startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 30, 2011 11:36:36 GMT -5
but reenee! balloons are colorful and fun and great to photograph and I want to see the dogs chase them and when they squeak they make me smile.... ;D
I'm trying to find a way to celebrate the new start without spending a lot of money! Surviving the summer, wackadoodle (lol) and potential new clients needs celebratin'!
Besides blue eyes is going halfway around the world for a few weeks and that thought is not just a little depressing.
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 30, 2011 11:40:44 GMT -5
Start - simple, throw yourself a little website launch party. Grab a beverage and snack of your choice, sit in front of the computer, and laugh ominously giggle to yourself every time your website gets a hit. ;D Welcome to the dark side. We have cookies.
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 30, 2011 11:52:20 GMT -5
I got the picture to work!! And that blue-ish printed paper behind the roses, up against the wall? That's my awesome countdown calendar.
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kcgal
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Post by kcgal on Aug 30, 2011 12:02:51 GMT -5
So what all do you want the weekly captains to do? Just think of a topic? I think I was dropping in every now and then at the time. Just don't remember what all they do. I do agree more $$ structure would be nice. Dakota the magnetic paint, although a little pricey, is AWESOME. A little tricky to apply but not bad. I could have put a different paint on top that would make it magnetic AND chalk friendly. Since I am allergic to chalk was completely uninterested in that part. BTW is there a place on Face book to spell check. I am so lost without it.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Aug 30, 2011 12:10:18 GMT -5
I can do the number tracking I think. I spend the time on the board and should be able to set up a chart in google docs. I have a gmail so I can send it to anyone or just copy and paste. I don't think I'm ready to be a captain because I think I am a big part of the problem.
start- I'm more than willing to check out your site.
I haven't done much with my blog since I have been trying to get other things done. Once I get done with school (slow but sure) and get the business launched, I will start making regular posts again. I also need to get links up to my friends' blogs.
Next month will be another budget buster, but starting in November things should slow down. I should stop getting the higher electric bills.
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 30, 2011 12:21:49 GMT -5
reenee: I can e-mail you the spreadsheet I use to track numbers. You should be able to use that.
red: You are not responsible for the other's fence. Their home owners insurance should cover it. Your insurance should cover your fence if you make a claim.
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Aug 30, 2011 13:08:02 GMT -5
Ladies, First off I want to thank those of you who took the time to respond to my posting yesterday either on board or off line. I appreciate each comment and piece of feedback. And I see it has already generated some discussion among us. I am also pleased to see that a volunteer has stepped up for the first round of spearheading some weekly topics and challenges - thanks reeneejune.If you will all bear with me for another few moments I would like to expand a bit on my comments yesterday now that I have received responses and feel better able to articulate my ideas. 1) For anyone who may have felt singled out - I apologize. I was specifically vague in my earlier post just so no-one would feel that I was pointing a finger. 2) I never meant to suggest, imply or even infer that people should not share what is happening in their life - to the extent that they are comfortable and it is appropriate. For instance, I for one would not need to know in detail just what about your Significant Other's boudoir techniques you would like to change ... that would just be TMI (Too Much Information)!! 3) As I believe I have spoken of before, for many women dealing with their finances and issues of money is approached in a more holistic approach rather than a linear one. We tend to see the patterns that link our emotions and stress levels to our spending habits. Just as many women tend to over eat when unhappy or tense - so do many feel the need to shop even when they know logically that spending money is not going to fix the problem. I like that bonds form where we can feel safe sharing out struggles as well as our successes. That we exchange information and ideas and high-fives for ways of saving our budgets even $5. In no way did I mean to suggest that you should not feel free to tell us what is going on. I just feel that we have lost some focus. 4) I view this group as a "global" thread. For me that means that we are able to look at the overall picture as well as specific instances where closer examination may assist another. I don't see this group as merely a collection of experts in any particular field. I know that it can be very unnerving to post to the wider community (especially as some of the YM'ers have been off their meds for years) ;D but I would encourage people to consider that for in depth long term serious matters they reach out to the broader community as well. This is NOT to say that we won't be here to listen and be supportive as we are able - but for issues pertaining to say Child Support, Estates in probate or Legal matters - you may find more comprehensive resources outside of the NS/CS thread that can help you with the practicalities of the issue - while we can be your support system in other ways. NOW, for a few of my more concrete ideas .... let me know what you think. 