The last month has been spent trying to keep my head out of the water. I quit my job. Tried to go back to my previous one, my injury is too bad and I can't. I am working only half time. Fighting with insurance, fighting with administrators, my family in crisis, one of my kids in crisis.
So when the bottom fell out I had to simplify things. Get a handle on income: use up vacation, OT and sick time. Get a handle on spending: stop automatic savings, stop spending.
Because I'm kinda nutso about having a rediculous big balance in my chequing I haven't touched the Emergency fund. 15k if I need it.
The monthly must pays:
Property taxes
Utilities: power, natural gas, water, phone*, cable*
Car plates
The monthly variable:
Food*
Kid activities (swimming lessons, hockey)*
* = a portion of this is paid by the spouse
Money does not buy happiness, but it will buy some peace of mind that your basic needs will be met. My part time pay covers expenses - barely, often I dig into the previous excess in my account.
I finally got in for counselling, she actually disputed that I am an asshole mom like I believe I am. I am doing many things right although I doubt myself. I'm still married, but bareley I think some days.
You can only help yourself and you can only guide your children. At least my dog listens sometimes.
Health breakdown is huge in a family. I have been the provider for the last 13 years. I physically can not do it now. There is no one that is willing to step up to the plate.
I'm in a fortunate position in that I have zero debt, and have extensive savings. But there is not an infinite amount.
My oldest is moving out, going to University for 2 more years, my middle staying put and trying to get into university, and my little one still in elementary and happy and loving life. Trying to not let any of this flying bs affect my little one.
I don't have family support emotionally or financially. (Nothing new) Thankfully I have some dear friends that I can lean on to lend an ear and send some prayers. I've always been my own rock to stand on.
I don't have a long term plan. I don't even have a plan that goes past next week! Just trying to roll with the punches.
There are more budget cuts ahead. I've been in way worse financial shape and managed to come out ok. Just need to keep it together. Enjoy moments and not get overwhelmed.
Tying a knot and holding on....
Monday, August 24, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Long Time no Posts but Good Stuff Today!
So I dropped off for a long while. I've been very depressed, been through massive change with my work situation and have a new injury that has really set me back.
I await to see the orthopaedic surgeon and find out if I need surgery or more physio.
I have increased my work hours to 3/4 time from half time, and I have left my previous employer of 24 years. It has been a big change.
Some good things are a very short commute, very easy physically, better hours, same pay. Some not good things are very low job satisfaction, I miss my colleagues and I miss my routine.
That's the employment story.
The debt story... well at least that is a happy one!
We had put car and truck purchase on line of credit (This was up to the spouse to pay off - not me) and as of this week it is FINISHED!
We owe nothing - to anyone!
I have been updating my own and our joint net worth and we are in a very good position.
I have a full emergency fund. I have maxed out my RRSP's. I have a savings account for house improvement and any crap that happens. I will use this for the new A/C unit we need before summer, any car expenses, other crap that pops up. I have a Vacation account so that the trips for this year are already funded. I also have RESP's ready to go for both kids #1 and 2 this fall.
We have some vacation scheduled in a couple months and in the fall for our 10th anniversary. We are also going to do a warm holiday in the winter and a ski trip to the mountains. That is going to be the priority. Vacations!
My kid #2 graduates from high school this June and will go to University.
Kid #1 is still in University but hopes to get into a college to get his Major finished in 2 years.
Kid #3 is still very active in sports and so that takes up 4-5 days a week. My new hours accommodate this without a problem.
Somewhere in there is some "Me" time. With the weather warming, more days off and less physical strain at work I hope to be feeling better. Both out of this funk and getting into better physical condition.
The Good Things:
Income tax returns are very good again this year because of my RRSP deductions
I'm at least not making my injuries worse at work anymore
I have great hours
Things That Suck:
My family are a bunch losers (unchanged)
Spring is taking forever
Groceries cost too much!
I await to see the orthopaedic surgeon and find out if I need surgery or more physio.
I have increased my work hours to 3/4 time from half time, and I have left my previous employer of 24 years. It has been a big change.
Some good things are a very short commute, very easy physically, better hours, same pay. Some not good things are very low job satisfaction, I miss my colleagues and I miss my routine.
That's the employment story.
The debt story... well at least that is a happy one!
- Mortgage free since Feb 2012
We had put car and truck purchase on line of credit (This was up to the spouse to pay off - not me) and as of this week it is FINISHED!
I have been updating my own and our joint net worth and we are in a very good position.
I have a full emergency fund. I have maxed out my RRSP's. I have a savings account for house improvement and any crap that happens. I will use this for the new A/C unit we need before summer, any car expenses, other crap that pops up. I have a Vacation account so that the trips for this year are already funded. I also have RESP's ready to go for both kids #1 and 2 this fall.
We have some vacation scheduled in a couple months and in the fall for our 10th anniversary. We are also going to do a warm holiday in the winter and a ski trip to the mountains. That is going to be the priority. Vacations!
My kid #2 graduates from high school this June and will go to University.
Kid #1 is still in University but hopes to get into a college to get his Major finished in 2 years.
Kid #3 is still very active in sports and so that takes up 4-5 days a week. My new hours accommodate this without a problem.
Somewhere in there is some "Me" time. With the weather warming, more days off and less physical strain at work I hope to be feeling better. Both out of this funk and getting into better physical condition.
The Good Things:
Income tax returns are very good again this year because of my RRSP deductions
I'm at least not making my injuries worse at work anymore
I have great hours
Things That Suck:
My family are a bunch losers (unchanged)
Spring is taking forever
Groceries cost too much!
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