I am doing the happy dance because the summary instalment order I was paying off, and was close to the $12,000, has been completed. Now my debts are minor and manageable and I will never let them get to that level again.
My next financial goal is to get off the DPB. However, there are many factors in making that work. Commencing my Master’s degree is one component and the age of the children is another.
You can’t predict what will happen in a relationship and to end up with the kids and the huge debt burden definitely creates enormous stress. I have heard many times that he doesn’t have money and I am sick of it. It always comes back to one person choosing the path and the other person being pushed onto it unawares. A man typically comes out of a marriage breakup up better off, as evidenced that he is living in a 2 income household and they have purchased a house, and I am still on the DPB and renting. We were told in a lecture, while I was doing my midwifery training, that women are a marriage breakup away from poverty and need to make certain of their financial security and I have now experienced that. 2004 was the worst year ever!
While this sounds like a bit like an awards speech I must acknowledge and thank
my friend Kahurangi for the bag of groceries she surprised me with in 2004 when things were really tough
my budget advisor Lily-Ann for putting things into perspective and making it manageable, and for the Manchester House food parcels and the grocery vouchers at Christmas
Daphne and Jo for having the vision for me to work with them and achieve job satisfaction and a way of working that supports the needs of my children
Jill for creating an opportunity for the kids and I to have a holiday
Kylie and Paul for the very special adventure to Milford Sound
Julian and Viv for the second hand clothes for the girls and the extra $$ here and there for the internet
Hayley and Will for the times they have treated me and the kids
my mother for the unlimited love and support and all the bags of groceries and Thursday dinners and treats for the kids
I couldn’t have gotten through without this help and support, and there would have been no light at the end of the tunnel if my mother hadn’t been there every step of the way making sure we were okay. I love you Mum!!