1) For the ease of whomever will be tracking and posting numbers each month I would like to recommend that we go back to the convention of listing our NS/CS tally at the TOP of our posts in BOLD. For example: 15/23 NS, 18/23 NEO, 0/15 MOANS2) Weekly (or monthly depending on how things work out) a volunteer would collect/create/plagiarize ideas for Questions and/or Challenges we could consider or execute on. For me in particular I get lazy and start "forgetting" to continue with the simple things that help me stay on track - like meal plan or always take a list with me to the grocery store. 3) And because of course everything is, as it should be, based on ME and what I want ...... I will confess that lately I have struggled with feeling that some people's problems have nothing in common with my life so why should I bother to respond. Realize that we are all in different places not only in our lives, with our children and our relationships, but also with our money. While some people may be seriously worried about how to pay the light bill this week - another person may have a similar level of anxiety planning a vacation out of their savings or stressing over how to allocate their 401(k) money. Each issue is valid for that person and their situation. Just as my issues basically being a single parent give me a different skew on how I see things. 4) And finally - I would like to see us as group be a little more deliberate in our posts. By that I mean - take a moment to really read what you typed before you hit "send". Don't just reply to this person or that because you may feel they have the more "interesting" issue ... but be kind to everyone. Even when you have nothing constructive to say or practical resources to offer - a kind word acknowledging another's upset or struggle goes so much farther than you can even imagine. Take the time to tell each other that we are glad they are okay, or how sorry we are that they are struggling with XYZ, or even that you can relate. Knowing that in some ways you are not floundering alone and there are people pulling for you can be the difference in another person finding a successful resolution - or failing. Okay, that's it for now from Honey's Soap Box.
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 30, 2011 13:14:43 GMT -5
Here's what I have in my head for the weekly captains. I know it looks like a lot, but when you read it you'll realize that it's not that much, I just listed everything. ( startsmart - you're rubbing off on me. quit it. LOL) If there's something you think should be on this list that I haven't included, please let me know and I'll add it.Weekly Captain Duties:-Check in with the previous weeks' captain on Saturday or Sunday to switch over. -Review the spreadsheet to get an idea of who is posting for the month. -Read all posts for the week. Respond to all posters with a “shout-out”. This can be done daily or less often, preference for at least 2 shout out posts a week. ("shout-out": This is just a sort of "hello! Glad you posted. Acknowledge what they talked about in their post" sort of message. It doesn't have to be any longer than a sentence or two. -Post a Question of the Week and/or Challenge of the Week that is somehow financially related. An example could be “How do you keep track of where your monthly bills are and whether or not they've gotten paid? Challenge: Create a spot to put the bills and a method of tracking that will work for you.” Ideally, the question will get us talking about different ways to handle a common situation so that if someone doesn't have a good way of doing things, they'll get some great ideas on how to change that. -Welcome new members. Make sure that their questions get answered and that they feel comfortable in our group. Add them to the spreadsheet once they've set goals. -Enter updates from members in the spreadsheet for how many NSD/CSD they've gotten so far. -Post a weekly update showing how each person is doing on their goals on Friday or Saturday. -Hand off to next week's captain, letting them know which post you stopped at so that they can pick up where you left off. mizbear - I think you'd do well as a weekly captain. If you really think you've been one of the 'bad' ones, this might give you a push towards 'better' posting behavior. I think you'd do a great job because you're already here, checking in a lot. The next step would just be to ensure you're responding to everyone. You can always give it a try, and if you don't like it, I won't force you to volunteer again. ;D
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on Aug 30, 2011 13:22:34 GMT -5
Reenee- I'm happy to step up as a captain for a week. Because I work in accounting I would prefer to avoid the end/beginning (29th-8th) of the month week(s).
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 30, 2011 13:55:33 GMT -5
(startsmart - you're rubbing off on me. quit it. LOL) You're welcome. Gah, small glitch in my newsletter means I need to set up my business PO box now if I don't want all of my subscribers to know my home address. Hate to spend money today but at least it's a business expense.
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mizbear
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Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
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Post by mizbear on Aug 30, 2011 14:04:42 GMT -5
renee- I will take the challenge to be a captain. Because my job right now is in caretaking still- I can easily take the beginning or end of the month when many of our ladies are tied down because of their work commitments.
