3catslady
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Post by 3catslady on Feb 13, 2012 22:50:57 GMT -5
update; 12 NSD, 1 NEO. Work is going busily. I am in training all this week, 2-4 hours a day and one day 7 hours. I just got an e-mail from my SIL and she said I could go out there any time I wanted. She is doing okay. I still have not heard from my brother. Yesterday I was really chatty but today I don't have much to say. I have to be at work by 9 am and I usually don't have to be there until 2 pm. I am going to go to bed.
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ses
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Post by ses on Feb 13, 2012 23:21:46 GMT -5
11/29 NSD
Some pretty deep thoughts shared here lately. I was out of the house most of the day so I will do my comments tomorrow, when I'm not so exhausted. Night all.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Feb 14, 2012 11:20:19 GMT -5
The story so far... ses 11 NS 3cats: 12 NS spruby: 13 CS shanendoah: 7 NS sheila: 8 CS startsmart: 2 NS, 7 CS moneysquirrel: 9 NS, 2 CS pointy: 9 NS honey: 11 CS financialpeace: 6 CS
If I missed something, let me know and I'll fix it.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Feb 14, 2012 11:31:52 GMT -5
Question of the week: I know lots of us are feeling a little out of control right now, whether it be about finances or life in general. So my question is, what is one thing you do that helps you feel like you are in control- of finances, of life, whatever?
Challenge of the week: While I hope you are doing the thing that helps you feel in control, that's not actually my challenge for this week. One of the ways of countering depression and feeling down is to actively count the positives- even if they are little positives. I have friends whose goal is to post something they are thankful for every day on FB for the entire year. I'm not asking us to go that far, but my challenge to you this week is every day from today through President's day, write down something positive about your life, something you are thankful for. You can post it here, or you can keep it on scraps of paper lying around your house- but actually write it down. Then read it out loud. These don't have to be big, profound ideas. They can be the simplest thing in the world. If you're having a really rough day, maybe the only positive thing you can see is that you woke up still breathing that morning. To quote one of John Carter's most used lines (in the Edgar Rice Burroughs books, don't know if he'll say it in the movie) "Where there's life, there's hope."
My answers: QOTW[/u] Tracking my spending. Putting down in my spreadsheet where every penny goes helps me feel in control, even if it seems like we're spending out of control. At least I know where and why, and that gives me the tools to fix it if it needs to be fixed.
Challenge[/u] I am thankful for a husband and a roommmate who enjoy cooking
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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 Feb 14, 2012 11:53:58 GMT -5
QOTW- Listening to music and writing. Even if I delete it. It helps me get centered and tune out all of the negative vibes here (TBear and ZBear sometimes think I grew headphones at birth). It doesn't matter whether I tweak my budget, make to do lists or what. And lots of tunes.
Challenge- I am thankful that I am only dealing directly with my DMs drama and I still have control over MY budget and finances.
Headed to doctors- will update when I get back.
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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 Feb 14, 2012 15:53:19 GMT -5
Update- Enlarged thyroid. Explains a lot of the problems. I have an ultrasound on Friday because the doctor wants to make sure it's not anything serious. She is pretty sure it's just an infection or virus- but wants to be sure.
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ses
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Post by ses on Feb 14, 2012 20:05:35 GMT -5
I feel like the world - and many of us - is pretty unsettled these days and we are all trying to settle into whatever the new normal is or create a new normal. Spruby, you said a mouthful right there. I think a lot of my "unsettlement" (if there is such a word) is in trying to figure out my new normal. Over the last four years here and the year before when I just lurked I have figured how to manage and correct my financial issues. Now it is mostly just a matter of accountability--which can be so boring. At least there was excitement or something in the "reaching control" stage. I was never really out of control, just sort of oblivious. I am much more aware now and in a better place. I am not so concerned for myself but when I take a world view I see how shaky things are. I feel we are in a state of denial worldwide. I deplore the fact that we as a nation can't find a (or many) positive compromise(s) I am encouraged by the progress made by those of us here (a shout out to 3cats--our stellar member) but worry for those who are still out there hurting. QOTW-- I had to chuckle as I read this and thought of all my various lists--some accomplished some not. Just the act of making them brings a sense of control. And amusement when I find one forgotten from years ago. Another calming action (and I think smartstart will agree) is cuddling with a kittty or a puppy, whichever is closest. COTW-- This is something that we must never forget--to be aware of our blessings--even it it is waking in the morning. This is a wonderful world, we need to remember this everyday, even if we can only see small portions at a time.
