Someone Make Me Feel Better Lol

First relax, no point in adding a therapist bill on top of everything else. It is done, in the past and cannot be changed.

Now don't fall into the trap of getting by and not learning from it. Work out a budget to pay it off and save for next year.

Then have some egg nog and smile. :)

Sort of like our national debt so don't worry. :-)

Time are tight and sometimes getting into debt is the only way to get by, unless you married really rich! I married a great guy who loves me to pieces, I chose a career where I can help others and spend more time with my kids, I chose to have three kids. I don't regret my choices! Enjoy the great things in your life, enjoy your kids enjoy your Christmas!

A.:

I am sure there are MANY people who did this. We did not. We are a cash only family - we have NO credit cards - it's our cash or nothing.

For next year? Start putting $20 a week into a savings account now - with your next paycheck. make it a habit. Without interest by Christmas next year you should have $1,000 saved. It adds up fast.....

If you spent that much to make your stomach turn? Maybe you should re-think Christmas and gift giving...maybe cut it to 3 presents each and set a cap on the amount you spend....I don't know what will work for your family. I know cutting credit cards out will be a GREAT thing!!! It's hard...you are talking to the "credit card queen!!" it was REALLY hard to give up the plastic - but man - I can tell you the relief of knowing what I spend is mine...and no surprise bills in the mail or on-line - well worth it!!

I had an uncle who used to say that all the time: "It's only money." Then again, he was a doctor and he had plenty of it!

It's only money, but when it's borrowed it has to be paid back. And you WILL do it. You know you will. Just as fast, and with as little interest, as you can.

Meanwhile, I, too, am figuring out how to do it better next year. I don't like to feel like an old Scrooge, but I do want to be more or less sensible - sensible and generous at the same time. So starting January first I'm setting a certain amount aside each month - NO excuses - to put toward 2012 Christmas expenses. That will at least help.

Old saying...."a fool and his money are soon parted"....also...credit card using...very easy to run up real fast....just to pad someone elses pockets. Learn from your mistake...and don't do it again. You had all good intentions...even my credit card I have prints on the statement how many YEARS it will take to pay off your balance IF you only make the minimum payment. I make sure I pay it off every month before I am charged interest. We have to learn to live within our means.

Listen to Suze Orman's show and you will get your answer. She has given us lots of advice. We bought everything cash this year...

I coordinate Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes and can't recommend it enough. This was the first year I had a plan, paid cash for everything, and had the BEST gift giving experiences ever!!! My next class starts on January 8th at 4pm at Christ Lutheran Church, Long Beach. Please visit Dave Ramsey.com/FPU and consider joining us or another meeting close to you. It is sooooo worth it!!!

We did that last year, A.! I totally know that sick feeling when you look at the cc statement. All you can do is move on and plan ahead for next year.

You aren't the first and you won't be the last! I hope you had a very special Christmas!

If you can pay it off without having to pay interest, then I wouldn't be worried. Sounds like a change in Christmas spending might be in order, to save yourself the headache, though.

We shouldn't have to put ourselves into debt each year at this time. I know my husband and I can't afford to keep doing it. I told him for now on we should only buy for our kids and maybe something small but meaningful for each other. I've had a combined total over $1200 on two department store credit cards for three years. It's so hard to get it paid off with the high interest rates. It's just not worth it.
Last night, I was at my inlaws and we were talking about how Christmas must have been in the old days. Not like the commercialized way it is now where everyone buy buy buys. I said I wish I were creative, I'd make handmade items like they probably did back then.

It might be "only money" but now that's YOUR money that you are committed to paying off WITH INTEREST! Now, I'm not above using the occasional credit card for another discount here or there but I FREAK if I can't pay them off at the end of the month!
Two words: Dave Ramsay
Three more to start today: Christmas Club Account