startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Dec 27, 2011 10:58:10 GMT -5
Sorry to hear the holiday was stressful, Sheila! I purposefully avoided most of the family for most of the weekend Our time at my uncle's place was pretty low key which was nice. Back to work and getting a lot accomplished so far, I have two client calls today and so much ahead of me. One of my clients is transitioning to a new model in 2012 with me so that should mean $1000-2000 a month more than our current contract. I need to put aside more money for my business taxes this year so that's the first priority. But, two accomplishments to share: 1) I've built back up my secondary checking savings account to $500 - I can't remember what I pulled the money out for but it's back to my "minimum" level. I keep most of my savings at ING but like having something nearby. 2) The education loan I'm NOT racing is down to the last $400 which means I am itching to pay it off NOW. Looking at my income projections for January, I can easily bring in enough money in the next two weeks to take care of this in full and sock away a few thousand for taxes. I want to have plenty saved up before I go to my accountant in January.
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financialpeace
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Post by financialpeace on Dec 27, 2011 12:37:34 GMT -5
Sheila- Do you think your brother could be serious about taking the kids? That statement really concerns me. My biological father did take his kids (my half brothers), and if my mom hadn't turned him in their mother probably never would have seen them again. As it was, she didn't see them for five or six years. I would take any kind of threat like that pretty seriously.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Dec 27, 2011 12:38:08 GMT -5
Hello~Just wanted to pop in and vent real quick: One of the kids in my house (there are five of them) did something to my computer that wiped it clean. All of my pictures, spreadsheets and writing documents are GONE! Well my pictures are on a backup program that somehow didn't get erased but now I have to figure out how to work it. Yea, I haven't even had a second to be pissed off about it. In other news: MY NIECE IS BEING DISCHARGED TODAY!! Thanks for those of you who posted on facebook I really appreciate that. Mk: sorry I didn't respond to you but you are right it can be a pretty traumatic thing but she is taking it in stride! She has progressed rather quickly and hasn't lost her sense of humor. I'll write a blog post about the whole experience tomorrow. All I can say is the before and after x-rays of her back are AMAZING and that's an understatement.
Sheila: Sorry about your family drama, unfortunately i can relate all too well~not recently but for a long time my brother was the same way. Sadly he is so deep in addiction he doesn't come around anymore.
Mrs. Lynch: Any news on DH's job! For the record I think it is courageous and brave to be willing to try and save your marriage. I can't really say what I would do for sure if i was in your shoes. I know before I was married and even in the beginning of my marriage I had the mindset that I would be done, gone, finished no one is going to treat me like that but having been in a relationship with my DH for nearly 12 years and married for almost 9, I think I would fight (assuming he was wanting to save our marriage too). You know I would appreciate and support any decision you made, I just wanted you to know how brave I think you are for not only sharing but for at least trying to work it. BTW I feel the same way about Sheila too!
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Dec 27, 2011 13:08:03 GMT -5
FP- No he is pretty much just trying to be a jerk. He couldn't survive without my parents holding his hand through life. As it is he works for my dad (and always has, he is a huge jerk and anyone else would fire him). My mom pays all of his bills and balances his checkbook. He eats the bulk of his meals at my parents house too. My mom does all the birthday party and Christmas shopping for his kids. She also buys all of their clothes. They have a custody agreement in place currently. He can barely handle the kids the two or three days at a time that he has them. And when he has them they are at my parents house the bulk of the time. To "take the kids away and never let her see them again" would require him to sell the house that my parents co-signed (and that he has trashed) and get a job somewhere else and physically move. My brother is the laziest person I know so I honestly don't see any of that happening. azmom- Glad your niece is doing so well post surgery Thats awesome news.
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MittenKitten
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Home of the Circus
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Post by MittenKitten on Dec 27, 2011 21:27:37 GMT -5
startsmart: Thank you so much!
