off the debt, I'm torn. Do I go back full-time and sacrifice this time with him/put him in full-time nursery, or do I acknowledge it's going to take longer to pay off? My last option is to try and pick up private work to go alongside my job and bump up my wages with evening/weekend work when my hubbie is home.

Any ideas? He's 19 months old now.

Debbie

I earn a similar amount and work similar hours. I have just accepted it will take longer. I don't think there is any point in taking on extra work and not seeing the kids (for me anyway). I'd rather it took longer and spend quality time with them

Money_spending_mummy · 12 October 2016 at 5:48PM

I'm in the same situation. I work 3 days a week for the same type of salary. This is a good balance for me, being able to work and also spend time with my children. I've had to adjust to the reduction in earnings, but it is great to be able to spend a decent amount of time with my children. I think the sacrifice of taking longer to pay off the debt is worth it.

Xx

Bobarella · 12 October 2016 at 6:46PM

Debbie I'm not sure of the mechanics but isn't there now the 15 hours that apply at 3 for some 2 year olds? If yes it might be a good thing to look into. At least if you did work more you would get to reduce your debt faster that way (with the free hours that is)

I worked 4 days a week when my son was little with one of them WFH. Is there any opportunity for that?

debbie_debt · 13 October 2016 at 10:40AM

Thanks for the opinions everyone.

Bobarella, you need to fall into certain categories to get the 15 hours free for 2 year olds (adopted, child protection, failing to meet developmental milestones etc) and so we don't qualify. He'll get it at aged 3, so a year and a bit to wait. It'd be fab to work more from home. I'd still have to use childcare (he's not the type of toddler who could just get on with playing by himself lol) but at least I'd get an extra 90 minutes a day with him by stopping the commute. I might have a chat with work to see if I could take on an extra day but do it from home. I can always ask!

To everyone else, it's nice to hear that I'm not the only one doing this. Part of me was starting to think I'm being selfish - taking time rather than money - but I just think it's so valuable when they're tiny. Despite the fact that he loves nursery.

Lots to think about!

I have just landed some private work that can be done on the weekends when his Dad's home, which will bring in an extra few hundred this month. I'll see how motivated I am to work for myself (and how easy it is to just leave the house to work, leaving Dad in charge lol).

debbie_debt · 13 October 2016 at 10:52AM

OK... So I couldn't help myself totting up the debts after making all the payments I could for this month.

Absolutely delighted doesn't even cover it. £28,801.78 :beer: A total payment of £2002.60 this month. It's been a great month for us financially since we've had a council tax rebate, but still massively proud of ourselves for sticking at it :T:j

[Deleted User] · 13 October 2016 at 11:44AM

Eeeeeeek well done you!

That is amazing :T:T:T

Dxxx

12_month_challenge · 13 October 2016 at 7:21PM

debbie_debt wrote: »

OK...
Absolutely delighted doesn't even cover it. £28,801.78 :beer: A total payment of £2002.60 this month. :j

Brilliant work, Well done you.

That's an amazing amount. Its amazing how quickly it mounts up. Keep going
x

Bobarella · 13 October 2016 at 10:45PM

Wow impressive!!

Interesting on the 2 year old 15 hours thing. I hope your boss will consider the WFH request.

debbie_debt · 17 October 2016 at 9:09PM

Just a quick check-in tonight ladies and gents. Updated my signature with my latest emergency fund total - it's growing nicely :beer:

I'm still finding myself frittering away my £150/month 'spends' and getting a bit annoyed at myself. For £150 I could get some nice clothes, which I'm in dire need of, or get my hair done etc. But, no. I choose to buy my lunch out all the time or stop at the shop for a bottle of coke. REALLY annoying, but it's like a pathetic addiction. I'm not even a massive foodie - I'm not buying expensive lovely stuff, just the odd sandwich or pastie or something because I'm hungry and it feels like a little treat. Those little treats are adding up to a massive problem.

MUST STOP :mad:

It's my fault, so it's my responsibility. Time to take it.

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