DM is taking me grocery shopping to replace part of my freezer losses from the wiring issue. My uncle laughed because I took a big piece of red electrical tape wrapped it around the plug and attached a note- DO NOT UNPLUG- OR I AM BILLING YOU FOR MY GROCERIES!
I am going to try to post my totals tonight because I have a ton of appts and babysitting tomorrow.
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 30, 2011 14:07:19 GMT -5
dakota - You have PM. Thank you for volunteering. 3cats - In regards to my other original suggestion, where we have a small group that keeps track of birthdays, I had you in mind as one of those people. After all, you already have a list of everyone's birthday! Is that something you'd be interested/willing to do, perhaps with some help from others? Just like a reminder post "so-and-so's birthday is this week. Don't forget to send some virtual and and ." All - I've struggled a little this morning mentally with the take-charge attitude I've taken over the last day or so in regards to bringing more structure back to the thread. I think of this group like an online club, but unlike the clubs I've had experience with in the past, we don't have a democratic structure set up to handle proposals for changes. But lacking that procedure for proposal/discussion/debate/vote, I've tried to listen to what the majority is saying and go with it. In the past, suggestions have been made, but we haven't had a clear cut leader to step up and say, "Ok, the majority are in favor, so we're going to do x, y, and z. We need some volunteers to make that happen." I stepped up into that role this time around, because I feel like I've often "taken" a lot from the group. I've taken support, encouragement, ideas, advice, etc. But I feel like I haven't given as much as I've taken away. So this is my way of giving back to the group. So please, if you're not in agreement with the direction this is being taken, please express it. Either here in the thread or by PM. Because we're a diverse group, and I'd be a little scared if we were unanimous.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Aug 30, 2011 14:09:03 GMT -5
mitten - thanks for the input. Travelers just called me back and confirmed that. The back neighbor seemed kinda witchy so I hope we don't get into something with them about their fence.... I obviously feel bad but our insurance doesn't cover others' property. I'm hoping once the ground settles we can all just mend our fences (haha mending fences with neighbors...) and not have to buy new pieces, but we'll see. Need to get the stump and roots removed first. Fun times! But again, thanks! Gives me some direction next time I talk to the neighbor. Unfortunately we signed up for high deductible so I'm sure we won't hit that and it'll be out of pocket, but I can handle that, since we saved on tree removal.
Blue's cousin who lives nearby got power back this morning. Hoping this means we did too... it'd be nice if blue could come home from the office and finish up work at home rather than staying there until midnight. Looking forward to being able to grocery shop and cook. Never thought I'd say it, but eating out gets old (and expensive!) and sandwiches only go so far! so needless to say, it's been a spendy weekend. Will start afresh in September, which is shockingly only two days away. How did that happen?
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Aug 30, 2011 14:36:20 GMT -5
I HEART Honey! Renee: You are fabulous for taking the initiative on this. I will also be willing to take on a week, if we do not have enough volunteers. SS: ME ME PICK ME. I would love to look over your website Dakota: Losing 10 pounds is AWESOME~ Mrs. Lynch: You ROCK, but your already know that. Oh-and my daughter gets to pierce her ears when she is 10 and she is counting down the days. Muttleyn/Mrs. Lynch and other mommies: Today in my moms group someone mentioned how they realized that their soon to be 10 year old is already halfway done with living at home! I seriously cried! Time really does fly! Renee: I am so super excited for you. I didn't get my first flowers from a guy until I was 24 and they were from DH 3Cast: {{{{HUGS}}}} I don't think you realize just how powerful and encouraging your story has been to many of us girls here on this thread. You are super amazing woman who has come so far in personal growth and courage. I LOVE my gift from you. I use them everyday and everyday when I do, I say a prayer for you and praise God for your generosity and thoughtfulness! For anyone I may have missed: Insert something clever, encouraging, witty, thought provoking, or useful. In other words something honey would say. ;D I am super excited to see the thread gaining some momentum. ME ME ME: I will be writing my 99th blog post today and my 100th blog tomorrow! I'm super excited about that and appreciate the traffic I get from you all here.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Aug 30, 2011 14:43:59 GMT -5
HONEY ONE MORE THING: I made your Caramel Apple Pork Chops last night and MMMMMMMMMMM YUMMMMMMY! I will be posting the recipe on my blog next week (I work a week behind) and would like to give you credit. Would you like me to link your blog or some other way? AND: I have every ingredient except the Pork Chops AND I made Coffee Cake this morning and had every ingredient on hand!!! This is a true step up in the kitchen for me AND THEY BOTH WERE SUPER YUMMY-even strangers I didn't pay thought so!
