HappyCat
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Smiling's my FAVORITE!!
Joined: Jan 15, 2011 21:26:20 GMT -5
Posts: 657
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Post by HappyCat on Jan 3, 2013 2:39:07 GMT -5
Happy New Year Savers! I would like to start fresh in 2013 and will post my new goals shortly.  2012 was a strange year for me. We bought a new house in June 2012 that has good bones but needed a lot of updating. It is so very 1990 chic! I made a low offer on the house and was very surprised that we settled on a price not too far off from my original offer. We would not have been able to buy into this neighborhood if we hadn't gotten such a great deal. We LOVE the house, the neighborhood, and the fact that it is so close to shopping, work, etc. Mr. Cat and I are very happy here and have been spending gobs of money fixing it up with lots of projects here and there. We have a master bath remodel planned for the summer and I am really looking forward to that!!  In July 2012, I lost my beloved MomCat to breast/lung cancer and I still haven't recovered. I don't think I ever will. There are no words but we press on! Also, in July, we lost Mr. Cat's dear cat that he had for 10 years which made July almost unbearable.  So, that's why I got off track in 2012 and kind of threw my hands up in the air about savings. I am ready for a fresh, new start in 2013. Thank you Captains for your patience with me!  About me, I am a mid 40's kitty, married to Mr. Cat, with two grown kittens, 23 and 25 that are off on their own. One has graduated from college and the other is in nursing school. I paid off over $70k in credit card debt and medical bills over on the WIRR thread and have been focused on that for some time. I work in accounting/ business management at a major mid west university and started a new job on campus in Oct 2012 which I really like. I have applied to start a Masters in Public Administration in the Fall and hope I get accepted into the program.  |
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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 3, 2013 2:47:41 GMT -5
HAPPYCAT GOALS 2013 | 2013 Savings Plan | Goal | Current | Remaining | % of Goal | | EF Savings | 1,500.00 | $150.00 | $1,350.00 | 10.00% | | Christmas 2013 | 1,000.00 | $0.00 | $1,000.00 | 0.00% | | What Nots | 1,000.00 | $0.00 | $1,000.00 | 0.00% | | Total | 3,500.00 | $150.00 | $3,350.00 | 10.00% | |
HappyCat: 1/03/13 $150.00 (1/03/13 $150.00 Goal $3,500.00) I realize this is not very ambitious but I have approximately $21,000 in student loans that I am racing over at WIRR and I plan to pay at least $6,500 towards that this year. My main focus is paying off the student loans as quickly as possible (although I KNOW it will take at least two years...ugh) and remain credit card debt free. Also, Mr. Cat maintains our main savings account and it's my job to pretend it doesn't exist. This EF is just for me because something ALWAYS comes up...and a kitty always needs a bit of 'mad money'!  |
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backincontrol
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A breath of life
Joined: Dec 28, 2012 22:51:09 GMT -5
Posts: 27
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Post by backincontrol on Jan 3, 2013 8:09:46 GMT -5
p8nt, Did you find out anything about YNAB? Any thoughts? oK, I honestly didn't look into it in detail. I went back and revisited my Mint.com account and my spreadsheets and I decided I was not willing to spend $60 for YNAB. Thanks, p8nt, for your thoughts. I found YNAB on sale for $45 until Jan. 5 at store.steampowered.com/app/227320/, but that's still a lot of money. I'll check out mint.com as someone else has mentioned they use that program. |
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backincontrol
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Joined: Dec 28, 2012 22:51:09 GMT -5
Posts: 27
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Post by backincontrol on Jan 3, 2013 8:13:23 GMT -5
HappyCat, sorry about your loses. It's obvious you love much and with a warm heart. That's the only way to journey through this life- with much love.
