shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Jan 20, 2012 13:39:36 GMT -5
Yesterday was a no spend. Today will be a spend. We lost power around noon yesterday and the earliest we expect to get it back is tomorrow. Need to go get some more firewood and food we can eat that doesn't require cooking. (One more reason I wish we had a gas stove.) Roads are at least somewhat safe today, and should be getting better.
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Jan 20, 2012 15:19:51 GMT -5
shanen: sorry to hear about more drama with MIL. We had a gas stove at my mom's and it was really nice when the power went out. The power doesn't seem to go out here often.
Sheila: didn't we get spoilt on the weather. At least today isn't so blasted cold!
Mizbear: I really think for your health and sanity you need to get your DOM out of your house. Is she on the waiting list for her own place? I also think you need to set up some boundries for her including computer time. Tell her to get her own computer and internet, it is ridiculous for her to come to your home and do nothing. Unfortunately from your other posts I fear she will simply find other excuses once she has recovered from this illness.
3cats: When you are looking for a new computer check out Newegg.com and tigerdirect.com, the usually have some pretty good deals. If you get a refurbished one they can be even cheaper.
We are doing fine here. I feel like I am spending a ton of money on groceries. I think it may be time to eat what we have. I have had to buy stuff for DF to take to work so that hasn't helped. I am thinking I am going to do a turkey next weekend, that will make room in my freezer as I have 2 in there and it is not a big freezer.
I have been talking with DF and am hoping to do an experiment with our electricity. Our bill is outrageous so I want to go a month where things are unplugged when not in use and maybe shutting down the computers at night. Maybe even changing out the light we use upstairs for one we can use a CFL on. It is so hard when I am the ONLY one concerned in our home. I miss the days of my $25 electric bill in my apartment and no gas bill.....
|
|
azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
|
Post by azmom on Jan 20, 2012 16:16:42 GMT -5
Sorry I have been MIA... I will do a complete update for everyone on Monday so please BOLD Your updates by noon on Monday and I will make sure to get them up! Life has just been a little crazy busy but I have managed 2 more NSD and today to celebrate I took the baby to get a happy meal at Mc Donald's QUESTION: Do any of you have individual health insurance and if so do you have a favorite provider? We have had Aetna for the past two years and I am shopping around rates and stuff. I still don't understand how it all works since I have always had a corporate insurance plan BUT insurance from DH's work cost an arm and a leg. He is the only one covered under his work plan because he has pre-existing high blood pressure issues that I am not sure if we added him to ours would be more expensive. WOULD GETTING HEALTH INSURANCE WITH A $10,000 DEDUCTIBLE WITH THREE KIDS BE STUPID AND WHAT COINSURANCE PERCENTAGE IS NORMAL? HELP I hope everyone is doing well. I don't have to catch up right now. Sorry. I will have more time on Monday.
|
|
sbcalimom
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 21:27:25 GMT -5
Posts: 890
|
Post by sbcalimom on Jan 20, 2012 18:55:43 GMT -5
Azmom: I have an individual policy just for me - the girls have a CA state sponsored plan and DH has a policy through the university). I actually just upped my deductible to try and save some $. I have Healthnet so they have a pretty reasonable provider list for my area. I just upped the deductible to $4.5K because I figured if I ever max it out it will be for something really major. I also dropped dental and vision since they didn't really cover more than the premiums. I figure I can just self-pay those as needed. The new premium is about $115 so an $85 savings. They do cover annual exams with just a $40/copay so that helps.
Typically, the higher deductible plans also come with a 0% coinsurance but that only applies after the deductible has been met. I personally wouldn't take a high deductible plan without a very low or 0% coinsurance.
Once you get into the high deductible range you are eligible for an HSA and the limits for 2012 are individuals $3100 and family $6250 family. You can also contribute until April of the next year. Plus, the contributions are tax deductible. I have an HSA that has about $2K in it. I try to contribute the max each year but I have had some expenses the last two years that drained it a bit.
For a family, I'd probably look at how often you take the kiddos to the doctor each year and if they have any upcoming shots that you'd have to pay for. Vaccines are ridiculously expensive so I am so glad we have good insurance for the girls for their first few years. I'd also look at a worst case scenario, could you cover the $10K deductible if necessary? If you have the money, you could get a $10K balance in an HSA in 2 years that would obviously make it safer to have that large of a deductible.
|
|
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
|
Post by mizbear on Jan 20, 2012 19:39:43 GMT -5
MK- DM can't afford her own place. We are on the waiting list for a 2 BR place here- but I really don't want to move because it means moving to the first floor. She spends too much money and also I would have to go cook and clean for her anyway. Might as well just have her here. She has a netbook. I told her she can't tie up my computer for various and sundry reasons- we will see if she listens.
