Debt Dumpers 2024

[barkley]

I suppose we can consider this tuition to be debt and while we have an emergency fund and new car fund that can completely pay the tuition, I am not comfortable draining those accounts

have you explored if the private school offers a discount for prepayment? the one our kids attended when we lived in california did so i was surpised when we moved here and the new school had nothing in their handbook regarding it so i inquired and they seemed to be surprised that anyone was willing to pay up front but when they considered it they came back and offered the same 10% off for paying half before the school term started and the second half before the second semester began. we initialy were able to come up with the funds by raiding some savings and then building a stand-by account by budgeting it over 12 months (so no more flush summers absent a tuition payment but doing it over 12 vs 9 months meant we could repay the savings back with lower monthly amount+the tuition discount).

 

[dpswift]

As it is, we are saving for another round of dental work on our dog which will run about $3k. She is our most expensive dog yet with all the vet bills she has had, but we love her so much!

I started a savings account for my daughter’s dogs yesterday. Vet bills are crazy expensive. I am encouraging my daughters to do the same. I still have to concentrate on my cc but we need to have enough cash so they could be seen in an emergenc.

 

[tinkerbellandpeterpan]

I started a savings account for my daughter’s dogs yesterday. Vet bills are crazy expensive. I am encouraging my daughters to do the same. I still have to concentrate on my cc but we need to have enough cash so they could be seen in an emergenc.

Our dogs' and cats' vet bills are what put us in debt to start with. It's crazy how expensive they can be but what can you do? Have to care for them!

 

[pblack]

Got the estimate for my dad's living will/estate plan today. My friends boss is giving us an almost 50% discount. He told me it normally costs around $3200, but once everything is said and done we're looking at around $1700. Super grateful for the huge discount! As long as my brother keeps his word about splitting it with me I'll only have to pay $850 or so which I'll pull from my savings.

 

[AJollyHoliday]

have you explored if the private school offers a discount for prepayment?

There were 3 options when it came to paying the tuition, all at once, 2 times a year, or spread over 10 months (with a $50 fee to do that). There was no discount for the pay up front options. We paid up front her first year because she transferred in 1/2 way through the year and we already had $ from a stock sale. Her 2nd year we did the 10 month plan but paid it off early when the stocks vested and we could sell. Her 3rd year, we did the 10 month plan but the stock was not good so we sold some and saved $ to pay off. Her last year now we have to cash flow it. I know we could drain most of our savings and pay it off, but aside from the $50 fee there is no interest for spreading it out over 10 months. This gives us some breathing room and if the stock goes up again, we can cash it in and pay her tuition.

I started a savings account for my daughter’s dogs yesterday. Vet bills are crazy expensive. I am encouraging my daughters to do the same. I still have to concentrate on my cc but we need to have enough cash so they could be seen in an emergenc.

Our dogs' and cats' vet bills are what put us in debt to start with. It's crazy how expensive they can be but what can you do? Have to care for them!

We always have a pet account since we had out first dog that needed double hip surgery before a year. We used all the money we got from our wedding to pay for those hips! After that, we committed to having a savings account to help with emergencies and there have definitely been emergencies. We tried pet insurance with our first dog, but when the hips were not covered because he was a lab and pre-disposed to hip dysplasia we thought, well why are we paying premiums! So now we self insure. Thank goodness they are so sticking cute!

 

[Tygerlilly]

Sorry to laugh at this. Being sick is not funny but your Walmart shout out just cracked me up.
Sometimes the little things mean so much to us.
Hope you’re all feeling better soon.

You should have seen me trying to slide my ID out the door for her to scan while trying not to cough. She said "I was going to ask how you were, but the order and the way you look miserable answers that already." I laughed at that and gave her an extra tip for the giggle.

We're all feeling better today but still have a little bit of congestion and cough so staying in our little quarantine one more day. Just sucks because Bug is missing dance (again) and it's getting close to recital. Her birthday is Friday and party is Saturday so really hoping we kick this tomorrow.

 

[Sheree]

Pet insurance is key. there are so many out there, you have to really compare. if you get from puppy or kitten, you're usually fine. it has more than paid for itself for our son's dog (rare disease, passed away at age 8), indoor only cat (turns out only has 1 kidney, and our 5 year old JRT. after spending a small fortune 25 years ago (8k back then) on our dogs eye issues, including removal of one, I've gotten it ever since. I use many pets dot com and nationwide.

 

[dpswift]

Pet insurance is key. there are so many out there, you have to really compare. if you get from puppy or kitten, you're usually fine. it has more than paid for itself for our son's dog (rare disease, passed away at age 8), indoor only cat (turns out only has 1 kidney, and our 5 year old JRT. after spending a small fortune 25 years ago (8k back then) on our dogs eye issues, including removal of one, I've gotten it ever since. I use many pets dot com and nationwide.

