Help! Borrowing

kirifruit87

Hi Polly,

That sounds like a lovely idea... and definitely an option! Thank you :-)

I think the general consensus is: get out of my debt first. And I think you're probably all pretty right. Though I hate to admit it, it's unlikely given my current financial situation that I will be able to afford to take us both to NY.
Keepcalm: A really helpful tip for TC!! I might have to do that, if I ever manage to get myself out of my c/cs!!

Closer to home I guess is an option, I really like Pollys idea and Marathonic's suggestion of challenging myself is great.

I think I'm really trying to live a lifestyle my bank balance can't afford.

Thanks so much everyone :-) you've been really helpful. I really wish I could afford to take us both, I know he would love it. Ki x

kirifruit87

A bit of tough love there 27col. The choice is entirely mine. Thanks.

PollyOnAMission

It sounds like you are taking on board the overall theme of people's responses, which is great. I know it can be hard when it's something you don't really want to hear!

I'm sure you'll be able to come up with a great, thoughtful alternative that will mean just as much to him and not compound your debt problems. Think what a lovely time you could have going in the future, guilt-free because you've cleared off your debts!

jason1231972

I agree with postponement, just on the grounds that if you can't afford it, don't do it (especially when looking at those kind of costs).

If you've essentially promised to take him somewhere, does it have to be NYC? Granted it's a pretty special place, but for the price of the flights to NYC alone, you could get a flight & hotel deal to any one of the many fabulous European cites, and still have money left over.

That's if you have to go away at all!

paddyrg

Be aware if you're only meeting minimum payments on your existing cards/credit you're already overstretched and should avoid taking on extra debt.

It is such a lovely and generous idea, but he'll be gutted if you're both struggling on potatoes and baked beans for 3 years to pay it off... How about a mini-splurge on a NY-themed minibreak - get a nice hotel in York, have a picnic of pastrami in bagels, pudding of baked (American-style) cheesecake, drink terrible lager, get a taxi to rip you off royally by not knowing where they're going, etc ;-) A bit of imagination can capture some of the essence and show willing...then save as hard as possible for his 35th ;-)

kirifruit87

LOL folks - those are some amazing ideas! Paddy & Jason. Thanks!

Unfortunately only meeting the minimum which is a pain in the bum - the idea of perhaps getting a loan solely to consolidate the debt is an option, I guess as the APR would be lower (6.4%) where mine is currently (16.9%) which would mean that I'd be paying something more managable off.
On the other hand though - there seems to be an agreement that the loan to consolidate the credit cards isn't a good idea.

NYC is unlikely to happen and it's probably a good reality check to be honest. I really like Pollys idea of writing an IOU, I don't have to go away it just would have been really lovely. Think I'll stick to a night on the tiles in Belfast! LOL.

Ta all x

Faith177

I think you're OH will really like the idea Polly came up with it's lovely

My OH is annoyed his 30th birthday is 2 days after our wedding hehe his present is marrying me :T:j

PollyOnAMission

I'm glad you like my idea :j

paddyrg

Ooohh and go and see a West End musical - so many of the Broadway big-hitters started in the West End! Or some musicals tour when they come off the West End... http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/tour/ is very 'Noo Yoik' - based for instance :-D

bargainbetty

You could organise a surprise party? Tell him you're doing a quiet dinner together, and get all his/your friends/family to bring some food for a pot luck supper... it would probably mean a lot to him to get everyone together for a celebration.