Azmom- The last private insurance I had before I got sick was Blue Cross and Blue Shield- I really liked it.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,908
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Jan 20, 2012 21:55:13 GMT -5
Update: 17 NS/CS days
Only spending lately have been on usual bills some of which are annual bills.
Haven't had a change to really read through the thread and since several major projects were turned in this week I will be correcting them all weekend. Almost finished the first set, second set was due today and the largest set is due nect week. My goal is to finish the first two sets completely this weekend and begin correcting any ones turned in early from the third group.
|
|
3catslady
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 22:29:16 GMT -5
Posts: 1,122
|
Post by 3catslady on Jan 21, 2012 13:29:39 GMT -5
update; 19 NSD, 2 EOD. I had to get a copy of my bank statement so I came to the library. Just a quick look at because I only put a quarter in the meter. I think I will get DS to look at tiger-direct and see what is on there for a refurbished one for right now. I will continue to save for a brand new one maybe by spring of 2013. ;D.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,438
|
Post by startsmart on Jan 21, 2012 14:39:58 GMT -5
Today will be a spend day - we're getting everything ready for Grandpa to move into his new room at assisted living. Which means a trip to Wal-mart, costco for pictures and a lot of running around. Plus I was enjoying the pitter patter of rain last night until I realized it was raining in the house! One of the kitchen windows was leaking from the top seam and we'll need to get it fixed today when my dad arrives. Had a busy week and took most of Friday off to lounge about. Things are getting interesting with blue eyes, it's hard to believe we've only known each other for 2 years. Coming up this year I have business trips in Feb, Mar, Apr, June, Sept and Oct - at minimum. blue eyes will be coming along at least one of those trips, possibly more. I've already booked the Feb trip, now I need to plan the hotels in NY and what I'll be doing for two days on my own
|
|
spruby
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 23:35:01 GMT -5
Posts: 255
|
Post by spruby on Jan 22, 2012 20:13:04 GMT -5
UPDATE:
20/30 NSD - doing OK - I'm too busy working to spend money
2/10 MOANS - I'm counting the 30 minute walk through NY!
17/15 Restaurant points
16/10 blog posts - Only have 2 new posts this week. Wasn't feeling well this weekend - just worn down - and only did 2 for next week.
3/4 "new job" activities - meeting went pretty good - sent a resume out - we'll see
4/8 new books read - no progress this week - I've been obssessed with the new angry birds season
I hope everyone is doing OK. Work continues to be insane - am in NY 3 days this week. Hopefully a longer post soon.
honey - how are you doing? 3cats - good luck on saving for a new pc - a laptop?
Take care everyone!
|
|
sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
|
Post by sheilaincali on Jan 23, 2012 9:46:40 GMT -5
Update: 17/20 NSD (I am pretty sure) We had to get DS's present from Santa and our Gift Exchange Gift (got those on Friday) other than that we didn't spend a dime all weekend. All the parents brought a present from Santa for their kids. Worked out better than exchanging names of the great grandkids and buying for someone else. Had an awesome visit with my extended family (my cousins, aunts, uncles and gma) for late Christmas. Kids all played together really well and had a blast. Only downside was my grandma. It was such a shock to see how much older she is acting now then she was this summer at the family reunion. She is starting to forget things and telling the same story half a dozen times (in a span of an hour) and was having a lot of trouble with her coordination. It's a relief to know that they have her in a new assisted living type apartment and not at home by herself. 3Cats: Not sure when you will get a chance to read this but DH is loving the tea you sent me for Christmas. He alternates between the Red Rose and some Green Tea we have. He has given up coffee completely. He said to make sure I said thank you to you again Snow here again today. Nothing major but enough to cause some headaches and slow moving traffic. Tonight we have a meeting at the high school for 9th grade registration for the Boy. Super sad that he is growing up so fast. Then he flies out on Wednesday to meet my folks in Las Vegas for a couple of days then they will drive to their house in Palm Springs and all fly back on Monday. On this airline he is no longer a unaccompained minor. I have to leave him at security and let him get to the gate and on the plane by himself. He will be fine but it will still stress me out.
