Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 8, 2011 18:54:00 GMT -5
mizbear - Great news about your opportunity to go back to school! I hope financial aid works out for you. Is there a specific area of study you're aiming for? Again, congrats! Tobinikui - Welcome to the new board! Wonderful to hear you're enjoying life 'in the black', you've earned it! Smartstart - So happy to hear that you've come to a point where you are far more financially comfortable, I remember how hard you worked on making ends meet in the lean times. I'm assuming this means your freelance writing has really taken off, true? The Home 6 - You mentioned you have a savings goal but no real plans for the money. I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing. I know in my case I started that way a few years ago. I'd save some money every month and think I was stretching myself to save but it wasn't until I really found something meaningful to me to save for (a trip to Norway with my father) that I really made a true commitment to save. twinmama16 - Welcome to the Savers! Aaaahhh, Hawaii sounds heavenly...
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hopefulinsocal
New Member
Joined: Jan 9, 2011 11:56:17 GMT -5
Posts: 11
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Post by hopefulinsocal on Jan 9, 2011 12:04:38 GMT -5
ACCOUNT | GOAL | JAN 7 | CURRENT | TO GO | ROTH | $3000 | $0 | $0 | $3000 | GIFTS | $600 | $12.50 | $12.50 | $587.50 | XMAS | $600 | $10 | $10 | $590 | XTRA HP | $1200 | $0 | $0 | $1200 | HOME IMPR | $3380 | $65 | $65 | $3315 |
I hope this works
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hopefulinsocal
New Member
Joined: Jan 9, 2011 11:56:17 GMT -5
Posts: 11
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Post by hopefulinsocal on Jan 9, 2011 12:16:18 GMT -5
These are my conservative stretch-to-reach goals. I also have a stretch list and an optimal list as well as sub catagories to fund once these are funded. I'm excited to be a part of the "Savers"
Savings Goal: $8780 Current: $87.50
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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 Jan 9, 2011 12:38:05 GMT -5
I am studying medical transcription- I have 3 years to finish the course, but should be done in 6 or less. The guy I like is very savings savvy and he has told me that if I will cook dinner for him, he will help me go over some fine points of savings- like retirement accounts and insurance and whatnot. I could not get my financial aid- because the school is a career school and not a regular college- but I only pay $55/month interest free tuition. They do not charge interest because they are a career program.
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twinmama85
Well-Known Member
Have a blessed New Year!
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 9:48:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,627
Today's Mood: Blessed
Location: Home
Favorite Drink: Wine
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Post by twinmama85 on Jan 9, 2011 14:23:24 GMT -5
mizbear my hats off to you! not many people in your situation try and better themeselves or if they try, they cant because of all the "rules" but here you are, motivation and will seeping off you, trying to improve your life. thats awesome!! thats kinda what happened to me... just in 2009, we had some family issues and all kinds of drama, and in the end, had to move in with my mom for a while. well, i said enough was enough and i enlisted into the Air Force so i could better myself and take care of my family. it was the best decision of my life! so good on ya!
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cheerleadingmama7
New Member
I cheer for savings!!
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 22:34:07 GMT -5
Posts: 39
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Post by cheerleadingmama7 on Jan 9, 2011 23:16:09 GMT -5
UPDATE: 1/9/11 $2635 (GOAL $8500)I transferred some more money into savings this week. I just have my mortgage left to cover in terms of bills this month and groceries, and I will be able to pay that with my money in the bank, DHs paycheck and my paycheck the end of this week. I am finally starting to feel like I am on my way to something!! Going from 2 years of never having a cushion in the bank, borrowing money from family just to be able to pay the monthly bills...well my shoulders are feeling a bit less hunched over Amazing that a few saved dollars can make you feel so good. It really is the little things in life that mean the most. Everyone - I have really been enjoying getting to know you all through your posts and you all continue to motivate me with your stories and determination. Thank you! What a great way to start off 2011!
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❤ mollymouser ❤
Senior Associate
Sarcasm is my Superpower
Crazy Cat Lady
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 16:09:58 GMT -5
Posts: 12,857
Today's Mood: Gen X ... so I'm sarcastic and annoyed
Location: Central California
Favorite Drink: Diet Mountain Dew
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on Jan 10, 2011 2:14:18 GMT -5
Hey all! DH and I decided that we are sick of not doing stuff, get things for home, have money set aside, etc... So, here I am with some goals and hopefully a new start. Little background, I am 25, joined the Air Force last March, have a set of 2 yr/old twin boys and moved to Vandenberg AFB,CA this last Oct. Life has been a great blessing thus far. Hi TwinMama!Have you stayed at the military's resort on Oahu, the Hale Koa? It's gorgeous, right on Waikiki Beach, next door to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and (for Hawaii) great prices and no local taxes and fees. And there's a small commissary shopette on the premises, too ... which can help with costs. We've stayed there 3 or 4 times, and really like it. You can make reservations up to 365 days in advance ... and the room rates are on a sliding scale depending on rank. Anyway, if you have questions about that, let me know!