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on Feb 14, 2012 22:30:05 GMT -5
Update: 11 NS Days, 2 CS DayI had a nice long post and it was eaten. So I hope that I can remember what I was writing. News -- I usually tend to sleep during the news programs. Since I get up at 5 in the mornings I usually take a short nap when I get home from school. The voices usually drone me to sleep. Since I don't subscribe to cable or any other service I am not exposed 24/7 to the negative vibes of broadstream media. 3cats -- Sorry about the mixup. That what I get when I read and post late at night. To tired to read things correctly. ses -- Like you I am somewhat on remote control with my accounts. I tend to try to save a little more to replace the money I used to get the renovations done. QOTW -- I love my Excel. It makes me feel in control of something. I like doing the charts and exploring the other possibilities of the program. It allows me to see things in black and white and color where I have my strenghts and weaknesses. COTW -- I am grateful for all the people in my life both in RL and online.
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MittenKitten
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Home of the Circus
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Post by MittenKitten on Feb 15, 2012 11:07:51 GMT -5
Bye all, have a great rest of the week!
Be positive! I challenge you all to work on doing something good for yourself. Be it plan a vacation, eat more healthy, start exercising, meditating whatever. Change begins within yourself. If you keep doing the same thing you will have the same result.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Feb 15, 2012 14:52:08 GMT -5
spruby - cruise is to Alaska. Super excited! Honey - great to hear from you, even if you don't have good job news to report. I hope you find something soon! They don't know what they're missing out on! ses - thanks for the update on the kitties. My own are rambunctious as ever. They found their way into the crawl space/attic on Monday, and made it out in one piece. Scared me though! Thought we'd never get them out! I think I'm less chatty because I know to accept responsibility for my financial setbacks. I know how to do better, I just choose not to. I don't feel I need the financial advice as much. I make my decisions and I accept the consequences. You guys are all great, but I do have to agree with startsmart's assessment that it can be a bit of a downer on here. And I'm not likely to share more positive news because I don't want those going through tough times to get mad at me or feel worse or something like that. Sometimes I feel like I HAVE to come on here to check in rather than WANT to these days. And it's not about the people (you guys are my online buddies) but the general vibe most of the time. But mainly I'm just tired, like muttley said. It's hard to focus on money and weight loss and career at the same time. And throw into the mix the fact that we're trying to start a family... something's gotta slide. that too shanen - I'm glad you guys are moving forward in adoption. nuttin - sending you job juju! Hope you find something soon to ease your worries. mrslynch - good luck out there! I miss our email chats from a few years back. Always here to support you. You've got some crazy potential and I'm so glad you're going for it all. shanen - haha love that my positive influence is drunk fridays. Always glad to spread the cheer! startsmart - you go girl!! I'm pretty sure you'll be running the world one of these days... shanen - I have 4 NS days QOTW: working out more has really helped me feel like I'm taking charge of me. I eat better as a result, I sleep better (unless I pull something), and I'm glad I'm doing that for myself. COTW: I'm thankful for my husband (stressed as he is right now between work and school). I'm thankful for my parents. I'm thankful I'm feeling as good as I am without my meds (aka having a baby might not be the most miserable 9 months of my life).