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Jan 23, 2012 11:13:22 GMT -5
10 NSD We were without power for 34.5 hours. Friends were without for over 40. On some level, it was kind of nice hanging out by the fire, talking with DH and the roomie for two evenings. The drama with the MIL continues. DH is now questioning whether or not he did the right thing by letting them intubate here (ie save her life) over New Year's. I'm ready to shoot someone at the SNF for the lack of communication and the fact that they're changing things like her depression meds without talking to us first. Yes, they can give her meds for infections without talking to us, but they should not be changing her daily, pre-stay, maintenance drugs without talking with us. The reason we got- behavioral issues- but no one told us what those issues actually were, and the drug got her so stoned it was beyond ridiculous. And then they called to find out if they could send her to the hospital at 4am on Thursday. Possible stroke. We said yes. And then no one called us and told us anything after that. We called the hospital to find out that she'd been discharged back to the SNF at 6:30am, but no one called us from the SNF to tell us the outcome, or even that she was back. When we were finally able to go visit (getting to the SNF was impossible while the roads were bad), the nurse taking care of her wasn't even aware she'd been to the hospital- so it's not just us people aren't comminicating with. We NEED this to be over. Better or Dead. And some days I'd prefer the latter so that we wouldn't have to go through this again.
Thank you ladies for letting me rant. Sorry I haven't been the most supportive group member lately.
|
|
dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
|
Post by dakota4600 on Jan 23, 2012 11:20:29 GMT -5
Shan- HUGS to you!
3cats- Hope your DS is able to find a nice refurb for you.
This weekend was a bust on the NS front. We went out to dinner Friday and lunch on Sunday (that was a date with DH), then Saturday we spent on stuff for DH's new truck and Target and Wal-mart, but overall we made money on the day as DH sold the old truck for $300. I spent almost 8 hours yesterday cleaning and organizing my closet, I got rid of two huge garbage bags of clothes. I'm not quite finished, but it looks so much better now.
Need to get payroll done so there is money in my account on Wed.
Have a great week.
|
|
muttleynfelix
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 15:32:52 GMT -5
Posts: 9,406
|
Post by muttleynfelix on Jan 23, 2012 11:26:16 GMT -5
Just checking in to say we are alive and home from "siberia" (also known as Illinois, but compared to home it felt like Siberia). We did great only eating 2 meals out over the course of being gone 6 days. Unfortunately, the hotel for 2 nights was $200 and then we spent about $200 in gas (still need to total that one up). DS has a cold, DH has a cold, and DH's glasses broke on Saturday night and my hope for a date on Friday night was spoiled by a snow storm (meaning my parents were late getting back from my Great Aunt's house and going out again would have been foolish, plus DH felt yucky). So much for my nice low spending January
|
|
WholeLottaNothin
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 15:19:25 GMT -5
Posts: 1,721
|
Post by WholeLottaNothin on Jan 23, 2012 13:07:14 GMT -5
I haven't been around in awhile. I am still job hunting, and to be quite frank, am getting a bit depressed about it. I have had one interview for a part time job and I didn't get it. The lack of response in discouraging, and I am starting to have a harder time finding things to apply to. I started applying to a few place several hours away, just to see what happens. My husband is willing to move, though we would lose the free child care my mother was giving us when we both worked. So we would have to weigh that as well. I feel like I want to burst into tears all the time.
|
|
dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
|
Post by dakota4600 on Jan 23, 2012 13:26:02 GMT -5
I forgot to mention earlier that I lost my credit card this weekend, shopping with a 3 year old evidently makes me scatterbrained. And now it looks like there is a funky charge pending today on my back up card. This could be a long week until a replacement arrives. I'm going to call on the other charge after my assistant leaves for the day, I've already spent the morning calling and cancelling the one I lost and checking with the pedicatrian on Mini-D's exposure to whooping cough. I should actually look like I'm getting something work related done today.
|
|
sbcalimom
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 21:27:25 GMT -5
Posts: 890
|
Post by sbcalimom on Jan 23, 2012 13:39:23 GMT -5
Update: 21 NS/CS, 19 NEO, 7 MOAN
So far we've done great sticking to the budget this month but we're pretty much out of allotted funds in the major categories so hopefully we can end strong. We have plenty of food and it is raining so that will help.
|
|
financialpeace
Familiar Member
Joined: May 17, 2011 16:10:54 GMT -5
Posts: 554
|
Post by financialpeace on Jan 23, 2012 14:27:25 GMT -5
10/15 NSDs
Nuttin- I understand how you feel. I am in a similar boat. It is really depressing. *Hugs*
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Jan 23, 2012 14:38:45 GMT -5
shanen: I understand completely. My DGM is now in the nursing home but honestly she hasn't had any quality of live for years. My other grandma we went through the year from hell the last year of her life. Seriously we can take pity on our animals when they have no quality of life and are in pain but not our families. Sounds like SNF has some serious issues.