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backincontrol
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A breath of life
Joined: Dec 28, 2012 22:51:09 GMT -5
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Post by backincontrol on Jan 3, 2013 8:17:11 GMT -5
P8nt, that's why I use the one provided by USAA (my bank). Free is good. Ombud, I, too, have USAA, but I didn't see much in the way of budgeting tools, just account goals. Since, I'm still wrapping my brain around how to really budget and not just pretend, I need an actual budget tool. Does USAA have something that I'm missing? Because, I agree, Free Rocks! |
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461 
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jan 3, 2013 9:10:29 GMT -5
Happycat, I love your "whatnots" fund category! I may start one myself! ;D
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Ombud
Established Member
Joined: Aug 30, 2012 12:49:01 GMT -5
Posts: 347
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Post by Ombud on Jan 3, 2013 19:12:23 GMT -5
Backincontrol, Maybe I kinda do it in reverse?? I set up auto pay on everything (inc primary savings) except the cell phone & Macy's as they vary. I know that I can have those debits up to 60% of my base and be okay. Only check it once a month. The remaining 40% covers day-2-day & extra towards savings. Its possible to set a budget on the laptop but I usually use the droid. Go into your checking account. In the box on the far right is an option called "spending plan." At the bottom of what might be blank, you'll find "view budget." That's where you can edit / enter / change your budget and set up alerts. Hope this helps  |
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twinmami30
New Member
Joined: Dec 13, 2012 23:59:04 GMT -5
Posts: 44
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Post by twinmami30 on Jan 3, 2013 21:21:19 GMT -5
Ugghh got paid today and saw that the 2% social security tax increase went into effect today which means that my budget is now lower than original. Nothing major but unplanned.. Moved some stuff around and think it will work.. the joys of being a responsible budgeting person
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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 3, 2013 22:12:44 GMT -5
So HappyCat it's less of an EF (Emergency Fund) and more of WF? (Want Fund) ;D
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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 4, 2013 10:13:33 GMT -5
S4N: Well, I would call it a hybrid want AND emergency fund. Right now I have a list that feels a mile long. Things like two new tires for the car, new glasses, dentist, doctor, tuition/books that need to be scheduled, paid and marked off the list. So the"EF" is my little buffer, Christmas will roll around next year and the "what nots' is "fun" money JUST in case I ever get to have any...fun that is. I probably should add a line for tuition/books for Kitten2. She turns 24 in August and I'm hoping that she will qualify for financial aid in the fall. |
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teachermom
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
Posts: 660
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Post by teachermom on Jan 4, 2013 10:19:33 GMT -5
Happy Cat, when she files for Financial aid this year (before Feb 28) she will be able to file as Independent, thus opening the door for financial aid based only on her income. I have a son who turns 24 in March and we did his Fafsa on Jan.1. It automatically listed him as Independent and since he didn't' work last year, just attended school. His EFC was 0. It no longer used my income!
Good luck!
Teachermom
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backincontrol
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A breath of life
Joined: Dec 28, 2012 22:51:09 GMT -5
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Post by backincontrol on Jan 4, 2013 14:19:42 GMT -5
Backincontrol, Go into your checking account. In the box on the far right is an option called "spending plan." At the bottom of what might be blank, you'll find "view budget." That's where you can edit / enter / change your budget and set up alerts. Hope this helps Thanks, Ombud. It does. |
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megaptera
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Joined: Jul 30, 2012 16:50:18 GMT -5
Posts: 338
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Post by megaptera on Jan 4, 2013 15:38:02 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I haven't joined the Savers (yet); I need to think about specific savings goals first. But I have a question: I'm curious about what kinds of accounts everyone uses for their non-retirement savings goals (EF, vehicles, vacations, etc.) Do you use a standard savings account at a credit union/bank? Mutual funds and/or stocks? Anything else? Hopefully I can come up with some specific goals and post here. I'm already a member of the Racers. Have a great day! ;D |
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teachermom
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Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
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Post by teachermom on Jan 4, 2013 16:45:56 GMT -5
Megapetra.....I have ING accounts for my savings. You can have multiple or 1 account, but I like the multiple as it makes it easier for me to track. I set up auto transfers for the things I absolutely have to save each month for and the others, I just transfer when I have the extra money.
I think having it not attached to my regular checking account. It keeps me accountable and not so handy that I need to think about spending it because it takes a couple of days to transfer.
Hope that helps!
Teachermom
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Ombud
Established Member
Joined: Aug 30, 2012 12:49:01 GMT -5
Posts: 347
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Post by Ombud on Jan 4, 2013 20:21:02 GMT -5
I have Schwab, Fidelity, credit union, & USAA checking / savings accounts ---- all for different purposes. So I 'track' savings for WIRS on excel. Believe it or not, its easier for me. Takes about 15 minutes every other week when I get pd.
Megatera , most of us modify our goals as the year goes along. Me included LOL
So don't let the hard task of focussing on goals (yes, it can be daunting if you're trying to get a complete list). S4N is amazingly flexible when we throw her a curve ball and add/ subtract a goal. Just keep up with those baby steps!
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FemaleSam
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 0:20:51 GMT -5
Posts: 140
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Post by FemaleSam on Jan 4, 2013 21:32:41 GMT -5
Wow, it's really nice to see the amount of activity on this board recently. Let's keep it up. It's also nice to see new people joining us. Any idea how people are hearing about the board.
Welcome to all the newbies.
FemaleSam
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Rocky Mtn Saver
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 23, 2010 9:40:57 GMT -5
Posts: 7,461
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jan 4, 2013 22:06:53 GMT -5
Megaptera, I have regular money market savings for my liquid savings at a CU. I also have an HSA there, and am planning to do some cd laddering. I also have a Roth at Vanguard I can access if needbe.