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3catslady
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Post by 3catslady on Feb 15, 2012 21:28:48 GMT -5
Gee; I am sorry I started this whole thing. Maybe I will just get off and just write in my journal. I just wanted to get some chat going and I find that everybody wants to get away from the downward spiral. I feel like I am dragging you all down there. See you all after I get this straightened out.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Feb 15, 2012 23:24:00 GMT -5
3cats- never feel sorry for speaking up! I know that personally after my trip to New York I felt it was time to share and that happened to coincide with your comment. It's not you dragging anyone down - I don't think that any one person "runs" the mood of the group. You have my email if you ever want to chat privately and please keep posting. I believe that your transformation is one of our best accomplishments as a group and you are the woman who took personal responsibility by the horns and determined her own destiny these past 3-4 years. Part of the reason I spoke up because there are so many others out there who are in a tough spot, much as you were, who could use the encouragement and support of this group.
As for me, today has been up and down with a client who really needs to align her mindset to the level of business she is in. Cheap is bad but cheap when you don't need to be is worse! But in the spirit of positivity, I am booking a 2 week trip to Arizona for work where I get to visit my best friend, see blue eyes, spend a weekend at a retreat in Sedona, visit colleagues and earn a valuable certification for my line of work all free to me.
Also I figured out how to work the scaffold I borrowed and began working on the ceilings in my house which must all be scraped, textured and painted. So glad I can do the hardest work myself to save money and once I get ready to texture my Dad will come up (since he now has a flexible work schedule) and help me prep before painting.
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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 Feb 15, 2012 23:42:52 GMT -5
OT- Feel free to skip.
I have to admit this to someone or I will explode-
I am scared to death about this test on Friday. This is not the first time I have had to have this test doe, but the last time, they knew for sure that there were other things going on and it was just a formality. I am terrified. Surgery around my thyroid could cost me my singing voice. My singing is who I am.
Money is going well. Finally got DM to start moving her arse.
Now this.
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WholeLottaNothin
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Post by WholeLottaNothin on Feb 16, 2012 7:42:53 GMT -5
Mizbear - I'm really sorry to hear about your thyroid. I will send you all the good juju I can!
Thanks for the positive thoughts on the job front, Red, because I applied to a job yesterday morning via email, got a call a half hour later to come in for an interview yesterday afternoon. It went well, and I sent a thank you not via email when I got home. Should I also send one via regular mail? I'm trying not to get my hopes up but it would be a good fit for me I think, I just hope they think so too. Fingers crossed!
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Feb 16, 2012 11:21:26 GMT -5
mizbear - hugs. tests are scary. I sincerely hope that whatever it is does not affect your voice. From what you've said you have quite the talent! Will be thinking of you tomorrow!
nuttin - yay! That sounds very positive. I think the email one suffices. I wouldn't do both, in any case, but either/or. Hoping you hear back some good news soon!
startsmart - your two weeks in Arizona sounds amazing. It's on my "To visit" list, someday.
I sent my info out to a few more potential freelance clients, touched based with some current clients. Still no way I could quit my day job with the level of work I'm getting, but it does come in somewhat regularly at least. I'll get there! I need at least another year here at my job anyways, to pay for baby #1.
Blue_wagon finally signed up for his 401k at his "new" job, on his one-year anniversary there. Trying not to think about the year of 4% match and 4% contribution he's lost, and am focusing on the fact that it's finally DONE. I can check it off my to-do list.
If only I could get him to fix the doorbell before a year has gone by...
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Feb 16, 2012 11:55:51 GMT -5
Sorry I wasn't on yesterday, I was getting my braces off! (So that's yesterday's positive thing.) Today's positive thing is that I LOVE the Bengal Spice tea I have in my drawer at work. It just makes the day so much better when you're drinking something you really adore.
3cats: Don't go. We all need support, especially when we're feeling down. Even though it's been a mild winter, weather wise, in many places, this seems to have been a really rough winter for a lot of people emotionally. And when people are down is when they need their support groups most. NO ONE wants you to go away or stop talking. What we want to do is readjust our own thinking. Sometimes when the overall mood goes down, people who have good news to share don't because they feel like they're bragging or rubbing it other people's faces. That's the thinking we need to get over. We WANT to hear the good news. Good news for one is good news for all.
