Update, debt snowball

**gmarie** · 04-08-2011, 05:34 PM

So we haven't paid any debt in a few months since we were saving for our taxes, and also because DH's job is very unstable. He actually found an ad for his job last week and he is afraid to confront the owners b/c he thinks they will fire him on the spot instead of waiting for his replacement. I think the problem is that he is paid so well for his position, someone else would be happy with 20k less/ year. So, he is looking for another one, but in the meantime, I think it's wise to just accumulate some cash?

I did close down our credit card accounts. That had been on my to do list and I had been procrastinating. It felt good and it's nice know we can't rely on those in an emergency. Cash only!

Our move to the tiny house has helped but we having trouble getting our new expenses under control. Our gas has gone from easily coming in under the $200 budget, to $381 last month. This is partly due to the gas prices - but also to the increase in our commutes.

Also, our electric bill was higher than expected, over $409 for two months! So, we're trying to get that under control. Oh, and the laundrymat is expensive! Spending $10/ week despite our efforts to cut down on dirty clothes and towels!

I wish I could feel more productive towards the debt snowball and our DR plan. But, I guess it will be nice when the storm blows over and we have a big chunk of cash to throw at the debt, right?

**Ceashels** · 04-08-2011, 08:13 PM

Right! It sounds like your plan is a good way to help prop up against future obstacles. Hugs to you for carrying through such a well thought plan.

**gmarie** · 04-08-2011, 11:47 PM

Thanks! I guess not paying down our debt right now should be the least of my worries with his job on the line.

I sort of know how DH feels. I started at a job last year, and a few weeks after I started, the ad for my job was reposted online. I had no idea there was any kind of problem with my performance, or that my boss was unhappy with me. Nothing ever came of it, but clearly remember how awful I felt seeing that ad.

And, on top of actively searching for his replacement, they have decided to make him work extra hours this weekend... so he is feeling extra used. :-(

**wanderlusting** · 04-09-2011, 05:56 AM

big hugs. I can only imagine how unsettling and scary it would feel to see your position being posted online. Sounds like you have a good plan in place.

**gmarie** · 04-20-2011, 10:43 AM

Well our taxes are paid, DH is still employed, and they are current on paychecks. (5 days late but now current).

He feels his job is safe for the moment since they weren't able to replace him as easily as they thought. They are being nicer to him again, and are including him in more discussions.

We are still going to save cash rather than pay down debt for awhile, and he is still looking for another job. Obviously we need to protect ourselves.

I am feeling very discouraged and wish that DH could just hang on to this job for the next year. We just signed a lease, and the job market in our area is pretty bad. A new job could mean we would have to move or possible a 2 hr commute to the city on top of 10-12 hr days which is typical for a chef.

I have been looking at what it would take to get out of debt in a year or 18 months and trying to brainstorm possible side businesses instead of being discouraged.

How do you stay motivated?

**lparker** · 04-20-2011, 04:42 PM

"How do you stay motivated?"

I keep watching the amounts in my sig go down

**zakity** · 04-20-2011, 05:30 PM

If it is just you and your husband, what about washing clothes by hand? You could use the two bucket/new plunger method or they have these cool little wash machine things that are crank. Hmmm... off to go find an example...

Here is a link to an example:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/The-Laundry-Alternative-Wonderwash-SpinDryer/dp/B002C8HR9A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1303334971&sr=8-2"]Amazon.com: Wonderwash: Home & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ESdRj4hTL.@@AMEPARAM@@51ESdRj4hTL[/ame]

**gmarie** · 04-20-2011, 06:25 PM

I've looked at those before, thanks! DH promises to set up a clothes line for me in the next few days. This would be perfect! I at least can hand wash my under garments and shirts, which would cut down substantially on our washing. And we have a well so we don't pay for cold water.

I am also picking up a $5 answering machine tonight from a CL ad. My new phone company actually charges $3.95/ mo for voicemail and $2.50 for an unlisted number. That is a $77/ yr savings!

I am going to start feeling like I am living in a different era. No cell phone, an answering machine... hand washing clothes. It's kind of cool. ;-)

**mateosbaby** · 04-20-2011, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by zakity

If it is just you and your husband, what about washing clothes by hand? You could use the two bucket/new plunger method or they have these cool little wash machine things that are crank. Hmmm... off to go find an example...

Here is a link to an example:
Amazon.com: Wonderwash: Home & Garden

Hey, that's cool! I'd think about doing that, but there are 6 of us in my family....

**gmarie** · 04-21-2011, 11:47 AM

I just found the wonderwash for $50 and free shipping on compactappliance.com.

It's rare when you see a better deal than Amazon so I *had* to buy it! I told DH it could be my Easter present!

Laundry is costing us at least $10/ week right now. So if I took the time to do ALL of our laundry for a month than it would pay for itself right away!

Thank you for the suggestion!

**Anna43** · 04-22-2011, 02:28 PM

Do you each use a clean towel each time you shower? We cut our laundry drastically by using the same towel for at least 4 showers. After all you are clean when you use it so why not hang it up and reuse?

Any chance you could car pool for your commute?

**gmarie** · 04-22-2011, 03:19 PM

Yes we do reuse towels and also wear my clothes a few times before I wash them. DH also stopped bringing his chef coats home and let's work clean them. Just need to clean his pants. Still costs me over $10/ week. Yesterday I used one triple washer and two small ones, but only used two dryers. DH needs to hurry up w/ the clothes line!

No chance at car pooling. And too far to walk or ride a bike.

**gmarie** · 04-26-2011, 10:07 AM

The Wonder Wash was delivered on Saturday. Have not tried it yet but I did put it together. Made the mistake of telling my mom and sister about it. They think I've lost my mind.