So now that I am in financial need, my reserve savings are gone. And I have no-one to blame but myself.

So, sometimes being a nice person and trying to help someone else is not the answer. Take care of your own needs first and foremost.

If I’m honest, I think that my impulse spending moments have been in direction relation to feeling bored and not having something more productive to do with my time. I now spend far more time in my garden (obviously not at this time of yr), cleaning my home, baking bread, and doing other simple domestic tasks which make life a little more pleasant, as opposed to running off to the mall to buy something that I gave no thought to – prior to walking inside the mall doors.

Also, for the person who said they didn’t have a huge support system – you’re not alone. I think a lot of us sometimes feel that way, but when we really think about it…it might due to not reaching out to family, friends and neighbours as often as we should. Libraries generally have book clubs and other types of meetings where you can get to know other folks.

I think it helps us keep on track when we have friends/mentors who are good role models, and are working towards or already enjoying a comfortable, debt-free lifestyle. Positive reminders such as notes or pictures on our fridge, mirror, whatever can help encourage us to stay on track. I have a friend who has a screen saver image of a goal on her compt, which is a daily reminder and helps keep her focused on where she will live when she retires.

May 2010 bring everyone a peaceful, prosperous and debt free year.

You can save money on gas by changing your driving habits:driving tips.

Use the money you save to pay down your debt!

I understand what you said about food hoarding based on food bank use in the past. My family went through that for several years in my teens and it has stuck with me for all these years. I too fight the hoarding/buying in bulk and then wasting pattern.
I decided mid 2009 that I would donate generously to every food bank request that came around. This kept it from getting to the best before date and I felt good giving back.
I have also been very consciously using my pantry reserves lately and only buying packaged foods if I am out of that particular item. It is amazing how much we store in our homes!
I found just being aware and honest about the pattern and why was the most effective way to control my behaviour.

I do love hearing everyone’s stories and encouragement – it is always a lift to my day.

In the meantime, though, I’ve realized tonight that I’m turning Gail’s website into my personal pity-pot, something I never intended to do (sorry Gail!). So I’m going to do my very best to turn my comments on here back to the financial issues, which is pretty darn important regardless of which way my courtdate goes next week. I’m $12000 away from my consumer debt freedom, and I can’t wait to come on here and announce that I’ve achieved my goals! If anybody would like to chat though, my email addy is bobolink69@hotmail.com.

Get yourself out there, take a class at the library, do some volunteering in some areas that interest you—it’s amazing when you give of your heart and you can get back so much more. I think this should be your new years resolution (aside from the financial ones we’ve all made)- to do some things for yourself (doesn’t have to cost money – fix a nice meal and eat by candlelight, enjoy a long bubble bath, etc, etc) and get yourself out of the apt beyond just going to work. It’s important for you to have some real friends, at the very least some folks you can meet socially (cheap coffee). I think this could be a good way to make some of those connections and start to feel a little happier as well. Also taking a walk clears the head and makes you feel 100% better than when you started…

Take good care Chubby Bunny. My experience has taught me that when you start taking care of yourself, all the other stuff falls into place. And remember – YOU ARE THEIR MOTHER, no one can ever take that away from you. Make sure they know how much you care and love them. My mantra for the rough times “Tomorrow is another day”
Big Hugs
Lisa

Why am I in debt? That is the $64,000 question. It started slow and then snowballed. All of us here can relate.
The second part of the equation is – now that we have admitted our foibles…we are all getting on the right track to correct the situation PDQ!

My answers to the questions above : Yes, and I’d like to stop now.
I kept track of my sepnding late last year and went off track when I had to pay for unseen expenses like car accident twice. Gosh, I was so sad to see my cash went out just like that.

Please input more articles as I really love reading them.

Thank you!

Tess- you could buy canned goods. They’ll keep forever, you can store them anywhere and you’ll feel “safe” because you have food available.

Geoff- I beleive that if you’re married it’s “our” money. If your budget is balanced and the bills are paid, have an allowance for each of you to spend willy nilly and guilt free. If it makes you feel better, her allowance can be bigger than yours.

Megan- good job on paying off the loans sooner rather than later. Even though your current job does not use your education, I believe that education is never wasted. I’m sure you picked up some skills and knowledge that you can apply to a work situation, like if you started a study group then you have leadership and management skills.