redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Jan 5, 2011 9:44:19 GMT -5
teachermom - I'm so jealous that you are going to Scotland! I studied there for a semester six years ago (where did time go?) and loved it. I wish I could go back, but it won't be happening anytime soon. It'd be nice to show blue_wagon (DH) where I was when we were racking up phone bills our first six months together (started dating 3 weeks before I left the country). Have a blast! Where exactly are you going and for how long?
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Jan 5, 2011 10:48:03 GMT -5
When I posted my monthly budget the other day, I should have posted a note with it; the reason I am worried about getting my car paid off and doing thins like buying bedroom furniture is because I am disabled and they tell you what the maximum is you can have in the bank. So I can only save $2000 at a time and then have to spend it anyway. That's the way it was explained to me at least. I am hoping I get to go to a retraining program I have asked about. If t is what they are saying- my savings goal will be for a new house!
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
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Post by teachermom on Jan 5, 2011 11:36:22 GMT -5
Redwagon - We are going to Edinburgh. I will be gone a total of 10 days.....but 1 full day on each end is usually travel. I am not sure if we will see any where else yet or not. I have never been. What do you suggest?
Mizbear....I had to suggest this, but maybe for your savings for small things you will need to not keep it in the bank. Get one of those fireproof safes and lock it up. If the savings is small amounts that are going to be spent soon (like license tabs, etc.) you probably aren't getting much by the way of interest on that money anyway.
Teachermom
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sealy
Familiar Member
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Post by sealy on Jan 5, 2011 12:48:54 GMT -5
;D Thanks NorwayAccounts | 11 Goals | Last Month | This Month | % Met | Roses | Vacation | $3500 | $0 | $0.03 | 0% | | House | $30,000 | $0 | $6,025.11 | 20% | | Emergency Fund | $20,000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | | Sculpture | $4,500 | $0 | $200 | 4% | | Bone China | $500 | $0 | $0 | 0% | | Retirement | $30,000 | $0 | $58.57 | 0% | | Investments | $3000 | $0 | $268.08 | 9% | | Vehicle | $1000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | | Gifts & Donations | $1500 | $0 | $0 | 0% | | TOTALS | $94,000 | $0 | $6,551.79 | 33% | |
Sealy: 1/3/11 $6,551.79 (1/1/11 $0 WIRS3)Wow that looks like a lot! slow and steady. I will be concentrating on my sculpture and my house fund and turtle the EF. After I move into my house I will continue to build EF. Norway, I fixed my tag line to match the updates on pg 1 but I'm going to use the new table you created for me with the totals. I posted it on page 3
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,445
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Post by startsmart on Jan 5, 2011 23:42:46 GMT -5
I'm ready to jump into saving again in 2011!
Brief about me: 26, single female, living in CA, contracted freelancer with 3 clients so I work from home and occasionally travel with/for my clients.
Here are my categories: Pets $750 Christmas $500 Gifts $500 Appliance Repairs/Replacement $800 Car Maintance $500 Car Insuance $800 Car Tags $185 Island Vacation $1000 Summer Trip $600 NYC Trip $600
My emergency fund is split into 5 accounts: Cash $250 Savings 1 $200 Savings 2 $300 Savings 3 $500 Online Bank $3750
That should cover all of the biggies. I don't need any furniture or electronics, I have plenty of clothes, reading materials and toys. I've been invited to the Caribbean for a week, would like to visit friends in NYC for 1-2 weeks and am planning a summer road trip.
I'm also paying off student loans, buying a classic car, repaying an education loan and working (slowly) on my mortgage.
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startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
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Post by startsmart on Jan 5, 2011 23:49:44 GMT -5
Teachermom - oh pick me!!! I was in Edinburgh last March and let me tell you, I adored it! Stay close to the Royal Mile, I had a great hostel that was maybe 20 pounds/night. Close to the train too. The national art gallery and scottish museums are phenomenal and free. The castle is great, I think 15 pounds to tour, bring a scarf and jacket it gets COLD on that hill! At the other end of the mile check out the palace and abbey in ruins but go early! We were the first ones in the gate and it's so much better without a ton of people.
