ses
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Post by ses on May 13, 2012 14:22:36 GMT -5
Mizbear--Use your food stamps/card and be happy you know how to use them wisely to get the most value for your buck.
The food stamp experiment I did Feb 2011 was perhaps one of the most eye opening things I have ever done. The food stamp average is $112/person in my state and the USDA thrifty budget is $152 for one person. A HEALTHY diet is very difficult, but do-able, but only with much planning and when most of your purchases are generic and/or loss leaders.
Last year, and so far this year, I have had only two months and a winter holiday stock up when I have gone over $154 monthly average. I think the planning and uber awareness I learned doing the food stamp challenge is the reason.
Even with the food inflation (that hasn't been officially acknowledged) over this past year I am still trying to be aware where I can. Making my own bread (80% saving) and my own yogurt ( 77% savings) are my most noticeable savings. I find myself doing more cooking from scratch, mostly to control the ingredients and "stuff" in the foods I am eating but also to monitor costs.
So, mizbear, do not feel in the slightest less than you should about your situation. And remember 1 in 5 Americans today are using food stamps[/font], and that is not even counting those who depend on food banks to get through the month.
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ses
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Post by ses on May 13, 2012 14:23:15 GMT -5
Message deleted by ses.
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ses
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Post by ses on May 13, 2012 14:24:29 GMT -5
double post
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moneysquirrel
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Post by moneysquirrel on May 13, 2012 16:36:23 GMT -5
Update: 6 NSDs and 4 CSDs Haven't been out of the house except for church this weekend. Sinus problems are beginning again so I am trying to stay out of the elements as much as possibel. I do have a busy school week ahead of me this week. Major assessment for all of my students before the exams begin next week. Mizbear -- like the others I never notice how others are paying. Use your card and do so as wisely as you have been doing.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on May 13, 2012 20:18:57 GMT -5
Didn't spend any money yesterday Went to a friend's bday party and had a great time - nothing spent though! Today was a CSD, I bought fresh veggies and a coffee with cash and went out to take pictures at the local rose gardens. Other than that working at home: mowing the lawn, washing the car, cleaning in the kitchen and dining room, laundry, boring stuff.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on May 14, 2012 8:03:36 GMT -5
Rocky Mtn. Saver: 5/31 NSD, 4/31 CSD (<$5). Saturday turned out to be NSD, and Sunday was only about $4. So I'm back on track, despite my cat's best efforts to derail me! :-) Miz, like the others, I really don't notice how people are paying for their groceries. I'm usually to busy trying to figure out what I forgot in my own! Growing up, my family of 6 lived on a single income, so we always had to use public services. It doesn't bother me, as that's what public services are for; and I hope that if I'm ever in a tight spot, they'll be there for me too!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 14, 2012 11:00:15 GMT -5
Ok guys, I need ideas. My insurance that is cheaper for the company is actually costing me an extra $100 a month out of pocket. I'm already scrambling trying to find an extra $200 a month out of budget. So, now I need to cut $300 a month to break even. So, some ideas: 1. Change my withholdings. We got $1000 back from the fed and $800 back from the state (or something like that) this past year. I'm not sure I can set it up to break even, but I can add another whatever that is to my payroll. 2. Cut satalite dish. $83 a month. Spend $80 to $100 once for a streaming box for the TV so we can stream without having cables going all over the house. 3. Cut land line? $45/ moI hate doing this. Cell service is ok at the house, but a lot of time we only have 1 bar. We are like 3 months into a 2 year contract for dsl internet. So, that can't be cut ($45/mo) 4. - We are 11 months into a 2 yr contract on the cell phones, so probably not going to cut them; but just throwing that out there $130 a month. 5. Groceries/cigarrettes/household products. Theoretically we should be able to cut this and I usually do for a couple months and then we are right back up there. Last year we averaged $590 a month (ouch). $125 to $150 was DH's smokes. I've been tracking the smokes seperate this year, but I haven't been able to sit at my computer at home long enough the last month to analyze it. I guess we really need to go cash only for groceries. I don't coupon. I have tried and I am terrible at it and spend more money in the long run. 6. Car insurance/house insurance. We currently have state farm and I don't feel like we are paying a ton - $1040 a year for full coverage on the 2007 Nissan Murano and Liability only on the '98 VW GTI. I think the homeowners is $800 a year for a $180k house at replacement cost. Any ideas who to call? I refuse to deal with someone that I can't just walk in to their office. DH and I both hate talking on the phone, seeing someone in person is better. 7. Stop contribution to church. I hate this. It goes against what I believe. I mean we wrote on a pledge card that we would give so much a month and the church budget is based on that. We are already contributing less this year than last year. $250 a month 8. Check spending at Lowes. This should actually be pretty low the rest of the year because DH has everything for his project for the year. But DH and DS are Lowes addicts. 