I have some things to be thankful for.
ONE
Another student loan payment made. Now down to $61,835. So close to being out of the 60’s now!
TWO
I received a gift of money from a family member in the sum of $3,500. I have added this money to my emergency fund, which raises my balance to a perfectly even $10,000!
I’m not comfortable accepting money from anyone, which is part of the reason that I’m not spending this money or putting it towards debt. I’m keeping it in savings and accessible to give back if needed. This is not ever likely to happen, but it gives me peace of mind. Now that my e-fund is at $10k, I’m going to stop contributing money there and put those future dollars towards clearing out the credit card debt.
THREE
I’m going to travel home to see my extended family for the holidays next week. (I paid for these tickets months ago out of my Opportunity Fund, so these flights are not contributing to my current credit card balance.)
It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been out there and it’s time to go back before I get hammered with guilt trips. Now that I’m planning this international trip, it adds fuel to the fire. You know the drill. “DDSW has money to travel abroad but not come to see her family”. Etc. Etc. Don’t get me started on debt, family, travel, and guilt trips. Heh. Too late. I think that might be the topic of a future post.
In any event, going back to see everyone will be good and fun, but also a bit stressful in that way that only family can bring out. I’m thankful to be able to do this physically and financially, nonetheless.
Happy Holidays!
.
“Debtor’s prison is real, and opportunity cost is a bitch.” (DDSW Archives)
Double Debt Single Woman 
Congrats on almost being out of the sixties!! If only I could be at that point!!
I so understand what you mean – the guilt and stress that comes with traveling to see families, especially with all the holiday rush, etc. I’ve only traveled to see my family once in two years because I just couldn’t afford it. And that is wonderful news about the money you were gifted. I understand what you mean – it’s not easy for me to accept gifts of money from anyone either.
You seem more upbeat in this post than the last one. I’m glad. Just try to keep focusing on the positives.
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Thanks, Terri.
Seeing my family was a double edged sword, emotionally. I’ll likely write a post about it. Nevertheless, I’m excited about the progress I’m making.
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Woohoo, this is good news!
Now your emergency fund is above your previous 8000 goal, you can allocate money you’d been contributing to that elsewhere and your student loan balance is heading downhill again.
And, good call going to see family pretty close to the international trip to avoid any guilt trips. Sigh.
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Ugh. Guilt trips. My family could qualify as certified travel agents. lol
Thanks, Maria!
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Congratulations on being so close to being out of the 60s! Hope the visit to see family goes well and is relatively drama-free.
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Thanks! I’ll likely write a bit more about the visit in a post.
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Congrats on that EF gift and $10,000 is an awesome number. Just reached it again myself (had to pay for funeral arrangements for my Dad) even though I have 4 other siblings…you know crazy family dynamics stuff. And yes,completely understand going back home with all the “comments ” that accompanies that.
Congrats on getting closer to under sixties! So happy for you!
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Yes… Yes, I do know. lol 😦
Thanks for the positive words. Condolences on the loss of your father.
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Thank you so much.
Yeah sad when debt falls on only one person. Seemingly the same person that never received any financial help from anyone.
And… also this. WHEN you get out of debt. DO NOT TELL YOUR FAMILY. I do not plan to do that. Well, maybe my sister.
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Please, I have roommates, IN MY FORTIES! My family thinks I’m $5 away from being homeless. 🙂 Like, they are actually worried.
While my financial situation is FAR from where it should be, just having roommates saves me from getting ‘loan’ requests from certain notorious family members. Once I am out of debt, I will continue to keep my financial progress private. I agree with you!
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YES! And lol on $5 from being away from these streets!
I am so glad I finally found a blog where the people understand these things. Being single is not as easy as some people would like to tell YOU. Keep pushing!
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Congratulations on that number! You are so close to being in the 50s!! Also, that gift of money was so nice- I love having a fully funded EF and I’m sure you do too!
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Thanks, Michelle! You’ve got a nice amount in savings. I’ll keep increasing my e-fund once I’m (nearly) out of debt.
I’ve been keeping up with your posts and can only say hang in there. Your struggles remind me of some of my own. I hope things eventually work (end peacefully) between you and the person you’re trying to remove from your life.
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I hope that your time with your family involves fewer guilt trips and can just be a fun trip. What a kind present. I am with you on feeling uncomfortable. My brother bought me last minute tickets to go to our father’s deathbed. He got great deals, but my gig ended and I am itching to repay him. I will wait until I’m earning money again, because he said I could and he won’t be missing the money, but I don’t like having it over my head on the balance sheet.
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Well the trip home ended up being a mixed bag. Another post perhaps…
My condolences on the loss of your father. You got to see him and that’s what matters. The dollars will sort themselves out.
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Thank you.
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So glad to see you are making progress. Discovered your blog several months ago and have been cheering you on ever since. The gift was most likely a display of love so all we can do is take those things with a grateful heart and make good use. Seems like you did. Enjoy your trip. Looking forward to the 50s.
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Thanks, AW. 🙂
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What a great gift! I’m so happy for you. Also happy that you can probably give yourself a Christmas gift of getting into the 50s!
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Thanks, C! Unfortunately, because of funds being diverted to credit card payments, I won’t be hitting the 50s this year, but I’ll be close!
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