Sigh...it's so easy to screw up months of frugal progress.....

**Daisygirl** · 08-28-2011, 10:56 AM

Does anyone else ever do things like this?

I had put aside a little bit of money for a trip for the end of summer. We took the trip and had a great time. We went to Ottawa and did all sorts of tourist-y things.

Unfortunately, nearly everything took way more money than planned for. Things that were essential....parking the car, the hotel room, etc.

I went $300 over budget and basically emptied my bank account.

Now, I don't need anyone to tell me how dumb this was - I should have had more money put aside for the trip, I should have cut it by a day or so, I should have never touched my wee little emergency fund, and I shouldn't have undertaken a trip while I only had such a small emergency fund. The list of mistakes goes on and on.

Perhaps this time I've learned my lesson. I'm spending my day today listing things on Kijiji to pull together enough money for the remainder of the month and a couple of unexpected back-to-school expenses.

The good things that I did? I paid all bills down to "$0" before I went; I focused our trip on things that were free or very inexpensive, and I got a room with a fridge, microwave, and continental breakfast, which cut down on food expenses. I have a house full of food and only require a couple of small things from the grocery store. Oh - and I didn't put anything on plastic.

Still, it's disenheartening to look at an empty back account.

**Libby** · 08-28-2011, 11:06 AM

Like you said - you paid off things beforehand and prepped so your return wasn't as harsh. $300 can be seen as a lot especially when its your BEF however did you girls have a great trip with wonderful irreplaceable memories? To me, thats worth more then then $300. Now had you blown it by a larger amount....thats a different story.

I wish I had known, I could've given you some help planning the free stuff there.

Remember, we all make mistakes. You are only human.

**Daisygirl** · 08-28-2011, 11:15 AM

Libby - we did have a great time. One of our favorite free things was the light show at the Parliament building. It was amazing. We also enjoyed some well-priced goodies at the Byward Market, in lieu of eating out at a fancy restaurant.

Our main purpose for going was an open house at Le Cordon Bleu, where DD16 wants to go to school. Barring an act of God, she won't be able to, we've discovered. The $8000 in her education fund would only buy her 3 months of tuition in the pastry program. The program she is really interested in costs $47,ooo for a TEN MONTH PROGRAM!!! Talk about your sticker shock!

**LuvMyHubby** · 08-28-2011, 11:22 AM

You are human and you under estimated the cost. No flack from me. You still have a roof over your head and your bills are paid and you did not drink or gamble away a few thousand you spend a few hundred on a trip with your girls which they will remember for a life time.

So you will pick yourself up, re-group, get money for the rest of them month and have a contingency plan for your next vacation.

**brenda67** · 08-28-2011, 11:47 AM

So happy that you had a good time and created good memories for all of as a FAMILY.. very important in my book! Financially you will be fine and rebuild your bef in time..I feel bad for Chloe that the tuition is so high ..HUGS..

**LuvMyHubby** · 08-28-2011, 12:31 PM

Daisygirl........I don't know much about that school other than it is a culinary school of course and I don't know if Canada has the equivilent of a Pell Grant that the States have but does the school offer any kind of scholarship or some such thing? Is there another school that is equal but less expensive?

**Daisygirl** · 08-28-2011, 01:51 PM

The school is private and does not accept standard student loans or grants.

We've talked about a few different things that she can do....we can a.) look at other options; b.) struggle through the least expensive program (pastry chef) at which point she will hopefully be earning enough to put herself through the cuisine program, or c.) look for some private sponsorship.

The positive side of this school? It is so prestigious that DD would literally be guaranteed employment upon completion of any of the programs and it is recognized around the world.

I'm not stressing....if she is meant to go we will find a way, otherwise we'll find a different path.

**Momto5RN** · 08-28-2011, 02:07 PM

on a brite note you didnt make 300 in debt by putting in on CC

dont be too hard on yourself its not like you went out and bought yourself a designer purse on a whim.

family time is importatant and now that you know the reality of what your 16 yo wants to do you can search for other like options that are more affordable

**auntie2many** · 08-28-2011, 02:23 PM

I personally am so glad that you and the girls enjoyed a nice vacation. It has been a very traumatic year with the girls losing their dad. Do not feel bad that your vacation was $300 over budget. You paid your bills in advance, used no credit cards and you also came home to a well stocked pantry.

I say enjoy the memories of this vacation and live lean until you can once again have an emergency fund.

(((hugs to you and your two dd's)))

A2M

**BlissMommy** · 08-28-2011, 06:36 PM

I've been there many times myself, actually there right now with this move we are doing. Hugs, Sweetie, it's a valuable lesson learned.

**Debbie-cat** · 08-28-2011, 07:25 PM

Don't feel bad. At least nothing was put on CC's and you had a great time. Memories are worth it. Having a well stocked pantry will see you through.

**NikoSan999** · 08-28-2011, 07:30 PM

Daisy.....sometimes you just have to live...there's only one trip around the sun.

Glad you all had fun as a family and the girls will long remember it when the trip around the sun has ended.

**Ramona** · 08-28-2011, 07:45 PM

You did well, all the extra expenses were necessary and you've built priceless memories with your family.

**oheoh's momma** · 08-28-2011, 07:51 PM

Honey this has been a hard year on u and your girls . You enjoyed your vacation. Your bills are paid and you needed some much needed rest and relaxation. You can catch your emergency fund up. You have a well stocked pantry. IT WILL BE OK. Hugs to u. pen

**Libby** · 08-28-2011, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by Daisygirl

The program she is really interested in costs $47,ooo for a TEN MONTH PROGRAM!!! Talk about your sticker shock!

HOLY SPACEBALLS!!

Does OSAP not cover this kind of schooling and/or a bank loan? I remember RBC trying to offer me a school loan in addition to OSAP. Does the school offer a financing program of some sort?!