There are a few beautiful churches on the mile too and it's a pretty quick train ride to Glasgow if you want to see the Burrell Collection of art and the necropolis. The Glasgow cathedral and necropolis were amazing, filled with history and beautiful to photograph.
Also in Glasgow there are a few places to enjoy high tea and get some ridiculous souveniers. Whiskey. Buy whiskey.
I forgot to mention that my favorite places were the ones so far off the beaten path we got lost traveling to them.
#1 Isle of Lewis and the Callanish standing stones - the port city had a beautiful hostel/b&b, there was great shopping and I even went to a few thrift stores AND the hotel there has amazing food. It's a 3 hr ferry ride but worth the trip and the ferry ride is beautiful.
#2 Orkney Island - Kirkwall is charming, the Italian chapel is stunning, the 5,000 year old village Skara Brae is impressive and there are 2 stone circles. We stayed in another uber cheap hostel with an en suite bathroom, super comfy beds, tvs and a huge common room with free wifi for 20 pounds/night
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
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Post by mizbear on Jan 6, 2011 11:18:01 GMT -5
teachermom- I have to be careful with that because if I was ever caught- I would be in big big big trouble. Cash on hand can count against you.
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
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Post by teachermom on Jan 6, 2011 12:12:57 GMT -5
mizbear.....I know! That is part of why I said I hate to say this. However, their philosophy really needs to change if they ever want to get people off their programs (in general, there are reasons people stay on and have to be on it). They reward those that spend all their money and always have nothing and penalize those that take the small amount they get, live frugally and save for things they need. It is a catch 22. They need to be teaching people to budget and save up for their wants and large expenses. I admire all you are doing to make your situation better and do what you can with what you have.
teachermom
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dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
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Post by dakota4600 on Jan 6, 2011 16:36:38 GMT -5
I tried to use the table and it just frustrated me. If someone can give some instructions I'll get it posted I'm sure. I tried copying and pasting one from another post, but it just seemed to link me back to the original post I copied it from.
Anyway here are my 2011 goals. (I was 3% shy of my 2010 goals) 2011 Goal [/tr]12/31/2010[/td] [td]EF $20,000.00 $16,915.51 [/td] [td]Car $7,500.00 $5,000.00 [/td] [td]House $7,500.00 $5,000.00 [/td] [td]Me Roth $10,000.00 $6,609.00 [/td] [td]SIMPLE $36,000.00 $26,145.90 [/td] [td]EF2 $2,000.00 $1,701.68 [/td] [td]Total $83,000.00 $61,372.09 [/td]
[/td][/table]
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 6, 2011 21:47:50 GMT -5
Woohoo! Startsmart has joined us! If you have yet to get to know her she's a fantastic gal, not to mention wonderful photographer. Start, are you new to CA? I had it in my mind you were on the East Coast.
Dakota4600 - If you tell me what kind of layout you like (or a posting style you see here you want to use) I'll write out the code for you to copy.
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Jan 6, 2011 22:21:57 GMT -5
Dakota - basically every item needs an opening and a closing code (which has the backslash). etc. (I'm adding spaces after the word/code so that it doesn't actually make a table) So a sample: to end your table. Every starting code must have a closing code (with the backslash), and they must be in the right order. For example, you can't have [tr][td] item[/tr] [/td] because the tr came first, so it must close last... I hope this makes some sense. You can look up basic HTML coding on line and get some handy tutorials. Valuable even off the board!
