| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Jun 20 2007 : 3:29:39 PM
 surprise surprise!!!
we are expecting a new addition to the family. I'M PREGNANT!!!
Surprise!!! Yes I know its taken me long enough to do this. I just got carried away with all the chat forums and couldnt help myself . Okay so a little about me, I am a mother of two wonderful princesses/daughters. My dream is to have a small lavendar farm of my own. The girly girls have decided we neeeeed a strawberry patch . Okay so here is the really hard thing for me to admitt, we are in a lot of debt(mainly credit cards). It really stresses me out and makes me want to cry . Any suggestions to help us out would be greatley appreciated. I have recentley started a part time job folding baby diapers to help us out financially and still have plenty of times with my girls. Thanks for all of your gals support and I appreciate everthing you do. Loves Teresa
P.S. Does anyone now how much it costs to start an etsy store.  |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| The Handmaiden |
Posted - Aug 16 2007 : 05:27:36 AM
Welcome Teresa! As you can see it's "Farmgirls to the Rescue" here no matter what the concern is. Congratulations on a new baby coming too - nothing sweeter...except perhaps lavender.
"Faith shall finish all that Hope begins."
joan walsh anglund |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 7:36:06 PM
thank you gals
this is very helpful
lavendar girl |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 6:02:37 PM
Teresa - I know they have the credit counseling service in Western WA because I had a job interview with them - they were in Tacoma. I"ll have to think for awhile to remember their name, but I wouldn't be surprised if they had a branch in Spokane. |
| UrbanChick |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 5:48:23 PM
To find a legitimate counselor, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, at www.nfcc.org or call 1-800-388-2227.
There is a guy here in Atlanta that is on the radio that is syndicated. His name is Clark Howard and he talks about NFCC all the time and says they are legit. You can go on their website for tips on credit or you can also see some tips at www.clarkhoward.com
"Courage dosen't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: I will try again tomorrow." |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Aug 15 2007 : 5:31:45 PM
ok gals does anyone else know of a non-profit foundation that will help with your credit cards and is trust worthy and legit. thank you sherone but i am not sure that they do it for washington state but if they do will you drop me a line and tell me how to do it. I am not always that internet savvy. thanks gals for all the advice
lavendar girl |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 5:52:26 PM
Congrats on being pregnant! I am so happy for you! Nora will have another farm baby close to her age! Yay! How far along are you, sweetie?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 1:57:18 PM
thanks for the wonderful advice gals and most of the spending was on things that are no longer around gas food etc. all the advice is very helpful and things will get better. oh and i will have an announcement on the first page.
lavendar girl |
| Utahfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 1:41:52 PM
Nice to meet you formally, Teresa. Can't wait to visit your lavender garden.
Farmgirl hug,
Patricia
check out my etsy site http://ThePlayfulFarmgirl.etsy.com
Take me home, country roads |
| Amybug |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 09:25:56 AM
Teresa,
I don't know if the following tip will help you, as I don't know your exact circumstances.
There are so many reasons people get into credit card debt. Sometimes it is unavoidable when a huge life-changing event occurs such as a serious illness, death in the family, job loss, divorce etc.
However, it also happens because we have such a consumer culture that urges us that we "need" things, when they really are "wants."
One thing that worked for an friend of mine who got into serious debt (due to overspending on non-necessities)was to completely stop shopping, other than buying what was absolutely necessary. She stopped going to the mall as an "activity." She also cancelled all catalogs that came to her house. In addition, when commercials came on TV, she would immediately mute the TV and/or walk out of the room. She found that not seeing things for sale stopped her "buy, buy, buy" fever. She and her husband also took the Dave Ramsey course and it has really helped them.
Speaking of the "buy, buy, buy" fever, the other day I was in the store to buy a rubbermaid tote for our recycling bin and I walked by the prettiest set of dishes that would look wonderful in my kitchen. They were rather expensive, but wouldn't you know, they were 30% off. However, since I have decided to go back to stay-at-home motherhood, they really are not in our budget, even with the discount. But boy, I had the fever. I was just about to put them in my cart, when I told myself to think about it, because the sale would last until Saturday. Well, wouldn't you know, the fever passed, and I am much happier with myself for not succumbing to temptation. Yes, I still want them, but I know that there will always be pretty dishes for sale and when I truly can afford them it will feel good to buy them (rather than the guilt that was coming).
Teresa, good luck on getting out of debt. With persistance you can do it! When you feel deprived because of the program to get out of debt, think of your dream of the lavendar farm. Every step you take to get out of debt brings you closer.
Take care,
Amy
"The secret to a successful life is to take the cards you are dealt and play your best hand with them." |
| MulberryMama |
Posted - Jul 13 2007 : 07:54:53 AM
Excellent advice from Buttercup and Alee.
The is an old book (maybe from the 20's or 30's I think) by Og Mandino called the Richest Man in Babylon. It uses a parable to talk about controlling expenses, repaying debt, savings, and making your money work for you. I read it when I was saddled with college loans, a mortgage, and a load of unexpected expenses when my mother was sick.
It is so important to understand what you are using the credit cards for and what has made up the balance. If you think of the credit card as a loan from a bank, would you really want to walk into a bank and apply for a loan for a daily cup of coffee, a new dress and a bag of trinkets? But the credit card companies have made it easy for us, and we fall for it everytime, myself included.
Only you know how you spend your money (or the money borrowed from the bank). Cutting out the frivilous stuff or finding less expensive alternatives can help you live within you means.
In nutshell,
1) Cut your expenses.
