Blue December

**warramra** · 12-21-2006, 02:38 PM

This has been such a tough month for us regarding $$ - and it just keeps coming. I am feeling overwhelmed, although grateful for the gifts we have received.

This month we have had the beginning of our medical bills come in from ds's birth and subsequent care, our property tax is due on the van, christmas and three birthdays. As a surprise my dad is taking my oldest dd on a cruise (birthday/christmas present) in Feb., which meant that we had to get her a passport and he did not give us enough time to get the passport through standard channels - so we ended up having to expedite it - total surprise expense $200.

Yesterday I added up the bills that we have that still need to be paid between now and mid-January and it comes up to over $1200, not including our house payment and the big bill from the hospital that we are still waiting on.

To add to my stress: our 6-yr-old, previous used computer system is dying. It crashes at least once a day. I manage most of our finances on the computer - so this could be a big problem. And we need to have the front-end of the van looked at, because I was recently run off the road and through a huge rut, and now hearing funny noises in the strut & shock system. We need at least two new tires on the same van. I had temporary work done on a tooth in November, but really need to go in and have the work finished.

I just don't know how we are going to manage it all. Over the summer and fall I did manage to put away some money that paid our car insurance premium, christmas presents and a few of the medical bills. But that has been depleted. Unfortunately after not using our credit cards for three months we have had to use one on a few of the surprise expenses. So, instead of going down our debt load has increased.

On the thankful side, we have also been blessed with many surprises that have made this month somewhat easier than it could have. We were given a Christmas tree for free, my mother bought enough diapers for ds to last for the next month, we got some free samples from the Doctor for ds' new 'special' formula which we were able to use up until last week, my mom on her last visit up here took advantage of food sales at my local grocery and stocked my pantry at the same time. DH has received $110 in gift cards from supervisors at work and was told the in his first Jan paycheck his tier raise should take effect.

We have also been offered a interest-free loan from DH's parents to pay off all the medical bills. We are waiting for the final tally to decide whether we take advantage of it.

I don't know how we are going to make it, but I am sure we will. A little more belt tightening for the next few months and some creative budgeting. I'm going to spend some time over the holidays to come up with some sort of budget to see us through.

I just needed to vent some of my worry here. I hope no one minds.

**auntie2many** · 12-21-2006, 02:57 PM

Amy, I think that we all have times in our lives where it feels like your blue December. That is when I count my blessings. It also helps me with an attitude of gratitude when I read or see tv shows about others in third world countries. Then even the things like running water and electricity make me thankful.

You will be in my thoughts. We do some of our best personal development when we have to stretch out of our comfort zones.

**PrairieRose** · 12-21-2006, 03:10 PM

Amy I know how hard times like these are. Somehow, someway you'll pull through it and think whew! I'll be sending up some good thoughts for you guys. Hang in there, it will get better.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 12-21-2006, 04:10 PM

Hey Amy,

I think this is a great place to vent...and know that others care...and have either been there...or are there, too!

Keep your chin up...you'll make it thru this rough time.

My hubby and I are going thru a bit of frustration, too. We took my car in to get a $30 brake adjustment earlier this week. Found out that 2 rotors were bad and several other problems (hubby checked it all while there...it really was that bad...so I'm being thankful that it was fixed before it could have cause an accident). It turned into a $640 bill.

Ugh.

And last week we found out he probably won't get a student loan for next semester...which REALLY screws up things for him school-wise. The paper pushers at the school filed him for Fall '07 instead of Spring '07. ARGH!! We were counting on that for his tuition next semseter AND to pay off his tuition from this semester that we had to charge!! (Only way to get him going...he withdrew before and had to go a full semester to qualify for a SL).

So, I can totally sympathize with ya... But we're tough...we'll make it thru!! And we've got all these wonderful friends to talk us thru it all!

Kenz

**bumplett** · 12-21-2006, 07:21 PM

just a thought on the medical bills ~ my oldest son has had to have numerous surgeries/hospital visits, etc. ~ I simply call the hospital after I recieve the bill & tell them the honest truth - If I can't afford it, I will offer to pay a very small portion until I can afford to pay more - I think they tend to be much more considerate when you are honest -

can't squeeze blood from a turnip!

I wouldn't accept the loan from the parent's (that's just MY opinion) You can pay off the hosp bills one at a time - in time - without interest or late fees as long as you are up front with the billing dept.

((and medical debt will not reflect on your credit))

Good Luck!!

**autumnlynn** · 12-21-2006, 07:41 PM

Really sorry your family is having such a hard time right now. I know things will get better. I know out here, the hospital I go to gives a discount if you pay cash but you have to ask for it. Sending prayers and good thoughts your way.

**emily_hope** · 12-21-2006, 07:50 PM

(((HUGS))) We all have hard times. I know you will get through it and be able to let out a sigh of relief when you get to the other side. I agree about the hospital bills. I have some friends who have paid $25 a month until they got it paid off. They will work with you if you tell them the truth. We are all here to listen. Vent anytime.

**Emerald_Mommy** · 12-21-2006, 08:32 PM

We don't mind you venting here, we all need to from time to time! I'm sorry things are so tight right now. You WILL survive this and live to tell the tale.

**warramra** · 12-21-2006, 09:46 PM

Thankfully we do have insurance on the medical bills, with a yearly cap. So, I know that it can't be over a certain amount - but not knowing what it is exactly is preying on my nerves. The ins. company originally denied his claim stating that he wasn't a member at the time of admittance to the neonatal - duh. We did get him added to the policy during the month - so he was covered. Anyway, I've spoken with them but they said it would take 45 days to reprocess, which means I have no idea until the middle of Jan. Right now we are paying on my bills. So, instead of having one total bill to pay on, the hospital said they are going to treat it as two bills, with two payments each month. Nice, huh.