Reeling from the Reality Check

Brogden

Historybuff wrote: »

Thanks all. Well, decided I couldn't have time off. Too busy and too much to do. I've got the splint on and just doing my best. Hoping that driving isn't doing any damage.
On the financial front, not had to spend anymore on food yet, but had to put fuel in the car £20 and another £10 today. Only £28 left now and eight days to go...

You'll manage it HB and have a bit more breathing space in the next month - I won't because I am 'hell bent' on binning a couple of blighters before Crimbo

Brogden x

Historybuff

Go, Brogden! I can't wait to start getting rid of some of mine as well, but will take me a bit longer. I'm seriously thinking of going after a better paid job. I've seen two good possibilities and made enquiries. Just weighing up all the pros and cons, but I think I am going to apply...

Historybuff

Well, sold log burner for £200, so that's good. It is going straight off a bill. Five more days of skintness till payday. I can get through that. The next worry, though, is how much money I am going to be able to put aside for Christmas. One payday in November is all I've got. I do get another payday on 23 Dec, though, which will see me through New Year.
Strict budget and list for presents is needed. I feel sick thinking about getting through Christmas with no money...

in_need_of_direction

You know your family would sooner have you free from money worries than upping the debt to buy stuff for them. That said, I'm the world's worst when it comes to exercising Christmas related restraint. Just do what you can to create an enjoyable day.

Historybuff

Yes, INOD, I know they don't want me to stress about it, but there's a lot of expectation around Christmas. I just hope I can get through it and still make sure we all have a great time. It's been ten months since I decided something had to be done about debt mountain and the chaotic finances. The debt has gone down every month since and I know I can never go back to the bad old ways. I do regret every day, though, not taking control an awful lot sooner. Still, every month is a step closer to debt freedom. I have to keep telling myself that.

Brogden

Historybuff wrote: »

Yes, INOD, I know they don't want me to stress about it, but there's a lot of expectation around Christmas. I just hope I can get through it and still make sure we all have a great time. It's been ten months since I decided something had to be done about debt mountain and the chaotic finances. The debt has gone down every month since and I know I can never go back to the bad old ways. I do regret every day, though, not taking control an awful lot sooner. Still, every month is a step closer to debt freedom. I have to keep telling myself that.

I don't wish to annoy anybody but Christmas is a complete pain in the ar*e (there we go........said it ) I have booked the whole lot off - Christmas and new Year and not back until January the whatever.

I am intending to work - sorting out bits of painting, clearing the paths - anything - say 'humbug' if you want but its not me

Its also annoying buying further gifts for those in the wider family who never said 'thanks' for last year's gifts......and the wedding gifts......and the birthday gifts.......on and on.......:(

Onward and upwards

Brogden x

in_need_of_direction

You can have my to do list if it'll help you avoid Christmas.

Eager_Elephant

Historybuff wrote: »

Yes, INOD, I know they don't want me to stress about it, but there's a lot of expectation around Christmas. I just hope I can get through it and still make sure we all have a great time. It's been ten months since I decided something had to be done about debt mountain and the chaotic finances. The debt has gone down every month since and I know I can never go back to the bad old ways. I do regret every day, though, not taking control an awful lot sooner. Still, every month is a step closer to debt freedom. I have to keep telling myself that.

You have done so well with your debts and you deserve a pat on the back.


Xmas does not need to derail you - could you post on here what exactly you need to buy and we [strike]might[/strike] will have some good ideas about either doing it cheaper or where to get the best price?


Is the expectation what you think or what others really think?

gallygirl

Eager_Elephant wrote: »

Xmas does not need to derail you - could you post on here what exactly you need to buy and we [strike]might[/strike] will have some good ideas about either doing it cheaper or where to get the best price?


Is the expectation what you think or what others really think?

I think that's the wrong way round. Work out what you can afford and then decide how to divvy it up. Then you can decide what to buy with it. It's meeting others expectations that contributed to this situation - all very well to want to meet them but they're not the ones lying awake at night worrying over bills.

Eager_Elephant

Gally, I agree with you - I think my post came out garbled.


When I said about things that need to be brought I was thinking more about Xmas food and whether HB will be just doing Xmas dinner or whether she needs to cater for visitors.


Then moving on to presents I was hoping HB would tell us what she usually gets people and then we could suggest other things within her price range.


I agree that HB needs to manage other peoples expectations but equally she may think that they expect certain things of her when they don't (although it is more likely that they do have these expectations rather than HB thinking they do).