There is a saying that "there is nothing like the pressure we place on ourselves". Think that is my problem at the moment...
If someone were to ask if I was doing everything possible to get out of debt I would have to admit "nearly everything".
Areas I need to still sort out:
1. Cancel cable TV = $55 savings. Having a tough time with this one - I love cable TV and have the TV on while I am sewing. I don't ever just sit and do nothing in front of the TV. Think I am going to give it one more month and see if I can cover the cost through my sewing orders/income/clothes savings etc.
2. Garage Sale - still need to price things. Money from this is going to my EMF
3. Medical insurance - the cost of the insurance will balance out with what I am currently paying for Dr/Dentist/Meds etc. BUT more importantly I will have the peace of mind that we have it.
4. CC3 - used it again during August just to get through the month for absolute necessities ie groceries, gas.
Need to get my income up to cover this with cash.
Progress I have made:
1. Baking & cooking from scratch - no take outs during August
2. Used up leftovers
3. Selling clothes I no longer wear
4. Sold Timeshare - that is a big one
5. No office supplies bought at all
Sorry I needed to ramble... see you tommorrow
Why are we so tough on ourselves...
August 23rd, 2006 at 08:38 pm
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:00 pm 1156370455
1) a basic cable package (usually about 12-20 channels, costing $10 or less per month). Here in Boston, this includes all of the major networks, PBS, CNBC and an assortment of about 6 other cable networks.
2) an antenna (if you can get reception - some people can't pick up any channels without cable)
3) cold turkey (probably not the best option, especially if you have favorite television shows or rely on televised news)
You might find that your favorite cable channels are still on the basic package though - and that alone could result in some big savings. Good luck!
August 23rd, 2006 at 10:07 pm 1156370831
I hope you'll manage to keep the cable TV. We all need to build little rewards and satisfactions into our lives even as we trim expenses and pay down debt. The temptation is to do the financial equivalent of a crash diet, which works for a while but isn't really sustainable.
Doing "everything possible" can lead to a bleak and joyless existence. We can't live like that; at least I can't.
Good luck
August 24th, 2006 at 12:52 am 1156380727
Congratulations on selling the timeshare!
August 24th, 2006 at 04:41 am 1156394500
Really, with Netflix and the library, I have plenty to watch. I also have the satisfaction of knowing that I won't get hooked on some terrific new network show, only to have them cancel it after ten episodes or something. Now, I can just get full seasons of shows out of the library at a time. No waiting for the next installment, no fear that the show will be cancelled, not kicking myself because I forgot to set the VCR or set it to the wrong channel. Just a totally happy viewing experience.
There are really only 2 shows that I even feel the least bit irritated about having to wait for them to come out on DVD, and I can live with being irritated for a savings of $780 a year.
August 24th, 2006 at 11:49 am 1156420146
At less than $2 per day for entertainment on demand I guess it is not too bad - Ha ha ha now all I am doing is justifying the expense...
We'll see...
August 24th, 2006 at 11:40 pm 1156462848