Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 12:31:03 GMT -5
How do you online shop without a credit card?
Anyway,go through as much as you can to track what you've spent.
And for the next year track EVErYTHiNG. Look into YNAB.
In tracking all you're spending, also track how much joy you are getting from spending in each category.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 12:34:14 GMT -5
I keep seeing camping suggestions instead of vacations. I can't go camping. I lived in a tent when I was a child, camping brings up too many issues. Reading a cabin somewhere might be ok, but no more tents for me thanks!
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 12:34:39 GMT -5
How do you online shop without a credit card? Anyway,go through as much as you can to track what you've spent. And for the next year track EVErYTHiNG. Look into YNAB. In tracking all you're spending, also track how much joy you are getting from spending in each category. I use my PayPal and/or debit card. I have YNAB, I bough it on sale for like $15, I just never use it!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 12:37:52 GMT -5
So, brush it off and use it.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Dec 26, 2014 12:40:07 GMT -5
the credit cars aren't used for day to day, but more like odd expenses, like car repairs, vet bills, household repairs, and the like
You could cash flow quite a few of these things if you weren't spending so much money elsewhere. 13 pairs of shoes for a toddler could have paid quite a few odd expenses.
By saving and prioritizing we could pay $850 upfront to have our dog's underarm tumor removed. That's not chump change.
And we're not grossing near as much as you are. There's a big hole you need to plug if you're making $40+/hr and can't drum up the cash for the things about a good amount of the time.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 12:42:11 GMT -5
the credit cars aren't used for day to day, but more like odd expenses, like car repairs, vet bills, household repairs, and the like
You could cash flow quite a few of these things if you weren't spending so much money elsewhere. 13 pairs of shoes for a toddler could have paid quite a few odd expenses.
By saving and prioritizing we could pay $850 upfront to have our dog's underarm tumor removed. That's not chump change. That is very true, and what I am trying to work towards. That's why I posted here. I need to talk about it with money minded people. Most people in my life don't have savings or 401k or college funds. I have gotten so much great advice and lots of alternative views to think about.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 12:45:56 GMT -5
How do you online shop without a credit card? Anyway,go through as much as you can to track what you've spent. And for the next year track EVErYTHiNG. Look into YNAB. In tracking all you're spending, also track how much joy you are getting from spending in each category. I use my PayPal and/or debit card. I have YNAB, I bough it on sale for like $15, I just never use it! Use it! Seriously, you guys have a great income in a LCOL area. You should be able to get out of debt, then stay out of debt and save for retirement AND take vacations. (I have such income envy on this board. LOL)
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 12:48:02 GMT -5
I'd do several lists. One, list where your money goes now... Your set expenses and make yourself go through the last 6 months cc bills. How much did you spend each place? One, list what's important to you in life. Daily and ongoing goal. Be as specific as possible. Prioritize these lists. How do they compare? Some books to read... Voluntary Simplicity, Your Money or Your Life, Millionaire Next Door... the credit cars aren't used for day to day, but more like odd expenses, like car repairs, vet bills, household repairs, and the like. Ya, but you have to use them because you are overspending on the day to day stuff. I'm working on breaking that habit too.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 12:50:18 GMT -5
There's a lot in between camping and Disney that a toddler would enjoy. I take DS to KOA's and he loves them. We can stay in a cabin but still roast marshmallows and since he's an only it's nice that there are other kids to play with. Next week we are going to rent a two bedroom house near the snow for $120 a night. We are going skiing, which is expensive, but we can also take him to sno-parks for just the cost of parking. Kids are pretty happy playing in warm water with some sand. Disney can be awesome because it takes the responsibility of planning an activity off of your shoulders but you have to pay a lot for it. I just don't see disney as being all that unreasonable. Take our trip in early December: We got a deal on our condo, 15 minutes from disney, we paid roughly $600 for 8 nights, including tax and resort fees. Tickets for the week were another $700 ( granted this will increase by 1/3 when DD turns 3), gas for the trip was $300, the things that added to the cost were souvenirs, character meals, and the dogs had to be kenneled. Most of that can be eliminated or reduced, it's not a terrible vacation price.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 12:53:24 GMT -5
I use my PayPal and/or debit card. I have YNAB, I bough it on sale for like $15, I just never use it! Use it! Seriously, you guys have a great income in a LCOL area. You should be able to get out of debt, then stay out of debt and save for retirement AND take vacations. (I have such income envy on this board. LOL) I agree, we are fortunate to have our income in our area. I am embarrassed that I have gotten into such a mess. I think when I got the good paying job I fell into a keeping up with the Joneses mindset. I'm working to break that, because the Joneses have left me broke!
