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lovebeingamom
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| Posted: Aug 10 2009 at 9:45am | IP Logged
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Ok Ladies - I write to you all looking for some *help*, suggestions, advice, etc.
My DH and I have always considered ourselves *debt-free* (accept your normal mortgage and currently a very reasonable car payment) until recently.
DH hours have been cut back at work - therefore, having us use our credit card for some recent necessities. However, we have not been able to pay off the balance in full each month  .
The balance is low but it makes me sick to my stomach that we cannot pay it off. Not to mention, I don't want to justify to myself the ok's of it all ... I don't want to get further in over our heads. We have always believed that if you have to use a credit card - you are living beyond your means.
Therefore, I look to to you all for how you all are able to stay at home, raise a family (some of you with rather large families to provide for), and make it all work????
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Jenny
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| Posted: Aug 10 2009 at 12:38pm | IP Logged
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a few years ago, we followed Dave Ramsey to get out of debt. I read his book and my husband listened to the book on cd every morning on his way to work. We have stayed out of debt, but have gotten lax in writing out a budget each month. This past week, we sat down and wrote out a very specific budget, including some pocket money for both of us. It has been very interesting this weekend, as I have made purchases, deciding which catagory these qualified under and how much money had been alloted. It has caused me to stop, think about the purchase and the "necessity" of it.
Could you do something to raise some quick cash to payoff the balance once and for all? Like a garage sale? Once it is paid off, make adjustments in your budget to avoid using it again, but get it off your back first 
Dave Ramsey
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Jenny
Chris' wife and momma of 7. My blog: The Littlest Way--Bible Journaling, Inspiring Bible Quotes, Daily Affirmations, Prayer Journaling & photography
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lovebeingamom
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| Posted: Aug 10 2009 at 12:56pm | IP Logged
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Which book of his did you read or would you recommend?
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teachingmyown
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| Posted: Aug 10 2009 at 1:17pm | IP Logged
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One thing is to really, really examine what you are spending money on. Make a detailed list of everything and then decide if it is mandatory or discretionary. Then try to make cuts. You might be surprised where the money is going. Of course, you may also be where we are. There just isn't anything really left to cut and each month is a struggle.
I liked Dave Ramsey's books, but I have always liked Mary Hunt of The Complete Cheapskate, too. She has a website and daily emails with money tips.
Good luck! I wish I had been more aware of the cost of debt when we were first married and starting a family. We spent many years with the idea that his salary would catch up and all would be fine. His salary has been "catching up" but it's already spent. 
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In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
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cheesehead mom
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| Posted: Aug 10 2009 at 2:57pm | IP Logged
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Praying for you, it is tough to be in that position and frustrating. I think all of the above suggestions are great. Cutting back--grocery (simple meals, lots of Aldi shopping!), no eating out, even streamlining kids activities sometimes need to be done. You might also check that your DH is declaring all possible deductions on his check (if you get a lot of money back at tax time you can claim more that your dependents to get more back monthly), and whether there are cheaper options for health care or insurance for you. God Bless.
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Jenny
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 10:59am | IP Logged
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We read/listened to Total Money Makeover.
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Jenny
Chris' wife and momma of 7. My blog: The Littlest Way--Bible Journaling, Inspiring Bible Quotes, Daily Affirmations, Prayer Journaling & photography
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jdostalik
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 4:07pm | IP Logged
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I second Jenny on Dave Ramsey. Praying for you... 
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God Bless,
Jennifer in TX
wife to Bill, mom to six here on earth and eight in heaven.
Let the Little Ones Come
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Aug 12 2009 at 4:13pm | IP Logged
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Thirding on Dave Ramsey! 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Topic: Credit Card Debt
