I Planned Ahead

[marvholly]

I have a several younger relatives in the probably getting married or having a baby in the next couple years age bracket. This year when I set up my budget I greatly increased my gift budget in anticipation of 1/more of these events. We have a baby coming in mid-Oct.

[Blonde Granny]

Good idea MH. I increased our personal escrow account for next year by 10% just to cover any inflation. Without a doubt, car/home/umbrella insurance will go up. And who says there is no inflation at the grocery store...oh yea, it's our delightful federal government who says it, all while having fingers crossed behind their back because they know they're lying.

[marvholly]

BG

When I set up my annual budget spreadsheet I ALWAYS figure a 5%-10% for home & auto insurance, real estate taxes, medical insurance.......

i did increase my food budget this year but was not actually spending it all so I dropped it back down a few months ago.  I had also increased my personal pocket money but with gasoline down I lowered that too.

[lund]

I like this planning ahead. It means that you are not living on the margins, which means financially safer living.

Any money not used for its intended spending can always be rolled back or left in investments or savings.

[marvholly]

Oct 5, 2015 10:30:42 GMT -5 lund said:

I like this planning ahead. It means that you are not living on the margins, which means financially safer living.

Any money not used for its intended spending can always be rolled back or left in investments or savings.

Actually in addition to planning ahead one of my budget items is to save 10% of my income. That comes off the top monthly even now in retirement. Might get VERY tight in 2016 w/NO cola for soc, increases in food prices, probably increase in gas prices & changing my Medicare gap coverage. (costs more to get Dr I prefer)

[Ombud]

I was just going to give $$s for the holidays but that never turns out right for me. I still shop. And I did again but I scored!

DIL (& DS) - Loves milk glass & Ikea had them for 89c. So 3 candles (strawberry, orange, vanilla) + 6 bowls + $100 cash = done @ $107 apx in a basket

DD - has 3 kids at home so in World Market today discovered pkgs of pancake mix B2G1 free @ $6.38 total. So those 3 candles, 3 pancake mixes, 1 lg bottle maple syrup fr Safeway when they closed, $100 cash = $109 apx in another basket

4 older GKs = $20 cash +

3 little grands = clothes on Black Friday (prob under $10 ea)

Care to share your tips / ideas?

[Artemis Windsong]

I'm giving the adults restaurant gift cards.  The GrGrK, don't know yet.  I will need to order then delivered to them.

[Ombud]

My 11 yo granddaughter asked for a Starbucks card for her birthday next week .... that's easy!

[marvholly]

I have fairly young grands (5 between 2 - 10). For years I have given magazine subscriptions for Christmas.  Only the 2 y/o is acually getting presents and I already have 1 item.

I will be starting on some jewelry for the 10 y/o soon so for her bday this year I am thinking jewelry box.

I will get toys/books/.....during the holiday sales for the other 4.