Room for a little one with a massive debt?!

ramblingtree

Hi Chops,
Thanks for the support. Its true, I hate seeing him go off every morning so unhappy. And he can't get a different job yet really as nothing would pay as much round here and we need his high income to keep going. Thats one of my debt free dreams, for him to quit and do something he really wants to do.
I did make him sausage sandwiches today with relish and homemade bread, not very MSE but tasty for him.
I also hate it that we're totally skint before spending anything for Christmas. So we're not getting gifts this year. Which I know is ok and not that important. But OH said over the weekend that he was really sorry he couldn't buy me nice things. And I really don't care about stuff like that, but he cares that he can't afford it.
As for family, I won't bore you with the details, but my oldest sibling is being a complete bar steward. I could throttle him!
Thanks again for the support, its nice to vent!
x

ramblingtree

Hi Happy,
Yeah, winter blues, except they seem to last all year at his place! He works in Oil and Gas. Its a good place to work, and pays a lot, but he has frustrations with the way things are run, lack of support etc. Plus he works in an area that is quite difficult at times, lots of differing opinions and egos. And he's not like that at all. Sigh. They were talking of moving him over to other stuff, which he wants to do, but there's been a bit less work coming in lately so its all a bit up in the air. I really hope they do though. Would be a lot better I think.

And I'm off to my 2nd job tonight, so can't cheer him up even.
Must stay positive! Hard today though.

Happytogetdebtfree

I know what u mean. Life is hard and it's hard when you do not like work but the pay is good and you can not just transfer out maybe 2010 will bring new things for people let's just stay focused and get to 1/1/10 we can close a chapter then and start working extra hard. I
might consider some challenges next year but we shall see I'm scared to committ lol x

ramblingtree

Thanks Happy,
Yeah, I really hope next year is better. It should be.
OH has a ride to work payment that ends in Feb (£40 a month),
Two months off the council tax Feb and March
Our fixed rate mortgage on our buy to let comes to an end in August. I'm hoping interest rates stay as they are which would mean an extra £280 a month, £130 over our rental income.
I should also be in proper employment by then, so we can budget monthly not quarterly. Plus hopefully I'll be on more than my bursary is now!
I'm hoping that the next bonus OH gets will mostly clear our car loan, which is £60.
So, all being well, we should be able to make some extra payments and also maybe have a bit more each month to have fun with. I'm with TEK over on long haul, maybe a bit more fun and having the debt a bit longer is a nicer way to live...

Ok, that was lots of positives. If we stay focused it should be a lot better. I shall re read this post if I get down.
I want to join some challenges to, but not sure what. Once I know what income I will have, I'm going to start on a weekly spend for myself. I like the idea of NSDs, although I have loads of those anyway. I'll look on the boards and see what I fancy. What ones caught your eye to sign up for?

chops22

Ohhhh we do have a lot in common....my OH works in the oil area too...I have also allocated his bonus to pay stuff off next year too... ha ha

I am with you on the slow and steady approach to debt busting. I think if you go too hard and fast the chance of going off the rails is high! Treats (if budgeted) are good.

Keep focused on those positives

ramblingtree

Oh really chops? My OH calls himself a glorified travel agent, he just tells people where to go and makes sure they get there! Bit more than that obviously.
They've been a bit stingy with bonuses this year, but at least he got one, for that I'm grateful. Next one should be due in Easter if they give them. Fingers crossed as yes, I've already ear marked it!! hehe.

I think one of our major failings is not budgetting for treats. And then we get so sick and tired of being good we go out for the evening or something, nothing expensive but it hasn't been budgetted for. Once my salary is sorted out for next year and things are a bit more stable I think we need to do that, so that the treats keep us going.

So much to learn! hahaha. At least the plan is coming together... In the new year I will write a resolutions post, all the things we will achieve money wise in 2010. THen I will bookmark it and keep refering back to it so that we can stay on track. I WILL BE POSITIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hehehehe.

Happytogetdebtfree

Well I was thinking of clear 20k challenge that hypno does? Or maybe to feel less pressured we can do a little challenge. We probably pay just short of 20k a year off debts. It's weather or not oh gets new job in April if he does il committ a bit higher x x

ramblingtree

I've looked at the 20k one. Does sound good. I would love to clear that amount. Our minimum payments mean we pay off just over £13k a year. So would need to find another £7k. But maybe thats a good challenge. Its really hard when I don't know what I'll be doing come April.
I may well see you over there come the new year! From your sig it looks like you could definitely do that.

chops22

Hope your OH gets the job happy...fingers crossed

I really wanted to try a challange..but the £20k one sound bottom clentchingly scary!!!!!!! Hmm just worked out I pay 7k on minimums, so could maybe do it if I can shave a bit more off the shopping and did some extra work.

Nope, OH's not that similar..mine works for an oil refinary mixing the oil and stuff..I think thats the general gist anyhows. His bonus not looking as good as last year either, nor the payrise. Just so pleased he has a secure job tho, I know we are lucky for that.

ramblingtree

yeah, Oil and Gas is supposed to be in the top 10 of recession proof careers. Touch wood! Your OH sounds a lot more hands on. Thats one of OH frustrations - being stuck at a desk. Not him at all. We don't know about a payrise yet, will come in Jan if it comes at all. Would be handy. Oh wants to start the pension with his work but at the moment we can't afford the payment so can't do it.

Yeah, Happy - fingers crossed for OH. If he does you guys will be debt free in no time!

20k does sound like an awful lot, but then it would still take 4 years on that for me to become debt free! Scary thought! There is the £15k one I think as well, would be good for you maybe chops? Big aim to double your minimums!!!