Sorry for all your pet problems. Glad insurance has worked well for you. Every time we have looked at it we have been scared off by all the limits and non covered items. Luckily in the past our pets were healthy. My parents had a dog the required surgeries, but that was after they had inherited a good amount of money. My son made a good amount on stocks a couple years ago. Spent a night thinking about how he was going to use it. Sadly the next day he beloved dog fell I’ll. He spent 75% of his earnings on diagnosis and sadly ultimately putting his pet down.
I will look into those companies and let my daughters know

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

You should have seen me trying to slide my ID out the door for her to scan while trying not to cough. She said "I was going to ask how you were, but the order and the way you look miserable answers that already." I laughed at that and gave her an extra tip for the giggle.

We're all feeling better today but still have a little bit of congestion and cough so staying in our little quarantine one more day. Just sucks because Bug is missing dance (again) and it's getting close to recital. Her birthday is Friday and party is Saturday so really hoping we kick this tomorrow.

Well try to look on the bright side. At least none of you will still be sick on her birthday or for her party. Rest when you can.

 

[afan]

Pet insurance is key. there are so many out there, you have to really compare. if you get from puppy or kitten, you're usually fine. it has more than paid for itself for our son's dog (rare disease, passed away at age 8), indoor only cat (turns out only has 1 kidney, and our 5 year old JRT. after spending a small fortune 25 years ago (8k back then) on our dogs eye issues, including removal of one, I've gotten it ever since. I use many pets dot com and nationwide.

I think it depends on the breed and the various ins options and what's not covered. I wouldn't have been able to save what the ins paid out on my last doxie.

 

[AJollyHoliday]

Pet insurance is key. there are so many out there, you have to really compare. if you get from puppy or kitten, you're usually fine. it has more than paid for itself for our son's dog (rare disease, passed away at age 8), indoor only cat (turns out only has 1 kidney, and our 5 year old JRT. after spending a small fortune 25 years ago (8k back then) on our dogs eye issues, including removal of one, I've gotten it ever since. I use many pets dot com and nationwide.

We have looked into it a few times, but we have pure breeds and they typically don't cover the issues that arise with them. As I said, we had it for our first black lab and when I submitted a claim for his x-rays of his hips, they said nothing related this the hips will be covered. We had to pay over $4k out of pocket (20 years ago now). Insurance made no sense at that point. Our current black lab girl tore both her ACLs (CCL in a dog) and they required surgery. This time it was $10k, but I know the vet and he gave us a 10% discount. That would not have been covered by most pet insurances either because ACL tears are common in large breed dogs. That is why we have a savings account for our animals and we put quite a bit away given that we have had these high bills.

It does look like Many Pets have some options, but then when I read their policy it says it may not cover specialists. I will look into it more though for our next dog. What is strange is that it doesn't cover spaying/neutering. That is something I think all insurance should cover to help with the pet population (cue Bob Barker).

 

[Sheree]

Sorry for all your pet problems. Glad insurance has worked well for you. Every time we have looked at it we have been scared off by all the limits and non covered items. Luckily in the past our pets were healthy. My parents had a dog the required surgeries, but that was after they had inherited a good amount of money. My son made a good amount on stocks a couple years ago. Spent a night thinking about how he was going to use it. Sadly the next day he beloved dog fell I’ll. He spent 75% of his earnings on diagnosis and sadly ultimately putting his pet down.
I will look into those companies and let my daughters know

good uck. i bought the policy for our son's dog when he got him. never thought we'd have to use it aas much as we did. while we still spent a lot, some was covered 80
% and some 50%, but when the bills were over 20k in 2 months, those amount sure helped.

just like insurance i have on jewelry, etc, hope never to use it but when you do...

I do not pay for the wellness plans, just medicald

 

[Sheree]

We have looked into it a few times, but we have pure breeds and they typically don't cover the issues that arise with them. As I said, we had it for our first black lab and when I submitted a claim for his x-rays of his hips, they said nothing related this the hips will be covered. We had to pay over $4k out of pocket (20 years ago now). Insurance made no sense at that point. Our current black lab girl tore both her ACLs (CCL in a dog) and they required surgery. This time it was $10k, but I know the vet and he gave us a 10% discount. That would not have been covered by most pet insurances either because ACL tears are common in large breed dogs. That is why we have a savings account for our animals and we put quite a bit away given that we have had these high bills.

It does look like Many Pets have some options, but then when I read their policy it says it may not cover specialists. I will look into it more though for our next dog. What is strange is that it doesn't cover spaying/neutering. That is something I think all insurance should cover to help with the pet population (cue Bob Barker).

my friend has labs and uses embrace. acl was covered. she did get it from time they were puppies. most ins will pay for spay/neuter under their wellness plans. 2 of my rescues were neutered where we got them from already.

we live right near a very large specialty vet hospital and 20 minutes from 2 others. haven't had any issues

 

[AJollyHoliday]

You have all convinced me that for our next dog we will explore pet insurance! It has come a long ways!

 

[dpswift]

You have all convinced me that for our next dog we will explore pet insurance! It has come a long ways!

Agree.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

You have all convinced me that for our next dog we will explore pet insurance! It has come a long ways!

