shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 6, 2017 13:20:12 GMT -5
MarleyKeezy78 - I get how you feel. In fact, I did give up for about 6 months. Back in Oct 2015, we had everything except the house paid off. I made enough money to pay our bills, save, and still not worry about how much I was spending. Then June 2016 and our family crisis happened. And I did pretty much give up for 6 months. I still stressed about the fact that we were going back into debt to deal with this, but I didn't change my spending habits. In fact, they might have gotten a little worse, because the best way to deal with stress is to spend money on stuff, or something. And then I hit a wall this last month where I realized that what I was doing wasn't making things less stressful, it was making it more stressful. I'm still going back into debt. There are parts of that I can't control. But taking control of what I can control is reducing my stress significantly. Giving up didn't do that. Not even short term. It made things worse. So I get where you're at. But you still have $700 in the bank. And when your heat when out in the middle of winter, you didn't have to contemplate going without heat, or even put it off until next payday, or the next time you made a credit card payment to create room. Your heat went out, and you were able to call and get someone out there to fix it ASAP, and you knew exactly how you were going to pay for it without getting deeper into debt, putting off paying another bill, or eating ramen for a month. I call that WINNING.
The beergut situation reminds me of the "early" days with TheHaitian and 8 Bit WWBG and their wives/fiances/girlfriends (whatever they were at the time). They would come here and complain, and we would go "why can't you see..." and wonder why they were still in the relationship if their partner drove them so crazy. The lesson they eventually learned was not not how to change the wife, but instead to stop posting so much about it here. I think the same thing is at play here. Beergut is with his GF for a reason. She has a bad habit that drives him crazy, but not crazy enough to leave her. (Just like his haranguing her about saving probably drives her crazy, but not crazy enough to leave him, or give up buying a $13 margarita at a booster club meeting.) So he comes here to complain. Because we don't know them IRL, so we're not going to get back to the GF and go "You wouldn't believe the things he says about you..." And, we're mostly on his side, because we're a financial message board, and we all appreciate the benefits of saving and having an EF - you know, exactly what this thread is about. Personally, I think money habits are the least of their problems. Beergut is actually pretty free with money for the kids, but less free with his time. He'll pay for a kid to do something, but won't actually support the kid doing it if he doesn't like the reason - so money and emotional habits are not tied together. He's not willing to control himself for an hour a month to go to booster meetings to support the things these kids do. I think if beergut wants his GF to get things together about how she deals with money, he needs to do the same thing. Because he's sending different messages to that family with how he spends money vs how he acts.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 6, 2017 13:22:13 GMT -5
Also, as a random note, overloading is not a problem for the front loading washing machines. They are actually MEANT to be run stuffed full. Under-loading them (due to their use of centrifugal force) is actually much more likely to cause problems.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jan 6, 2017 13:28:56 GMT -5
OP, what ended up being the verdict on the furnace? Here's how it turned out: Heat is back on and it was a coupler again, cost $194, so not the worst. I am so happy it wasn't something worse We still have $700 in savings so lets hope we have no more issues for a long while and we can grow it!
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Jan 6, 2017 13:38:08 GMT -5
Also, as a random note, overloading is not a problem for the front loading washing machines. They are actually MEANT to be run stuffed full. Under-loading them (due to their use of centrifugal force) is actually much more likely to cause problems. Mine is a top loader and I'm definitely not an expert but when it got overloaded the agitator was tangled up as their were too many towels and blankets wrapped around it. My machine died mid load and I had to pull all of those items out and put them into multiple trash bags to hold them as the cleaning cycle didn't complete. Soaking wet those thing weighed a ridiculous amount. Anyways the motor coupler was broken I imagine from the agitator not being able to move while the motor kept trying to move it. It wasn't just one wash that did it and I imagine it was the stress on it over time but again I'm not a washing machine expert, engineer or hell even what I would consider a handy person. I've heard mixed reviews on the front loaders which along with the price and my lack of knowledge about trying to fix them deterred me from getting one. Right now there are only two of us but once we add kids to the mix I can see us upgrading the washer/dryer and going with a front loader especially if that fixes any overloading problem because that's one my better half seems to have issues with.
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Jan 6, 2017 13:49:26 GMT -5
Also, as a random note, overloading is not a problem for the front loading washing machines. They are actually MEANT to be run stuffed full. Under-loading them (due to their use of centrifugal force) is actually much more likely to cause problems. Mine is a top loader and I'm definitely not an expert but when it got overloaded the agitator was tangled up as their were too many towels and blankets wrapped around it. My machine died mid load and I had to pull all of those items out and put them into multiple trash bags to hold them as the cleaning cycle didn't complete. Soaking wet those thing weighed a ridiculous amount. Anyways the motor coupler was broken I imagine from the agitator not being able to move while the motor kept trying to move it. It wasn't just one wash that did it and I imagine it was the stress on it over time but again I'm not a washing machine expert, engineer or hell even what I would consider a handy person. I've heard mixed reviews on the front loaders which along with the price and my lack of knowledge about trying to fix them deterred me from getting one. Right now there are only two of us but once we add kids to the mix I can see us upgrading the washer/dryer and going with a front loader especially if that fixes any overloading problem because that's one my better half seems to have issues with. I have a front loader and they don't have an agitator at all. It is just one big open barrel opening to the front. My pet peeve is that you can't run it half loaded. There are times when I want to do a small load of whites or something and I can't. The instructions were quite specific that anything less than a full load could damage the washing machine and void the warranty. Looking back I wish I had just gotten the cheaper top loader. My clothes came out just as clean and I would have had way more choices when doing my laundry and an extra $500 still in my bank account.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 6, 2017 13:56:01 GMT -5
I've got a front loader. I've never had a problem running it with smaller loads. It's gotten unbalanced (and shut off on me mid-cycle) before when I tried to stuff it too full, though. So, there's my anecdotal evidence. 😉
I bought it (omg!) 9+ years ago, shortly after the house.