Muttley: Glad you made it home safe and sound.
For the most part have put DS#2's room back together. That means I can start working on my bedroom as a lot of his stuff was in there. I really want to get into my bedroom, clean organize the whole thing including the closet. I also want to reorganize the utility room. The space is so small it can get nuts as everyone is getting into the house and leaving their shoes every where.
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,438
|
Post by startsmart on Jan 23, 2012 15:02:09 GMT -5
well I sent my Mom to get a hydro massage at my chiropractor's office. we went out to breakfast (my treat) and then she went to the doctor's for my grandpa's appointment today and the staff at his home screwed up and didn't bring him to the appointment.
Frustrating when other people's incompetence makes things more difficult.
I'm waiting at home for the glass guy to come give me a quote to fix the window that's leaking, will be paying out of the house fund because that's why it's there! So so mad at my dad though for not looking at it Saturday when he was here (he basically sat reading a magazine and would not look at it) because if I'm gone for my business trip and it rains again and leaks I could end up replacing the dry wall, electrical outlets, cabinets and window.
Ounce of prevention anyone?
I'm heading out to Wal-Mart for a few little things as soon as Mom returns from her massage or the window guy comes and goes. Hope I can time it during a break in the wind and rain, it's brutal out there!
Finally, I got my Dad's scaffold and planned out the projects I need to do for the next 3 months. Lots of time on the scaffold, lots of hours to get the ceilings done right. But it'll be worth it! Now to plan the spending for 5 gallons of ceiling paint and other supplies.
|
|
azmom
Established Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 12:31:41 GMT -5
Posts: 256
|
Post by azmom on Jan 23, 2012 15:47:35 GMT -5
Hey Girls, I am swamped but I do plan on getting the numbers up today...which might end up being tonight. I need to eat, finalize our health insurance, and maybe figure out what I plan on teaching tomorrow to our MOMs group! I have the curriculum outline I just need to figure it what to say in my 20 minute portion! I taught for an entire hour last week and too my surprise I LOVED it, despite feeling like I was going to barf the entire time.
|
|
MittenKitten
Well-Known Member
Home of the Circus
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 19:12:58 GMT -5
Posts: 1,070
|
Post by MittenKitten on Jan 23, 2012 17:33:29 GMT -5
Oh and I am happy, I made homemade enchillada sauce last night. I thought I had a can but I don't pick it up often since it is so expensive. Found a recipe on food.com and now I have enough for another batch of enchillas, just need more tortilla shells.
|
|
moneysquirrel
Well-Known Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 13:12:39 GMT -5
Posts: 1,908
|
Post by moneysquirrel on Jan 23, 2012 20:59:16 GMT -5
Update: 20 NS/CS days
Still trying to finish up the mountain of papers that were turned in the last few days. Spent all weekend attacking them only to get another mountain turned in today. I think that it will take me at least a week to get through them. It does help my numbers grow.
Also this month is one of my major expense ones as the house insurance is this month with flood insurance next month. I put aside a little each month for this but I hate seeing it going out.
Well back to the papers.
Will check in later when I can.
|
|
dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
|
Post by dakota4600 on Jan 23, 2012 21:52:34 GMT -5
|
|
shanendoah
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 19:44:48 GMT -5
Posts: 10,096
Mini-Profile Name Color: 0c3563
|
Post by shanendoah on Jan 24, 2012 11:18:50 GMT -5
Yesterday was a spend. We had a plumber out to (finally) fix our clogged bathtub drain. I think today will be a spend, too. I think I'm going to go get a Papa Murphy's pizza for dinner. It's easy. It's yummy. And I can pick it up on my way home from work and not have to go back out again. Dealing with all the MIL crap (being someone's advocate is hard work, as I know MK and others here know) and is just draining me of most of my energy. Though it did lead to me doing some cleaning last night. I needed something I could do that I had complete control over and that gave me immidiate positive results. So I vacuumed the living room (covered in bits of wood from the power outage), folded up all the blankets we'd brought out and were still lying all over the furniture, and did a load of dishes. My kitchen is still a bit of a disaster, but that's another plus of the Papa Murphy's tonight- it doesn't dirty any dishes so I can make more progress on the kitchen and not backslide any.