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Aug 30, 2011 14:44:40 GMT -5
reenee: I am in total agreement with the direction you are going. Let me know what I can do to help. Like Dakota- very end/beginning's of months are bad for me because I work in an accounting capacity as well.
Redwagon: Fingers crossed that your power is on as well too. Be careful talking to your neighbor's so that you don't say anything that would lead them to believe that you will pay for their repairs. A lot of miscommunicate is the result of us trying to pacify other people and them misunderstanding our intentions.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 30, 2011 15:08:04 GMT -5
(completely unrelated to things here) I am so frustrated. UGH! This project is killing me right now. And that is all the longer i have to vent because I have to continue to tame the beast. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 30, 2011 15:16:56 GMT -5
reenee- it takes courage to step up and lead so karma for you. Also I won't take on captainship in September since all of my time is going into the biz but let me know if you need someone in October or beyond.
Yay for some structure and livening up the thread! Can't wait for September to start. Oh, speaking of new threads, how about Starting Fresh September? For so many of us who have fallen off the wagon it's a great time to recommit to our goals.
Well going to the post office was a disaster. I stopped to pick up something i had on hold only to find I didn't have my wallet. Fine. Went home, got the wallet, went to post office. Only to find I also need my passport, mortgage papers or utility bill to complete the application. Gah. Going back this afternoon.
HUGE THANK YOU to all who volunteered, I'll send ya the stuff tonight once I make a few more adjustments. Love & appreciate y'all!
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Aug 30, 2011 15:31:43 GMT -5
azmom – thanks for the encouraging response. I was feeling a little far out on a limb, so it's nice to know I'm not generating (too much) ill-will. The roses make me happy just looking at the picture. I have to remind myself not to bury my nose in them!
Sheila – I'll add you to the list as well, and send out a PM soon. Thank you for the positive response as well.
Volunteers – It looks like we've got enough volunteers to fill September. Woot! I was thinking we'd wait a bit and see how it goes before I schedule any further out. I'll get things organized and out to everyone sometime this evening.
Muttleyn – ahh the aggravating job. You have my sympathies. I hope things get better soon.
start - isn't the post office fun?! I'll put you on my list of potential future weekly captains.
September Thread Name - I'd like to second Startsmart's suggestion of Starting Fresh September. Because in a way, we're starting fresh as a group as well as personally.
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MittenKitten
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Home of the Circus
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Post by MittenKitten on Aug 30, 2011 16:37:29 GMT -5
Reenee: I think you are great for stepping up. It was all I could do not to BUT I have done it and right now my family needs me more. Can I add a Weekly Captain responsibility? If there is something that should be posted on the controlled/no spend blog PM or e-mail me.
Dakota: Way to go to lose 10 lbs. I am going another weight loss challenge in Sept and look forward to removing some of mine! Having kids killed my figure, that and stress eating.....
red: glad to hear your insurance seconded what I had to say.
