One step forward and three steps back!

**lovestolaugh** · 11-10-2008, 04:31 PM

Do you ever feel like you are beating your head against a wall? I don't know if it's just the up coming holidays or the economy let down or what, but I have been really depressed lately. It seems as if the more we pay towards our debt the more things come up that costs us money. For instance, I am going to have to put up a privacy fence at the cost of about $2500. I don't have the ready cash so I'll have to charge it and pay it off with our tax return. The reason I say we "have" to put it up is because our neighbors 180lb St. Bernard keeps coming into our yard and terrorizing our little 10lb dogs. It's gotten so bad that the pups are even afraid to go out and do their business. We have talked to our neighbors about this but they really don't seem to care. The St. Bernard is not mean he is just huge and doesn't realize he could trample our girls. Not to mention he pees and poops in our yard too. YUCK! Anyways, I know that the fence will solve a lot of problems and actually add equity to our property, it's just a pain to have to charge it when we have been doing so well in getting our charges down. I guess I just needed to vent a little. Thanks for listening!!

**tmffv** · 11-10-2008, 04:39 PM

I definately share your frustration! I just had an unexpected doctor bill come that will prevent me from paying off one of my cc's this month. Today I had another bill (even larger!) come my way, totally unforseen, and I just wanted to cry. Luckily I have till December to pay it off, but it's so frustrating to have a debt reduction plan all set up and then have it put on hold because of unexpected expenses.

About the neighbor's dog - have you considered getting animal control involved? I know that may make for bad blood between the two of you, but you shouldn't have to suffer because they are irresponsible pet owners. Maybe if you were to ask them to split the cost of the fence section that will divide your property, they would take you more seriously.

**fixer** · 11-10-2008, 04:45 PM

As hard as it may seem, the hard work you are doing now in debt reduction will make these times become few and far between. I never understood why when you are short money, things always come up. I think it is because when you become financially secure you don't notice them as much. Also, good fences do indeed make good neighbors.

**Nana2two** · 11-10-2008, 05:08 PM

Gosh don't feel bad, just do it, its not like your waisting money on it or just blowing it. You will get the rewards now and later. I love ST.BENARDS but they are a big dog and by rights your neibors should be the one putting the fence up. There is nothing worse then haveing someone elses dog poop in your yard.

**lovestolaugh** · 11-10-2008, 07:51 PM

Thanks for all the encouragement! I would love to ask them to pay for the stupid fence or at least part of it. Unfortunately, I think that would lead to bad blood and we are the "new" neighbors on the street. It's kind of a click around here (wish I'd known that before we bought the house!) and we are odd man out! Oh well, at least with the fence I don't have to be nice to them when I'm out in my yard!!!!

**Buckeye5** · 11-10-2008, 08:05 PM

yes, I do feel like I am beating my head against the wall, that is because sometimes I do!!LOL Read some of my recent posts, new hot water tank, new furnace, new transmission, and tons in medical bills, and 2 girls in college, and a 15 year old food inhaler!! LOL

**Starlight9803** · 11-10-2008, 08:07 PM

yeah, it does seem like the unexpected comes up when it can least be afforded. But look at it this way, you have come a long way according to your signature, and the fence will be an investment towards your property and the safety of your dogs (and prevent additional vet bills from one of the poor things get trampled)

**AmyBoz** · 11-10-2008, 08:20 PM

So frustrating!!!

I feel your pain. We've been doing pretty well, and then last month everyone got sick. So, we paid for antibiotics, inhalers, a nebulizer, refills on all the new allergy meds, etc. Our MasterCard bill came yesterday (where we charge our pharmacy purchases) and

So much for doing well!

**rowdy35** · 11-10-2008, 09:36 PM

i can totally relate. i feel so bad for you b.c. these neighbors are not very neighborly. I had the same problem with 2 boxers next door who destroyed the fence between the 2 properties. We don't have the money to replace it though. The dogs belonged to the people renting the house. The only way i got them removed was to call the property owner and tell him there would be a lawsuit when one of these dogs bit someone. They were coming into our yard and harassing my dog and husband... not sure if you have tried that but if the St. Bernard bites anyone they will have a lawsuit against their homeowners insurance so not sure if you want to open that can of worms but I sure did. The damage is of course done now and the renters have destroyed our fence but at least they got rid of the stinken dogs !! My dog doesn't do that kind of stuff so I was not too happy !! well hang in there and don't get too depressed.

You can see from my sig, I'm in a lot of debt and not making a lot of money so I feel your pain but you have done an incredible job paying off 80 K so hang in there !!!

**khjmom** · 11-10-2008, 10:28 PM

I completely understand the one step forward, three steps back thing. I am also having a hard time getting in the spirit of the upcoming holidays. I am constantly feeling frustrated these days. Part of it is due to things beyond my control, but still.....I don't really have any advice for your fence situation. I would have to put the fence up too, just to protect my dog, but I wouldn't be happy about it. I am just glad that I don't have neighbors at the moment! It's very quiet around here right now.

**Lori Biever-Launder** · 11-10-2008, 11:53 PM

Before you put up a fence, call Animal Control and/or the police. You do NOT need to put up with that nonsense! I volunteer at our local animal shelter and believe me, the ACO spends a lot of her time dealing with this sort of thing.

Do you have a BB gun? One hit in the fanny and the St. Bernard probably won't come into your yard again. I am not suggesting cruelty; you have the right to defend yourself on your property. You do not need to be harassed every time you step out your door!

**frugalbabe** · 11-11-2008, 12:42 AM

Oh yeah right there with you. We have been doing great and this whole month of November has just been a huge money suck (two yeah TWO flat tires we had to replace on two separate vehicles, some unexpected medical and school expenses etc etc etc) and now dh has decided it is time to finish up grad school which his work will reimburse for but until then we have to come up with $5,500 for two classes, and don't even get me started on Christmas AAARGH! Ok sorry I hijacked your thread but I do feel better!