That's actually one of the reasons I joined the WIR. I felt like if I talked to our RL friends about our finances it would sound like whining to those doing better than us and bragging to those doing worse. I wasn't trying to do either. I was just trying to talk things out to help me get a better handle on it. So I came here, a place I felt I wouldn't be judged either way. We need to get ourselves back to the place where no one feels like they are being judged here. Come to us for help and advice or just share what you want to share. We will sympathize or celebrate with you, as necessary. But bring it all.
What have we said before, over and over again, we subscribe to the "whole life" theory of personal finances on this board. Every part of our lives has an effect on the way we view and spend our money. That means the bad and the good. And we all need to be comfortable sharing both.
On the financial note: last two days were both spends. On Tuesday, it turns out the lunch I'd brought wasn't microwavable. I would have just skipped lunch except that I'd given blood and was starting to feel "off". So I went and got a piece of pizza from the cafeteria. Yesterday I had the dentist copay and then we got Qdoba for dinner.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Feb 16, 2012 12:05:49 GMT -5
Okay so some good things for me: yesterday I paid off a credit card (unfortunately due to the wedding gifts we bought last weekend, another credit card went up by as much, but I have allotted special money monthly as "gifts" money that will pay that off fairly quickly. I still like seeing that zero on the other card!). Also I made myself work out last night and am so glad I did. You really never do regret working out. I hope to get in more cardio boxing tonight.
some not so good (and ridiculous) news: I got a call yesterday that because didn't burn "enough" oil (defined as 600gal) in 2011, we don't get a free system cleaning, and we owe them $164 for our cleaning. We only burned 482 gallons. This is so much crap, and so annoying, but we do have the money to cover it. I'm not going to turn my thermostat up and burn more oil if our house doesn't require it just to avoid this fee. Apparently this rule has always existed, just in previous years the oil company didn't enforce it. Bah. Obnoxious.
We are having someone come by today to give us an estimate on replacing our central AC unit. Our upstairs easily gets to over 95 on even a normal 75-80 degree day in summer and we really need it. Can't sleep in 95 degrees. Going to see about putting in an anti-allergy thingamabob too, if we can afford it. I hope the estimate doesn't make me cry lol. But again, we've got the house fund for a reason. Glad I made the appointment and am moving forward with that project, rather than waiting until summer when they'll be busier.
After that we look into fences. Gotta finish repairing from Hurricane Irene. Stupid Irene... Luckily we have friends coming to help us once winter is over (has it even begun?). and we also have to dig a trench and wire for the pool electric so we're not illegal and can actually use the pool and the $350 pump we bought last year that kept tripping our circuit. That should be fairly low-cost as again, family and friends helping us with the install (certified electrician, dont' worry).
So, lots of projects around the house that we didn't expect, which means we are delaying redoing the kitchen counters until 2013. Small kitchen means we can do it fairly cheaply, I hope.
Oh, and this summer we will likely rip up the carpet in my office and put in hard wood (the locking kind, not the "real" stuff) for when it's a nursery. And that way the whole upstairs is unified hardwood and will look just smashing for when we sell, likely in 2014.
Kind of scary writing that all out, but I kind of feel more in control of the projects now too. Thanks ladies!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Feb 16, 2012 12:15:01 GMT -5
I'm going to take a break from pro-boards as part of lent. I know Lent does not start until next week, but I'm going to go ahead and start early. I'll still be on facebook, but pro-boards and babycenter need to go.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Feb 16, 2012 15:31:08 GMT -5
Ugh. Guy gave us the estimate and it was pretty high. Hoping to get lower numbers from other companies. It's doable, but not fun. I really hope I get a freelance project soon...
BUT we will qualify for a $400 rebate from our power company, so that's cool. Always look on the bright side of life right?