9. Any Suggestions? We have to replace the tires around the end of Summer on both vehicles. DH is talking to a friend and he can get the tires at wholesale price and then DH can mount them at this friend's house for free (or a couple beers). We'll need to top off the propane tank in the fall one more time. In the evenings, if DH has to go somewhere he takes the car (although it is down to only getting 24-25 mpgs - the NIssan gets 20-22). We try not to do unnecessary running around. The hope right now is to get another 2 years out of the car. That would put it at 16 years old and probably 210-220k miles (currently 185k). We are getting our new to us tractor this weekend (family heirloom, only costing us supper for my parents and uncle). Which means we can sell our other tractor (not big enough for what we need) for about $2500. DH is going to sell his surveying equipment (another $4k or so - maybe only $3500). We do currently have about $20k in general savings - although $7k is currently earmarked for car replacement. With DS between maternity leave and medical bills, we took $10k out of savings. We do ROTH IRAs that we've contributed about $20k too, so if the world ended we could take contributions out without penalty (this is like plan z - like if I ended up on bed rest or something). My parents are also willing to help out and DH could get a part time job. We've run the numbers on the part time job and it would be tough for DH to clear $500 a month plus it would take away all of our together time and all of his "project time" (current project is necessary before the baby gets here). Anyway, I needed to throw everything out there so I feel more in control of the situation. Right now it seems like every time I turn around there is another bill or our "new" insurance bit me in the butt (like last week after I went to my counselor I found out she isn't covered by my new insurance although other people in the office are).
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on May 14, 2012 11:24:52 GMT -5
mutt: 1. I would change withholdings on Federal at least. Keep in mind that the year is almost half over when you figure what you can shave from that. Seems like you should be able to comfortably shave $100 monthly together. 2. Can you reduce the package instead of cutting the dish entirely? Our middle-of-the-road package costs about $60. 3. I'd be hesitant to cut the landline if you have kids. You're pregnant, right? That might also be a reason to keep the emergency landline. Can you see if they have a cheaper plan? 5. Smoking... cut it out! Bad for everyone! Does hubby get any 'fun' money to spend as he chooses? Seems like he should at the very least be using that if he wants to spend $150 monthly smoking. 7. Can you scale the donation back instead of cutting it? Remember that you can't take care of someone else's house if you can't take care of your own. 8. Definitely do this! ;D Sounds like the tractor sale and cutting withholdings would solve most of your shortfall for at least a year, giving you some time to finesse the budget!
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mizbear
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Post by mizbear on May 14, 2012 11:28:25 GMT -5
The first 3 places I would hit would be the church, the dish and the groceries- particularly the smokes. Most health insurance companies worth their salt have smoking cessation as part o their paid for services now. And as far as coupons, I am finding since DB refuses to give me coupons now (which would help him get his van cleaned out), I go online and get my coupons- not quite as hearty a selection since I refuse to buy coupons unless I purchase a newspaper- but it works. The church would have to understand that charity starts at home. You are no good to them if you are so cash strapped that you are worrying about this. I'm sure you have other things you can do to help the church. Also, that amount alone almost makes up for the budget difference. My grandparents tithed- but my grandparents also made it clear to me that "God helps those that help themselves"- nobody was going to come magically pay the bills. The dish- if you can get out of this and get streaming (I understand ths can be done fairly inexpensively- especially with video game systems if you have one)- do it. That's almost another $100, and look into switching to a different type of phone when your contract is up if you are having service issues.
JMHO
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 14, 2012 11:32:35 GMT -5
Rocky - Oh I agree on the smoking. I've never touched the things, but DH has been smoking since he was 14 and he is currently 47! He knows my feelings on smoking and he said he would quit before we had kids and didn't. Last year he said he would quit before DS turns 3, but having another baby will just be an excuse. I've done everything in my power to get him to quit and I just can't do it for him. He's tried chantix and it had some side effects that he didn't like.
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on May 14, 2012 11:36:27 GMT -5
Muttley-
1 & 2 seem painless to me. 1 especially since you might have another tax deduction before year end. I guess the only concern about 2 is would it slow down your internet too much when the TV was on. Plus for DS you can always pick up a couple DVD's of is favorite shows, if he is anything like mini-D he wants to watch the same episode over and over anyway.
If you can convince DH to stop smoking that would be great, though I know that is hard to do.
6- Are there any insurance brokers in your area? We have one up here and every few years we'll have him shop our insurance for us. His company is a rep for about 6-7 companies and we can switch insurance companies without switching reps and it is still cheaper than doing it ourselves.
