Well shoot...

**AmyBoz** · 01-04-2006, 04:01 PM

The Amex bill came today.

I guess when all was said and done, we did not do as well as we thought we did with Christmas. Thank goodness we had already bought for the kids and the neices we picked from the hat over the summer. I can't imagine what adding 4 more people to that bill would have done for it. And we didn't even buy for each other!

I realize that the laptop went on there, which we bought in November and have definitely been getting our use out of and allowed me to finish my novel. (We also are getting a $100 rebate back from the laptop) Also, we went way over on groceries, but I've been stockpiling diapers for when the baby comes. The rest, however, was all Christmas. I'm really angry with us right now.

We did get a $10 ShopRite reward certificate, and although I'm happy to have it to cut down on the cost of groceries for this month, I am pi$$ed because I know how much we had to charge in order to get it.

**Mamaw** · 01-04-2006, 04:51 PM

Amy dont be too hard on yourself. You have been doing a great job of getting debt down and being careful. Now just pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get going again. You will have that bill paid in no time flat and maybe can start for Christmas 2006 in the next month or so! Hugs to you

**jlxian** · 01-04-2006, 04:52 PM

Amy --- I know how you are feeling. Our Discover bill hasn't come yet, but I'm really dreading it. Its the one I can't seem to get ahead on --- besides the Christmas spending, we use it for gasoline (2 vehicles) so there is always a new balance on it. And like you, I THINK we were careful about the Christmas spending, but I'm bracing for a shock anyway.

My plan for our mess --- take a deep breath and begin again. You will do that too --- and will have that one paid off sooner than you think, I bet.

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 01-04-2006, 05:05 PM

Better luck next month! Have you thought of frequently checking your account on line, so you can keep track through out the month? I do that usually for our visa card, we also pay it in full each month. Then again, some months I just don't want to know LOL. It will be better this month I am sure.

Jennifer

**Lucky Star** · 01-04-2006, 05:06 PM

Amy - don't be too hard on yourself. Christmas season is always the toughest one! I'm glad that I didn't buy anything for myself this time, but both my gift and grocery budgets were blown. But all we can do is learn from it and move on, right? - so here's to a more frugal and prosperous 2006!

**JaneP** · 01-04-2006, 05:19 PM

I'm familiar with the post Christmas debt surprise. I waited until the end of December and then checked the balance on line. I intend to start from today with my goals and stick to them. I kept track of my gift spending on Quicken and will budget for it for 2006.
I hope the bill arriving doesn't spoil any of your Christmas memories.

**dwallyfam** · 01-04-2006, 06:27 PM

Amy you are still doing good.

Kellie

**PrairieRose** · 01-04-2006, 07:07 PM

Hang in there Amy..... . I know how you feel.

**Mom23boys** · 01-04-2006, 08:08 PM

guest7 · 01-05-2006, 07:49 PM

God I hate the January surprise!!!

I feel for you. You have to turn it to a learning experience.

Next year we're all going to remind to NOT to use the card.

But overall, your doing just fine and you're an inspiration for all of us.

Keep up the great work.