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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 4, 2013 23:28:03 GMT -5
TeacherMom: I had no idea of the Feb 28 deadline so THANKS for the tip. She is pretty eager to do her taxes as soon as she receives her W-2 and we will do the FAFSA at the same time! Megaptera: I have one account at our campus credit union and I have to physically go there to withdraw (no online banking or ATM). I keep a mental list of what the $$ is meant for. Elementary I know...when I get so much $$ that I can't keep it all straight in my head I may diversify!! |
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
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Post by teachermom on Jan 4, 2013 23:32:10 GMT -5
Happycat.....you can do the FAFSA now and update once she has her taxes done. You just choose, will file and use the income listed on her last pay stub or use last year's tax return and update when she has it done. The sooner she gets it in the more financial aid she is eligible because grant money is limited and they go by who turns in the FAFSA first.
Teachermom
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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 5, 2013 1:12:13 GMT -5
Hi Megaptera! I'm so glad to hear that you're thinking about joining us here at the Savers! There are several of us that are both Racers (get rid of the debt) and Savers (to avoid getting deeper in debt). Like macaroni and cheese - we're perfect together! ;D
DH and I have our 9-month EF in stocks/DRIPS and a Money Market account. He and I keep separate checking and saving accounts at our own Credit Unions. I get paid on the last working day of the month and have it directly deposited into my checking account. At the beginning of each month I have my savings contribution automatically transferred from my checking acct to my savings acct and I have nearly all my bills automatically paid out of my checking acct within the first 10 days of each month. After that, whatever is left in the checking account is mine to use for gas, groceries and whatever entertainment, treats, gifts, etc are in store for that month. I have a very strong savings willpower so having my savings account be really easily accessible isn't a problem for me. (Now if I could only have that willpower work on chocolate, cookies, and ice cream!)
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redruby
Established Member
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 8:44:24 GMT -5
Posts: 270
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Post by redruby on Jan 5, 2013 9:05:20 GMT -5
Finally got around to sitting down and figuring what EXCESS was in my banking account. I round all my debits up to the nearest dollar and all deposits down to the nearest dollar in my checkbook and it adds up over time.
(1/5/13: Savings for EF $130)
I saw a Money savings challenge on FB. There are 52 weeks in a year and you start with week 1 $1, Week 2 $2, Week 3 $3,.....Week 52 $5,2 at the end it was like over $1300. I might try this.
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backincontrol
New Member
A breath of life
Joined: Dec 28, 2012 22:51:09 GMT -5
Posts: 27
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Post by backincontrol on Jan 5, 2013 12:32:31 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I haven't joined the Savers (yet); I need to think about specific savings goals first. But I have a question: I'm curious about what kinds of accounts everyone uses for their non-retirement savings goals (EF, vehicles, vacations, etc.) Do you use a standard savings account at a credit union/bank? Mutual funds and/or stocks? Anything else? Welcome Megaptera! I, too, am new- to both the Racers & the Savers. I used to have separate savings accounts for each situation and had so much trouble keeping track of everything. Now, I realize I was using the accounts to budget instead of actually budgeting. (Tip from YNAB- youneedabudget.com) I have one checking and one savings at my CU and a mutual fund at USAA. EF is in savings & has an automatic payment as does the mutual fund. P.S. I found about WIR by finding an old Good Housekeeping article I had torn out of the magazine in 2006. Better late than never! |
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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 5, 2013 12:45:48 GMT -5
Pointy (pt_in_ny): 1/1/2013 - $5262.52 (1/1/2013, $5262.52) - 1 rose | FUND | GOALS | JAN1st | CURRENT | SPENT | % MET | | Taxes/insurance | $9,500 | $1,319.04 | $1,319.04 | $0 | 13.90% | | Vacation '13 | $2,500 | $2,500.00 | $2,500.00 | $225 | 100.00% | | Mortgage principal | $1,500 | $778.42 | $778.42 | $0 | 51.90% | | Home improvement | $1,200 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | | Gardening | $850 | $245.00 | $245.00 | $115 | 28.80% | | IRA addition | $600 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | | Camera stuff | $1,500 | $120.06 | $120.06 | $115 | 8.00% | | Christmas | $550 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $0 | 27.30% | | TV replacement | $500 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $0 | 30.00% | | Website upkeep | $150 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | | Office supplies | $150 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | | TOTAL | $19,000 | $5,262.52 | $5,262.52 | $455 | 27.70% | | Carpet/paint | $3,500 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $0 | 5.70% | | LTS | $20,000 | $6,388.55 | $6,383.69 | $0 | 31.90% | | Vacation '14 | $2,500 | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0 | 0.00% | | New patio furniture | $3,000 | $665.00 | $665.00 | $0 | 22.20% | |
More ambitious goals for 2013 - already saved up the vacation fund, so that's out of the way  Really hoping to work on a few of the long-term accounts this year... Happy New Year everyone! |
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megaptera
Established Member
Joined: Jul 30, 2012 16:50:18 GMT -5
Posts: 338
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Post by megaptera on Jan 5, 2013 20:43:48 GMT -5
Hi everyone, thanks for the responses! I'm not quite ready to post goals yet. We've got accounts set up through our financial advisor (referred to by DH and me as "the money guy" LOL), but I need to get organized and actually learn what everything is and what it's for.  One more question: How does one make those nice, neat little formatted charts in your posts? Have a great rest of the weekend! |
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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 5, 2013 21:49:57 GMT -5
Megaptera As for those neat little charts. I can make them but I can't explain how you make them (I had my DH do my first one) but I have it saved in Excel so all I have to do is update the numbers, then copy and paste it into my post.