7- I would consider cutting it back, I completely understand wanting to do it, but since you've had some financial setbacks I think it understandable that it would be reduced too.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on May 14, 2012 11:37:06 GMT -5
Mutt: I'd start with the tax withholdings. You should be able to cut those immediately by a fair amount with no pain in your budget. Also keep in mind that you'll have another dependent exemption next year (yay!), so you should be able to keep them lower.
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sbcalimom
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Post by sbcalimom on May 14, 2012 11:39:05 GMT -5
Mutt: If you decide to go the streaming option for cable, be sure that you check any data limits on your internet plan. We are only allowed 150 mb per month and then are charged $10 for each additional 50 mb. It isn't an issue for us unless we do a lot of streaming because it takes up a lot of data. We have AT&T btw. If this is the case maybe not cut cable entirely but get the cheapest package you can. Then I agree that adjusting your withholding sounds like a good idea especially if you are able to front load your medical expenses like you had planned. ( Even without though it sounds like you'll have a lot ) Also, HUGS !!
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on May 14, 2012 11:58:49 GMT -5
Muttley- Are your medical with-holdings taken out pre-tax already and do you have an FSA/HSA plan? If not ask your employer if they can do that. There is a cost associated with an FSA for the employer, but if you have enough participation they will save more than the costs in payroll taxes. I think for my organization we have to withhold as a group about $8000 to break even. (I withhold almost that much myself for medical and dependent care expenses.) There is a cap of $3000 for an FSA contribution, not including what is deducted for your premiums.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on May 14, 2012 12:08:49 GMT -5
I think the FSA limit is capped at $2500 for 2012. To qualify for an HSA, you need to have a high-deductible plan. Your employer should be able to tell you if your plan qualifies. The FSA can generally only be changed once per year, so it depends on your timing. However, when you have a 'qualifying event', which usually includes having a baby, you may be able to change then as well.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 14, 2012 13:05:33 GMT -5
We dropped our FSA last year since it was going to cost the same amount as the entire company was going to put in it. I've looked into HSAs, but I'm pretty sure my plan doesn't qualify. So, those aren't options for us.
sbcali - I'll look it up. Our telephone company is actually a local phone company. I've heard that it is the last local telephone company in the country and it is our only option for a land line/dsl and best option overall for internet (we recently switched from a much slower option).
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on May 14, 2012 13:23:22 GMT -5
muttley - definitely keep the landline, I think. I feel so much better now that we have one, just in case we both leave our cell phones downstairs and something were to happen in the middle of the night. There's an extension right by our bed. Especially now with kids on the way. Good luck in your budgeting endeavors!!
We got a third of our fence up, plus I did a ton of weeding/gardening over the weekend. Planted my veggies, although I still need to hunt down bell peppers and snap peas. My seedlings did not make it so I'm just buying plants.
Mother's Day was nice for a while. A few family members got me flowers, which was sweet. And then we got the phone call that blue's grandma had been rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, she did not make it and passed last night. It was quite a shock as she was healthy-seeming and joking around a mere two minutes before she passed out. They think heart attack but aren't sure. My MIL is devastated. She talked to her mom daily and brought her to all her doctor's appointments. Not the best mother's day. and now we have wake and funeral at some point this week, still waiting on final details. I just feel bad for everyone. I called my mom to tell her happy mother's day and just burst into tears. I'd been trying to be strong and rational for everyone all day as they worried about her ("maybe she just got low blood sugar" etc) so once i was "alone" with my own mom after we heard grandma passed I just lost it. Anyways. Enough downer stuff.
12 weeks prego today! Woohoo!
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 14, 2012 13:26:37 GMT -5
Oh Red, that is so sad about Blue's Grandma. So sorry for your loss. Congrats on being 12 weeks. That is a big a milestone. That is absolutely something I would burst into tears over too.
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mrslynch
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Post by mrslynch on May 14, 2012 14:28:12 GMT -5
as of today, i am at 13/14 no spends. however, tomorrow is looking like it's going to be a big, fat spend. i'm a guest on a podcast this week and i need a microphone. nothing too fancy, just something to get me through. but i need to buy one (speaking of that, does anyone have any suggestions? i've asked some people but so far, no responses).
azmom--you know i'm proud of you. you are amazing. that is all. red--congrats on 12 weeks!!! and so sorry to hear about blue's grandmother. mizbear--the fact that people comment on what you're purchasing says more about them than it does about you. i would just tell them to f- off.
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redwagon
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Post by redwagon on May 14, 2012 14:32:38 GMT -5
Thanks, ladies.
mrslynch - wish I had advice to give. Just go with a name brand, I guess.... good luck! Podcast sounds exciting!