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twinmama85
Well-Known Member
Have a blessed New Year!
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 9:48:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,627
Today's Mood: Blessed
Location: Home
Favorite Drink: Wine
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Post by twinmama85 on Jan 10, 2011 8:54:30 GMT -5
Hi TwinMama!Have you stayed at the military's resort on Oahu, the Hale Koa? It's gorgeous, right on Waikiki Beach, next door to the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and (for Hawaii) great prices and no local taxes and fees. And there's a small commissary shopette on the premises, too ... which can help with costs. We've stayed there 3 or 4 times, and really like it. You can make reservations up to 365 days in advance ... and the room rates are on a sliding scale depending on rank. Anyway, if you have questions about that, let me know! We havent thought of that. i know that Hickam AFB is down there and if we are patient and use a ton of leave, we can actaully take a really cheap hop from Travis AFB to Hickam. Its just, we wanted to goto Maui so i dont know.. Its still early planning stages, thats why the budget is so high for it. but i figure if i have that much put away and use only half, well theres more for the next vaca lol
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
Posts: 658
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Post by teachermom on Jan 10, 2011 15:57:16 GMT -5
Yikes! My savings goals are going to have to change. Bought a "new" to me vehicle this weekend. Didn't have as much saved as I hoped before I had to do it, so now.....payoff is on!
Anyway, wondering if anyone has a spreadsheet that they use when paying off a loan that has set payments but actually make additional principal payments on? If you do...send it my way!
Thanks! Teachermom
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Post by asceptictoo on Jan 10, 2011 16:56:13 GMT -5
Hi Ladies, I'll need to play around on the new boards but they look pretty nifty (kudos coffeegirl and others)
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 10, 2011 19:38:18 GMT -5
Teachermom - yea, I do have one of those handy spreadsheets, at home, and I'm at school. I'll look to see if I still have your personal e-mail, if not please shoot me a personal message and remind me what it is.
Hopefulinsocal - Welcome! You certainly have your goals well planned out, good job. If you'd like, we keep a running updates list on Page 1, Post #20 to celebrate each others' progress. It not required but it's fun to watch your smilies grow.
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SaverBee
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 14:18:38 GMT -5
Posts: 111
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Post by SaverBee on Jan 12, 2011 12:46:26 GMT -5
HI EVERYONE!! I was sad to see the MSN board retired, but I love seeing what everyone picked for their avatar Saving4Norway - quick question about Post #20 - I see that everyone has "WIRS (1,2 or 3)" at the end of their update line, what does that represent, and how do I know what mine would be?? Thanks! Here are my 2011 goals, my first paycheck of the year is coming up soon, can't wait to make my first update ACCOUNTS | Goal | Previous | Current | Left to Go | % Goals Met | RETIREMENT | | | | | | Roth 2011 | $4,250 | $0 | $- | $4,250.00 | 0.00% | Parent Retire | $2,000 | $0 | $- | $2,000.00 | 0.00% | Emg Fund | $2,000 | $0 | $- | $2,000.00 | 0.00% | | | | | | | HOME PURCHASE | | | | | | Home Down | $5,000 | $0 | $- | $5,000.00 | 0.00% | Home Closing | $4,000 | $0 | $- | $4,000.00 | 0.00% | Home PropTax | $4,000 | $0 | $- | $4,000.00 | 0.00% | Home Bills | $1,000 | $0 | $- | $1,000.00 | 0.00% | | | | | | | REGULAR | | | | | | Trip | $1,000 | $0 | $- | $1,000.00 | 0.00% | | | | | | | HOME FURNISHING | | | | | | L.Rm Furniture | $1,000 | $0 | $- | $1,000.00 | 0.00% | D.Rm set | $400 | $0 | $- | $400.00 | 0.00% | Washer/Dryer | $1,300 | $0 | $- | $1,300.00 | 0.00% | Bed Set | $400 | $0 | $- | $400.00 | 0.00% | Kitchen | $1,000 | $0 | $- | $1,000.00 | 0.00% | Outdoors | $350 | $0 | $- | $350.00 | 0.00% | Cleaning | $300 | $0 | $- | $300.00 | 0.00% | | | | | | | TOTAL | $28,000 | $0 | $- | $28,000.00 | 0.00% |
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 12, 2011 18:04:51 GMT -5
Hi SaverBee, it's GREAT to see you here! And your table is beautiful, BTW. Someone else thought of the WIRS# thing as the thread (WIRS) and page number of their first table post. It used to be standard on the MSN board but I wasn't sure if people were going to use it here or not. I saw some people did, so I put it in for others. I doesn't matter to me, personally, if people want to keep it in their post or not.
