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gina409
TWINS!
Member since 12/09 27635 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by StaceyWill
I'm not really surprised, but I’m confused as to how this thread turned. The OP asked if we have "Christmas" bills. And the truth is a lot of us budget for it or save throughout the year or get Christmas bonuses, etc. and literally don't have any. That doesn't mean we don't have debt or are very well off or lie, etc.
And OP. I like you and am not trying to be snarky, but I think you should chill with the financial questions. They always turn into something else.
This. We have sent of course. But Christmas we start buying gift cards in me summer and use those.
So as for
Actual
Christmas debt,we don't have any
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Posted 12/29/15 9:18 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Christmas Bills
No. But I don't have any credit cards so that helps
ETA: I do have car loans, I owe PSEG, and Verizon and need to pay my water bill- we certainly aren't debt free!
Message edited 12/29/2015 9:31:28 AM.
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| Posted 12/29/15 9:24 AM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Christmas Bills
I pay for everything with credit and will pay in full once they are due. I never keep a balance. We keep a very tight budget as we're on one mediocre salary but I don't spend much ongifts. I'm sure that will get harder as my girls get older but as of now they are happy with inexpensive gifts.
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| Posted 12/29/15 9:38 AM |
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Momof3boys
LIF Infant
Member since 6/15 306 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by itsbabytime
Also, I don't get all the hostility and "calling out" posters as if people aren't telling the truth about having debt etc. I mean, this is the internet and we all are posting under screen names not even real names! WHy would anyone care enough to lie! And, honestly, if you think struggling to pay bills is a norm on LI - I think you are wrong. It's certainly not the norm where I live. I would say it's more the norm to have no issue shelling out a lot of money on gifts. I think it's all relative to our own situations.
I agree with this also! I dont know a ton of people on LI very well, but from observing neighbors, posts in moms groups, etc. it doesn't appear that many are struggling....... I live in a nice and average South Shore town.
Or at least that is the impression they give......
Message edited 12/29/2015 9:45:12 AM.
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| Posted 12/29/15 9:44 AM |
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by kahlua716
No. But I don't have any credit cards so that helps
ETA: I do have car loans, I owe PSEG, and Verizon and need to pay my water bill- we certainly aren't debt free!
So if I am reading this correctly, you don't have credit cards but you owe money to those companies because you don't pay them in full and on time each month?
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| Posted 12/29/15 10:32 AM |
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by Momof3boys
Posted by itsbabytime
Also, I don't get all the hostility and "calling out" posters as if people aren't telling the truth about having debt etc. I mean, this is the internet and we all are posting under screen names not even real names! WHy would anyone care enough to lie! And, honestly, if you think struggling to pay bills is a norm on LI - I think you are wrong. It's certainly not the norm where I live. I would say it's more the norm to have no issue shelling out a lot of money on gifts. I think it's all relative to our own situations.
I agree with this also! I dont know a ton of people on LI very well, but from observing neighbors, posts in moms groups, etc. it doesn't appear that many are struggling....... I live in a nice and average South Shore town.
Or at least that is the impression they give......
[/QUOTE
Exactly, the "impression". Start really talking to people and you will hear a different story.
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| Posted 12/29/15 10:33 AM |
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AngnShaun
Sisters
Member since 1/10 21015 total posts
Name:
Ang
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by Cacarina
Posted by alli3131
Cash. Or debit. I gave up credit cards except for travel.
Ditto.
Same.
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| Posted 12/29/15 10:34 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by afternoondelight828
Posted by kahlua716
No. But I don't have any credit cards so that helps
ETA: I do have car loans, I owe PSEG, and Verizon and need to pay my water bill- we certainly aren't debt free!
So if I am reading this correctly, you don't have credit cards but you owe money to those companies because you don't pay them in full and on time each month?
I think she means she has bills to pay every month like we all do....water, electric, phone, car loan....not just because of Christmas.
