Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 12:59 pm
Well-I can't believe I am saying this-but we are half way through [:D](36 months paid-36 to go-assuming we will pay an additional 12 months in lieu of limited equity in our property)
We are just about managing-although there have been a few challenges along the way-(For example,I have just spent £278 on compulsory uniform for my eldest to start high school and although I had tried to save up a little bit it has still massively dented our food budget this month-so beans on toast 3 times a week!-and we will have the same again next year for the next one starting-so trying to put £5 a week on one side now-but not easy when you are counting every single penny[:)])
Car repairs in January were unforeseen too-but we are adding that amount onto the monthly payment-so it is spread out over the remaining 36 months-I just hope we don't have any other car repairs over and above the allowance for running costs as, like most families, the car is essential for work, school runs etc. and is a bit of a worry.
I think another big challenge has been the allowance for clothing. Both hubby and I have to be smart for work and the kids seem to grow an inch every time I look at them. I have really struggled to ensure we are all reasonably dressed within budget. Two of the kids wear adult shoes now-so everything is more expensive-again a challenge, but knowing we are half way through seems to make things seem so much more bearable.
Has it been worth it? Yes-definitely, because although we struggle at times-we know that in another 3 years it will be over and we can put the whole affair behind us. Plus we now budget very carefully-and will never get ourselves into a mess again-and for that learning curve I am grateful too.
Blueshoes
We are just about managing-although there have been a few challenges along the way-(For example,I have just spent £278 on compulsory uniform for my eldest to start high school and although I had tried to save up a little bit it has still massively dented our food budget this month-so beans on toast 3 times a week!-and we will have the same again next year for the next one starting-so trying to put £5 a week on one side now-but not easy when you are counting every single penny[:)])
Car repairs in January were unforeseen too-but we are adding that amount onto the monthly payment-so it is spread out over the remaining 36 months-I just hope we don't have any other car repairs over and above the allowance for running costs as, like most families, the car is essential for work, school runs etc. and is a bit of a worry.
I think another big challenge has been the allowance for clothing. Both hubby and I have to be smart for work and the kids seem to grow an inch every time I look at them. I have really struggled to ensure we are all reasonably dressed within budget. Two of the kids wear adult shoes now-so everything is more expensive-again a challenge, but knowing we are half way through seems to make things seem so much more bearable.
Has it been worth it? Yes-definitely, because although we struggle at times-we know that in another 3 years it will be over and we can put the whole affair behind us. Plus we now budget very carefully-and will never get ourselves into a mess again-and for that learning curve I am grateful too.
Blueshoes