Hello I think i already know the answer....

HGBeast

But would like some impartial advise if somebody could help.

I have written on here before about debt when pregnant - a while ago - unfortunately that pregnancy wasn't to be but i quickly fell again :j and I'm due to go on maternity leave in a couple of weeks.

I have worked out our budget for the year and it is going to be tight but if we stick with the budget and make cutbacks where we need to/if it comes to it then there is leeway for this in the budget.

We have managed to get all of the baby bits second hand and I have a baby shower coming up - if people have asked me what I would like I have asked for things that we actually will need (nappies etc) so i am hoping that this will take some of the cost out of baby at least in the first few months.

Now to get to the point!! I have credit card debt that I have totalled this morning of just over #10k:eek: all on 0% finance until April 2016 onwards (mat leave would have ended by then and i will be back at work trying to get rid of it). I am making the minimum repayments on these and any left over in the budget on a monthly basis is going in a separate account for emergencies - or to make payment when the credit cards are paid off.

I have a 3 seater fiat punto - not ideal for a baby the buggy will just about fit n the boot but i worry about getting the baby in and out of the car. However on the plus side it is reliable (touch wood) and worth #1,800.

Me and the OH looked at getting a new car. We have put a returnable deposit down on a Vauxhall Astra #8,000 (they will only give us #1,000 for a part ex i think we can sell for more money).

I haven't said we definitely want it yet and have some decisions to make;

1) Do I get my deposit back keep the punto hope that I can manage and that there are no repairs etc needed on the car (car is 9 years old) thereby not getting into any more debt.

2) Get the new car - yes there are repayments to be made but it can fit in the budget (but only on a loan over 5 years :eek: and they depreciate).

OH says get it only live once we can afford it - BUT this is debt we could be saving to pay off the credit cards when they end. On the other hand with this car (3 years old under 30k miles) there is unlikely for anything to go wrong then a cost saving.

I am going to do my SOA but any advice would be welcome (even if its not what I want to hear).

Much love x:beer:

HGBeast

I cant find the link to the SOA if someone would be so kind to post the link x

Puzzcat

I personally would stick with the old car.. I managed perfectly well driving a 2 seater sports car with my dd when she was a baby.. bought a lie down type buggy that went across behind the seats. I guess its down to how much you would like to be rid of debt rather than increasing it at this point..


Puzz.x

Puzzcat

http://www.stoozing.com/calculator/soa.php

Tixy

From what you have posted I would stick with the old car, or possibly consider getting a slightly larger car for the same amount you can sell that one for.

I wouldn't take on £8k debt if you have worked out a budget without that cost and its already going to be pretty tight.

On_my_way

Sorry to hear about your first pregnancy, congratulations on this pregnancy.

Personally I would stick with the old car that you know rather than putting more pressure and debt on yourselves at this time. Do you have two cars?

Dr._Shoe

I agree with everyone else.

I drive a 22 year old Toyota (yes you did read it right) but it is f**king reliable and I wouldn't part with it for the world.

Why take on debt you don't need. Moreover, could you manage without a car for a while? Something to consider.

Personally I'd keep the one you have.

Silian

My OH also tried to convince me that we can buy a car despite being in debt because we can afford it and we only live once.

I made a deal with him that he is allowed a new car (that he is allowed to pick) once our debt is paid off and we have saved for a deposit.

While I am not looking forward to getting into debt once we manage to get out for a car, it felt like the best compromise.

rising_from_the_ashes

Agree with the others - stick with your current car

Working out a budget and planning to stick to it is one thing but being on maternity leave on a reduced budget & having to already make cuts is going to be tough enough!

Add in that you're already got debts which you really want to clear before the 0% runs out then I'm sorry but I can't see how it makes any sense to buy a new car and take on more debt

Enjoy your maternity leave ...... if something drastic happens to the current car, rethink it then but as things stand, I'd stick with what you've got

andyfromotley

Hey beast,

i have had a similar predicament, my old car died so i had a choice newish car (9k) and a loan to go with it or cheap hopefully reliable older car - £1500 no loan. i have 10k on 0% card.
as i am determined to be for the first time in my life debt free I have chosen the old one. Its not ideal and i reeeeeaaaalllly wanted the newer one, but i felt it was a real turning point for me and i feel proud of myself. I see it as a win win because i will pay down the card quicker and then start saving for a new car quicker with the money i was paying on the card. I think its a no brainer for you. Previously i would have been just like your husband, not any more!

pollyanna24

I've only read the first post, but the thing that struck me is the car. I have a fiat punto and have two kids. And my car is 2004, so 10/11 years old. Does the job.

I think it's fine. And I had a fiesta before this and managed to shove a double buggy in the boot.

Now my kids are older, I want a fiat 500!