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Jan 6, 2011 22:32:39 GMT -5
teachermom - I second startsmart's recommendation for a jaunt to Glasgow. that is where I studied and it feels like home to me. It's a bit more industrial but they have some great art (Kelvingrove Gallery, anything Charles Rennie Mackintosh) and the cathedral is quite awesome. I also would recommend a visit to the University of Glasgow, nearby Sauchiehall Street, and adorable, quaint Ashton Lane. Loved it there. Fantastic movie theater I want to model my own on someday (when I open one). Edinburgh was great too, go with startsmart's recommendations there. Like her, my favorite places were not in the cities: Iona (isolated, tiny island great for personal reflection. and sheep watching. lots of sheep), Isle of Skye (gorgeous), Stirling (LOVE. castle doesn't feel as touristy, and the town itself is beautiful. statue of william wallace looks just like mel gibson hehe), whisky distilleries (yum). We took a week mini-bus tour through the highlands and saw so many gorgeous vistas of lochs (lakes) and bens (mountains). Sigh. Now I REALLY want to go back. Need any chaperones? Anyways. Many places are easily accesible from Glasgow or Edinburgh. We took a day trip to several castles including Stirling one day, from Glasgow, a day trip to St. Andrews and back (clear across the island), etc.
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dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
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Post by dakota4600 on Jan 7, 2011 11:27:30 GMT -5
RedWagon- Thanks that makes sense. I know enough about HTML to be dangerous. I just needed that progression of codes for it to make sense to me. Just a note my EF2 is my slush fund. Hopefully I don't need to touch it, but it is at the bank I bank at and I can transfer funds to my checking account immediately. It does get used over the summer when DH gets one large check for June, July & August. I put what I think we will need in there and pull it out as needed. But the rest of the year it should hopefully stay at $2000. Name | 2011 Goal | Beginning Balance | Current Balance | % met | rose | EF | $20,000 | 16915.51 | 16915.51 | 84% | | Car | $7500 | 5000 | 5000 | 66% | | House | $7500 | 5000 | 7000 | 93% | | My Roth | $10,000 | 6609 | 6609 | 66% | | SIMPLE | $36,000 | 26145.90 | 26145.90 | 72.6% | | EF2 | $2000 | 2000 | 2000 | 100% | | Total | $83,000 | 61372.09 | 63372.09 | 76% | |
Dakota4600 63372.09 (1/1/11 61372.09)
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Jan 7, 2011 12:01:13 GMT -5
I have great news!!!! I am going back to school!!!! I should find out today if I can get financial aid- if no it will be on a payment plan that I can afford. They will help me with my resume so I can find work and I will be able to work from home! Then I will be able to start putting money away!!!!
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
Posts: 2,642
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Post by redwagon on Jan 7, 2011 12:06:10 GMT -5
mizbear - yay! congrats! dakota - glad to help! Everyone - moonbeam added all our old smileys. If you click on "select smile" to the left you'll see them listed. Click on the one (sadly they are word codes) and it'll show up in the box, then click on the actual picture in the box and it adds the code to your text box.
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DVM gone riding
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 23:04:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,383
Favorite Drink: Coffee!!
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Post by DVM gone riding on Jan 7, 2011 14:54:29 GMT -5
More experimenting dvm07 1/7/11 2908(12/31/10 2023/8300) Fund | Goals | Jan1st | Current | YTD | Spent | % Met | General Savings | $3,000 | $1,203 | $1,253 | $50 | $0 | 41.77% | Tires | $500 | $25 | $45 | $20 | $0 | 9.01% | Presents | $500 | $141 | $161 | $20 | $0 | 32.10% | Taxes | $1,800 | $654 | $1,309 | $655 | $0 | 72.73% | Roth IRA | $2,500 | $0 | $140 | $140 | $0 | 5.60% | Total | $8,300 | $2,023 | $2,908 | $885 | $0 | 35.03% | |
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tobinikui
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 8:59:54 GMT -5
Posts: 164
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Post by tobinikui on Jan 7, 2011 15:10:37 GMT -5
