Things that are blowing your budget

[Deleted]

What blows my budget is simply me.  

I just bought a candlestick that I had never seen before in Pfaltzgraff's Winterberry pattern.  Including shipping, it was $15.

Did I need it?  No way.  Did I want it?  Yes way.

And that is what blows my budget.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

We pay a lot in taxes.
We pay a lot for insurance.
We eat out a lot.
Stuff for the house.
I probably do too much charitable giving.

[lurkyloo]

DS.  It’s all on DS.  
Good thing he’s cute.  Now if you’ll excuse me I’ll be off browsing magic school bus science kits for him on amazon, since we’re currently full up on Lego sets. (Ok, a lot of it is amazon‘s fault too 

[countrygirl2]

I do pay those out of rental income.  Hubs keeps the rental account cleaned out, we spent last years finishing his moms house, positive cash flow on all rentals. Last year battled the HUGE tax bill that I didn't keep enough money out of for sale of a rent duplex and gave proceeds to son so he could add to his and pay cash for his house and car. My mistake on the amount of taxes owed 

We have spent quite a bit on the one left to fix,  a lot more needs to be spent on it this year, hope it will be finished, all expenses from it are covered and will add at least $6k to $7k a year to positive cash flow.  Just spending to much money.  I just lumped it together to say what we spent. Then we will have to up money for federal taxes for the positive income for the next year.


Personal is Tax $2101 for house
       Truck & motorhome ins 1254
       House     Ins  839
       Umbrella       632
        Boat              101
        Boat              133

Vehicle Reg          420

About $5400 personal
About 8800  business

Just a lot of money going out

just thinking out loud

I've finally got hubs to slow down his spending some but all the rental income this year will go into remodeling the last house I'm sure, hope to pay estimated taxes out of it too, will see.

Yes we also spent way to much in charitable giving, cutting back this year. 

[countrygirl2]

We are like everyone else, got used to a very high standard of living, we could save and spend without thought.  That changed faster then we adjusted too.  

It's happening, just slower then it should have, LOL!  

[skubikky]

new horse

new saddle

[NastyWoman]

Jan 6, 2019 19:17:55 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

What blows my budget is simply me.  

I just bought a candlestick that I had never seen before in Pfaltzgraff's Winterberry pattern.  Including shipping, it was $15.

Did I need it?  No way.  Did I want it?  Yes way.

And that is what blows my budget.

 other things like taxes, insurance may be expensive but they are predictable and part of the budget (so they don't blow the budget IMO). However, it's the cute little sweaters for the GKs, the toys they don't need but I can't resist, the book or whatever that I want but don't need for myself that blow the budget.  The dollar amount may be far smaller than insurance for instance, but these are cost that are not planned for and easily avoided → budget busters

[Cookies Galore]

Jan 6, 2019 19:17:55 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

What blows my budget is simply me.  

I just bought a candlestick that I had never seen before in Pfaltzgraff's Winterberry pattern.  Including shipping, it was $15.

Did I need it?  No way.  Did I want it?  Yes way.

And that is what blows my budget.

Same. Well, not Pfaltzgraff, but I am my own budget buster. Lipstick has been my downfall lately. Do I need more? No. Can I stop buying it? No.

[countrygirl2]

I like the cornflower blue corningware, I have tons of it, found dishes, glasses, didn't know they made them, salt and pepper shakers.  Bought a hot plate I've yet to use.

I'm going to give the hotplate to neighbors whose house burned.  His mom said they need all kinds of kitchen stuff, house is total loss.  So I'm going through pots, pans, baking items, dishes, kitchen towels, have new ones put back, hitting the basement storage for things down there.  Told her they can go through and take what they want, don't want to stick them with stuff.  Found some size medium new shirts I bought for MIL, $3 on sale at Walmart! brand new, she didn't need them.  I can think again, wish I had some of the really nice stuff I have already given.  I just hateto get rid of things I might need later.  I do use the towels and stuff eventually.