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mrslynch
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Post by mrslynch on Dec 28, 2011 10:35:13 GMT -5
azmom--dh accepted the job and will most likely start around january 30. and thank you for what you said. it has been a hard decision for me but after 15 years together, almost 8 married and a child, i had to at least try to work on moving on. i know how dedicated he is to trying to save our marriage and i owe it to my daughter to try. i have a zero tolerance policy now and should it ever happen again, i will be filing for divorce that day. he knows this and understands it. also, i'm so happy that everything went well for your niece! that must be a huge relief.
sheila--i wish there were words to describe what i'm feeling about your brother that would not get me banned. i will say wow and leave it at that.
this is a wonderfully slow week at work. i'm using my time to get ahead on my blog and with my staff writing (in between getting my real work done, of course). at this pace, i'll be scheduled out through 1/24/12 (with the exception of 3 posts that must be timely so those are written the day before); thankfully, i have some guest posts which are helping with the content. it feels good to get ahead for my site so i can get on track with my staff writing positions and some other bloggy things i need to do. i must get organized and this is my first step towards creating a system that works for me!
ETA: i forgot to say that we paid off our home equity loan today. 4 years early. one car loan left and then i am completely nonmortgage debt free!
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Dec 28, 2011 12:00:04 GMT -5
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on Dec 28, 2011 12:22:11 GMT -5
mrslynch: Thanks for your support and keeping things unsaid so you don't get banned on account of my brother. I have realized today that I can't control other people. I can only control what goes on in my personal life and within my family of DH, DS and myself. So if my parents can sleep at night knowning that their halfwit son treats them like crap that's not on me. I won't put myself in a position to be treated like that but if they chose to that's on them- not on me. Trying to embrace this new zen like approach to life. Just because he is a negative person doesn't mean I need to stoop to his level. Water off this duck's back I tell you.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Dec 28, 2011 15:12:24 GMT -5
Sheila- love the attitude It's so true that if we spend out energy wishing other people would wake up and smell the sh*t then it's a lot of wasted energy! Great client call this morning, I really love doing this work and can't wait to launch into bigger things in 2012. For some reason I get irrationally worried that this particular client will drop me but every time we talk he's full of praise and loves what we're doing. I need to remember that more. I know I've had several NSD but numbers? pssssh. Who knows? I've accomplished some other goals like scanning my bills and preparing my receipts for the year so I'm going to start fresh in January. Speaking of... What's our January Thread going to be?Jubilant January? Just in Time January? Just Stop Spending January? Joyous January? Joyful January?
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reeneejune
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Post by reeneejune on Dec 28, 2011 16:52:09 GMT -5
I have a question for you all real quick, it's about a Christmas present I received...
My dear sister bought me a new set of pots and pans. Aunt #1 got me a lovely set of the bakeware that I love (I know she got it at an outlet store, and I'm totally good with that, I love saving money). Aunt #2 gave me her old pyrex set, it's the blue colored glass that I can't seem to find in stores anymore. She's switching to a different color in her kitchen, and asked me ahead of time if I minded receiving a used gift. I pre-approved it because I have been looking for a set, I used to have a few pieces that were lost in the fire. The problem: Grandma's gift. She gave me a stainless steel dutch oven and a 2-qt pot, very similar to a small pan my mom got me last Christmas. I know the one my mom gave me came from Wal-mart. Grandma's two have no tags on them. She then announced that she won them at one of the casinos by playing the slot machines. Which means that there's no way I can return or exchange them for something else. She also gave me two cheap plastic vases that clearly came from the dollar store. Now, I know money is tight for her, and I'm not upset that she gave me something she got for free. BUT I've made it really clear that I would be happy to have some of the things that she no longer uses (the cast iron dutch oven, or one of the sets of glass party dishes, or one of the old cookbooks she has practically memorized). She's also aware that no one in the family is particularly happy with her gambling habit. I'm kind of at a loss here. I don't want to offend Grandma by donating the pans to charity without ever using them, but I not only have a full brand new set, I also have a full set that was given to me earlier this fall by a coworker. I'm also sort of disgusted by the fact that my Christmas present was a freebie from a casino. What would you do?
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Dec 28, 2011 17:50:38 GMT -5
reenee: Donate them. How likely is it that your grandma is ever going to be in your house and notice that those aren't there? But the reason you're giving them away has nothing to do with the fact that they came from a casino. It has to do with the fact that you can't use them. So let go of any disgust. Thank grandma for thinking of you, and then off to goodwill with the things grandma gave you.
mrsl: Happy for your DH's new job and what it means for you and following your own dreams and goals.