|
|
sheilaincali
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 19, 2010 17:55:24 GMT -5
Posts: 4,131
|
Post by sheilaincali on Jan 24, 2012 14:00:13 GMT -5
Pretty Quiet week so far here. I am sorry for those of you dealing with stress and drama in your lives. We had an orientation meeting at the High School to register DS for his freshman year. Tomorrow we have to drive him up to the airport for his flight to Vegas. Tomorrow will be a spend- parking $ and Ikea is conveniently located near the airport. The rest of the week should be pretty quiet and uneventful (hopefully).
|
|
dakota4600
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 10:22:48 GMT -5
Posts: 831
|
Post by dakota4600 on Jan 24, 2012 14:22:35 GMT -5
Shan- Hugs on dealing with you MIL. I hope things get a little easier for you.
Yesterday was a no spend.
Today I have to leave work early and take mini-D to the dentist. This morning he was so excited about it he told his teacher before he got his coat off. Hopefully he'll be as excited once we are there. Then I was going to meet a friend and her kids for dinner, but one of the kids is sick so that is off. I need to run to Target and pick up a few things, so mini-D & I will do that after the dentist. If I stick to my list it will be a CS. Not sure about dinner, leaning towards picking something up for the 2 of us, because I just don't feel like cooking. DH is working late, but I'm not sure how late, so if he'll be home at a decent hour I'll just fix something at home.
|
|
ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
|
Post by ses on Jan 24, 2012 22:04:36 GMT -5
NSD 21/31
Just a quick update, I've been reading just no time to post.
One comment--Sheila I was just thrilled when I was able to, finally, buy Red Rose tea locally. Isn't it delicious!
Shanen--Big hugs for all your recent life drama
|
|
startsmart
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 12:45:52 GMT -5
Posts: 4,438
|
Post by startsmart on Jan 25, 2012 11:56:46 GMT -5
real quick update - Saturday was a spend, Sunday no spend, Monday spend, Tues no spend. I need to track this better on my calendar since I forget when things get busy! whoever is tracking forgive me lol. I'll have good numbers by Friday, hopefully with more NSD racked up.
Kinda overwhelmed today, was invited to write for Forbes Women and I'm just a little shocked.
|
|
ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
|
Post by ses on Jan 25, 2012 12:35:23 GMT -5
We had a little excitement here yesterday. Calleigh is addicted to the stuffing from an old chair I have. Whenever she can find a piece to bat around and play with she is in heaven. The other day I found a tuft of stuffing on the floor and tossed it in the trash. She found the trashcan and tipped it over to get at the stuffing and in the process stuck her head and front paw through the handle of the plastic grocery bag I was using as a trash liner. She started running through the house at mach speed trying to get away form the devil on her back. Of course the running caused the "devil" to collect air and puff up. She was dashing down the hall so fast Onyx took a tumble trying to get out of her way and I couldn't catch her as she flew through the kitchen and did a mid air pivot to dash down the basement stairs to her "safe place." By the time I got to the basement she was so well hidden I couldn't find her. As long as she had the bag around her leg and head I knew she wouldn't be hurt so I just waited her out. I knew she would be out eventually. "Eventually" finally came and she flew back through the house to hide under my bed, her other "safe place" and repository of her toys and treasures (empty TP rolls, used kleenex, and chewed up plastic straws among other valuable stuff). I was able to close the door and keep her in one room. So I sat down at the computer and opened the closet door. The closet is an irresistible forbidden place and sure enough within minutes she was trying to sneak into the closet and I was able to grab her and remove the plastic bag. She was so traumatized she stayed curled up on the back shelf of the closet for the rest of the day and didn't even come out until I went to bed when she snuggled up and didn't budge until this morning. She seems to be her old curious self this morning. Perhaps, this will cure her from getting into the trash.
It is a nice day today and I am trying to talk myself into going to the grocery store before it gets cold again. I am out of milk and eggs and lettuce. I never thought I would get to the point that shopping would be a "chore."
I got a quick note from Sapphire and she has been swamped with family obligations and work the past couple of months.
|
|
ses
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:18:37 GMT -5
Posts: 654
|
Post by ses on Jan 25, 2012 12:38:57 GMT -5
Forbes Women--way to go smartstart!!!
|
|