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| Posted 12/29/15 10:42 AM |
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Momof3boys
LIF Infant
Member since 6/15 306 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by afternoondelight828
Posted by Momof3boys
Posted by itsbabytime
Also, I don't get all the hostility and "calling out" posters as if people aren't telling the truth about having debt etc. I mean, this is the internet and we all are posting under screen names not even real names! WHy would anyone care enough to lie! And, honestly, if you think struggling to pay bills is a norm on LI - I think you are wrong. It's certainly not the norm where I live. I would say it's more the norm to have no issue shelling out a lot of money on gifts. I think it's all relative to our own situations.
I agree with this also! I dont know a ton of people on LI very well, but from observing neighbors, posts in moms groups, etc. it doesn't appear that many are struggling....... I live in a nice and average South Shore town.
Or at least that is the impression they give......
[/QUOTE
Exactly, the "impression". Start really talking to people and you will hear a different story.
Perhaps, but I do believe a very large portion of my community are not struggling.
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| Posted 12/29/15 10:45 AM |
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Christmas Bills
alright I will start.
I have debt.
not like "oops, i went shopping too much and this is what got me here" debt (not that I judge others - it happens to many, i get it) - but my debt was due to life circumstances that happened (as it does to many) and it was like stealing from peter to pay for paul. or however that phrase goes.
before this, i had no debt. a great credit score.
then...life.
So, in debt, paying it down. much happier now than before, either way.
live pretty frugal but...yup - i'm still going on a vacation in 2016. maybe a couple. yes, suze orman and others would say i'm stupid, irresponsible, i should get 3 jobs and blah blah blah. they are probably right, but i'm going to live my life and have fun here and there. I work overtime when I can, i have a 401k i contribute to, i have some stocks, i have a Roth IRA, no car loan, no student loan. but yes - debt. oh well.
if that makes anyone feel better - i hope it made your day. or makes you feel less alone!
i used to worry and wring my hands..not anymore. worrying and stressing changes nothing. worrying and stressing and laying awake all night feeling like a failure doesn't fix or help anything. being proactive, managing what you can, and still living your life and have fun where you can is what is the best path to take.
l
this is actually a good way of looking at things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86dsfBbZfWs
Message edited 12/29/2015 11:02:05 AM.
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| Posted 12/29/15 10:56 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas Bills
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together" 
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:11 AM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by BargainMama
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together"
I agree with who cares...it does seem a little insensitive too to ask the question and respond in the next post with "nope" with a big smiley face...this is a hard time of year for many and no one needs the reminder of the debt they may have or what they could or couldn't provide for their families.
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:15 AM |
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blue11
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 1706 total posts
Name:
kat
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by BargainMama
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together"
Yes OP- I'm not sure why you care so much about others. You do come off as very resentful of anyone who is not buried in debt or struggling. And I honestly don't think the majority of people I know are struggling to live on Long Island - that may not be true for everyone but I don't think they are the exceptions.
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:21 AM |
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by Lauren82
Posted by BargainMama
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together"
I agree with who cares...it does seem a little insensitive too to ask the question and respond in the next post with "nope" with a big smiley face...this is a hard time of year for many and no one needs the reminder of the debt they may have or what they could or couldn't provide for their families.
Probably insensitive, yes. Maybe not intentionally insensitive. Just a clueless statement.
And people who have no debt and great credit should be proud of it and happy. I don't begrudge those. That used to be me.
But it doesn't define you as a person. And that's good to keep in mind. Credit can be repaired. Many have financial troubles.
I guess my point is.. If it makes others feel better - if they need it *that* much to feel validated, so be it.
Life goes on :)
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:23 AM |
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blue11
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 1706 total posts
Name:
kat
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by EatingMyVeggies
Posted by Lauren82
Posted by BargainMama
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together"
I agree with who cares...it does seem a little insensitive too to ask the question and respond in the next post with "nope" with a big smiley face...this is a hard time of year for many and no one needs the reminder of the debt they may have or what they could or couldn't provide for their families.
Probably insensitive, yes. Maybe not intentionally insensitive. Just a clueless statement.
And people who have no debt and great credit should be proud of it and happy. I don't begrudge those. That used to be me.