2) Cut up the cards (you can keep one for true emergencies (if you have the willpower not to use it for daily expenses)
3) Save 10% of your income for the future, take 20% of your income to pay debt, and learn to live on the remaining 70%.
4)While it is easiest to pay off the smallest balances first, I would recommend focusing on those with the highest interest rates as these are costing you the most money.
5)If you can consolidate the balances to the lowest interest cards with out fees, do so. Just watch that some cards consider balance transfer under the same terms as a cash advance and charge special fees and an interest rate higher than that for purchases.
Good Luck. You can do this! It will just take a little time.
I wasn't born in a barn, but I was raised in one. |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 7:23:17 PM
rofl!!!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Jul 12 2007 : 4:30:57 PM
bumpity bump bump buuuuump
lavendar girl |
| Bee Haven Maven |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 11:39:06 AM
Hello Teresa.....Well, if nothing else you can count on the farmgirls for support. I have never met such a caring, loving bunch of gals anywhere. It takes a lot of courage to introduce yourself like you did and lay it all out from the beginning. Best of luck with getting out from under....we will be here to listen, anytime you need us!! Welcome!
Keep Smiling.....Bev
Check out my shoppe at www.honeybeez.etsy.com
www.beehavenacres.blogspot.com , www.beehavenmaven.blogspot.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 3:50:44 PM
Oh I am on the welcome wagon...but from a long...long...long time ago! I joined in 2005!
Alee
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Trace |
Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 2:00:54 PM
Hiya Teresa, lots of smart advice here already. Just do what you can, day to day and you'll find a way. Baby steps are sometimes easier to see your way to the end result.
Chin up and keep smiling,
Trace
pics from my world.. http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y144/tra-dun/ |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 1:39:08 PM
yeah yeah alee lol cause i bumped my own topic but it was a lot of fun
tried to see if you where on the welcome wagon but you werent:(, i was going to bump you |
| Alee |
Posted - Jun 28 2007 : 08:07:16 AM
LOL!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for tying, one hand to hold Nora! |
| Lavendar fields dreamer |
Posted - Jun 27 2007 : 10:09:23 PM
BUMP.....HEHEHE......JUST HAD TO DO IT......OKAY SO BUMPING IS A LOT OF FUN.... |
| queenofdreamsz4u |
Posted - Jun 25 2007 : 05:01:19 AM
Hey Teresa,
Welcome....I've seen a few of your posts..I've been around for about a month..this is a real nice group to be part of. My two favorite fragrances are Lavender and Rose....I have a half gallon jar full of organic lavender buds from a lady lavender farmer out in Montana.
Don't ever give up the dream! "When you Beleive it, you will see it!"
Debt can suck the life out of you...What you need to remember is that "they can't eat you for dinner"...LOL I've been there as many of the other farmgirls have also expressed.
This will pass...and you will be wiser for everything you have endured..
I DO Not use credit anymore. It was a vow I made once I got out of the difficult period. I had a string of creditors that my EX-husband failed to pay after me for some time and finally got it resolved.
Our society encourages debt at every turn you take. When you notice all the TV ads for the mortgage companies offering 1st, 2nd and 3rd mortgage consolidation loans you know spending is way out of hand!
Sherone offered you some great advice in contacting the credit counselor....they can relieve your anxiety....
Do you sew? What do you want to sell at Etsy?
Look forward to getting to know you more 
Peace, Stephanie
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com
A Creative Journey
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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| Celticheart |
Posted - Jun 23 2007 : 6:05:26 PM
I second whoever recommended Dave Ramsey and his book. He makes alot of sense. Also listen to him on the radio if you can find him. Great Advice!
Good luck with the lavender farm idea.
"Nature always has the last laugh." Mrs. Greenthumbs
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| cinnamongirl |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 8:24:10 PM
Farmgirl hugs! |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 5:38:55 PM
Welcome Teresa!
I am sure you will enjoy all the wisdom these farmgals have. Combined it's a lot and you can usually always find someone who is able to answer your questions.
Hugs,
Denise
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all that dwell therein."
www.torismimi.blogspot.com |
| Annie S |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 09:16:24 AM
A good morning welcome to you Teresa! A lavendar farm - I think you'd have everyone here at your place one time or another when you get it up and running. Sounds like you're in good company here as far as the credit card situation - myself included. DH and I are doing our best to pay in cash or check and not use the cards. We want to get down to only one and cut the others up and not use them at all. There are so many resources for you to use. I've gone and gotten some books from the library on how we can live a more frugal lifestyle. And keeping track of every penny you spend will give you an idea of just where the money is going. Some items you need: gas, food, etc. but you'd be surprised about the little things: a pack of gum, coffee at those expense coffee shops, eating lunch out instead of bagging it, that tube of lipstick you thought you just had to have, etc. It all adds up and we've all been there. So take heart in the fact that we're all behind you 100% and are here for you.
Peace and love.
Annie |
| Sitnalta |
Posted - Jun 22 2007 : 05:00:36 AM
Yay, for you Teresa!!I am so glad you introduced yourself.I'm a 26yr old mommy with a prince and a princess!;)
I understand the whole credit card debt thing. My husband and I after 5 years are finally getting out from under that. I promise!!!!! It gets better and in one way or another, God will open a door to meet all of your needs. Just ask Him to keep you close to Him! He is every so faithful!
We will keep you in our prayers and I can't wait to get to know you better through the forum and such!
Keep Smiling!--HUGZ!-Jessie
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; O What a foretaste of Glory DIVINE! |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Jun 21 2007 : 11:45:24 AM
Welcome Teresa
Your honest was brave and I love you dd.
Carol Sue
Life is short, enjoy every moment. |
