So, I just checked my credit card balance and I feel like I could cry. I've been working so hard to get it all paid off and I screwed it all up this past month. I'm back to where I was in October. I really wanted to get it paid off by February, but I'm looking at my Excel spreadsheet and with some weddings coming up and some other stuff, that's just not going to happen. It's now going to be more like April with some MAJOR spending cutbacks. I was hoping to be able to still spend some during Jan. and Feb. and now that's shot.
I'm just frustrated and disappointed and ticked off at myself for doing this. Grrrrrrrrr!
Does any one have any good ideas for me? Or a good get-rich-quick scheme??? (Just kidding about the latter!)
Thanks for listening. I think I just needed to vent.
The important thing is, though - that you think you can have it paid off in about four months - hey, not bad at all! You're staying on top of your finances by checking it and keeping a spreadsheet, and that is responsible!
So you can't spend really in Jan and Feb, well, that's not as fun as spending, but it's not terrible - spending in December is much more fun (and understandable) anyway.
It's ok, you got off track - just be a little more mindful in the future, but really, by April? That's not too scary :)
Awwww NCshopper, don't feel too bad, I'm sure you're not the only one out there who did this. I was glad I opened up a Christmas sav. acct., so I wouldn't be using my credit cards, BUT! During the AFTER Christmas sales, I re-opened my JCP after paying it OFF back in '99, but I'll have them paid off in the next 2 mos., but still. MORE DEBT! Same for my Cir. City card, but Joe and I are paying on that together, since we got the digi. cam. w/it, so cool. It'll be OK - it HAS TO BE! LOL I also have an Excel spreadsheet, w/my cred. card debt, but I think (when I get home) I'll make a new one of the NEW cred. card debt, b/c I told myself I would NOT dig another hole for myself! I've come too far to start all over again! I was $23K PLUS in debt, now I'm down to I think $5700! YIPPEE!!! Some accts. I'll jsut let stay closed, I really only need ONE major cred. card, have that, maybe ONE gas card, and that's really it. LOL
-- Edited by TheLovelyLady71 at 11:43, 2005-12-30
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"Until you spread your wings, you'll have no idea how far you can fly".
That does suck! I totally sympathize. But, I also agree with Hermione. The damage isn't irreparable, so the healthiest thing to do is call it experience and not beat yourself up for it. And you'll be more aware of the temptations next year, so it's a good experience to have had!
Congrats on doing so much good work thus far!
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Forget, forgive, conclude, and be agreed. - Shakespeare
Aw, NCshopper I think you're very organized and are definitely on a great track! It's normal to be a little set back during the holidays. You could always go the eBay route and sell a few things here and there for fun money (and closet space!). You could also take nicer things you no longer use to your nearest consignment store. I'm planning on doing both once I get back home and get organized.
Also, I forget where he did it, but my ex once sold his old cds and video games to one of those used places and got some okay money.
HTH a little!
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http://v247.tumblr.com One cannot perceive beauty, but with a serene mind -Thoreau
Thanks ladies! I'm feeling a bit better. Still unhappy about it, but I'll live.
I guess what irritates me most is that I stuck to my Christmas budget without a problem, but I think I got on a roll shopping and ended up buying Christmas presents for myself. (I did get some cute stuff though! )
Anyway, I'm going to have to cut back a lot and I'll probably end up selling a few things on eBay.
I just have to keep in mind that this is a minor setback, not a major one. And it doesn't mean not shopping at all, it just means really limiting what I buy, so that's fine too.
Thanks again for the support. You all make me feel better.