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tobinikui
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 8:59:54 GMT -5
Posts: 164
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Post by tobinikui on Jan 13, 2011 12:31:54 GMT -5
And..... now I may be changing our savings goals for the year. Booo... We keep getting told that *NOW* is the time to be buying a house, which I realize is based on interest rates and low-ish house costs, but I really want to save up as much as possible for a down payment before making any changes in our living situation. DH is chomping at the bit though, and seemingly takes on the house-buying urgency of a coworker of his (financially savvy though that man may be, he's not going to be paying the down payment for us, now is he?). So, instead of singlemindedly paying into the IRA for the first few months of the year, I added this week's allotment to the house down payment fund. Both DH and I have pensions coming (eventually), but having been trained to save for retirement first, I am so hesitant to NOT max out our IRAs for 2010. I accept that not maxing out the IRAs for a year is alright if we're using the money for a down payment and not frittering it away, but I still worry... We're in a good place right now, all things considered, but I feel like there's still so much up in the air - possible new jobs for both myself and DH, trying for a baby, DH wanting to possibly go back to school, etc. I'm not sure there's a right or wrong answer here, I pretty much just wanted to vent a bit. DH doesn't know it, but he's messing up my spreadsheets! *sigh*
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Post by financiallyfreeinbc on Jan 14, 2011 15:49:08 GMT -5
FinanciallyfreeinBC 01/14/11 $5134.54 (01/02/11 $4,459.76 WIRS1)
Hi all... I just have to drop in and say "My DH got the job he interviewed for yesterday!!!" 4 months of stress and anxiety since we got the news, paying off debt and saving for when he was off and he wound up being out of a job for a total of 3 hours. He starts Monday. I am so grateful that in this economic climate that we were so blessed! Now, I can start planning the savings!!! (I have to admit I have plans but not even sure where to start!) Guess I'll let this sink in and go from there...
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dragon2008
Established Member
Joined: Dec 26, 2010 14:48:43 GMT -5
Posts: 457
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Post by dragon2008 on Jan 14, 2011 18:48:34 GMT -5
Tobinikui - I bought my house in 1992 because THEN was the best time to purchase! You'd be dumb as a rock not to take advantage of the lowest mortgage rates in years!! It was a wonderful house, but I severely underestimated the costs and time to maintain it and I wasn't really ready to buy (financially, mentally, emotionally). Taking a breath and trying to narrow down your best guess-timates for your future needs won't kill your chances for a great deal, and thinking things over now can make that HEA in that cute little bungalow you've been dreaming about a reality. Good luck!
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 14, 2011 19:23:23 GMT -5
Tobinkui - Vent away, my friend, that's exactly what we're here for. None of us know your entire situation so my best advice is follow your faith/heart/instincts. I know it's not a decision you make on a whim. I know it has to be right for you. But on the other hand, if you're waiting for a sign from God, I think all your friends and family cheering you on to [glow=red,2,300]take the plunge [/glow]is the sign. Relax, breathe deep. Your down payment is good enough. The market is ready. Your DH is ready. Are you? FinanciallyFree - Great news! I can 'hear' the excitement in your 'voice', so to speak. Let the savings goals begin! Woohoo!
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pointy
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 18:27:35 GMT -5
Posts: 141
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Post by pointy on Jan 15, 2011 10:08:14 GMT -5
pt_in_ny: 1/18/11 $5682.62 (WIRS pg 4 - #107) - 2 roses Fund | Goals | Jan1st | Current | Spent | % Met | Taxes/insurance | $9,500 | $1,789.22 | $2,082.90 | $0 | 21.90% | Vacation '11 | $2,400 | $2,152.41 | $2,400.00 | $65 | 100.00% | Mortgage principal | $1,000 | $40.00 | $50.00 | $0 | 5.00% | Office | $750 | $0.00 | $14.72 | $0 | 2.00% | Gardening | $700 | $275.00 | $275.00 | $0 | 39.30% | IRA addition | $600 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | Computer | $600 | $300.00 | $590.00 | $0 | 98.30% | Christmas | $500 | $120.00 | $120.00 | $0 | 24.00% | Sabres hockey | $400 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | Bandits lacrosse | $150 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $0 | 100.00% | total | $16,600 | $4,826.63 | $5,682.62 | $65 | 35.30% | Appliance replacement | $3,000 | $2,100.00 | $2,140.00 | $0 | 71.30% | LTS | $20,000 | $2,323.65 | $2,429.80 | $0 | 12.10% | |
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twinmama85
Well-Known Member
Have a blessed New Year!