Honey: thanks for all your help.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 30, 2011 18:23:34 GMT -5
I like that we can call each other out (thanks Honey), and try to get back to where we as a group want. I'm willing to help too, if needed. I like call out idea, I miss that.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Aug 30, 2011 18:35:50 GMT -5
Financial Victory of sorts: DH and I decided not to go on our annual Summer Vacation. Do you realize how hard this was? We have gone on vacation every year since we have known each other. We have also gone into debt because of vacation but both justify it. We are going on two and half years of no cc use and our cash flow was anemic to say the least going into this Summer. In the past we just scrape up every scent, including draining our EF, to go on vacation. This year we decided the grown up thing to do would be to *gasp* not go and pay off a few bills instead Financial Handicap: However, we still purchased our Cardinals Season Tickets It does guarantee us 8 entire days to spend together! Normally 10 hours-an hour to drive each way, 4 hours tailgating, and 4 hours in the game! It helps not feel deprived and all the other excuses you want to throw in there to justify the purchase . GOOD NEWS: DH won a three night, four day trip to a $400 a night resort up in Sedona. He won this trip last year for 2 nights/3 days. He worked his tail off to win this. In fact, last week he wasn't even close to winning at all. He has been putting in hard exhausting hours. On Sunday we took a three hour drive up to another dealership to tow back a unit that he had a potential to sell and sure enough on Monday he sold it!! I am so glad he won. Not so much for the trip, although it is amazing, but more so because he put so much pressure on himself and set this as a goal and I would have been heartbroken to see him feel like a failure. Anyhow, YIPPEE we get to get out of this heat and enjoy a nice family vacation. AND My DD Received her AIMS results from last year and scored the following: Reading 519 (450 meets, 536 exceeds) Math 414 (366 meets, 416 exceeds) Science 567 (500 meets, 547,exceeds) This is great news for me because I have been questioning my decision to have her skip Kindergarten lately, not that I can do anything about it now. I seriously have been thinking I have ruined her opportunity to excel academically. Anyhow, I have to get dinner on the table (Taco Tuesday) and head on out to the death trap that is football practice. It is disgustingly hot and I just sit and drip and sit in a puddle of my own sweat. Oh the glamorous life I lead
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spruby
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Post by spruby on Aug 30, 2011 18:46:45 GMT -5
Wow - it's been busy. Thanks Honey for kicking off the discussion, thank Renee for organizing and thanks everyone who volunteered for September. You can put me on the "future" weekly captains list - but September/October is going to be crazy for me with end of year work and our big trip. Once November hits I am game.
[personal background follows - feel free to skip]
I have to say I struggle with what to post here and what is/isn't appropriate. Before meeting DH, and during the first few years of marriage (8 in Nov!) I/we struggled with money. Every penny was accounted for and many pennies we didn't have as well. This was due to some reckless choices but in large part to forces outside our control that magnified the impact of the reckless choices.
Boy I wish I had a board like this - and the support system it provides - back then. We survived the dark days and worked hard. It finally got to the point we could play and we played a little to hard. Righted course . But our history has made us overly careful and we have both clung to job security at the expense of our happiness and for me at least - a little bit of my soul.
So a 18 months ago we got really serious about focusing our money and time on our "passions"/"love" and have been working a plan ever since. It gets tweaked constantly and it and we are far from done - but we work on it. So while I love the idea and support of this board - I also know I don't fit in neatly here - that it seems - to me at least - that I am in a very different place. One that may make some people uncomfortable - although that is not my intent.
About us: We will never have kids, I long ago buried my parents (I was adopted by older folks), cut off contact with leech like family members and have no desire to find my biological parents (one crazy family is enough per lifetime), we have pets, a few close friends, and DH's folks. Our biggest concern is our health (another struggle) and retirement. So my comments are always going to be focused on our great love - travel and creating a sustainable lifestyle so we can semi-retire/support ourselves doing what we love. I've done the "own my own" business where my time is both always and never my own and I know that it is hard for *me* to find balance in that.
I know some/many of my posts may sound/be self indulgent (including this one) - but just because I don't post now about struggling with money doesn't mean I never have. It just means I've been extremely fortunate in getting and keeping a well paying job (that I work super hard at) AND down-sizing our/my life so it is supportable on a job that is a fraction of what we/I currently make. Because I've never had a safety net and I don't like how it feels when you hit the ground without one.
So now you know [if you read this far] - the perspective I bring to the board.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Aug 30, 2011 19:30:27 GMT -5
gin1984, mizbear, azmom - you have a PM with details.
Thank you for offering to preview and test my site! Next up sending it out to the peeps via email who are doing some testing for me.
It looks a little sad and empty right now but I'll have the first article posting in the morning and a new banner up tomorrow. Just building it from the ground up!
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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 Aug 30, 2011 19:30:43 GMT -5
spruby- KARMA to you from me! You hit on something I have been struggling with for a while on the boards- here in particular where I feel I fit in the most, yet the least. I am tired and fighting a headache, so I feel if I try to explain I will end up rambling...