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 12:55:20 GMT -5
I grew up without some really fundamental things. Now I have a five year old and I've become conscious of the fact that I'm essentially always fighting the last battle. The things I'm trying to fix from my childhood aren't present in his childhood - he will have his own, separate issues to complain about as an adult. Your kid will have shelter, and clothing, and love, and a lot of things you didn't. In a year or two your kid will say something and it will be completely foreign to you because their childhood in no way resembles your own. One of the best things you can do for your daughter is secure your own future by saving enough money for retirement. Signed, an adult woman who spent Christmas evening bitching to her DH about her mother, who has no retirement. You're right completely right. My parents don't have retirement either, and my mom is perpetually unemployed. It frustrates me to no end. I will definitely research more about planning my own retirement and open an account next year.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 12:56:58 GMT -5
If you prioritize Disney, it is not a problem. As long as you realize 1) it is not an insignificant amount you are spending and 2) you are prioritizing it over other things.
Right now, in prioritizing Disney (et al) above retirement and savings and paying down debt ... You ARE prioritizing vacation fun OVER security... For a person who says that not having her daughter know poverty is the ultimate goal... Your actions are not consistent with your stated goals.
Vacationing is not a problem. We make a lot less than you and we went to Europe for several weeks this year. But our retirement was done first. And we choose to not spend other places to compensate.
You can choose what you want... But make it an informed, concious choice, and understand your reasons, and the repercussions... Don't just rationalize.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 12:57:57 GMT -5
There's a lot in between camping and Disney that a toddler would enjoy. I take DS to KOA's and he loves them. We can stay in a cabin but still roast marshmallows and since he's an only it's nice that there are other kids to play with. Next week we are going to rent a two bedroom house near the snow for $120 a night. We are going skiing, which is expensive, but we can also take him to sno-parks for just the cost of parking. Kids are pretty happy playing in warm water with some sand. Disney can be awesome because it takes the responsibility of planning an activity off of your shoulders but you have to pay a lot for it. I just don't see disney as being all that unreasonable. Take our trip in early December: We got a deal on our condo, 15 minutes from disney, we paid roughly $600 for 8 nights, including tax and resort fees. Tickets for the week were another $700 ( granted this will increase by 1/3 when DD turns 3), gas for the trip was $300, the things that added to the cost were souvenirs, character meals, and the dogs had to be kenneled. Most of that can be eliminated or reduced, it's not a terrible vacation price. WTH? You just got back from Disney a few weeks ago so this planned trip there will be the second in 9 months?
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:00:50 GMT -5
Expenses:
Mortgage $1100 Rav 4 payment @ 0% interest $400 Electric $150 during the winter Water $35 Trash $20 Tmobile $120 Internet $50 Hulu $8.99 Netflix $7.99 Rhapsody$ 15 Groceries $800 Gas $250 Parking $ 100 Student loans $350 Car insurance $50 Life insurance $35 Gym $20 Gymboree $60
I try to pay $600/month towards debt repayment but I am spinning my wheels on that.
Every else... I have no idea where that money goes.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:02:56 GMT -5
I just don't see disney as being all that unreasonable. Take our trip in early December: We got a deal on our condo, 15 minutes from disney, we paid roughly $600 for 8 nights, including tax and resort fees. Tickets for the week were another $700 ( granted this will increase by 1/3 when DD turns 3), gas for the trip was $300, the things that added to the cost were souvenirs, character meals, and the dogs had to be kenneled. Most of that can be eliminated or reduced, it's not a terrible vacation price. WTH? You just got back from Disney a few weeks ago so this planned trip there will be the second in 9 months? We also took my niece with us to disney/ the beach back in july. Like I said in the title, I'm a hot YM mess. I came here to mend my ways.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 13:03:47 GMT -5
WTH? You just got back from Disney a few weeks ago so this planned trip there will be the second in 9 months? We also took my niece with us to disney/ the beach back in july. Like I said in the title, I'm a hot YM mess. I came here to mend my ways. You need an intervention.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:04:36 GMT -5
Don't get hung up on research. Open one through your work and start getting money in there. "Analysis paralysis" is a real medical condition! analysis paralysis- that is totally me! Lol.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:04:55 GMT -5
We also took my niece with us to disney/ the beach back in july. Like I said in the title, I'm a hot YM mess. I came here to mend my ways. You need an intervention. Probably
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 13:05:08 GMT -5
How much do you pay in taxes each check, how much goes into husbands retirement, how much goes in to his benefits... Everything needs accounted for to understand the whole picture.
Do you generally get a refund?