But it doesn't define you as a person. And that's good to keep in mind. Credit can be repaired. Many have financial troubles.
I guess my point is.. If it makes others feel better - if they need it *that* much to feel validated, so be it.
Life goes on :)
I don't disagree and getting through the holidays without a ton of bills is something to be happy about. I take issue with the attitude if you are doing ok or well financially then you must be very well off or not truthful about your situation. The truth is there are people who struggle to live daily and pay bills, People who just scrape by, others do ok and can splurge a little and people who are very lucky and wealthy! OP posts come off judgemental and condescending
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:29 AM |
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Lauren82
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 4580 total posts
Name:
L
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by blue11
Posted by EatingMyVeggies
Posted by Lauren82
Posted by BargainMama
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together"
I agree with who cares...it does seem a little insensitive too to ask the question and respond in the next post with "nope" with a big smiley face...this is a hard time of year for many and no one needs the reminder of the debt they may have or what they could or couldn't provide for their families.
Probably insensitive, yes. Maybe not intentionally insensitive. Just a clueless statement.
And people who have no debt and great credit should be proud of it and happy. I don't begrudge those. That used to be me.
But it doesn't define you as a person. And that's good to keep in mind. Credit can be repaired. Many have financial troubles.
I guess my point is.. If it makes others feel better - if they need it *that* much to feel validated, so be it.
Life goes on :)
I don't disagree and getting through the holidays without a ton of bills is something to be happy about. I take issue with the attitude if you are doing ok or well financially then you must be very well off or not truthful about your situation. The truth is there are people who struggle to live daily and pay bills, People who just scrape by, others do ok and can splurge a little and people who are very lucky and wealthy! OP posts come off judgemental and condescending
I just question the need to "toot your own horn" on an online message board...if being financially secure is something you value highly, you shouldn't really need the validation of strangers...
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:31 AM |
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Christmas Bills
^ I agree with you guys above. My post mainly was so others don't feel badly. That's why I shared. Maybe someone else will feel a bit better out there that they aren't alone and that they don't beat themselves up.
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| Posted 12/29/15 11:35 AM |
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Paramount
Sweet!
Member since 7/12 4289 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by EatingMyVeggies
^ I agree with you guys above. My post mainly was so others don't feel badly. That's why I shared. Maybe someone else will feel a bit better out there that they aren't alone and that they don't beat themselves up.
Ill share a little.
When I was in my 20's I owed about $4k on a credit card. When you are making $12 an hour in retail its a LOT of debt to overcome.
I had a credit score in the low 600's. It might have been high 500's.
I got to a point where I figured it out. I got rid of extras. No HBO, just basic cable. I had a cell phone for $12 a month with unlimited (perk of working for a technology retailer). No mannis. No vacations. no eating out. The ONLY thing I kept was my TIVO. Aint NO ONE gonna take my TIVO :)
Once I figured it out I have never been in debt again. I have not paid a credit card bill late in 10+ years.
Now to modern times. I dug myself out and have a credit score of about 810. But it took some real discipline. I also got a new job in my 30's and have made a career for myself in a very niche market. So I have a very desired skill that not many people can do.
Because of the scrimping, combined with a new job and skill, not getting married till late and having no kids we both do really well.
And don't forget. There *IS* good debt and bad debt. An installment loan paid on time every month is considered "good" debt as long as you can pay it.
I have a hefty mortgage.
I have a big car payment
My power is $800 a month in the summer on my house.
I have an installment CC for PC Richards I owe about 1k on. No interest with equal payments for another 8 months?
Combined with all the other bills, of Oil, insurance, cable etc etc.
And yes, this month I did over spend a little. But it wasn't on presents. It was just me enjoying amazon a little too much. I will not be able to pay off my CC. I will take 2-3 months to pay it off because I did over spend...but not to the point where Its going to be detrimental. I owe $2k. For me that reasonable to pay off in 2 months....ok maybe 3.
The thing is we have no student loan debt (His parents paid for college, I went for free because my step mom worked for the university). We have no CC debt except for the 2 above.