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 6, 2017 13:56:10 GMT -5
souldoubt - Right, for top loaders, especially those with agitators, overloading is a HUGE problem. But beergut had mentioned that the machine that broke in their home was a front loader. He blamed the kids for overloading it. But overloading generally isn't a problem for front loaders.
I currently have a top loader with no agitator. It weighs the load of laundry to determine how much water to use, so it's super water efficient and doesn't have problems with underloading or overloading. However, my dryer has problems with underloading. It has sensors to determine how wet the laundry is and when it's actually dry. With small loads, it can't actually sense anything, so it runs for a short period of time and stops. Things don't get dry. I explained this to my roommate, so instead of separating her laundry into like 3 different loads, she decided to combine them, but now she's running heavy clothes (jeans and sweatshirts) through the washer on delicate cycle. When you don't have an agitator, the only thing delicate cycle does is have a slower final spin. So the heavy clothes are coming out of the washer wetter than they are supposed to be to go into the dryer, and things still aren't getting dry. I need to have another talk with roommate and go back to my first suggestion - do things as separate wash loads, but combine them in the dryer.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 14:05:17 GMT -5
I run my front loader with just small loads too. I thought that was the reason for the load sensing feature where it determines how much water to add?
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beergut
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Post by beergut on Jan 6, 2017 14:44:26 GMT -5
Why not get the washer and put it on a no interest credit card? When my washer died, I went to Home Depot and applied for one of their credi cards. No interest if paid in 12 months. Let her make some of the payments. Why put it on a credit card when you can pay cash for it?
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jan 6, 2017 14:44:45 GMT -5
I am totally confused about the comments on front loading washing machines. I have used them for 45+ years (remember I am a really old 39 yo and European) and never had problems with either over- or under-loading. But there are differences with the European machines v. the US ones. Maybe I just never adjusted for this. Whatever the reason I have yet to run into problems...
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shanendoah
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Post by shanendoah on Jan 6, 2017 18:00:01 GMT -5
I run my front loader with just small loads too. I thought that was the reason for the load sensing feature where it determines how much water to add? I will say, when I bought my front loader, it was 2001. We were specifically told NOT to run small loads in it. There's a good chance the technology has improved since then.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jan 6, 2017 21:15:59 GMT -5
I wouldn't care if laundromats were free. I would still replace the washer immediately. My time is precious and running to the laundromat is a royal PIA. You know what I do with the 45 minutes-hour things are in the wash? Read a book on my Kindle. You know what I'd be doing if I was at home during that same time? Reading a book on my Kindle. The only difference is the location. Damn! I so want to be you! If I could read while my laundry was being washed, I would be doing 10 loads a day!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 21:41:45 GMT -5
You know what I do with the 45 minutes-hour things are in the wash? Read a book on my Kindle. You know what I'd be doing if I was at home during that same time? Reading a book on my Kindle. The only difference is the location. Damn! I so want to be you! If I could read while my laundry was being washed, I would be doing 10 loads a day!!! Yeah, me too. I suppose someday when the kids are grown and gone I'll be able to do that, but definitely not now.
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quince
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Post by quince on Jan 6, 2017 22:01:58 GMT -5
I read while I'm nursing! Anyone inspired to lactate?
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beergut
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Post by beergut on Jan 6, 2017 23:13:20 GMT -5
Damn! I so want to be you! If I could read while my laundry was being washed, I would be doing 10 loads a day!!! Yeah, me too. I suppose someday when the kids are grown and gone I'll be able to do that, but definitely not now. One of the other appeals of leaving the house to do laundry. Teenagers are noisy, especially girls.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jan 6, 2017 23:25:20 GMT -5
I am totally confused about the comments on front loading washing machines. I have used them for 45+ years (remember I am a really old 39 yo and European) and never had problems with either over- or under-loading. But there are differences with the European machines v. the US ones. Maybe I just never adjusted for this. Whatever the reason I have yet to run into problems... Alright, damnit, this YM where our math must be exact! And if it is not, we shall ring you through the pre-washing machine ringer! Used washing machines for 45+ years as a really old 39 year old! ( )
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 6, 2017 23:45:47 GMT -5
beergut, I don't really want to turn this thread into a harangue on how you and your girlfriend handle money, but I am still going to offer this suggestion. I'm the opposite of your girlfriend. DH and I are married with separate finances. I don't want him to feel burdened by the house, particularly as he had given up homeownership before marrying me. It is "my" house. Lol. But having married into another house (sort of like you moving into one), he has ideas about stuff. Our solution is that he contributes to an account called "the house account." It is a maintenance account. We both still buy stuff outside of it. For example, I want new curtains. That's me, not the house. But the bathroom remodeling would have been covered as would be the new washer. And we fund some wants out of there. We needed somewhere for my sister to stay when she visits. So we got new furniture for the sunroom. But it came out of the house account. We chose it together. Because the money belongs to both of us, we talk about how it is spent most of the time. The only time we don't is for routine stuff like lawn maintenance or pest control. It has worked well. I don't feel like home ownership is a burden for DH because he didn't want home ownership. I feel like you feel that way, too, since you live with in your girlfriend's home. Just a thought . . .