Joined: Dec 28, 2010 9:48:38 GMT -5
Posts: 1,627
Today's Mood: Blessed
Location: Home
Favorite Drink: Wine
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Post by twinmama85 on Jan 15, 2011 22:51:15 GMT -5
[glow=pink,2,300]twinmama16 1/15/2011 $195 (1/8/2011 $180) pg 3[/glow] Accounts | Goals | Current | Difference | % Met | Roses | Hawaii | $7000 | $15 | $0 | 0% | | Christmas | $2500 | $15 | $0 | 0% | | TV | $1723 | $105 | $15 | 6% | | Gifts & Misc | $1000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | | EF | $1000 | $60 | $0 | 6% | | TOTALS | $13223 | $195 | $15 | 1% | |
tiny little update but hey, at least its going up, not down. my husband just got a job (finally after 3months of looking) and will be able to use that and his GI bill to put into savings and his AF reserve money to pay for child care and my pay to pay for food and our monthly bills so our savings should be sky rocketing. we should also be getting a large tax refund since i am the only one that worked last year and we paid for school and kids. gonna spend about $2k and the rest into savings for Hawaii
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Post by suzwantstobefree on Jan 16, 2011 15:08:08 GMT -5
Savings | Need | Have | Difference | Property Tax - Rental | $2,900.00 | $0.00 | $2,900 | Insurance - Rental | $700.00 | $0.00 | $700 | Insurance - Auto | $1,200.00 | $0.00 | $1,200 | Vacation - 2011 | $3,500.00 | $0.00 | $3,500 | New Car Fund | $2,500.00 | $0.00 | $2,500 | Emergency Fund | $4,200.00 | $0.00 | $4,200 | Total | $15,000.00 | $0.00 | $15,000 | Emergency Fund #1 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | Emergency Fund #2 | $0.00 | $1,789.67 | ($1,790) | Totals | $15,000.00 | $1,789.67 | $13,210 | |
Well, here goes!!!! Update: SUZWANTSTOBEFREE 1/18/11 1,798.67 (1/18/11 $15,000)
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jenna30
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 21:04:11 GMT -5
Posts: 91
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Post by jenna30 on Jan 17, 2011 8:54:12 GMT -5
Accounts | $ Goals | Last Month | This Month | % to Goal | E-Fund | $1000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | Baby E | $1000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | New car | $2000 | $0 | $0 | 0% | Prop tax | $4600 | $0 | $0 | 0% | TOTALS | $8600 | $0 | $0 | 0% | |
Thanks to Saving4Norway for the code. I post on the WIR parenting thread, and am new to the savers board. 2010 was a big year for us -- wedding, new house, baby. My savings goals are small this year since we're still paying bills from Labor & Delivery... and all the usual suspects (car/home insurance, etc.) ETA:Yourscreenname: today's date, total so far (date started, amount started with) Jenna30: 01/17/2011, $0 (01/17/2011, $0) WIRS4
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 17, 2011 10:34:24 GMT -5
Welcome suzwantstobefree and jenna30! Nice to have you join us! If you'd like me to track your progress on Page 1, post 20, all you have to do is add a summary line to your updates that is formatted like the info on Page 2, Post #47. Perfect jenna30! I'll go add you right now.
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jenna30
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 21:04:11 GMT -5
Posts: 91
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Post by jenna30 on Jan 17, 2011 11:21:32 GMT -5
Saving4Norway -- I have a typo in my line... it should be 2011 in () -- I put 2010 out of habit -- I corrected my OP
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Saving4Norway
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 1, 2011 18:27:56 GMT -5
Posts: 1,383
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Post by Saving4Norway on Jan 17, 2011 14:14:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the heads up, I'll go fix it now.
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HappyCat
Familiar Member
Smiling's my FAVORITE!!
