out of control

**missmanny** · 09-07-2008, 11:34 PM

a couple of weeks ago I paid off my last payment of the debt snowball to pay off my last debt.

I had $1000 in the EF and was planning to have one fortnight of frivolity and then put my head back down and start fully funding my EF to 6 months of expenses.

By frivolity I wasn't talking about anything out landish, DSO and I ordered some gormet pizza (mmm still feels good just thinking about it as it had been months since we ate anything that I didn't cook from scratch myself) and I took myself out to get a hair cut. Total cost of my frivolity was $130.

I had budgeted money to get my car serviced and so I booked it in, the car cost $1450 to service as it had some major issues that needed to be fixed.

Well I had about $300 left in my account (had budgeted $200)and $1000 in the ef but $150 had to go on the CC (THAT I HAD JUST PAID OFF grrrr) well as I had completely exhausted my EF and the rest of my available money every single thing that I have had to get since then has gone on the CC as well. 90% of it I did truely need but 10% was just me being naughty.

well lesson learned. I NEED a fully funded EF, I apparently also need to both cut up and cancel my CC account because I can't be trusted in times of need.

This fortnight I will again pay off the last payment of my snowball (starting to feel like groundhog day) and then will become gazell intense about the 6 months EF (maybe more)

I'm so mad at myself, it was like the dieter that has one bad day and so then just pigs out, I was like, eh there is already $150 on the CC - what is another $50 going to hurt? except I said that 5 times or so

**DJ1972** · 09-07-2008, 11:41 PM

Get hold of yourself woman!! JK. At least you have a plan and are already back on track. Don't beat yourself up, it happens to the best of us. Just don't do it again, lol.

**Cricketlegs** · 09-07-2008, 11:46 PM

Well march right outside missy and pick yourself a switch!

Okay now that that is done, dust yourself off, wipe the tears, and MOVE FORWARD!

I agree $1000 isn't enough in this economy--whatever country really--to keep you out of the hot water.

Once I deal with my debt I want to have at the least $2000 on my EF seperate from the second 6 month EF.

I know you are hurting but as you posted in your other thread, your car had to be repaired. That is what the EF is for, unfortunatly a $1000 Ef doesn't cut it.

Now for those who really want to just get an EF in place to START the debt snowball, then $1000 is fine. I have a $1000 snowball--once dh gets paid and I put back what I had to use last month grrr....

**missmanny** · 09-07-2008, 11:56 PM

Thanks Guys,

Cricketlegs, I agree completely my $1000 got me through the year that I was snowballing my debt was more then adequate - although thank god no real emergencies. even if there had been an emergency that cost more then $1000 I figure that at the lest $1K was sitting there waiting and it was 1k less that I needed to borrow.

Its a catch 22 because it took me a good while to get that money together before I could tackle the debt, if you don't have too much of a buffer then I wander if it would keep you as hungry to get the debt down?

so may questions - oh well too late to answer now (I did pay the debt down and the $1K got me through) - I get paid tomorrow night - so for me there will be absoluetly no spending until then.

**Greebo** · 09-08-2008, 09:14 AM

Everyone stumbles - it just proves you're human.

**Dave'sGirl** · 09-11-2008, 04:36 AM

missmanny, it's ok. You're not alone in this, that's the truth. I keep telling myself "no more cc use!" but something always comes up.

You just have to have your end goal in mind and really, eventually you'll get there.

I'm struggling with the same issues. Good luck to you!

**PrairieGirl** · 09-11-2008, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by Dave'sGirl

missmanny, it's ok. You're not alone in this, that's the truth. I keep telling myself "no more cc use!" but something always comes up.

You just have to have your end goal in mind and really, eventually you'll get there.

I'm struggling with the same issues. Good luck to you!

Been there sister! I havent gotten the courage to cut my CC up yet as I can not be trusted with it, but once I do, I'll post pics of the before and after!!

MissManny - everyone takes a stumble on the road of life (gosh I'm all philosophical today!

hahaha) but dont beat your self up for it. Take this as a lesson learned and find a cheaper way to splurge on yourself next time, maybe a fancy coffee, or a book? Oh, and pay with cash for your splurge next time so you're not tempted to buy more!!!

Good luck hun!

**LexTysMommy** · 09-11-2008, 11:28 AM

Good luck! you can do it.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 09-14-2008, 05:44 AM

Don't sweat it... You're already pullin' yourself up by the boot straps! That's a great step right there!

**PrairieRose** · 09-14-2008, 11:00 AM

Most of us will own up to having made the exact same mistake. Just get a hold of yourself and stop it. Get your focus back and start again. You'll feel much better being in control and things will be wonderful again....until the next time

Hang in there.....it's a work in progress (isn't everything?).