Hi all - This is the first time I'm trying to post in the new format here. I believe I have my table all set up correctly, but we'll see. I am excited about our goals for this year. We were able to save a chunk of cash at the end of 2010 so we'll be able to pay cash for a large expense we've got planned in a few months. That is a remarkable feeling, one that we'll hopefully be able to duplicate repeatedly from here on out! Anyway, DH and I have 5 main goals for this year, not including college savings goals for my step-kids. The first three (two IRAs for 2010 and the short term savings) will hopefully be paid in full by April or May at the latest, and the other two are part of longer term plans. Everyone keeps telling us that *now* is the time to buy a home, but if we don't have the down payment, then we're stuck! We are in the black for the first time in our lives, but we're still taking it one step at a time! 2011 Accounts | Goal | 1/1/2011 | 1/6/2011 | Need | Saved | | 2010 IRA - DH | $5,000.00 | $1,552.40 | $2,200.00 | $2,800.00 | 44.00% | | 2010 IRA - Me | $5,000.00 | $400.00 | $400.00 | $4,600.00 | 8.00% | | New Car | $5,000.00 | $1,100.00 | $1,100.00 | $3,900.00 | 22.00% | | Short Term | $3,000.00 | $500.00 | $2,000.59 | $999.41 | 66.69% | | House DP | $20,000.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $20,000.00 | 0.00% | | Total | $38,000.00 | $3,552.40 | $5,700.59 | $32,299.41 | 15.00% | |
I am: Tobinikui: 1/7/2011 $5,700.59 (1/1/11 $3,552.40)
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
Posts: 658
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Post by teachermom on Jan 7, 2011 16:42:22 GMT -5
Redwagon and Startsmart.....thanks for the suggestions. I will look into visiting the places you guys have mentioned. I am really looking forward to the trip. In the past few years, I have been to Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, and Greece. Of course, next year to Scotland. I have always wanted to travel and this has been a great way for me to get to go affordably.
Welcome to the new people and congrats to the older members on getting their savings goals up there! Good luck! I hope all of you exceed them!
Teachermom
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startsmart
Senior Member
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Post by startsmart on Jan 7, 2011 17:33:14 GMT -5
Woohoo! Startsmart has joined us! If you have yet to get to know her she's a fantastic gal, not to mention wonderful photographer. Start, are you new to CA? I had it in my mind you were on the East Coast. Awwww Saving4Norway! You are too sweet! Nope, I've been a Cal Gal for ages, at least since I started on MSN I'm ever so slowly (like a glacier) moving towards being location independent. Since my job allows me to do work from anywhere I want to travel more. I don't think I participated much in the savers last year because my finances were so dire. I didn't have a lot of debt but my income was so horrible that I was working myself silly trying to make a livable wage. There were times I told red2black2011 that even criminals get an hour a day to exercise! After some *drastic* changes I am back on track. Instead of making $1500 a MONTH (before taxes or insurance) I can bring in 2.5-3 times as much working from home with clients I LOVE.
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 7, 2011 21:11:15 GMT -5
Hi Ladies - I created an Updates post on page one, post #20. (Sorry, that was as high as I could get.) I couldn't find all our exact smilies from MSN so I tried to make due with what was there. I'm sure I've messed up a few lines or smilies already so I apologize in advance. Please alert me and I'll fix it ASAP. If for some reason you don't want your updates posted either tell me (I'll try to remember) or just omit the summary line from your post.
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
Posts: 658
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Post by teachermom on Jan 7, 2011 22:06:27 GMT -5
Saving4Norway.....thanks for doing that. It takes a lot of work to make this site work like the old one. I wonder if they will be able to get it running the same way with some updates or if we will end up moving somewhere else....once they figure out where that somewhere else is. Ugh! What a money sucking month this is starting out to be. I don't like January! Keep up the good job everyone! Teachermom
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Saving4Norway
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Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 7, 2011 23:23:57 GMT -5
Teachermom - You are very welcome, and I appreciate knowing that it's worth it to you for me continuing to follow everyone's updates. I wasn't sure if people would still want to do that or not. I agree - there are clearly too many days in the month of January for the size of my paycheck. Couldn't we have 28 days in Jan, like we do Feb?