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jan 7, 2017 0:17:25 GMT -5
I am totally confused about the comments on front loading washing machines. I have used them for 45+ years (remember I am a really old 39 yo and European) and never had problems with either over- or under-loading. But there are differences with the European machines v. the US ones. Maybe I just never adjusted for this. Whatever the reason I have yet to run into problems... Alright, damnit, this YM where our math must be exact! And if it is not, we shall ring you through the pre-washing machine ringer! Used washing machines for 45+ years as a really old 39 year old! ( ) Told you... really OLD 39yo. It's new math and pretty advanced. Aka doa ( or denial of aging)
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OldCoyote
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Post by OldCoyote on Jan 7, 2017 8:20:54 GMT -5
Also, as a random note, overloading is not a problem for the front loading washing machines. They are actually MEANT to be run stuffed full. Under-loading them (due to their use of centrifugal force) is actually much more likely to cause problems. This true!!!
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OldCoyote
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Post by OldCoyote on Jan 7, 2017 8:25:52 GMT -5
But don't overload the dryer!!!!
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Jan 7, 2017 9:57:58 GMT -5
On things getting stolen, it has happened over the years in our family, or expensive toys mis handled etc. we have locks on the bedroom doors. I just lock valuables up. If I go to MIL's for a party and she does not tell me to lock up my purse-I often ask for the key to her room so I can lock up my purse.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jan 7, 2017 11:32:29 GMT -5
That's awful that you have to do that. I have a few non trustworthy family members but I never had to do that.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2017 11:36:59 GMT -5
Yeah, I can't imagine having to lock up valuables for family gatherings. I do like the idea of locking off some rooms to keep kids contained to certain rooms though. Kids running amok, and the subsequent destruction, was always my biggest problem.
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Peace77
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Post by Peace77 on Jan 7, 2017 11:41:33 GMT -5
Why not get the washer and put it on a no interest credit card? When my washer died, I went to Home Depot and applied for one of their credi cards. No interest if paid in 12 months. Let her make some of the payments. Why put it on a credit card when you can pay cash for it? Because you said that your didn't want to pay for the entire cost of the washer. You could pay for it all if you choose or figure a way for her to pay the amount that you don't want to pay. Payments on a no interest credit card is one way. Perhaps some one else can think of a better way.
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Plain Old Petunia
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Jan 7, 2017 12:47:10 GMT -5
It's a lot to spend on your girlfriend's house though. True. And it doesn't give her license to refuse to save up half of the cost of a new washer. She often just keeps spending until Beer gives in, so I can see the "line in the sand" approach. The house is hers so the remodel benefits her net value, and while the gifts were just that → gifts she should at least contribute to the upgrades in her house. Beer doesn't mind the laundromat and if she wants a washer she better just start cutting back on spending... I'm surprised she doesn't just get one and finance it. Why does she need Beer's money to do the purchase?
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jan 7, 2017 12:51:26 GMT -5
Or his permission? I don't believe it
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beergut
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Post by beergut on Jan 7, 2017 15:21:37 GMT -5
Why put it on a credit card when you can pay cash for it? Because you said that your didn't want to pay for the entire cost of the washer. You could pay for it all if you choose or figure a way for her to pay the amount that you don't want to pay. Payments on a no interest credit card is one way. Perhaps some one else can think of a better way. I have figured out a way for her to pay the amount I am not going to pay: She either comes up with half of the cost of the new washer ($250), or we don't get a new washer and continue to use the laundromat.
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beergut
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Post by beergut on Jan 7, 2017 15:23:40 GMT -5
Or his permission? I don't believe it She doesn't need my permission to buy a washer. I would be thrilled if she had saved the money to go out and buy a washer herself. It means she would have actually taken the initiative and saved up for something.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jan 7, 2017 15:25:52 GMT -5
I have no idea why she can't grow a pair but of course some people count on that fact.
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Plain Old Petunia
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on Jan 7, 2017 15:31:56 GMT -5
Or his permission? I don't believe it She doesn't need my permission to buy a washer. I would be thrilled if she had saved the money to go out and buy a washer herself. It means she would have actually taken the initiative and saved up for something. She's employed and owns a house. What is stopping her from financing a washer? I don't get it. Best Buy doesn't mind at all if you can't save some money.
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