One Off Lump Sums?

[InterfaceLeader]

So, I am building my income really nicely between blogs, contract work and freelancing. I make enough to live on, which is great.

The problem is, I want to bring my fiance over here. We need to raise a $1050 visa application fee, plus a $800 plane ticket fare. Unfortunately, after rent, student loan payments, food, and a couple of things we're paying off (like my engagement ring) we only have about $200 a month to put into savings. And, honestly, I'd rather keep my savings.

So my problem is how to raise around $2000 separate to what I am already doing, and that isn't too time intensive. I thought about selling some stuff on ebay, but to be honest I sold most of my junk when I moved house, and I don't have much left that would actually be worth anything. I'm going to rent out my parking space, since I don't drive, but that's only going to be a drop in the pond...

Any other suggestions? I really miss my fiance, and I don't want to wait six months before seeing him again (I haven't seen him since June...)

[Zukin]

I have two ideas: one which is reasonable and one which is unbelievable

Reasonable idea: Do you have time to get another part-time job or source of income, or does your contract work take up all your time?

Unbelievable idea: Can you sell your engagement ring to earn the money to bring your fiance over sooner?

[InterfaceLeader]

Well, I do have a part-time job (that's where the £200 a month saving money comes from)... currently I work Mon-Fri on freelance and contract work, and Sat-Sun in a bakery.

The trouble with selling my ring is - aside from the symbolic aspect - we need it as evidence that we actually intend to get married. I don't think it would work (it's not worth $2000 either, though it would give a massive head-start!)

Part of the problem is I live in the UK, but most of my income is in dollars, so it effectively gets halved due to the exchange rate. It's a shame, and the freedom of working from home is worth it (and I still get paid more than I would at a mcjob) but I feel I'm very close to the margins -- I'm *just* covering my expenses, give or take.

Basically I need something that isn't a time sink. I could probably spare about an hour a day on it.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by InterfaceLeader

The problem is, I want to bring my fiance over here. We need to raise a $1050 visa application fee, plus a $800 plane ticket fare. Unfortunately, after rent, student loan payments, food, and a couple of things we're paying off (like my engagement ring) we only have about $200 a month to put into savings. And, honestly, I'd rather keep my savings.

What country does your spouse to be currently live in?

[cdn2wheeler]

Originally Posted by Zukin

Unbelievable idea: Can you sell your engagement ring to earn the money to bring your fiance over sooner?

On the contrary, this is probably the smartest idea of all. Dispose of the idea entirely of yet another shiny bauble of questionable origin and value. Use those resources to invest in a home.

[InterfaceLeader]

Originally Posted by Gene

What country does your spouse to be currently live in?

I live in the UK, he lives in the US.

EDIT:

On the contrary, this is probably the smartest idea of all. Dispose of the idea entirely of yet another shiny bauble of questionable origin and value. Use those resources to invest in a home.

I do get the argument, I do! I wasn't even going to get married (empty traditions aren't important as being together). But unfortunately, you need to convince the visa guys that you are serious. And that means tradition...

The ring is from Canada, not from Africa, and is certified. It wasn't that expensive, but I doubt we could sell it for as much as we bought it for, and it wouldn't make sense economically to sell something we are still paying for. Plus it didn't cost anywhere near $2000 in the shop.

[OnionJack]

Hi InterfaceLeader,

Couple questions. First are you calculating all the money in dollars or pounds? It looks like you switched between the two, at one point you say $200 into savings, another £200. With the current exchange rate between the pound and dollar this is pretty big.

Also you may not want to take on more debt but have you at least contemplated Zopa? If you have a good credit score you might be able to get a loan there and stretch the payments over time?


-OJ

[vladtess]

someone earlier on this forum provided this link:

Rich Schefren's Business Building Presentation

take a look at it.

[InterfaceLeader]

Originally Posted by OnionJack

Hi InterfaceLeader,
Couple questions. First are you calculating all the money in dollars or pounds? It looks like you switched between the two, at one point you say $200 into savings, another £200. With the current exchange rate between the pound and dollar this is pretty big.

Also you may not want to take on more debt but have you at least contemplated Zopa? If you have a good credit score you might be able to get a loan there and stretch the payments over time?

Ah, sorry. I save £200 (aprox. $400.)

I'm trying to find an alternative for a loan - we've done really well in the last couple of months, I payed off my overdraft, my medical bills, etc. The only things we have left are our student loans and the ring, which will be gone by December. However, if that's what it comes down to, I suppose it will have to happen

[kgiuliani]

Have you ever heard of prosper market? Perhaps you could get a low interest loan there?

Prosper: The online marketplace for people-to-people lending - Prosper

It's a people to people lending site where you can post your info and other people (investors) agree to lend you an amount of money at a specific rate. I think most loans are paid in 3 years.

I have $50 invested there - a girl who was going to school and needed financial help. Can't remember what interest rate I got - probably around 7%.

Hope this helps! Good luck!

[InterfaceLeader]

Hey guys,

Much thanks for all your advice and goodwill. I just passed the $2000 mark today