Struggling with the guilt

[Shansplace]

struggling today and feeling like a failure.

we’re in the middle of a debt repayment mission. A failed business, poor choices and general stupidity left us severely in debt to the tune of 75k.

we’re doing well and for the past 18 months we’ve paid 2k per month towards the debts. Thankfully we have a smallish mortgage if £600pcm.

I’ve tried hard to not let this impact the kids and we’ve allowed some wiggle room to allow for cheap days out and a couple of Uk breaks.

i know it sounds daft but our friends have booked Disneyland and I feel so sad that our financial mess means that we can’t do things like that. I feel like I’ve really let my kids down

I wouldn't worry. Stop comparing yourself to others. Most children can never dream of going to Disneyworld.

You are working hard to clear debt to better your future.

They are having more than most with the days out and UK breaks.

If it makes you feel better, my dds have never been further than London (we live in the south east) they are now 14 and 11. I have days where I feel like I've let them down but honestly they love our cheap days out and the rare travel lodge stay. They have fond memories of picnics in the rain and one of their best days was when we went to the park in the chucking down rain wearing waterproofs. It cost me nothing, whereas they barely remember an expensive children's festival we went to at the same age.

Children don't remember the destinations, they remember the fun they had. 😊

You've paid back roughly 36k in 18 months. That's good going and something to be immensely proud of. Another 18 month to 2 years and you'll be debt free and able to look towards saving to treat your kids.

My kids dad took them to Disneyland and they hated it they said it was just endless queuing.

I took my ds on a local boat trip yesterday. Think it was £15 for both of us. We took a picnic and he played in the park for a bit. Told his dad when he got home 'it was an awesome day' . It will all come right for you

I think you have to look at the positives. You’ll have paid a massive amount off if you’re managing to do £2k a month and that is the plan for the foreseeable. Once that debt is gone and you have a blank sheet you’ll be able to build up savings and treats. You’ll then be in a really good financial position even if that seems a way off now.

Hopefully you’ll see the debt reducing quicker each month as you pay down the capital and are paying less interest.

Try to think of what you have achieved. Your debt is no longer 75k, if you have paid off £36k it’s nearer c£40k so in 2 years time it should be paid off.

Once that is done carry on saving the £2k to build some savings for emergencies and also for holidays.

Plan a WDW holiday for October 2025. This is your goal /reward for all your discipline paying off the debt.