How is that for an attention-grabbing post title? Pretty much describes me and where I am right now. Not usually this down and depressed.
We returned from a wonderful vacation. Wonderful family memories made, with both immediate and extended. And then I made the fatal mistake of thinking we were coming home on Thursday. It really should have been Wednesday. For the life of me, I can't figure out how it exactly happened that way. I told everyone the dates, rented the car for that long, and made hotel reservations accordingly.
Well, long story short, it took an additional $1,400 to get everyone home. Roughly $200 per person. To fly on our original airline would have been $500 per person (and there are seven of us). We had an additional two days at the beach and we are all tan and healthy looking. I perseverated about the money thing for a good 30 minutes until my mother said, "Honestly, Laura. It is only money." And she is totally correct.
However, we are facing unemployment. Last day of DH's job is 8/29 and there aren't a lot of prospects out there. The one promising lead is now a dull flicker, not quite yet smoldering. So I have $1,400 more in credit card debt. And I'm perseverating.
August is a three-paycheck month. I am trying to desperately stretch those funds.
Here is a snapshot of July: Paid $1,053 to one high school (25% of balance), $850 to other high school (combined with stipend from hosting foreign exchange student, paid $40% of balance), paid $150 to elementary school (12%), paid $2,000 to property tax.
I had planned on August's funds this way: $567.75 to high school 1, $550 to high school 2, $150 to elementary school, $1000 to property taxes, and $1,750 to mortgage. We are one month ahead on mortgage.
I am wondering if given my mindset if I should just pour all the funds into one pot and then just make the regular monthly payments? I also have to take care of a crown for DH, and a plumbing issue. I am regretting the purchase of two occasional chairs for the family room, but we were in desperate need of seating and the boxes are gone, the chairs are used, etc.
It doesn't help that I am tired, PMS-ing, feeling overwhelmed, under-motivated, etc.
So there. That is my sad story. I must return to my pity party. And mourn the loss of $1,400 due to my own personal stupidity.
One upswing: Ended up with two A's from spring quarter and like my 4.0. I joined a used book exchange and won't have to purchase books for the Fall. And I flew into Minneapolis/St. Paul, ceejay did you see me wave. And I survived the small plane ride to Chicago, small as in plane, only four seats across. And I didn't even puke. 
Deflated. Totally floundering. Lost my mojo and can't find it. Sinking.
July 22nd, 2014 at 01:25 am
July 22nd, 2014 at 01:50 am 1405993857
July 22nd, 2014 at 02:22 am 1405995775
I think you might like having the cash to hold for awhile, even if earmarked for mortgage and school payments. I know I like to have cash in the bank to make me feel more secure. Make the minimum payments you need, including that mortgage payment if you are paid ahead.
Keep posting so we can pull you back up!!
July 22nd, 2014 at 02:56 am 1405997760
July 22nd, 2014 at 03:52 am 1406001169
July 22nd, 2014 at 04:44 am 1406004278
Congrats on your good grades.
July 22nd, 2014 at 07:11 am 1406013090
I'm reading Bargain Fever [Ellwood] which explains why we feel so bad when we have a financial loss and fail to celebrate the hundreds of excellent financial decisions we make. Does your library have the e-version to download?
July 22nd, 2014 at 11:55 am 1406030146
July 22nd, 2014 at 12:46 pm 1406033186
We are devout Catholics so tuition for the kids is non-negotiable. Because we are in ministry and service, our elementary school tuition is manageable. My daughters have both received academic scholarships as well as financially-based grants. I'm able to pay cash for my tuition at a local seminary. My firs quarter did yield me a part-time job.
DH will have severance and unemployment.
July 22nd, 2014 at 01:43 pm 1406036624
As far as what to do with the August funds, I think it's a wash so do what feels the best to you. If it were me, I would want to hoard the funds in savings, but if it feels safer to pay ahead on tuition and mortgage, then do that.
You are tired now. Focus on the great memories you made, get your rest and face the future tomorrow. I think you'll be just fine.
July 22nd, 2014 at 02:13 pm 1406038409