Joined: Jan 15, 2011 21:26:20 GMT -5
Posts: 657
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Post by HappyCat on Jan 17, 2011 23:11:51 GMT -5
Hi Everyone! I would like to join the Savers! I am currently paying off my last credit card (balance $6100) but I would like to save $1000 for my EF and $750 for Christmas 2011. I have two accounts set up at my credit union...One is labeled "Cash Stash" for my EF and one is "Christmas" for holiday/birthday/gift spending. They currently have $5 each in them! So that is where I will start! Thanks everyone! Cash Stash - Balance $5.00; Goal $1,000.00 Christmas - Balance $5.00; G0al $750.00 HappyCat: $10 (1-18-11, $10)
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Post by suzwantstobefree on Jan 18, 2011 5:46:56 GMT -5
Welcome suzwantstobefree and jenna30! Nice to have you join us! If you'd like me to track your progress on Page 1, post 20, all you have to do is add a summary line to your updates that is formatted like the info on Page 2, Post #47. Perfect jenna30! I'll go add you right now. I fixed mine as well - I had put my tag line on the table but for some reason, it didn't come over to the posting. HUMMMMMMM
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SaverBee
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 14:18:38 GMT -5
Posts: 111
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Post by SaverBee on Jan 18, 2011 19:30:00 GMT -5
Welcome HappyCat, super cute avatar!! Both savings goals sound like a great place to start, you'll be snowballing your savings in no time Tobinikui, I'm kinda in the same boat with my BF, he wants to start house hunting right now as his cousin just bought a house. We previously agreed to wait till the end of 2011 so that I could save more for my half of the costs and I had to remind him of that. Saving4Norway, Thanks for the explanation and complimenting my table I hope to make my savings BEAUTIFUL to match!!
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HappyCat
Familiar Member
Smiling's my FAVORITE!!
Joined: Jan 15, 2011 21:26:20 GMT -5
Posts: 657
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Post by HappyCat on Jan 18, 2011 20:52:31 GMT -5
Thanks SaverBee! From your finger tips to God's ears! I have paid off over $52,000 in debt in the last three years (with the help of my wonderful Mr. Cat) and I am down to my last $6100 in cc debt. Once that is banished for good, I plan to hit the savings very hard!! ...but for now...an EF of $1,000 will make my cat naps that much more care free. =)
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mak
Initiate Member
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 9:12:51 GMT -5
Posts: 62
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Post by mak on Jan 18, 2011 21:39:52 GMT -5
Just thought I would stop by and check in. Looks like a lot of people have found the new home and a few more people have joined. I am excited for this year of savings.
DH and I changed the way we budget last year to write out a complete monthly budget. I think that this will help us save better, but it is a bummer that I can't really post our savings progress until the end of the month.
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SaverBee
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 14:18:38 GMT -5
Posts: 111
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Post by SaverBee on Jan 19, 2011 13:04:17 GMT -5
UPDATEHere's my first update, it's actually 2 paycheck contributions in one update today. I decided to snowball my smallest savings amounts first, instead of turtling them until the end of the year. This gives me my first 2011 rose woohoo! SaverBee: 01/15/2010 $2,227.99 (01/01/2011 $0, N194) ACCOUNTS | Goal | Previous | Current | Left to Go | % Goals Met | RETIREMENT | | | | | | Roth 2011 | $4,250 | $0 | $150.00 | $4,150.00 | 3.49% | Parent Retire | $2,000 | $0 | $75.00 | $1,925.00 | 3.75% | Emg Fund | $2,000 | $0 | $245.00 | $1,755.00 | 12.25% | | | | | | | HOME PURCHASE | | | | | | Home Down | $5,000 | $0 | $729.00 | $4,271.00 | 14.58% | Home Closing | $4,000 | $0 | $150.00 | $3,850.00 | 3.75% | Home PropTax | $4,000 | $0 | $150.00 | $3,850.00 | 3.75% | Home Bills | $1,000 | $0 | $38.00 | $962.00 | 3.80% | | | | | | | REGULAR | | | | | | Trip | $1,000 | $0 | $160.99 | $839.01 | 16.10% | | | | | | | HOME FURNISHING | | | | | | L.Rm Furniture | $1,000 | $0 | $37.00 | $963.00 | 3.70% | D.Rm set | $400 | $0 | $41.00 | $359.00 | 10.25% | Washer/Dryer | $1,300 | $0 | $49.00 | $1,251.00 | 3.77% | Bed Set | $400 | $0 | $15.00 | $385.00 | 3.75% | Kitchen | $1,000 | $0 | $38.00 | $962.00 | 3.80% | Outdoors | $350 | $0 | $350.00 | $0.00 | 100.00% | Cleaning | $300 | $0 | $- | $300.00 | 0.00% | | | | | | | TOTAL | $28,000 | $0 | $2,227.99 | $25,822.01 | 7.94% |
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