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spruby
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Post by spruby on Feb 16, 2012 21:01:02 GMT -5
good news - 3 day weekend is coming up! DH waited for me to eat dinner (got home late). My sweet doggie and kitty
bad news - have to travel next week (day trip) and the following week (2 nights)
shan - yeah on the braces off! how does it feel!
nuttin - yeah on the interview - fingers crossed
red - ahh - home projects - i really don't miss that from when I owned, good luck on more freelance clients
mizbear - good thoughts on the thyroid
3cats - please stay!!!!!
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on Feb 17, 2012 10:53:14 GMT -5
spruby - some home projects I get excited about, but unfortunately those are the ones we've had to push off to next year because of the breaking stuff. Fun times.
We have two more companies coming monday to give estimates. Someone's gotta have a lower number, right?
Have a good weekend, all!
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twinmama85
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Have a blessed New Year!
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Today's Mood: Blessed
Location: Home
Favorite Drink: Wine
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Post by twinmama85 on Feb 17, 2012 21:12:56 GMT -5
as frugal and debt pay-off focused as i am, i should join this thread
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ses
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Post by ses on Feb 18, 2012 21:54:22 GMT -5
Welcome Twinmama!!
We always like to get new members for our little group. Jump in whenever you want. Any questions just ask. On page one there is an overview of our philosophy and how we work, basically you get to set up "rules" that work for you. This is a good group for support and encouragement
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pointy
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Post by pointy on Feb 19, 2012 7:32:52 GMT -5
update: 14/23 NS and 16/27 No QVC days
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on Feb 19, 2012 12:16:10 GMT -5
Yesterday was good - very productive and low spend - I worked on the ceiling in the hallway and finished the scraping. Gooooood bye ugly popcorn texture! Of course I'm not done done but that was the most messy part and free to do.
Then I continued working on papers, sorting and scanning all the files I need since graduating college. Lots of sorting. The living room is a whole mess!
But because I can't stick to 2 projects at once, I also rearranged the kitchen, cleaned the floor, moved the butcher block and stocked my china cabinet again. At least that project is fully "done" and looks good.
The only thing I spent on yesterday was an 80 cent book on Amazon my mentor suggested that I read and an extra charger for my Macbook. The one I have now got slightly damaged so I'm going to put it in the office and leave it there and make the new one my travel charger. It was under $20 new so I counted it a good deal.
The good news is that I didn't go shopping outside the house! Saturday is typically my day for errands but I didn't go. Made a batch of broccoli alfredo pasta, defrosted chicken from the freezer and had toast for dinner. I think I can go another full week without grocery shopping and my next "planned" spend is Friday at the chiropractor's office. Just gotta hang in until then!
Hope y'all are having a relaxing weekend and if you get tomorrow off then you can do something fun too. Weekends are a thing of the past when you're an entrepreneur lol
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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 Feb 19, 2012 13:45:06 GMT -5
I need to throw a question out to everyone. It's still only in theory right now, because DM still has her vehicle, but it is something we are thinking about seriously.
I have a $268/month car payment. DM does not drive a lot and my little 5 door hatchback is ample for what we need and is excellent on gas. We have considered selling her gas guzzling SUV and going to 1 vehicle. She would pay me half of my car payment and for half of the gas we use. She would also pay for half of the maintenance that is not covered by my maintenance package and we would split the car insurance. DMs car payment is $390/month due to several upside down trades. We no longer need a large SUV/ mini-van size vehicle. It is a V8, fully loaded.
I personally think we are going to have to pay down/pay off DMs vehicle in order to make this work because otherwise she will take a hit on the SUV. It is upside down even in excellent condition before DB wrecked it.
DM has started talking about trading the SUV- and I think it is a financial mistake. It will just put her upside down again.
I have no intention of selling my vehicle until it is paid off.
