the beginning of the backward slide.
I updated our current totals, which now reflect the bill we got for Bossy's supplies (and that is only 4 months worth) and the recent car repair. Add in a little interest...and it is a back slide of about $2k.
Plus, we found out that our mortgage company didn't pay one of the tax bills. They claim they didn't have it....amazing how in the 10 years we have had the house, and the mortgage has been sold off many times....and this is the first time. We have money in escrow, BUT, now that they have to account for another $800 a year, they are raising our escrow amount by $41 per month. Part of me almost wants to do another refi. Rates have dropped again, and if I compare mortgage rates, I might get a better deal.
I will have to call the medical company and set up a payment plan, but I have no idea where that money is going to come from. Ideally they want stuff paid on a rolling 6 month basis. I know they are going to want way more than we can give them.
I am estimating that our oil bill will be going up about $125 a month. Again...no idea where that is coming from.
In just over a day....our monthly expenses have skyrocketed.
Some hard choices will need to be made soon. Cell phones....probably cut down to bare bones. Cable....I have really REALLY been resisting getting rid of U-verse (cuz we love it), but we may have to. Land line....which is very rarely used but I have just been afraid to get rid of....probably will go.
I am running out of things to cut back.
Hopefully we will get a decent amount back on our car issues (boy has that turned into another mess). That may help some. We have paid almost $3500 in car repairs and maintenance in 7 months....and that is just on our credit card. That doesn't include stuff we paid cash for (some smaller repairs, oil changes, wiper blades).
Scared doesn't even to come close to my current state.
I may have to find a full time job. I have no idea how I will be able to handle that right now. I would like to parlay my current job into more hours...not sure if that will happen. But I need more income. Forget debt repayment....that is just to pay the minimums.
I have been really avoiding bankruptcy. I really really don't want to go there. But I may not have a choice. Just thinking about it is making me feel dirty.
Overwhelmed. I have no idea how others do this.....
Oh, Mysti, I am so sorry! I would suggest going ahead and scrapping the landline. We got rid of ours towards the end of last year and we don't even miss it. I was very resistant to it but its been fine. The biggest pain was making sure all of my billings were changed to reflect that new number: power, gas, banking, etc.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry! Go ahead and get rid of the land line. From the day I moved out of my parents house I have only had my cell phone, no land line required. I also cut cable about a year ago and honestly I don't miss it. It's going to get better!
ReplyDeleteI'm also thinking about getting rid of the U-verse. I'm waiting for another DISH network promo...but I think we'll save at least another $30 a month over the next 2 years. $700 doesn't sound like much, but I too need to squeeze every penny right now.
ReplyDeleteso sorry mysti - have you considered doing your taxes yourself? we have them where we do them ourselves. We put a weekly amount into a savings account & when we need the money to pay that bill, it is there (same with our homeowners insurance) may want to consider? because you are tacked with the late fee now, correct?
ReplyDeleteThe cable is really hard. Bossy has a some shows that we probably won't get if we do Netflix. And not sure how that will go. And honestly...I spend ALOT of time here without adult company, and I watch tv.
ReplyDeleteThe landline is already cut to the basics...so getting rid of it really isn't a hardship.
Taxes...would rather escrow. I have enough to deal with. No late fee that WE will pay.
Awww... :( Life sucks sometimes doesn't it?! Hope you're able to figure out a working budget for you guys!
ReplyDeleteThe landline can go but keep in mind you may be using more cell phone minutes. I'm not sure if you recall one of my posts but my wife went over the minutes and our bill that month was 269...
ReplyDeleteWe've been without a landline for nearly 8 years. Go for it.
ReplyDeleteWe got rid of our land line about 2 months ago and know one noticed for two weeks, and only then because I told them. Our cable is completely gone as of yesterday and we just have those digital boxes they had us get in the states. I am going to get rid of the cell phones as soon as the contract is up in January and go to prepay phones.
ReplyDeleteIs there anyone you can get in touch with to see if they can help with the medical?
Good Luck and remember your not in this alone..we are all rowing with you
Judy
No help on the medical. We have called everyone we can, and nada. We make too much to qualify for assistance, but not enough to take care of everything.
ReplyDeleteThe cable...it seems that most people who give up cable don't have younger kids. Anyone out there that has kids in the 7-12 yr range, and cut the cable?
we just purchased cable, but have gone without for the past 2 years. I have an 8 yr old and a 6 yr old. we did just fine without. My 8 yr old found lots of choices on Netflix to fill his tv time. I say go for it and cut cable!! Show Bossy all his choices on Netflix, especially if you have the streaming option via Wii. :)
ReplyDeleteI have an 8 year old and a 6 year old and we had to cut our cable. It was just getting to be too much. Both of them were bothered by it at first but now they don't even care. We have pbs and they watch that sometimes. Good luck with everything!!
