Tuesday, May 20, 2008

stupidity tax

Ok, it's time to call Eddie Hobbs in, I think.

I have a friend who's extremely organised (anal, by my standards, but hey, it's working for her better than me): she knows what she earns and what she spends and keeps track of it all on spreadsheets and keeps her receipts and claims tax back etc. She is sensible and adult.

I do none of these things, even though I know I should. I file things into piles and forget where they are. I never know what I'm going to make in any given month and don't keep a record of it. I use my Visa and don't put it all back on to the account, so I have a huge debt, all the time. I can never remember how much my mortgage is for. I'm a child!

But today, my husband and I have taken the cake - we were convinced we'd signed up for a 7 year fixed rate term on the mortgage, but it seems we did not, only 5. I rang them today and made them check the hard copy. Dur. So now our mortgage will be an extra €200 more per month.

It's so depressing.

It seems I need a full time job. And Mary Poppins...

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yowsa!, that's not nice.

I just applied for a credit card, (i've always been reluctant before I don't fancy getting into debt)

hopefully you won't see me on one of the debt busting shows any time soon.

Shanachie said...

Jesus sorry to hear about the hike up in mortgage, same happened to us last december went up by 350 yoyos its killing us now.

We love the idea of a fixed rate, we know how much is going to be taken every month etc but jesus the hike up that people are been hit with now really make me wonder if its worth it at all.

Jo said...

morgor, if you can live without a credit card, do: I swore I'd never spend more than I had and would pay it back regularly... and I've pretty much been in debt ever since :(

I also buy things and pretend I haven't spent the money. Ask yourself honestly how responsible you are! Or at least consider a really low limit.

Shan, €350 IS huge, god. I just wish we'd gone for ten years - I know what you mean about the hike, but at least you save money in the long run - it's not like you're paying any more off the actual house, that's the killer.

Anonymous said...

To be fair I'm not that bad with money cos I generally don't go to the shops that much.(only when i specifically need something)

I've applied to get the credit card with a direct debit to clear 100% of it every month.

Anonymous said...

Had a tough week this week, €150 medical bills, €575 car repairs, €125 bicycle repairs.

And i still have to pay for a holiday, flights and accomodation for 3.

bah humbug.

Jo said...

It's always the way.

Last Christmas my brakes went through lack of servicing and I ahd ot but new pads and discs! Actually, I've a horrible feeling it was the year before - and I still haven't got it serviced.

Or the filling I need...

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, you should get that done, you kind of need your brakes!

That's what cost the bulk of my car repairs, leaky brake fluid ruined my rear brakes.

Ugh and the dentist too, I spent 400 quid getting fillings etc about 6 months ago.

Still I've been supporting my girlfriend through college for the past 3 years and now she'll be getting a job and I recently got a raise so it's just another couple of months and I should have my finances back under control....

Anonymous said...

Wow, morgor, medical bills, bike repairs and car repairs in the one week?

Your girlfriend was in the car towing you on the bike like a water-skier & she braked suddenly, didn't she?

We've all been there

Anonymous said...

Jo, go to a mortgage broker! There are some good deals at the moment, as banks are scrambling to get good business as the easy money times are drying up. You should be able to get a deal that will see you not having to shell out an extra €200 a month ...

Jo said...

Yes! I've been thinking that. Halifax...