My current budget looks like this (hence why I am not playing games with DM)
$912 (monthly income)
$168 (my portion of rent- this was my rent before DM moved in- would not have gone up if she hadn't moved in) $125 (utility allowance- has never gone over this in 3 years- DM pays everything over this- like her cable and phone) $270 (car payment- I round it up- when I can I make $300 payments, to allow me to get it paid off early) $90 (insurance- car and renter's- still decreasing- went up a bit when I started driving a financed car with a hatchback) $20 (medication co-pays) $55 (tuition- interest free)
I have to rework my grocery and gas budgets because of some changes that were made. I also don't have the clarinet payment hanging over me if you notice.
DB doesn't see how I make this work every month. I really like pasta. ;D
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Feb 19, 2012 14:55:39 GMT -5
Red: I would call your fuel oil company and question them billing you. IF they didn't tell you upfront you had to pay for it then they shouldn't be able to charge you. If nothing else maybe you can get them to cut the cost down. Good luck on the rest. At least you have family and friends who are able to help. And the number of weddings you have this year is to me horrifying.
3cats: I second what others have said. Stay, this just has been a hard year for many but we each need support. Your story is what this board is all about. Honestly to me you are the rockstar of our thread. You took a nasty situation and pulled yourself up by your boot straps. You took accountablility for what you had done and not done and CHANGED it. You quit enabling your son and made him be responsible for his stuff, you paid off various accounts you had, you worked on saving and watching what you spend and a lot more.
honey: I feel for you, I know how hard it is to find a job in this economy, especially when you are making more then $30,000 a year. That is why DF couldn't find a job and only did once unemployment ran out. He is still making $60,000 a year LESS then what he was in 2008. He lost count of the places he had applied but it was in the hundreds. Life does go on and you are a strong woman you WILL be okay.
twinmama: Welcome, feel free to jump in.
shanen: I feel the same way about talking about finances with my friends in RL and family. For one I am very interested in them and the others not that much. I also found a wonderful supportive environment here that I liked, even though I didn't have the debt problems many here face.
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MittenKitten
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Post by MittenKitten on Feb 19, 2012 15:21:10 GMT -5
Vacation Experience (feel free to skip) Vacation was wonderful, exhausting but wonderful. The kids were really good on the 4 hour drive (we had 1/2 hour extra time since we had to go back for DD blankies ) We had a great room, it had a bedroom with a queen and a twin bunk above it that DD and DS#2 shared, a bedroom with a king bed for DF and myself. Then a full kitchen, eating area and living room. Mom slept on a murphy bed in the living room. The areas were really nice so we weren't cramped. We went to each waterpark and while the resort is huge I did end up driving since mom couldn't walk that far. Oh and if you are keeping track DS#1 slept in the room across the hallway with my sister, niece and BIL. All the kids had a blast. DS#1 and niece went their own ways and my sister and BIL took control of him, including feeding him and paying for all his stuff. DD loved all the water parks and did great. In fact I took the three kids (not DS#2) on a few family raft rides and we had a blast. Great stair workout! DD I and I also did some tube rides together. DS#2 had a blast. He had to get used to all the water spraying everywhere but he did to the point where he would walk all the way to the water slides he wanted to go on without anyone leading him. At one point while I was off with DD he and DF did some good sized slides by themselves. DS#2 would go get to the end of the slide (with no visual of DF what so ever) get off run to one side and sit and wait for DF to get down. Big grins and laughing the whole time. We went to one water park with a TON of water spraying overhead, water spraying in front of the slides and pooring down right it front of the slides, after we made him to all the slides and go under the water he did it by himself and had a blast. I swear it was like 3 years of OT in 3 days. In the evenings/afternoons mom would stay with DS#2 and we went to the arcade. We also had passes for a number of actractions. DF and my bed was soaked the first night so at 12:30 am they changed out the mattress but didn't get it made so I made them give us a different room for the night and mom stayed with the kids. They ended up giving us $50 off one night, 5 free buffets/entrees, and I had them throw in 2 of the passes for the attractions. So DD and I played minigolf one time with DF, BIL, DS#1 and my niece. Later DSIS, and I went on a rope coarse above the arcade. That was pretty cool. I thought it would be scary but it wasn't, we were harnessed to these ropes which were attached to a metal beam above us with groves so they could move where we wanted. I was shocked when my DS#1 came out and then my BIL who is afraid of heights came out. Did the bumper boats with DD on my lap against BIL, DS#1 and my niece. We only went to each waterpark once, the chlorine content is so high we didn't dare go more. But as we have been there before and plan on going again it is not a big deal. Next time it would be nice to have staffing for DS#2 but that could get so expensive we will see. Lots of questions for if we do that, where does the staff sleep, as this is respite it would be paid at a different rate per hour but that still could get REALLY expensive (while it is paid out of our waiver then it takes away from things in other places), food for them etc.