Basically, I'm not a mom (something I long to be) and probably never will be (although my nieces and several friends say I would be a good one), my relationship track record stinks, I am difficult to keep on topic by nature, like many here- I didn't always have money problems and have a less than stellar family. My health leaves something to be desired- but most of the problems are not tangible. And I have no hobbies or talents that I can really share with anyone. I have my things I like to do, but I am not a good runner and well, how do I share my music with my friends... I feel like a people watcher- sitting on the bench watching the people in the park go by...
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midjd
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Your Money Admin
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Post by midjd on Aug 30, 2011 20:18:36 GMT -5
Spruby and Mizbear, I feel the same way. And thank you for your perspective - it is always nice to know others' stories, and I think it gives more context to things and is generally all-around good Renee, I think it's great that you stepped up. I am sort of a newbie on WIR and didn't lurk on the old board, so I'm not sure about the weekly questions, etc. but I could take a week if you don't have many volunteers (or maybe do the monthly tracking and end-of-the-month report if others wanted to be the "ambassadors").
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ses
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Post by ses on Aug 30, 2011 21:25:43 GMT -5
Karma to Honey for jerking so many of us out of our complacency. Also to spruby for reminding us that each of us have arrived and stayed for many different reasons.
I will briefly outline my situation. My mother lived with me for the last six years of her life and this made me really examine my actions. I calculated my probable income upon retirement and started to live on that amount rather than spending whatever I wanted. Not that I was ever a real spendy person, just not really aware.
By becoming aware I was able to pay off my car and mortgage before retiring and be able to live comfortably, I retired about three years ago, just as the world economy was falling apart. I am so glad I had been "practicing" living on a reduced income for the previous couple of years. I am still living on that budget, although after three years, and some inflation, it is sometimes a little tighter. Thus, my part-time job is a Godsend for my savings and emergency fund. And a bit of a comfort with my retirement funds jumping around like they are now.
I know my financial focus is different than most who will post here, but i still gain a lot of insight here, and I hope, give some insights
In the Money Talk Forum thread about food inflation there is a spread sheet where we all enter our own data. Would this be a possibility if anyone has the computer skills to set it up--I sure don't! Then we could each be responsible for our own updates.?.?.?
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muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 30, 2011 22:01:32 GMT -5
I think when you talk about where you are financially realize that it moves and it may move a lot. I've been hanging out on the no spend stuff for a long time and even though I don't track (or have ever tracked) my spending (ETA: I meant my days that I spend, I actually am religious about tracking actual spending and I have 10 years of data on my computer), I enjoy the accountability and commraderie. When I first joined we had CC debt that I didn't know about. THen DH had shoulder problems which lead to shoulder surgery, then neck surgery and last year elbow surgery (the real culprit). We paid off a lot of medical debt, bought a new riding lawn mower. Made some bad decisions, made some good ones. Paid off the truck and 2 years later traded it in on an SUV (and took out a small loan on that rather than empty our savings). We went through DH being laid off and deciding to be a one income family. Then we had DS. It has been a rollercoaster. Our financial position has changed a lot. No, other people are not going to be in your exact situation. Even on the racers threads you would be hard pressed to find more than a couple people across the regions in your exact situation.
Yes I have been knowingly terrible about money this summer. Yes I have tried to watch my grocery budget, but when DH had to take over shopping for me. The budget kind of went out the window. Although I certainly didn't help it. Financially, it was a big mistake to upgrade our cell phones to smart phones ($50 a month change). For travel sake, for instant access to weather information, and for entertainment, they have been worth the money. I don't regret spending money to send DS to music class this fall and I certainly don't regret the excess gas money and meals out for my trip to see my grandma or go to her funeral. Now we need to tighten the belt for September. August turned out nothing like I expected. I did not expect my work to go apeshit crazy. I didn't expect my Grandma to die.
Anyway, I'm rambling. Which means I probably need to go to bed. Good night all.
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moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,909
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 30, 2011 22:25:40 GMT -5
Update: 20 NS days and 3 CS days = 23 NS/CS days
Background -- I also was not able to have children of my own. I was fortunate to marry a man many years ago with a young son. Fast forward 35 years and I am widow after 30 years of marriage with a DSS that I am very close to and has given me a DGS that is the joy of my life. I grew up with having to save for anything I wanted. My family was not rich, under today's standards we would be classified as the working poor. I was fortunate that my parents were very good money managers and all of us kids learned a lot from observing them. In the times I grew up credit cards were not available on the wide scale they were to many of our younger posters.
