December is going to be a lean month for my family. One of my main winter writing jobs, one that my trouble concentrating rarely affects because it consists of lots of small parts, has been put on hold. I’m not sure if Hubby gets paid for the time he got off for Thanksgiving, so that’s going to put a hurtin’ on us if he doesn’t. Overall it’s just a crappy month, and of course it would have to fall right at Christmastime.
I’ve been trying to find ways to come up with some extra money. I’m considering getting some new insurance quotes, but that won’t help us right away. We need more immediate stuff. I did find a couple of things that might bring a little at the recycling place, but other than that I’m pretty much drawing a blank.
I’m trying to do some housecleaning this week, and I’m hoping I run across some stuff that I can sell quickly. I had some stuff in the paper, but the stuff that didn’t sell didn’t even bring any calls. I may run the ads again since it’s free and all, but I’m not going to hold my breath.
I’ve also been on the lookout for one-off writing jobs that pay by PayPal. So far nothing has come up, but I’m not giving up. I’ve got to get Pumpkin at least a couple of things for Christmas. I’ll cook or (gasp!) craft for everyone else if I have to.
Hubby has been talking about refinancing my truck loan and adding a little to it, but I’m trying to discourage that. As much as I would love to have enough money to go all out, the last thing we need is more debt. I had hoped to come close to paying my truck off at tax time, and if we refinance to get money back there’s no way that will happen.
I hate it when I end up dreading Christmas. I want to enjoy it, but sometimes it’s just really hard to.
Wednesday, 3. December 2008
I am in the same boat! No matter how far in advance we plan for Christmas we always end up struggling to make ends meet at the end of December. Last year I had to wait until December 22nd when my husband got his Christmas bonus to do the bulk of my shopping. Talk about stressful! I have found that baking for family and friends is a cheaper alternative to gifts, I try to spot deals on cookie jars or cute Christmas trays (under $5) and fill them with baked goods. Banana bread takes up a lot of space
Hang in there! It’ll work out!
Wednesday, 3. December 2008
I did the baking thing last year for my side of the family. Except instead of cookie jars or trays, I used old butter bowls and ziploc bags. Hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
This year my siblings and I aren’t exchanging gifts, so on that side I only have to get stuff for my mom, nieces and nephews. I refuse to cook for Hubby’s immediate family, because they don’t appreciate it at all. But there are some members of his extended family I might do some baking for, as well as my mom and older nieces.
Basically I’m just going to have to play it by ear. It should be interesting to say the least, but it’ll work out somehow.