Spending dilema

SkintMonkey

Right, hubby and I worked out our finances the other day and realised that we really are skint. We are going to move our credit card debt to a much better rate and throw what we can at paying it off - we aren't going on holiday or anything like that and are going to try and spend carefully this year.

My hubby really needs a new car so after we pay off our debt (£3k joint, £2k each) we are going to try and save hard for a new (well second hand) car for him.

BUT...we had an invitation a month ago from our friends for their wedding this summer on the Isle of Man. We've done our research and worked out that including two nights accomodation (the timings of things dictates that it would have to be two nights stay) plus either flight or ferry from liverpool, petrol - it will cost us over £500 (and this is before any additional costs). We have no spare money basically and unless we put it on credit card we have no money to pay for it (we have no savings)....it is such annoying timing because we have just decided that we must get ourselves straight this year as we want to start planning for a family next year and need to get our priorities in order.

I guess the reason for this post is I need you all to tell me that we can't afford to go and to knock the idea on the head. I feel bad because these friends of ours came to our wedding a couple of years ago - but £500 plus is a lot of money.....

RedDino308

Hi SkintMonkey,

Bit of a no-brainer really but you already know that don't you

RD308

piglet6

Hi SkintMonkey

I think you've answered your own question really...but if you really want to go to this wedding, how about setting yourself a challenge to make it "cost-neutral"?

i.e. you have to find the money it will cost you to go through "other methods". Overtime or a second job - barwork or babysitting? Carboot sales or ebaying to raise extra funds? Start clicking through Pigsback/Lightspeed and sign up to Quidco to try and claw back some cash that way...? Can you use Tesco points converted to deals to cover the cost of some of the travel or accommodation?

Either way, if you decide not to go to the wedding, these ideas might be worth considering as a way to clear the debt more quickly anyway...

Piglet

Lorne

I think the cost neutral idea is a great one and certainly a challenge that you could meet - look at the olympic thread for lots of ideas about raising extra cash

BARGAINHUNTER!

Im sure if you were to explain to your friends the situation you are in they will understand.

lauren_1

Can you find a campsite near the reception?

SarahNeedle1872

I think you already know the answer to the question....... you can't afford to go. I'm sure if you explained the situation to your friends they would understands..... Real friends would understand! £500 is a lot to spend to go to a wedding anyway!

HTH

Sarah x

phantom9999

could you not decline because of previous engagement, then spend a bit more on a present - I did this for someone's wedding, decided not to spend the ££££ on new outfit, hotel etc etc etc I spent £40 on bath towels from their wedding list and told them I was on holiday. Much cheaper than going. You could always save up and go to see them at a later date where you'll be able to spend time with them rather than grabbing a quick chat at the reception.

SkintMonkey

We rang our friend and explained that we couldn't go. We were honest and told her that we can't afford to and she said she really understands. I think she apprecited me ringing her rather than just emailing.

We've decided that we will get them an extra nice present (but not go over board) than perhaps we would have done had we gone.

I'm glad we made the decision. Thanks guys.