New and a little lost.. :(

**Alantra** · 06-07-2007, 08:15 PM

I have been lurking for a little bit as I thought this day would be coming. Well it is here. We went for a consolidation loan tonight and they would only agree to 3 years instead of the 4 or 5 that we wanted. The loan repayment plus our mortgage is 3000 per month. I don't think it is doable amount as it leaves us 2000 for everything else. I think I need a starting point and am not sure where to start..

*sigh* Oh, and I am Lori and I live in Ontario Canada with my hubby and 2 kids...

Thanks in advance for any help.

Lori

**Missy** · 06-07-2007, 08:20 PM

welcome Lori. As my grammie says, i'ts always darkest before the dawn. So, perhaps you can find some ideas here for spreading around the left over monies after consolidation and mortgage to make it all work. Good luck. look forward to reading more of your posts.

**Edna_E** · 06-07-2007, 08:26 PM

Hi, and welcome. I'm sorry about your financial worry, and sympathize with the stress it induces. I also would like you to know that my bring-home income is only a little over 2000, and I have no other income, and I have a son in college, and my life is not awful. It is different than TV shows depict, but it really is ok, and there is room for fun too. I suggest making a list of what you think is necessary in your life that costs money, and add it up and see what the total is. It may be lower than you think.

**Its_Donna** · 06-07-2007, 08:29 PM

and

from

Florida! You will get plenty of help and support here!

**DJ1972** · 06-07-2007, 08:30 PM

Hi and welcome to the village. You are in the right place if you want to find out how to make your budget work. Search the all the old threads that apply to things you need, they are full of helpful advice.

**DonnainME** · 06-07-2007, 08:33 PM

Welcome. I'm relatively new here also but have already learned tons from these gals.

**auntie2many** · 06-07-2007, 09:36 PM

If it were me, I would not feel comfortable if my mortgage took up more than 35% off my total income. Write a budget and see what your spending is in other categories to see if you can fit all other expenditures in your $2,000 remainder of pay.

Oh! And Welcome to the Village.

auntie

**Neeley** · 06-07-2007, 10:33 PM

**ConsciouslyFrugal** · 06-08-2007, 03:28 AM

Welcome! There are so many good ideas in here and so many great folks. I'm sure you'll feel "found" soon. There is also the "private message" function where you can ask those folks with stellar goals and accomplishments noted in their signatures questions. I'm sure everyone would be willing to help you in whatever way they could.

**Jenna** · 06-08-2007, 04:24 AM

I'd hit up the library and read books by: David Bach, Jean Chatzky, Dave Ramsey. Skim through the financial planning section & pick up books that seem interesting.

There are also numerous sites available -- msn money, motley fool.com, creditboards.com. and the frugal village are among my favorites.

A lot of planners recommend that you start by listing your debts, and taking a hard look at your budget. What steps can you take to increase your income, or decrease your expenses?

Welcome to the forum. Check out the various areas... that's also another good place to start!