Our new CC struggle (and this hurts a lot).

**MomToTwoBoys** · 10-02-2009, 01:45 AM

So our van situation put us into a huge predicament and as such, we had no other choice than to put the entire thing on the CC.

There is no, and I mean ABSOLUTELY NO possible way we could have avoided it. I don't care what any of the "gurus" have to say about it because well, it happened. Our budget had absolutely no wiggle room for a vehicle maintenance fund and well, this really didn't fall under maintenance. You can't plan for or prevent water seepage onto the board of your computer, shorting it out and blowing sensors. So before any of the financial gods want to smite me for using credit to fix something that we absolutely had to fix, I'd like to extend them a welcome kick in the rear end.

With that being said, we now have at least a $2200 charge on our CC. I don't have the final amount yet because the Budget rental hasn't tallied onto the CC as of yet. If DH hadn't had to work last week, we'd not have had to use the rental car. If he had coworkers nearby or the train went to his work, we'd have saved money. But we didn't... so here we are.

DH has a third check this month and that's already going towards paying on the VISA. We're committed to getting that part done. Any spare cash that we have is going to end up going towards our CC payoff, but I'm too tired and too stressed and not very caring enough to figure that out right now.

But know this:

You can't plan for everything.

**frugalfranny** · 10-02-2009, 01:54 AM

MTTB.......I am really sorry that this happened and that you are going through this.

Take a deep breath......and just do the best you can.

You know someone will mention an EF.......but still, if you are doing your best........that is all you can do.

HANG IN THERE...........you will get back on top of it!!

**mauimagic** · 10-02-2009, 02:19 AM

MTTB - sounds like you are already in control and in the recovery phase. You will knock this CC debt out of the ballpark. Take care!!

**Preston** · 10-02-2009, 02:33 AM

It is not irresponsbile spending so you know what you have to do. It just sucks.

But this is also further proof that we need to have a better system of mass transit so when the car breaks down you don't have to incur all these extra costs in order to make it to work.

**Greebo** · 10-02-2009, 06:20 AM

I'm not gonna yell. Look at how much progress you've made in your signature. You know what you need to do.

This is Murphy coming up to bite you. On average, Murphy comes around 1 time every 7 years. Guess you got blessed by TWO visits (computer, van).

So - it's a setback.

So replenish the BEF, pay off the card, and then finish what you started - no problem.

**Dixie** · 10-02-2009, 10:10 AM

Sounds like you're doin' the best you can.

**Debbie-cat** · 10-02-2009, 10:21 AM

Life happens and sometimes it throws you a curve ball. Just stay focussed and get the cc debt down and you will be okay once again. Good luck and hears hoping Murphy has left the building.

**wwe11** · 10-02-2009, 10:25 AM

I know you can get back on track. You had to have a vechile for your hubby's work.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 10-02-2009, 01:30 PM

Thanks everyone.

We spent some time yesterday trying to figure out how to get that debt knocked out this month, but even if we throw all of our extra cash into it then it might not still be enough.

We have kids pictures this month, Thanksgiving, Halloween and a wedding anniversary coming up. I've already delayed my haircut for another time when we can afford it. Christmas is going to be tight this year too because we just don't have the same amount of disposable income now as we did last year (which is funny because we had a massive amount of debt last Christmas as well).

I am really really hoping that Murphy stays away for the next fourteen years in our case. By then, we'll have saved up DS6's college fund and gotten ahead enough to hopefully absorb another blow to our system. A new car definitely wasn't in the budget either, so if the van was unrepairable we'd be out of luck because our van is paid off and our budget's already stretched thin because of debt repayments to the inlaws.

**Greebo** · 10-02-2009, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

Thanks everyone.

We spent some time yesterday trying to figure out how to get that debt knocked out this month, but even if we throw all of our extra cash into it then it might not still be enough.

My advice would be to replenish your BEF first before you focus on this debt. Otherwise if something else comes along (hey, maybe bad things DO come in 3's), you'll just be right back in debt and even more frustrated.

I am really really hoping that Murphy stays away for the next fourteen years in our case. By then, we'll have saved up DS6's college fund and gotten ahead enough to hopefully absorb another blow to our system.

DS can always get a job, too.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 10-02-2009, 01:37 PM

Oh I know he can and we plan on nudging him in that direction when he gets old enough to not promote child labor slavery.

I'm a big believer in everything happening in threes and told DH that I wouldn't be surprised if the refridgerator went. I think that sort of scared him a bit.

**Michelle68** · 10-04-2009, 06:02 PM

Hugs to you. You-know-what happens and then you just pick yourself up and get back on track. I agree with Greebo on replenishing the BEF.

**ladytoysdream** · 10-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Don't say it outloud in front of the refrigerator....
I did ....and in a very short amount of time...it did quit.
So the money I had set aside for new tires went for a new frig.....sigh...

Sounds like you are doing okay though. Just keep on keeping on. It will all settle down soon. I really believe luck runs in 3's myself. Least around this house it does.........

**Luckybustert** · 10-04-2009, 06:30 PM

Things happen, but you've got the experience and skills to know what you need to do to turn the situation around and I'm sure you'll do that in no time flat!

I'm a firm believer that we tend to get what we focus on so stop thinking about the refrigerator failing! At the same time, I'm a realist so maybe you could start putting a little money aside specifically toward replacing it?