I was also fortunate that I had family members who worked in stores that had their own credit departments. I also worked part-time in a credit department of a major department store. During those years, I learned a lot about credit scores, individuals who couldn't get the store credit cards, individuals who were not able to charge those last minute Christmas gifts and so on. Remember Visa and AE were not as widespread in those years. Local stores ran their own credit accounts. Again watching and learning through those jobs taught me a lot and made me determined not to put myself in danger.
I chose a career that does not pay a lot based on current standards. I still make a lot less than many of our younger posters even with all of my experience. Education in my area is not a high paying job even today.
Change in life occurs whether we want it too or not. My DOD died suddenly in 2004. Then in 2005 Katrina hit (6 years anniversary was yesterday). My school flooded and did not reopen. I was without a job plus shortly after we were able to return home in October (6 weeks after the storm) my DH was diagnosed with terminal cancer and we begin doing only the necessary repairs. In 2006 my DH died. I also took a part time job and decided that I was going to get the rest of the repairs/renovations done while I was still working. I discovered the boards in late 2007, joined early in 2008. I only read the NS/CS thread. I liked the challenge of watching and limiting my spending since I had no idea how expensive the renovations would be. I didn't post a lot in the beginning. Usually I posted once a week and just my numbers. Slowly I begin to post a little more but not as much as most of the others but I was comfortable with what I was doing. In 2009 I had to switch jobs and schools. It was a rough year professionally for me. New schools always are. In 2010 my teaching schedule changed to something similar to what I have now. I saved to meet the ladies in KC and this year in the Black Hills. I have built into my budget travel as that is important to me. I just finished with the contractor this past summer but there are at least 3 major items that I know I need to purchase. I am currently saving for those --old habits die hard.
So I still watch what I earn because I don't know how many more years I have before I retire. My car is almost 7 years old and I need to begin the process of saving for a new one. I am also saving more for my retirement.
This board and you ladies are important to me. You were there in the beginning when I needed you. Those first months and years were very lonely at night. I came to lurk and then join this community of strangers who became friends.
I marvel at your successes and your talents. We are not all in the same place but we are not clones of each other. As individuals we all have our own issues to resolve. We have our own challenges and successes. Together we are strong. We are our support system. We come here to share, to laugh, and at times to vent. We know that every part of our life and experience has an effect on how we approach our finances.
As we go forth on this journey we have to realize that change will happen to us. To cite an old Clint Eastwood movie we will see " The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly". This community will help us to soar to be the best that is in us.
Renee -- As much as I would like to help I cannot because once I get the classes organized I will be swamped with tons of papers and projects to evaluate. I will try to comment as much as I can. I retained my habit of posting my numbers in bold so that will not be something new for me. It is routine. I have done it consistently because it is the only way I can keep track of my numbers. It is also why I try to post them every few days if not daily. As I said earlier, I like the challenge of the board.
kcgal -- was this project the one started because you got a great looking rug in the BH.
MK -- Hope your job as nurse will be coming to an end soon. Having the kids ill is no fun. Also I did find out that the author of the LT series has another series based on Egyptian mythology. My students are really getting into them this year. These were the same ones who were into the Percy Jackson ones last year. Thought you might want to know in case DS#1 needs new things to read when he finishes the first group. i haven't read any yet so I am working on the words of several of my 6th graders.
azmom -- good for DH. This gives a great vacation with the major expense.
Will try to post this before it gets eaten.
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moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,909
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Post by moneysquirrel on Aug 30, 2011 22:55:38 GMT -5
This one will be shorter I promise. Especially since my computer froze and I lost the first version of this.
Renee -- love the roses. Sounds like a great guy.
Start--I am not sure if I have the time to check out your material but if you want me look at it without a guarantee to an evaluation than send it to me. It I have a chance I will look at it but I should soon be getting the first of several projects in -- think times 300.
Muttley -- hard to believe that DS is old enough for music lessons.
Honey -- Thanks for refocusing us.
SES -- How is the fastest kitty in your area doing? I am still getting the kids to get various things set up on their computers. I will be so glad once I begin with them creating concept maps -- first major project -- in Word.
Good night all!
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