Not having kids - being DINK's and having no student loan debt is why I think we are doing ok. Yes, and the fact is we really don't buy stuff we cant afford.
But yes, I have to pay off this one CC. After this I am going to be very careful because I cant afford a $2k bill every month.
If anyone wants advice on how to fix your credit score I am happy to help. I am no expert, but learned from my own digging out. And If I DONT know something I will tell you I don't know. I also figured out a way to make sure I was never late on ANY payment again (its super easy) but it also *forces* you to face all your debt, what you owe, and seeing where you have to cut. And if your debts are more than you make, then you have to cut.
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| Posted 12/29/15 12:06 PM |
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by Lauren82
Posted by BargainMama
Who cares who has bills and who doesn't?
If you haven't learned, the OP has a huge financial chip on her shoulder, and is always slamming those that seem to have it "together"
I agree with who cares...it does seem a little insensitive too to ask the question and respond in the next post with "nope" with a big smiley face...this is a hard time of year for many and no one needs the reminder of the debt they may have or what they could or couldn't provide for their families.
No Christmas bills but a ton others so wasn't trying to be insensitive at all. That is one thing I am happy about that we have been able all these years to not have those bills after the holidays.
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| Posted 12/29/15 12:54 PM |
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tourist
Member since 5/05 10425 total posts
Name:
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by DaniJude
How much are people spending??
I guess it depends on how many people you buy for but I only spent around $1,000-$1,200 total.
So I didn't have a problem paying - paid in cash as I went.
Six adults
Six children.
Exactly, I don't have bills really ( well, I didn't receive all my cc bills, but they won't be much higher than usual I will be paid when they arrive), but I don't have kids & don't exchange with adult family members.
So, I bought gifts (including donations) for 8 kids, 5 adults, and gave cash to 5 people.
I didn't keep track of how much $ I spent on butter for all the cookies I made though!
When I was in my early 20s, the only 2 times a year I didn't made my CC off in full were Christmas & when I went on vacation in the summer, but I paid them them next month. I tried not to spend more than I had, but I wanted to be generous to the people who were generous to me, so I totally get not be able to pay it all at once.
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| Posted 12/29/15 3:38 PM |
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Pinkisles
<3
Member since 11/13 2868 total posts
Name:
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Christmas Bills
I just want to say I had no idea who suze orman was until they spoofed her in Sesame Street when Oscar is buying too much on scramazon lol
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| Posted 12/29/15 4:46 PM |
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by Pinkisles
I just want to say I had no idea who suze orman was until they spoofed her in Sesame Street when Oscar is buying too much on scramazon lol
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| Posted 12/29/15 5:05 PM |
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Lara&Aidansmommy
For mom i miss u ETC ILOVEU
Member since 3/07 13921 total posts
Name:
ETC I LOVE YOU
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Re: Christmas Bills
I wrote I had no Christmas debt , and I don't, cause I was done shopping in August. Im one of those freaks that are done shoppong wayyy before Christmas is even a thought in most peoples minds
Message edited 12/29/2015 5:55:45 PM.
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| Posted 12/29/15 5:54 PM |
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GoldenRod
10 years on LIF!
Member since 11/06 26792 total posts
Name:
Shawn
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by Pinkisles
I just want to say I had no idea who suze orman was until they spoofed her in Sesame Street when Oscar is buying too much on scramazon lol
One of the first times I saw her show was when she told someone to make copies of DVDs and sell the originals.....
which is a Federal offense, so I never watched anything of hers again.
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| Posted 12/29/15 6:49 PM |
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Re: Christmas Bills
Posted by GoldenRod
Posted by Pinkisles
I just want to say I had no idea who suze orman was until they spoofed her in Sesame Street when Oscar is buying too much on scramazon lol
One of the first times I saw her show was when she told someone to make copies of DVDs and sell the originals.....
which is a Federal offense, so I never watched anything of hers again.
Really? Lol
I dont like her as I think she is not in touch with reality of life. She has never been married and has no kids. Her ideas don't work for many families as much as she claims they do. Maybe in podunkville, USA but not NY
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| Posted 12/29/15 6:54 PM |
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