Room for a little one?

starnac

Well I am back again. I've been around these boards for a number of years and have made some good friends here.

Back last year I finally became debt free and it has been great. We loosened the belts for a bit and enjoyed life a bit more. It's amazing what not having the pressure of debt can do to your outlook.

But I've missed being here. We have spent money on "wants" not "needs" and we really need to get back to keeping a closer eye on our finances again.

I've been thinking of coming back for a while but didn't feel right as I no longer had any debt (bar our mortgage), however as of yesterday we are back in our overdraft.

I feel pretty cross with myself for going overdrawn but it really couldn't be helped. It's going to sound very un-MSE when I tell you the reason but please bear with me.

My step dad has recently had a terminal diagnosis and so I have just paid for a family holiday just after Christmas. We had money saved but this has cost more than we had saved as his medical needs has pushed up the price. My sister will be paying towards the cost too so the amount of my overdraft will come down by the end of the week but we will still be about £200 overdrawn.

I know it's ridiculous going into debt for a holiday and that's why I feel guilty. But it's needed. My children need some happy memories with him while he is still well enough. So does my mum.

So here I am! Back in the friendly, welcoming arms of the DFW's.

starnac

A bit about me for those who don't know me.

There's me, DH and two children. I want to say "little ones" but I don't think they would count as "little" anymore DD would probably roll her eyes at me calling her that too! *rolls eyes first* :rotfl:

I already have a lot of MSE ways drummed into me but it doesn't hurt to remind me now and again.

For instance, I finally replaced my loyalty card at a supermarket I visit often for top up shops. I don't spend much but I pop in there at least once a week. So I am now collecting points again that can be exchanged for vouchers. Those points were going to waste before but now they can work for me! Small wins

117pauline

Hi starnac

What a good reason for an overdraft even if it is for such a sad reason.

You are absolutely right about making memories whilst he is still able to do so. It seems to me the perfect meaning of Christmas, time spent with family. Yes, I am sure there will be sad moments however the happier ones will take presidence.

As a suggestion, why not get everyone to take part in creating a family scrapbook including videos and/or voice tapes of the family. It can focus on the good times and can be a comfort during the not so good. Perhaps voice recordings of the children on his phone?

I hope that doesn't sound too morbid. If it does let me know and I can delete the post.

I don't think you should be too cross with yourself, in fact the opposite. Christmas should be a time of thinking of others and that is what you are doing.

Take care
Pauline

starnac

Hi Pauline. Thank you for your post.

No it doesn't sound morbid at all. Thank you for the suggestion. I really like the idea. I think it will really help my mum too. She's less than a year away from retirement (which she was really looking forward to) and I can see she's already starting to dread it

117pauline

I am so pleased you like the idea.

Not sure where it came from this afternoon!

We all think we have so much time to tell our friends and family how much they mean to us. I have a real bee in my bonnet about over-presented and over-shopped Christmases that are promoted by social media. Getting back to basics and reducing consumption would make us happier I think.

And your two little ones? I bet they would be able to come up with some great ideas on ways to do the family scrapbook. If they are not so little they will be so much more computer savvy than us

[Deleted User]

Hi Starnac :wave:

Welcome back and happy shiny new diary

starnac

Hi purplemumof2 Thank you.

Ooh don't get me started on the over-commercialisation of Christmas Pauline! We are a family who cherish time-spent rather than money-spent!

117pauline

I really like the phrase "a time-spent not money-spent Christmas"

We will be doing Christmas at my partner's mums as she is having her second hip replacement on the 15th and she won't be able to get upstairs to our bathroom. So we will be having an even more pared down meal. I can do most of the preparation at home but I know I will forget all the little bits you have in your own kitchen. Just as well I LOVE lists.

Are you staying in the UK for your holiday? I wonder if we will get snow.

Take care
Pauline

starnac

Ooh I love lists too! Hope your MIL recovers quickly from her op and that she gets to enjoy christmas with you.

No we are going to Europe but he isn't allowed to fly which is why it's costing more than it would have done.

starnac

Well I've been buying some christmas presents this afternoon. I've used vouchers I earned over the year from doing surveys etc and I've used cashback sites where I can too. I'm not doing too badly but I'm not as organised as I usually am.

How's everyone else's christmas shopping going?

starnac

Morning all (just). We are having a quiet day in today as we are all pretty tired. Lots of activities going on in the run up to christmas both in school and my work and it does get a bit much. DH is in work so me and the kids are having a lazy day.

DD and I had a pretty late night last night as we went to watch the welsh ladies football world cup qualifier last night. We had free tickets and had an amazing time. DD made me check the fixture list this morning so she can go to watch the next match. She is totally hooked! It was lovely for the two of us to spend time together too.

I'm off out tonight for a christmas meal with my PT and his other clients. It cost £15 and includes a meal and a free drink. Apparently my PT is also treating us to a drink each on arrival so that's my night sorted. I very rarely drink so two will be plenty for me.

I'm wearing a dress that I already have and DH is picking me up on his way home from work so I only need train fare one way. My mum and sister are babysitting for me so no extra spends there (apart from a £1 large bar of chocolate for them to share as a treat!). I am trying to keep unnecessary costs on Christmas to a minimum.