cancel camping holiday or just tighten belt even further?

Brighton_belle

Hi there
first of all, can I add my congratulations to you: you have done amazingly well on very little and are a great example to many people.

I wouldn't normally advocate debt...but... this is a chance to build memories while your children are young.
I think the kids can easily be side tracked into forgetting a holiday experinece they never had, but this is about more than the kids - the whole family getting together for some chill time.
Family is precious and non of us know what is around the corner and it is a chance to bond and have some fun in a fairly cheap way.

Bucket and spade holidays and camping can very positive experiences and are all little ones need really: it's not like we are talking a 'must have' foreign holiday.
So, if there is any way you can earn a bit extra in the next few months, or come up with a cunning plan then go for it.

bestpud

You've got £600 put aside so you don't have to borrow for the holiday.

The vet bill has already been paid so you can't change that - you are very organised so I'm sure you will pay it off asap.

As an aside, please tell me you wouldn't have your dog put to sleep rather than pay a £400 vet bill...? :cool:

As for the car, it will have to be fixed anyway - you said it could wait a few weeks if you weren't going away, so turning that around, it will only be a few weeks until you can afford to pay the overdraft off.

A family holiday sounds just what you (and your mum) need so go an enjoy it. The death of your uncle is surely a reminder that family members, sadly, aren't around forever?

mountainofdebt

The only thing I would be wary of in going on holiday is that when we've gone away in similar set ups, there has always been a tendacy to do 'group things' in the sense of eating out (when we perhaps would have cooked) and go to attractions that we might have given a miss.

Obviously if everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet - there's no pressure on people to eat out or do 'group things' - then I would go

Bubby

ceridwen wrote: »

Well - you are already getting all sorts of practical advice.

ONe point that I think needs making though is "Give yourself a pat on the back" for how well you've managed so far. I would panic at having only £6,000 to get through the last year on - and you've made it through for a whole family. You are one (very) capable lady that you've managed it:T

So just give yourself one little moment to say "Yay me for superb organisational and budgeting skills" - yes I AM serious when I say that.:)

I thought mine were pretty darn good - but you've beaten me by a long way on that..:)

I agree, what you have managed so far is AMAZING! I would go on the holiday and all enjoy yourselves it is unfortunate that everything has come at once but sometimes thats the way life pans out. I would borrow from your mum rather than the bank and if you can sell extra lambs or cut down your food shop to pay her back quicker then thats what i'd do rather than the whole family miss out on having a great holiday

Mutter_2

This is when I wish I were a Lottery jackpot winner, I'd love to send you a few hundred pounds, to tied you over.
Have you tried the emergency fund?

I say go, the deposit will be lost otherwise, your children disappointed and your family will miss you. Time you may never get back. Think Uncle.
I wouldn't advise the same to a spendthrift, which you are clearly not.

You are so obviously capable of coping and therefor catching up.
Hope you go and not deprive the littlies and yourselves of a good time.
I shall think of you all, having a wonderful time at camp.

Uncle's funeral? I agree with a previous poster. Don't go, you can't afford to. Send a note to his closest.

Came back to say, your husband is a very compassionate man, taking care of the family Dog. A good man.

sairy2005

I would go on holiday. I think the camping holiday sounds a bit expensive for a camping holiday. Where on earth are you going?
Explain to your family the financial problems you have at the moment and tell them that there wont be any expensive meals or trips out for your family but you are quite happy for them all to go without you if thats what they want to do.
Nothing would stop me taking my kids away for a break (I think you all need it anyway) however hard up I was. It dosen't have to cost that much.
Then get the car fixed take the kids and go. Have a great time.

lovetopaint

Sounds like a battle between heart and head. Trust yourself to make the right descision for you and yours, all the best.

meritaten

you say its the spark plugs? invest in a haynes manual for your car and buy a set of spark plugs for your car. the manual will show you how to change them. much cheaper than the garage doing it! even I can change spark plugs, check the oil, the tyres etc. and i dont even drive! having read the instructions from haynes manuals to my OH with each car we have had, I consider myself competent on car maintenance now!

Joannag_2

Have you ever worked or do you have any skills you can use to support your family during this lean time? You sound resourceful enough to raise a few bob! Good luck!

onlyroz

How about going along on the holiday for half the duration, and then maybe you could do some "camping" later on in your own garden?