sheila: don't you sometimes wish that in the divorce you could get rid of DBro and keep STBEx? But you're right, the only things you can control are your family and your actions. Do your best to ignore the idiot and keep loving on the kids.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Dec 28, 2011 17:51:25 GMT -5
How about: Just Not Ready for January? - too long, I know, but that's how I feel
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spruby
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Post by spruby on Dec 28, 2011 18:24:56 GMT -5
How about "Just the Basics January"
After the indulgence of the holidays (planned and unplanned) - I always feel the need to reset in January. And will be.
reenee - I 2nd the advice - donate them to goodwill and don't worry about it. The gambling is a separate issue - is she only losing what she can afford??
no numbers count for December. time to think of january goals
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Dec 28, 2011 20:22:46 GMT -5
I'll be back in January and not just tracking but planning, plotting and hopefully saving, saving, saving! I can also set aside a week to be a captain. Renee just let me know what week. I'm open all month. My vote is for either: "Just the Basics January" "Just Stop Spending January"Mrs. Lynch: who did you use to host your blog? Is that even the right terminology? I'm thinking of making mine a dot com. Wordpress has this Tip: Be the master of your own domain - make this blog anotherhousewife.com for just $17 per year. plus an extra $8 to make my info private whatever that means. Any pros or cons or info about using them. After you posted this on your facebook page I decided maybe I should just use the next 6 months to really write and build up my following and then focus on my book after the kids are ALL in school. It helps that 1.) I already follow him on twitter so I know who he is and 2.) he used a marathon as the analogy Tonight DH and I are crunching our end of the year budget...wish us luck we are $1,000 short on bills this month-only if it were January 22 (he has a big check coming)! On the plus side we only spent $130 on all four kids for Christmas thanks to DH's point system at work and coupons! They each received the usual three gifts (except Kaleb~he took an IOU on one gift)
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 20:25:30 GMT -5
I am on a no-spend diet.
Tips are most wanted.
I am trying the "just say NO" to spending!
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 20:26:44 GMT -5
I own my own home, so no house note, I do have a car note for another year.. basic bills, electric, gas, water.. but I think I need to be on a strict "no spend" diet.
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 20:27:57 GMT -5
Does anyone have some good advice?
Write spending down? Cut back?
I am not in a bad way, but I feel the need to save more than I have been.
Anyone?
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 20:32:49 GMT -5
Where are the financial gurus when ya need them!
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on Dec 28, 2011 20:52:04 GMT -5
gavinsnana - Welcome!
Congratulations on having no mortgage and being willing to join our little family.
If you would like some specific ideas about where you can cut back your spending I would suggest you post some specific information for us to review:
Monthly income Average monthly costs for electricity, cable, phone, insurance, car payment, food, entertainment, eating out etc.
That will give us an idea of places you may be able to economize or find better prices.
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azmom
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Post by azmom on Dec 28, 2011 21:13:14 GMT -5
gavinsnana: Welcome...I would suggest setting a goal like 5-10 NSD (No Spend Days) (you would be amazed at how hard that can be) and then for the first month just write down everything you spend. That will give you a clearer idea of where you need to or can cut back. I also liked to make myself a little calendar on a index card and give myself a star sticker whenever I managed a NSD. It is amazing how much will power I showed in order to put that little sticker on my card!
If you want any other tips please ask away. When I first started I realized my biggest leak was eating out and I had to learn how to menu plan and cook for that matter. The great thing is one question will normally generate several different answers. I would advise taking what works for you and your situation and/or tweaking it to fit your needs because what works for one might not work for another. Good luck. The January thread should be starting soon. I hope you join and track your progress!
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 21:14:28 GMT -5
Just my monthly income is $3000 approximately mnthly
Car note - 446 Ins. 90 House Ins. 140 lites - 59 gas -50 water 38 trash 34 cell 100 cable/internet/home phone 150
Basically, I want to cut back and save more. I have 401k's, I can add to that, but I want to build my savings even more for the year and see where I end up
When I turn 55 in years, I will receive my pension from the phone co. I was vested in for 15 years, its not much, but I want to put that away as well, maybe into a CD and then roll it into an IRA once I build it up to a good amount.
Not sure what to do with it all, but I want to spend less, much less and save more
Thanks
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 21:15:18 GMT -5
Hubby and I have seperate accounts, he has his own business and has a nice savings built up.