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sealy
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 2:49:52 GMT -5
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Post by sealy on Jan 8, 2011 2:50:48 GMT -5
teachermom When are "we" leaving for Scotland? My passport is all ready to go. I only need a carryon and I'm good to go.
Norway thanks for doing the updates.
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Post by writer88 on Jan 8, 2011 10:52:57 GMT -5
We were able to save a chunk of cash at the end of 2010 so we'll be able to pay cash for a large expense we've got planned in a few months.
My '96 Chrysler Voyager runs like a dream but is expensive to maintain. Up till now, I've paid for repair and maintenance costs with payments on my debit card. I can't wait to feel the feeling you describe Tobinikui, when I pay in cash for future trips to the garage.
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redwagon
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:16:11 GMT -5
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Post by redwagon on Jan 8, 2011 13:13:18 GMT -5
I've been trying to get blue_wagon on board as far as cutting down on certain expenses so we can either pay off more CC debt or save more. So we made a pact to not order in for the rest of January. We'll see how we do... it's always our backup on days like today. I guess I should go plan a dinner...
Should we start a brand new list for 2011, rather than using the old list of smileys and goals from the old board?
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 8, 2011 15:28:41 GMT -5
Hello, all! I would like to join your group, if I may. I have a goal to save $20,000 between April of this year and April of next year when DH is deployed. Unfortunately, we really have no set plan of what to do with the money, is that bad? Hi! (My wonderful DH is deployed right now!) I don't think it's bad .... having savings just to have savings is actually a very good thing!
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twinmama85
Well-Known Member
Have a blessed New Year!
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 9:48:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,627
Today's Mood: Blessed
Location: Home
Favorite Drink: Wine
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Post by twinmama85 on Jan 8, 2011 15:30:44 GMT -5
Hey all! DH and I decided that we are sick of not doing stuff, get things for home, have money set aside, etc... So, here I am with some goals and hopefully a new start. Little background, I am 25, joined the Air Force last March, have a set of 2 yr/old twin boys and moved to Vandenberg AFB,CA this last Oct. Life has been a great blessing thus far. twinmama16 1/8/2011 $180 (1/8/2011 $180) Accounts | Goals | Current | Difference | % Met | Roses | Hawaii | $7000 | $15 | $0 | 0% | | Christmas | $2500 | $15 | $0 | 0% | | TV | $1723 | $90 | $0 | 5% | | Gifts & Misc | $1000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | | EF | $1000 | $60 | $0 | 6% | | TOTALS | $13223 | $180 | $0 | 1% | |
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sbcalimom
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 21:27:25 GMT -5
Posts: 890
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Post by sbcalimom on Jan 8, 2011 16:43:16 GMT -5
sbcaliMOM - As I was making my own long table I thought of you and babybear; I think the 3 of us make the longest lists of goals. Whatever works best for us, right? Good idea to pick highest priorities, I should do the same, thanks for the unintended suggestion. Not sure how to quote yet on this board but thanks S4N. I actually combined a bunch of accounts this year and still have a ton but I just can't seem to keep things straight unless I separate out the various accounts/goals like I do. Oh well, whatever works!
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Post by financiallyfreeinbc on Jan 8, 2011 18:14:58 GMT -5
FinanciallyfreeinBC 01/02/11 $4,559.54 (01/02/11 $4,459.76 WIRS1)
Well, I still don’t have anything really planned out. Some of this is for RRSP’s and I will make more of a list when I get a chance. DH’s job ends next Thursday so I am sort of sitting on things right now. I hate uncertainty. Another reason I haven't done a nice table like everyone else.
Gratitude-lazy days doing as little as possible, DH working to find a new job and finishing his high school course so he can graduate without me having to beg , severance pay, fur kids.
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Post by financiallyfreeinbc on Jan 8, 2011 18:27:57 GMT -5
ok, accounts | 2011 goals | Current | % met | Emergency fund | 0 | 0 | 0 | RRSPs | 0 | 0 | 0 | water system | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
let's try.... ETA-it worked!!!!
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