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mizbear
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Post by mizbear on May 14, 2012 14:48:00 GMT -5
mrsl- Thanks! I never looked at it that way. I have 2 things to say about mics- you may want to take this with a bit of salt since my specialty is music though- I buy a lot of mine at radio shack type places because I can pick standard hand helds- uni and multi-directional up starting at about $20-25. If you will be doing a lot of this I would go with a good quality mic with stand and a spit screen (it looks a wire loop with black pantyhose in the middle usually)- it helps muffle the "pffft" noise a "p" makes. You may also want to consider a decent pair of noise cancelling headphones so you can listen to your transcripts. As cool as they look- I do not like combo mic/headphones for serious music and transcribing yet. I have seen some unsightly and unprofessional "bloopers" with those. If you are just using it at the desk, it may work though.
red- HUGS
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dakota4600
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Post by dakota4600 on May 14, 2012 15:30:29 GMT -5
Red- Hugs on Blue's Grandma that is awful! Congrats on making to 12 weeks.
MrsL- No idea on the microphone.
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pointy
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Post by pointy on May 14, 2012 15:33:53 GMT -5
update: 10/22 NS and 13/28 No QVC...
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sheilaincali
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Post by sheilaincali on May 14, 2012 16:03:21 GMT -5
The Boy recommends a brand called "Turtle Beach" It's a headset and microphone in one. The microphone is pretty sensitive if you have other noises out there.
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startsmart
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Post by startsmart on May 14, 2012 19:38:46 GMT -5
Hey mrslynch - I drug mine out and it looks like a blue snowflake mic? idk, it's been about 6 mo since I bought it and it has a little stand and the mic is a big ball. Makes me feel like I'm on the radio lol. For me most important is background noise when I'm recording. Dogs get locked up, turn off the phones and put a sign on my door that reads "knock or ring the door bell and I keel you."
Today was hectic! Blue and I started the morning with back to back calls which looks like it will result in a good client for him. I've spent a lot of time nurturing this relationship and they need long term help so yay! Then I had a 2 hour call with my client in south america and still need to put my notes into the action plan and set up our next call. We're about halfway through and they're likely going to need ongoing support too. About 3pm I realized I missed lunch, grabbed a tamale from the freezer and ate it while I interviewed 4 more VAs to fill a position.
Then back on the phone with blue, blue's brother, then blue again and finally I made it outside to water the roses and stretch before settling in for more work tonight.
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Honeylioness
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Post by Honeylioness on May 14, 2012 20:20:12 GMT -5
azmom - Congrats on the article. mizbear - Here in Massachusetts they use a debit card system for Food "Stamps" so I am not usually aware of how the person in front of me is paying. Though like dakota I tend to judge WHAT people are buying - especially when the woman is with several kids and what she is buying is Kool-Aid, Pop Tarts, chips, processed frozen foods and cookies. Not a piece of fruit, a veggie, yogurt carton or bottle of milk to be seen. And I would take Food Assistance if I could - but according to my state's website I am not eligible. muttley - Look at your federal and tax deductions. This website is great as it lets you enter specific state data - it will then calculate your tax withholding and tell you your net take home. www.paycheckcity.com/calculator/netpay/us/arizona/calculator.htmlI think you could go down to almost no taxes taken out at this point in the year and you could break even by December. Would probably mean much less refund at the end of the year - but sounds like it would be best for you. My personal choice would be to cut the satellite dish but keep the land line telephone. And your insurance figure seems reasonable. I also might consider cutting the church contribution to just $200 a month. I completely understand the moral and ethical dilemma in having to do this - just a thought. redwagon - Sorry to hear about Blues grandmother.
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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 May 14, 2012 20:39:58 GMT -5
honey- that is what they use here- and the card is bright orange. and most shoppers do not have the manners to stand back in their own shopping space when you are at the pay terminal, so they can see the big red letters at the top of the card too.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 14, 2012 20:52:01 GMT -5
Thank you all for your suggestions on my list of things to cut. I've talked to DH about them and we're going to go ahead and go cash only on groceries starting in 2 weeks (next payday). We are going to see how the streaming thing works and then cut dish if it works. I'm going to change my withholdings (THanks Honey for the link) and we're going to cut our contribution to church, although not sure on the amount at this point. I feel more in control of the whole situation. It is still scary. But it feels like progress.
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3catslady
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Post by 3catslady on May 15, 2012 8:15:44 GMT -5
update: 14 NSD, 14 NEO, $100 in savings
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on May 15, 2012 10:40:53 GMT -5
Muttley: Good job on making a workable plan!! Red: Glad to hear you and the twins are doing well! Sorry about your family's loss. Yesterday was a spend, not much, but a spend nonetheless. Today is also a spend day. My friend wants to go to the Renaissance Faire next month and I needed to buy a snood to go with my costume. Hopefully it won't be too hot, because I'm wearing the multi-layered costume!
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