ReplyDeleteCan you put the student loans on deferment for a bit? that might help to offset the medical costs, at least for a few months.
ReplyDeleteNope....no more deferment time left.
ReplyDeleteI cut the cable. I have kids aged 3 to 8.
ReplyDeleteHonestly? It kind of hurts but not too badly. I compensate with A LOT of DVD's. One, there are NO commercials. Two, they end which makes transitioning easier (TV just keeps going and going). Three, there is a lot of variety that is super affordable. I could buy quite a few DVD's for what I would be paying in cable monthly. Even buying one Disney movie a month or a TV show a month is cheaper than cable. I buy movies and TV shows. I also borrow from the library when I know we'll likely be home most of the weekend. You don't need a huge collection either as, you probably already know, young kids like repetition. My kids have no problem watching the same things over and over again. I slowly expand the collection.
Oh, if you're not cutting Internet, Netflix streaming IS a good option. My kids found lots of stuff that kept them entertained on there. If you have Amazon Prime, they also offer streaming for free.
Just remember, cutting cable will likely NOT be a permanent thing unless you end up wanting it to be. Me? I was so scared of cutting it at first but now, I'm kind of scared of bringing it back!
Mysti, I got rid of the cable when Princess Penelope was about 6 and we went without it until she was 15. It can be done! She had a lot of movies to watch --- garage sales are the BEST for that! The only time I missed it personally was during college footballs season, but pick up a digital converter box from radio shack or something so you can at least get the networks --- that way you don't have to totally go without TV!
ReplyDeletemysti
ReplyDeleteI didnt have cable when my kids are little but if you need it then keep it. You are giving up and sacrificing so much you need to keep something even if its just basic cable. Call the cable company and I bet they will reduce your bill if you tell them your going to get rid of it.
I know your scared. I have been there when you feel like the whole world is on your shoulders. Make one decision at a time. Dont try and make all your decisions at once. I sent you my email yesterday and if you want to talk then please let me know.
Judy
Mysti: if you really think that you may need to declare bankruptcy I suggest that you spend a little time looking for a reputable attorney who can guide you through the process. You should be able to discharge all of your debt except the student loans. Honestly, in this economy, I don't think there is much stigma associated with bankruptcy; the laws are there to help people who really need it and it sounds as though that may be you. If you can manage it, going full time would help your bottom line; however, you will have to figure out if that is workable with two kids. Take a deep breath, get lots of high quality advice and don't make any rash decisions....good luck!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll make it through this! I am so sorry about everything that you are going through. Hopefully everything gets better for you soon. I would try to scrap or lower any bills that you possibly can and then maybe try to get a flexible part-time job. That's what I'm attempting to do soon.
ReplyDeleteSeems like you are very overwhelmed - take a deep breath and focus on one thing per day. My suggestions:
ReplyDelete1) cancel landline - you can get away with cell only also you can use Skype to call people for little or no money at all. If that is not feasible for some reason I have heard real people who have used magic jack and said it was fine.
2) Medical company said they would no longer do the discount or pay for the medication because of your income. My health insurance kept denying surgery for me - yes surgery....not elective ....recommended by a neurosurgeon and orthopedic surgeon....my insurance said no. Well not advertised anywhere for anyone to even know but I found out from reading a message board....there is always an appeal process. Call up the medical company (I assume it is not your insurance) and ask if there is an appeal process. And make sure if there is one to be filed - it is in writing. What do you have to lose? If they say no then you have lost nothing - but if they say yes then you have at least cut the cost. Also look into contacting the drug company directly and see if they can help out.
3) Cut Uverse or look at cutting the package you have. What are the shows that Bossy likes? I wonder if you can find them on Sidereel.com or Hulu.com. Some may even be on YouTube.
4) I am sure you are overwhelmed because some really big dates are coming up that are very emotional. Take some time to deal with those things - it is completely understandable if you need a day off to yourself. Those situations are not easy and never will be easy for you.
I wish you the best.
I am glad that you havent' completely ruled out bankruptcy. My aunt filed for it a while ago because of some family issues.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you're in any state of mind to be making a decision like that right now, but don't rule it out completely. It may be what you need to just start over.