Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

117pauline · 5 December 2017 at 11:58PM

Hi HHD

Sorry I haven't been about. I had managed to find a chest infection last week.

Well, the first leg of his journey is complete which means he is one step closer to being back.

It's easy to say, don't worry, but harder to do.

This last month has been really tough on you after the initial euphoria of becoming debt free. And quite a few are things you have little control over. As long as the two of you continue to deal with things together, it will get better. I think we can all get a bit melancholy before Christmas and I imagine work gets less for you being self employed.

Enjoy the rest of the week, try not to worry too much
Take care
Pauline

HairyHandofDartmoor · 6 December 2017 at 12:09AM

Thank you Pauline

. I hope your infection clears up.

The last month has been very stressful, but as long as DS2 gets home safely then I will be over the moon.

Work does tend to drop off at this time of year, but we try to focus on marketing to bring work in for the new year.

Cherryfudge · 6 December 2017 at 1:12AM

I'm coming late to the party but wanted to wish DS well! And you too of course - I still remember the trauma of letting DD go to the States at the age of 16! She had never flown before and was met by friends of friends... I did wonder if I was stupid and irresponsible etc, but it really was the making of her.

Maybe I shouldn't add that she then got the travel 'bug' and it was the first trip of many to various parts of the world.

Advantages of going to the US: they speak English. Their currency isn't that different. We have some exposure to their culture through TV & films. Being English is supposed give one some sort of status.

The trip will be over in next to no time!

DrSpendLittle · 6 December 2017 at 1:19AM

*arrow pointing up*

Wot Cherryfudge said! Excellent points!

Pauper1 · 6 December 2017 at 8:10AM

Glad DS got to his first stop safely. What time is his flight today?

My plan was two EFs as well. One that was three months worth of expenses (at the time, so wouldn't cover that much now, at some point I will readjust) and one that was a lot smaller (about £800) to cover direct debit discrepancies/unexpected bills/smaller emergencies than losing our main income. I basically didn't ever want to touch the big one, so I had planned to lock it away when things had settled, but unfortunately it hasn't worked out that way now. The second EF has all gone and the big one has had a couple of things taken from it that should've come from the smaller one, if it had survived! It's still my plan though, so hopefully we'll get there at some point.

HairyHandofDartmoor · 6 December 2017 at 10:56AM

Cherryfudge wrote: »

I'm coming late to the party but wanted to wish DS well! And you too of course - I still remember the trauma of letting DD go to the States at the age of 16! She had never flown before and was met by friends of friends... I did wonder if I was stupid and irresponsible etc, but it really was the making of her.

Maybe I shouldn't add that she then got the travel 'bug' and it was the first trip of many to various parts of the world.

Advantages of going to the US: they speak English. Their currency isn't that different. We have some exposure to their culture through TV & films. Being English is supposed give one some sort of status.

The trip will be over in next to no time!

Thanks Cherry, reassuring points

DrSpendLittle wrote: »

*arrow pointing up*

Wot Cherryfudge said! Excellent points!

Thanks DrSpend

Pauper1 wrote: »

Glad DS got to his first stop safely. What time is his flight today?

My plan was two EFs as well. One that was three months worth of expenses (at the time, so wouldn't cover that much now, at some point I will readjust) and one that was a lot smaller (about £800) to cover direct debit discrepancies/unexpected bills/smaller emergencies than losing our main income. I basically didn't ever want to touch the big one, so I had planned to lock it away when things had settled, but unfortunately it hasn't worked out that way now. The second EF has all gone and the big one has had a couple of things taken from it that should've come from the smaller one, if it had survived! It's still my plan though, so hopefully we'll get there at some point.

He's on the plane now Pauper and soon to arrive in Dublin on his first stopover :eek:. He's been good about texting us to let us know where he is and seems to be coping really well so far

.

Pauper1 · 6 December 2017 at 12:05PM

I'm so glad it's going well. At least the change will be in an English speaking country, does he have any more stops before America?

HairyHandofDartmoor · 6 December 2017 at 12:15PM

No but he has a stop over at New Jersey. He seems to be coping very well for someone who has never travelled alone before. He won't arrive in New Orleans until early Thursday morning.

Hopefully you will be able to build your emergency funds up again after Christmas. Once I have £1500 in the two emergency funds I'd like to build a loss of income fund of £6000 in a seperate savings account.

Ambitious I know but it would give us peace of mind

.

Cherryfudge · 6 December 2017 at 12:27PM

HairyHandofDartmoor wrote: »

Once I have £1500 in the two emergency funds I'd like to build a loss of income fund of £6000 in a seperate savings account.

What a sound idea! You could probably find one of those accounts with delayed access for better interest as well, because the EF would be your initial buffer zone.

Travel... nowadays I suppose a lot of it is just sitting there while the pilot does the work, but a bit of the image of vast distances on foot (Lord of the Rings style) or transatlantic voyages that took weeks or first man on the moon still lingers with us. And as parents we have that instinct that says we can't be with them instantly if they don't feel well or something - but as young adults they will use what they've learned from us already to solve any 'situations' themselves. Then in my experience they come back more knowledgeable than we are and in a good position to advise us!

abba1772 · 6 December 2017 at 1:03PM

Glad to hear ds is safely on his travels.......sounds like a fair trek xx

Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

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