Debt, but "want" a holiday.

[Deleted User]

Well I just wanted some opinion really.

I am in debt - see below, but it's all now at 0% and going down fast.

I have some savings but I'm using that to clear my partners hire purchase and then I'm saving again for my own "new/old" car.

Anyway, we go to Portugal next month for 7 days, we have had to pay £500 for flights and will need a further £500 spending money. - Not really wanting to go but it's a family arranged trip that we got caught up in !!! :cool:

SO, I was thinking of booking us a holiday for October 13, in Tunisia, have been before and liked it lots. Found something for nearly £1200. But seems a lot and I can't decide.

I work hard, very hard and we all get stressed, we don't really have anything ourselves and have two small children.

What do people think? Should we enjoy as well as making savings, keeping a really good balance. I know this would mean 2 holidays in 1 year!!! Ekkk never thought I'd say that :rotfl:

Undecided

[Deleted User]

Oh want to also say we have got rid of 6k debt!

kerri_gt

I think the fact you are asking already somewhat answers your question, particularly as you are already going on holiday this year.

I guess what you need to ask yourself is what's more important to you / your family - having a holiday for £1200 or clearing your debt £1200 faster? Will you also need additional spending money, cash to get to / from the airport, airport parking etc?

Now I'm not against taking a holiday (so long as you can afford it) whilst clearing debt but you're right, it is a lot of money. Could you perhaps book the time off anyway, and look for a cheap last minute deal to Tunisia nearer the time, and if one doesn't come up, just spend some time at home? Sometimes I find it's as stressful having a holiday with the travelling / packing / unpacking etc - a break at home isn't to be knocked.

[Deleted User]

Thanks yes I agree it can be a lot sometimes.

But I think because we have been there, it's a bit special and that's why we have looked at exactly the same place.

We have cleared debt really quick and expect to clear it at much the same rate as present, because our circumstances have made us a little better off (for the moment anyway!)

Life seems to go very quick and I feel like I'm getting old whilst doing nothing, if you understand what i'm trying to say.

32b3in2013

Hi

I can't rwally offer advice as only you can make the decision, but I thought I would tell you what I decided.

Up until this year, I always went on 2-3 holidays per year, using savings, and very occasionally paying by credit card. These holidays would all be long haul, with a shopping trip to NY just before xmas.

Last year I decided that 2013 would be the year I paid off my debts and started paying for everything with cash. I decided that I would not go on holiday at all in 2013, and it is already hard. I usually take my first holiday in January, so already I have noticed the difference.

If I happen to be debt free before November, I may well go to NY, but I am not booking it in case I am not debt free.

Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you

32b3

[Deleted User]

Thanks, I think you are right, I'm even tempted still to proceed despite the caution offered by both posters! Gosh I'll probably change my mind after I think about the cold hard cash, yet again the cold hard winter also moves my thoughts lol

Ilona

Hi OP, As you have posted this in Debt Free Wannabe, I wonder if you really want to be debt free. Or do you want to go on spending, holidays, new/old car. You say your debt is going down fast, why not just pay it off and get rid of it, start with a clean slate, debt free. I bet your mother would be pleased if you paid her back.

Depends on your priorities. I personally like to live within my means, if I don't have the money to pay for something, I don't have it. I have always been the same. I have worked extremely hard all my life, often putting in 15 hours a day, six days a week, in a physically and mentally demanding job, but never thought I deserved something if I couldn't afford to pay for it. This is my opinion.
Ilona

pc1271

I say if your debt is all under control, at 0% and being rapidly paid off, then you can take a holiday without feeling guilty about it, as long as you're not getting more debt to do it.

Just think carefully about whether you really need two holidays instead of one.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the replies! I think the main issue is that 1st holiday, won't really be a holiday and we didn't really want to go! :-(

However with the debt being repaid quickly I feel confident that it's under control, whilst I am going to be debt free in the future, I feel that these years I have now need to be appreciated because I'm getting older and I don't like it (like anyone).

The credit card with my mother has been reduced to half over the last few months and it's still at 0%. I aim to get it all cleared by Christmas this year and I expect a compensation payment of a few thousand pounds too and a tax refund of the same.

So all in all I'm feeling in a stronger position, as you say, yes I do need to pay for a new car, well two! But that's another matter and again I think I have in place the plans, but still not sure what to do, as I'm rather mean with money now (well with cars anyway!)

Stuck between two places right now :-/ Previously it would have all been booked by now, must be a good sign!

Bestthingsinlifearefree

.....why not enjoy the 'holiday' in Portugal......have some days off at home in October (rather than go to Tunisia) and enjoy some quality family time (e.g playing in the park / watching films / small treats for the kids)

and then next year once debt free....treat yourself to a special holiday which you pay cash for, knowing you are going on holiday debt free and coming back debt free.

Best,

[Deleted User]

That's very true, maybe if I got debt free by Summer this year, I could have both haha. Well you never know, I aim to beat the Christmas goal. So maybe just maybe