We have had Fetch pet insurance for our 4 year old pup since we got her 3 years ago. They do cover hips, knees and ligaments, etc. with this note:

Except where clinical sign(s) occur during the first six (6) months that the policy is in effect. However, coverage will be afforded if your pet is examined by a veterinarian within the first thirty (30) days after the original inception date of the policy and the medical record specifically notes your pet does not have any pre-existing conditions relating to the knees, subject to the waiting period.

For hip dysplasia they can’t have any clinical signs during first 6 months of policy starting.

 

[huggybuff]

This week was a long one. My sister and her family left yesterday morning and now we can get back to normal. I need some solo husband time.

Week 14

2024 Financial Goals

1. Pay off my credit cards and car loan in 2 years by using the debt avalanche. I'm just paying the minimums that are due for this coming pay period that will end on 4/25. The pay period after that I will attack the Q Card again.

2. Increase my monthly payments to my husband for household expenses by $800 a month beginning in May and open a joint checking account where we will each contribute monthly. We figured giving me until May to sock some extra cash into my checking would be a good idea since my personal loan is now paid off and that was sucking $1000 off the top of my paycheck once a month. Snoozed until May. I will pay my husband $300 extra for the month of April on 4/12 and begin paying him the full extra amount beginning in May.

3. Set aside $285 per month from January-June to cover the cost of our hotel for our anniversary trip in July to Monterey. $285 more into my HYSA (3/6) Waiting for my 4/12 check to make this payment.

4. Begin paying for our 2025 spring break cruise to Mexico in March. Payments will be $450 a month from March-December. (1/10) Waiting for my 4/12 check to pay this.

5. Continue using the YNAB app and website to track my money daily. I'm still tracking my money the old fashioned way with a register but I really like the budgeting aspect of YNAB and am getting more and more used to it. Woo hoo, my reconciliation came within $35 this week (13/52)


2024 Personal Goals

1. Finish deep cleaning and organizing my kitchen. My husband is basically the Swedish Chef so he makes quite a mess when he cooks. I appreciate the fact that he does all of the cooking but it's a lot to keep on top of TBH. I need to do a better job and put in more effort. I will track this weekly. I just have some cleanup left over from my sister's visit, along with finishing reorganizing my baking cabinet. (6/52)

2. Once I feel like my kitchen is back under control I'll transition to organizing my clothes that are in boxes in our bedroom. I will tackle this at least one of the days of my weekend. This will begin on Monday.

3. Reorganize and deep clean my bathroom. I have too much on the countertop and need to make use of the cabinets in a more organized manner. Snoozed.

4. By July I'd like to be at the point I can begin to tackle my boxes that are still unpacked in the garage. I had a storage unit for years and now they're just sitting untouched since we moved into the house 3 years ago. Snoozed.

5. In August I'd like to make my stepson's room into a workout room. He's a senior in high school this year and he'll be starting college next fall. He's only staying over 1 or 2 nights a week at most at this point since he lives with his mom so I don't feel I'll be booting him out or anything. I am at my highest weight ever and I honestly don't even know what that is since I'm scared to get on the scale. I can have all of the DVDs and online workouts in the world but they do no good if you don't use them. I think having a space set aside will really help me out. I'm starting my bike program this weekend. 20 minute calibration ride followed by a series of 5 beginner rides. After that, I'm undecided on what's next. Too many workout choices!

6. Get my passport at some point this year to be ready for the cruise in 2025. This probably won't happen for at least a few months.

7. I came up with a new goal. Get back to baking on a weekly basis. This will begin when my kitchen is 'done'. JK, I know a kitchen is never truly caught up on. Snoozed until I cross #1 off of my list.

Enjoy your weekends everyone!

 

[disney-inspired]

Heading off to Texas next week and will be using my vacation funds - hoping to go under budget so I can rollover the extra cash to my next vacation in December.

 

[Bellex917]

We just got home after midnight from Disney. We had an excellent trip. Spring break crowds are always nuts, but the weather was so nice.

Checked the credit card- not horrible. I was pleased. We went down with a solid about in rewards and gift cards, plus some cash. My kids are getting older (8 and 12) so it wasn't the constant begging for souvenirs it once was! I'm happy bc I knew this could slow down our debt payoff by another month but we still look on track to be fully debt free by June I think.

 

[barkley]

We just got home after midnight from Disney. We had an excellent trip. Spring break crowds are always nuts, but the weather was so nice.

Checked the credit card- not horrible. I was pleased. We went down with a solid about in rewards and gift cards, plus some cash. My kids are getting older (8 and 12) so it wasn't the constant begging for souvenirs it once was! I'm happy bc I knew this could slow down our debt payoff by another month but we still look on track to be fully debt free by June I think.

congrats! it's always nice to not have a nice vacation tarnished by regrets due to overspending.

it was great when my kids hit that age as well, in fact around that age we hit a point where we told them they had a flat amount budgeted for souvineers that they could use or be refunded upon our return home. VERY interesting on how much more selective and self restricting they were when they viewed that money as their own-fewer souvineers came home but we knew we would be doing a fairly quick trip to gamestop