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ses
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Post by ses on Dec 28, 2011 21:21:22 GMT -5
Welcome gavinsnana. The board is sort of slow this week due to the holidays. You might want to check out page one for an overview of our philosophy. The best advice i can give you is something you already mentioned. Write every penny spent down. This is an eye opener, it also gives you a baseline to start from. The longer you are here when you shop you will hear us whisper in your ear " is this a want, or a need?" Do NOT expect to get everything under control right off the bat. It takes months for most of us to develop these habits, and we still have months where we wonder "what happened." I started here 1/1/2008-(wow, four years next week!) and i still have "lost" months. It helped me to post my expenditures daily. Knowing I would have to 'fess up and tell everyone when and what I spent, slowed a lot of unnecessary spending. I also planned out a monthly budget plan then every week planned specific expenditures. At first, i also used cash and froze the CCs in a baggie and a tub of ice. After a time you will learn this entire process is just very planned spending. Thinking of this as a diet helps some get started. Others find writing your expenditures here as a form of accountability really helps. Sometimes we hook up with an anti-spending buddy for more immediate and personal reinforcement. what ever works best for you, we will try to help you accomplish. Just ask.
Sheila very good attitude adjustment.
Reenee-- I agree, donate. At least someone will benefit.
Need to get back to work. Up to my neck in spreadsheets!
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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 Dec 28, 2011 21:24:47 GMT -5
HUGS! Sounds like quite a few of us need them for various and sundry reasons.
reenee- Because we did not do captains this month, I will be available for next month. And sadly, but honestly, DGMs not-totally unexpected, but much more suddenly than expected demise in November has freed up my calendar quite a bit. It's a shame to say, but it's the honest truth. Again, I can do the beginning or end- or just make me the final week captain every month- and I'll let you know a month ahead if I can't do it.
Computer- I am not sure how to word it, but everything may not be as gone as you think- it's possible it only "looks" gone. DBs friend N had to fix this for me before. I barred ex #3 from using my computer after that.
I had lots to say- but I don't remember it all.
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ses
Familiar Member
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Post by ses on Dec 28, 2011 21:37:14 GMT -5
Gavinsnana--Just looked at your budget. You don't eat, or ever put gas in your car, or visit a doctor or dentist? What I am saying is your budget is so general it really only counts as a budget in your mind. After you have tracked your expenditures for a while you will have a more specific idea of what you need to budget. If you really want to get started soon, analyze your checkbook and CC statements for a few past months.
This is fun--we haven't had a newbie to help get started for a long time.
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 21:41:43 GMT -5
Thanks, thats what I need to do. Write it down and before I swipe the card, ask myself is it need or want.
I don't have any debt except for the car note. I do not have any credit cards. I pay with cash/check card. But I have felt the need for sometime now, to stop over spending and start saving more. Being 52, I guess thats whats on my mind these days.
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 21:44:46 GMT -5
Ganinsnana--Just looked at your budget. You don't eat, or ever put gas in your car, or visit a doctor or dentist? What I am saying is your budget is so general it really only counts as a budget in your mind. After you have tracked your expenditures for a while you will have a more specific idea of what you need to budget. If you really want to get started soon, analyze your checkbook and CC statements for a few past months. This is fun--we haven't had a newbie to help get started for a long time. Sorry, I just put the basics. Don't go to doctors often.. Dentist twice a year and I have insurance. If I do go to the doc, its only $30. I have been spending without looking at what I spend. I need to budget better. Need vs. want. Not having a house note gives me more $$$ to spend and I am at the time in my life where I really don't need much. Want? that's a different story.
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gavinsnana
Senior Member
If we forget we are One Nation Under God, then we are a Nation gone under. Ronald Reagan
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Post by gavinsnana on Dec 28, 2011 21:46:37 GMT -5
What I am saying is I need to be more diciplined. I would like to save at least $1000 a month and not $500 or some less a month I have been. I know I can do it.. I just need to go on the diet of spending
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Dec 28, 2011 21:48:02 GMT -5
Update: 16 NSD and 9 CSD
I hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday. I have been enjoying time with family and friends, de-cluttering and preparing things to donate and trying to rest as much as possible before the normal routine kicks back in on Monday. MK -- Thank you so much for all the goodies in my SS package. Your kids are getting so big. Tell DS#1 hello for me, I am sure he enjoyed being spoiled by all of us this summer in the BH.
Need to response to a few other things -- need to refer to a different page then the older one I am currently on. Be back in a few minutes.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Dec 28, 2011 21:48:54 GMT -5
Message deleted by moneysquirrel.
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