You can start an IRA for 2014 up to April 2015. For both you and husband. Vanguard is a real favorite here and easy to start.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:08:20 GMT -5
How much do you pay in taxes each check, how much goes into husbands retirement, how much goes in to his benefits... Everything needs accounted for to understand the whole picture. Do you generally get a refund? You can start an IRA for 2014 up to April 2015. For both you and husband. Vanguard is a real favorite here and easy to start. We usually owe on our taxes. I don't know how much DH pays into retirement and how much we have taken out in taxes. Mine is so variable depending on how much I work.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 13:10:59 GMT -5
Money burns a hole in your pocket, you really need to set up an autowithdrawal to Vanguard for your IRA first and foremost. You're feeling wealthier than you should be. 30 isn't "oh my god why haven't you started saving yet" age, but it's getting there, and the earlier you start the easier it is.
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Dec 26, 2014 13:16:28 GMT -5
I think I'd need a vacation from camping with a 2 year old.
But Disney 2x a year when you're in consumer debt is just dumb.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Dec 26, 2014 13:34:16 GMT -5
Packing your lunch isn't going to fix your shortfall. If you only work 3x/week x $10 x 50 weeks = $1500/year for lunches. Even if you pack your lunch for $3 x 3 x 50 = $450. You've only trimmed $1050 off your annual budget and that's only if you strictly maintained it/never slipped.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:43:24 GMT -5
With 12-16 hour days, I tend to eat all 3 meals/ snacks at work. That's more like $20- $25/ day counting water and coffee. $20/day x 3 days= $60 × 4 weeks/month = $240/month. That seems like it would make a dent. Especially if I take my leftovers for lunch, thereby reducing food waste.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2014 13:50:23 GMT -5
Previous posters are right. It's not the lunches killing you. Skipping lunch, (even at 3X/day) is not going to put a dent in Disney 3X in a year. Remember you're still going to have to buy food even if you pack it, so you can't count that all as savings.
You really should start tracking your spending. You have YNAB. Even if you don't get to the bugetting part yet, start entering all your transactions in the register and categorizing them. This isn't going to be a quick process, it's going to take several months to get a good picture of the spending.
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gooddecisions
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Post by gooddecisions on Dec 26, 2014 13:52:15 GMT -5
Careful using 4 weeks in a month. When budgeting, always multiple the weeks in a year and divide by 12 to get a month. I used 50 only because you mentioned 2 week long vacations.
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tcu2003
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Post by tcu2003 on Dec 26, 2014 13:52:29 GMT -5
Welcome, wonderland!
As others have said, 2 year olds don't actually need much. I have a 2-1/2 year old, and while we've been fortunate to take him a lot of places (mostly because he could fly for free as a lap child until he turned 2), and I was going places paid for by work, he remembers none of it. I knew he went for **me** and not him. If you prioritize vacations, that's fine, but just own it and don't claim to prioritize tons of other stuff ahead of it.
Also, if you haven't yet, check out consignment sales for your DD. They typically have spring and fall sales, so you can get her spring/summer and fall/winter wardrobes for great prices.
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tcu2003
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Post by tcu2003 on Dec 26, 2014 13:55:45 GMT -5
With 12-16 hour days, I tend to eat all 3 meals/ snacks at work. That's more like $20- $25/ day counting water and coffee. $20/day x 3 days= $60 × 4 weeks/month = $240/month. That seems like it would make a dent. Especially if I take my leftovers for lunch, thereby reducing food waste. Can you take a reusable water bottle and fill it up to at a minimum save on bottled water? Also, we occasionally do batch cooking on a weekend day. DH and I will prep several casseroles or main dishes and freeze them. Then we can easily pull them and cook them when we know we're working late one night or are feeling lazy, instead of eating out. I also try to always keep basics on hand for some staples meals that we like to eat and are easy to prepare.
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wonderland
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Post by wonderland on Dec 26, 2014 13:58:42 GMT -5
With 12-16 hour days, I tend to eat all 3 meals/ snacks at work. That's more like $20- $25/ day counting water and coffee. $20/day x 3 days= $60 × 4 weeks/month = $240/month. That seems like it would make a dent. Especially if I take my leftovers for lunch, thereby reducing food waste. Can you take a reusable water bottle and fill it up to at a minimum save on bottled water? Also, we occasionally do batch cooking on a weekend day. DH and I will prep several casseroles or main dishes and freeze them. Then we can easily pull them and cook them when we know we're working late one night or are feeling lazy, instead of eating out. I also try to always keep basics on hand for some staples meals that we like to eat and are easy to prepare. I've been there when maintenance comes to clean the water filters. You couldn't pay me to drink the water at work.but I can bring my own bottled water and save that way.
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justme
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Post by justme on Dec 26, 2014 14:20:29 GMT -5
Lol you do realize that water filters are supposed to be dirty because they filter out all the crap. I would think hospitals would be the one place with clean drinking water since it's being given to sick people.
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