When the time comes and you'd like to make a chart, feel free to PM me with the column headings and row headings and I'll e-mail you back an Excel spreadsheet made just for you.
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backincontrol
New Member
A breath of life
Joined: Dec 28, 2012 22:51:09 GMT -5
Posts: 27
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Post by backincontrol on Jan 6, 2013 10:38:41 GMT -5
One more question: How does one make those nice, neat little formatted charts in your posts? I accidentally clicked on someone's chart and was miraculously taken to this web site. It's what I use. www.teamopolis.com/tools/bbcode-table-generator.aspx If you're interested in the saving tickers, one place where they can be found is www.tickerfactory.comGood luck with your goals and have fun!  |
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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 6, 2013 13:22:32 GMT -5
Twinmama85(goal:$16,450 1/1/13: Current:$15 1/7/13) Told ya I`d be back ^-^v | Accounts | Previous | Current | Goal | Left to Target
| %
| Roses | Baby e.f.
| $15
| $215
| $1000
| $785
| 22%
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| Boys beds
| $0
| $0
| $1000
| $1000
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| Christmas
| $0
| $0
| $1000
| $1000
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| Mixer
| $0
| $0
| $450
| $450
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| Full e.f.
| $0
| $0
| $11000
| $11000
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| TV
| $0
| $0
| $2000
| $2000
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| Total
| $15
| 215
| $16450
| $16235
| 1.3%
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teachermom
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:34:17 GMT -5
Posts: 660
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Post by teachermom on Jan 6, 2013 20:11:46 GMT -5
Update: Not much but when you are paid 1x a month from your job.....it is what it is! I should have more towards the end of the month.
Teachermom 1/6/2012 $1257.86 (1/1/2013 $680.25, Goal $139,850)
Everyone is doing a great job! Would be wonderful to get some more new people!!!
Keep up all the great work Savers!!
Teachermom
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DVM gone riding
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 23:04:13 GMT -5
Posts: 3,383
Favorite Drink: Coffee!!
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Post by DVM gone riding on Jan 6, 2013 21:28:07 GMT -5
| Fund | Goals | Saved YTD | Spent | % Met | Roses | | General Savings | $2,000 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | Car Needs | $500 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | Travel | $1,800 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | Presents | $400 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | Taxes | $1,500 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | House needs | $800 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | Roth IRA | $3,000 | $0.00 | | 0.0% | | | Total | $10,000 | $0.00 | |
[/b] [/td][td] 0.0% [/td][td] [/td][/tr] [/table] Here is my pretty new table for 2013!!! I am being ambitious and doubling saving goals, I made it last year plus an extra 1k not so sure about this year but we will see! dvm07 1/6/2013 $0 (1/1/12=$0 Goal=$0) |
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twinmami30
New Member
Joined: Dec 13, 2012 23:59:04 GMT -5
Posts: 44
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Post by twinmami30 on Jan 6, 2013 23:12:32 GMT -5
I play various games with my finances just to keep it fun. I round down my paychecks and round up my bills. I balance my checkbook the same way. On Sundays I balance my checking account with my checkbook and transfer the ovearage to my EF savings account. I also save my change from all my purchases and pick up pennies on the ground. In the beginning it was about survival NOW its fun..lol. I did my first balance of the year as well as updating from what I could save at the end of the year. Im happy to say I have a little cushion. This is so far what I have been able to save from my little games since december and my one direct deposit to house savings weekly ($25) : $224.00!!!!
twinmami30 1/6/13 $224 (1/1/13 $0 Goal= $4000)
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