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mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
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Post by mizbear on Feb 19, 2012 15:29:41 GMT -5
MK- Glad vaca went well.
I don't want to see anyone leave the board. Period.
Trying to decide how to season this chicken.
Will be back in for March. Hopefully things should start slowing down as DB is reaching the end of his time he can stay at DGMs home and we can close out the estate.
I will be in for March for sure.
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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 Feb 19, 2012 17:00:27 GMT -5
Update: 15 NS Days, 3 CS Day
Sorry, I’m been missing is action for a few days. Things got really busy for a while there. I am grateful that I have this week to catch up on things. I know that I will have some spending days this week. One because I finally have some time to get a few of the items that have been on my growing list. Of course, Tuesday is definitely planned as a NS day as it is Mardi Gras and there is no way I will venture out into the madness of the crowds. Plus most of the stores will be closed that day anyway. I will be making my postponed trip to Sams soon as well as I am running out of most of the usual items that I purchase there. I usually go about every 6-8 weeks anyway – sometime longer. I also plan to visit the mall at least once this coming week to check on/purchase some of those items I mentioned earlier. I spent yesterday reorganizing and de-cluttering the closet. Packed several items to donate and placed some others in boxes for storage.
Twinmama – I want to add my welcome to the others. Check out page one for general info or just ask. Some of us are not on the thread daily (like me) due to various reasons. I only access the thread at night usually after working on my schoolwork unless I have off for some reason. Also we restart the thread monthly. Some track numbers (I treat it as a game.) others don’t track at all. We sometimes get off track but since we feel that our money/spending handling is usually related to what is going on in our lives that it is all related. We are individuals who are at different points in our lives. Our ages span decades. Some are just starting in their careers while several are retired or close to it. Several of us have been together for at least four years and may refer to things in the past. Just ask one of us will try to fill you in.
MK – received some additional items to send to your DS#1 in the future. Figured I wait until I knew if more would be given to me before mailing them off. Glad that your vacation went well and that all of the children had fun.
3cats -- Please stay. As others have stated in earlier posts you are our biggest success story. In the time you have been with us you have made so much progress and have brought so much joy to our lives. Many of us are still using our gifts which you so generously gave to us. Your progress with money control as well as your growth in dealing with your family issues has been on a steady incline.
Red – good luck with the estimates. Remember that every improvement on the home is for your benefit and for your family’s. Some improvements must be done or the problems will escalate as will the cost to fix it. If you don’t have one already, I would recommend that you set up a home repair EF. It does come in handy for those unexpected expenses. Also if your major damage from a hurricane is the fence please count your blessings. You could have had a tree crash into your roof and demolish your home. In this area, 6 ½ years after Katrina we still have houses that are boarded up, empty lots where homes once stood and several large areas without a grocery store. There been a lot of progress but I drive pass these sights going to work every day.
Shan – Glad the braces are off. How is your MIL?
Start – You always amaze me with your energy.
Honey – Glad you are keeping up with us. Hang in there I believe that your opportunity is on the horizon.
Nuttin – Hope you received good news about the job.
Mizbear – Hang in there. Have no advice on the car situation.
Muttley – Hope to see you back with us when you can. How is Benji?
Ses -- How are the kitties? We need more stories.
If I forgot anyone -- sorry.
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