The Good: A few noteworthy items:
1) As I mentioned here, I paid all sorts of bills, and still had some money left over! G-man's part time job pays on Wednesday, so we will have a little more of a cushion then. PLUS, we are having a BBQ this weekend, so we will actually have money to get the stuff we need!
2) We looked into peer to peer lending, and were preapproved for $13,600 @ 7.38%. Originally I was thinking $17,000 and would pay off CC1 and CC3 (highest interest cards), and we were approved for it at 10.78%. When I crunched numbers, I am not sure that paying that high of interest is a savings. Yes, it is lower, but the minimum payment really isn't all that different. But the $13k.....that might work! We haven't had it funded yet....still deciding if this is the right route. Any thoughts?
The Bad: There are 2 things....neither is huge, but hey, I am all about telling you guys EVERYTHING.
1) Our no eating out July.....minor transgressions. I told you about G-man's $1.99 soda. Well, I bought a $2.64 coffee in a moment of sheer stress. And G-man went fishing and picked up coffee for he and his buddy. $4.14. So our no eating out has actually been $8.77. Not a huge thing, but I guess that is a technical FAIL for the month. Bummer.
2) Forgot about the kids' dentist appointment this coming week. Usually I pay for half, and they bill me the other half. As I have stated, our dental coverage is less than stellar. If I pay half, we will still be ok, but it puts a damper on some of the extra things I wanted to pay. Bummer.
The Ugly: I am such a crybaby. I know it. And I know I sound like a spoiled brat. But seriously, I want this bookcase. I love it. And in some weird twisted way, I think it is the start of something good. As I struggle to organize our house due to lack of space....having a place to put my books, which are currently boxed up, and have been for 5 years....fills me with peace. I love my books, and I love having them near me. And I am ashamed that this bookcase has this much control over me. I really do want to get out of debt. But I am also so sick of having crap and a huge debt and nothing to show for it.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI just discovered your blog - I too am working hard at reducing my debt - and I really appreciate your honesty and wit. That said, and I don't want be an enabler, but I think you should get the bookcase. If it will make you that happy and help you feel better about your space, it might be an investment worth making. I recently bought an netbook, a purchase similar to your bookcase, because it makes my life easier, even though I didn't _need_ it, I haven't regretted it for a second.
Best,
Melanie
Awww, punkin, I feel your pain. Don't be like me. Power through it. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, I have been reading your blog for a while, but haven't commented until now. I relate completely with many of your posts and feel like you are doing a great job! I am also on a path to better my families life financially, etc. I am also going to be taking part in your GBU and I added a link to your blog! I hope that is okay! Have a great day!
ReplyDelete:) Rachel
http://livingbetteronedayatatime.blogspot.com/
Hey it's great to put everything out there.... I think you should pick up a yard sale case until you are out of or close to out of debt.... And then go buy your dream book case.
ReplyDeleteAs for $9 eating out.... No fail in my eyes, just a fact of life that these little things happen. I would just work harder to do better next month.
Great stuff though
you are doing just fine... and you know, sometimes you have to spend a little to avoid spending a lot & totally falling off the wagon... if you can afford the bookcase, you should get it if it will make you happy :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Forest. You could pick up a cheapo bookcase and at least get your books out of boxes. I like to make it a game... see how cheap you can get a solid wood bookcase on craigslist.
ReplyDelete@Melanie - Hi! Welcome!
ReplyDelete@Dogfood Provider - girl, I am trying....but I really want it!!
@Forest - welcome back, you little world traveler! We talked about getting a cheapy case until we can get the dream one....but the dream one is handmade and limited quantity. I can't just get it when I want it...I have to get it when it is available and no idea when it will be available again.
@JP - Afford? Hmmm, that is a loaded word. By afford, if you mean, we have the money....then yes. But is that money supposed to be used for something else.....yes.
@Whitney - I have been canvassing CL, and found a great solid Mahoghany (sp?) case for $75. The problem? It was HUGE! It was over 7 feet long and 4 feet tall. Nowhere in my house to put it.
Great job on not eating out! Even $8... That's a huge deal! I don't know if I could do it. :-D
ReplyDeleteI know it's difficult, but try not to give the bookcase so much power. Even if you bought it today, don't you think you'd feel even a little guilty about not using that money for debt? Instead of buying something beautiful and feeling guilty about it, imagine a time when you'll finally be able to buy a beautiful piece of furniture and enjoy it without guilt! You can do this! ;)