[andi9899]

Clothes and shoes. We all need them, but not as much as I have. I have filled the closet in my room as well as the walk in closet. I probably have 40-50 pairs of shoes. I never counted them and honestly I'm kind of afraid to.

[countrygirl2]

I used to have about  60 pair of pants, no one will use all those, gave tons away.  I was the same with shoes, I still have probably 30 to 40 pair, some I will never wear, just hate to give up on expensive quality footware.  Now I'm relegated to old lady, lace up fatshoes, don't even wear a dress with such, sigh.


I keep and keep things, figure you never know if that zombie apocalypse might hit.

[Deleted]

That is a lot of pants and shoes!  But this is coming from someone that is dreading that I have to replace my two pair of jeans. 

I felt kind of bad at Christmas because my brother and his wife are always buying me something and I don't buy for anyone but the kids.  This year they bought me TWO winter coats.  I'm like WTH?  Two??  They're like, "well, you don't have one, and we figured this one would be dressy, and this one would be more of an every day coat".  I'm thinking, huh?  What do you mean I don't have a coat.  But they're right!  I have a couple light jackets, but my only heavy coats are my barn coat and my coveralls.   I'm not sure I totally like the winter coat thing.  I usually just leave it on the seat of the van.  Too bulky.

[countrygirl2]

MPL did you see the computer info I left for you.  It's a good one for $342, my son recommended it for me and I'm happy with it.

[greeniis10]

I'm guilty of over-buying clothes and shoes as well. I'm a minimalist in all other things but can't resist a good sale on shoes or workout clothes, particularly. I always buy on sale or clearance but I really do not need anything else at this point.

I "accidentally" bought some new work outfits on Friday after leaving the mechanic to get some work done on my truck. Truck expense was needed. The additional shopping was not.

[andi9899]

A lot of clothes in my closets are too big since I lost weight. I need to donate them or take them to consignment. I'm sure that will have me shopping for more. Ugh.

[Deleted]

Jan 7, 2019 16:46:17 GMT -5 countrygirl2 said:

MPL did you see the computer info I left for you.  It's a good one for $342, my son recommended it for me and I'm happy with it.

I did not.  I'm going to try and live without for awhile.  DS has a desktop and a Chromebook.  I can always steal one of those if he's not doing homework.

[laterbloomer]

Add me to the group that buys too many clothes. A lot of it is because of my fluctuating weight. But a lot of it is because I don't try things on in the store and don't like the fit once I get home. I have to stop doing that.

[muttleynfelix]

Jan 7, 2019 16:27:35 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Clothes and shoes. We all need them, but not as much as I have. I have filled the closet in my room as well as the walk in closet. I probably have 40-50 pairs of shoes. I never counted them and honestly I'm kind of afraid to.

That is a lot of shoes!

When I did my check, I spent less than $300 at the store that I buy my professional clothes from. I try to buy a couple items in the spring and a couple items in the fall each year. Over the years, things add up.

I spend very little for casual clothes.

[Blonde Granny]

I gave away 3 Calvin Klein sets of capri pants with matching jackets, none ever worn, bought them and didn't bother to try them on. When I did they were too small so......and this AM I tried on a really pretty sweater (never worn) to wear to work, didn't like the way it fit and the neckline was too low....out it went.

I absolutely hate trying on clothes, but can't imagine how many things I've given away unworn because I'm too lazy to try things on first. That is something that must stop right here and now.

[Deleted]

Jan 7, 2019 17:55:11 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I gave away 3 Calvin Klein sets of capri pants with matching jackets, none ever worn, bought them and didn't bother to try them on. When I did they were too small so......and this AM I tried on a really pretty sweater (never worn) to wear to work, didn't like the way it fit and the neckline was too low....out it went.

I absolutely hate trying on clothes, but can't imagine how many things I've given away unworn because I'm too lazy to try things on first. That is something that must stop right here and now.

So why not try them on at home and return them if you don't like the fit?

I have never understood people who don't return stuff that is returnable.  Sure, there are a few places with "all sales final" policies, but not the major retailers.

Of course, that attitude has made me the designated returner at our house.  I don't care.  If it doesn't work, I am not throwing my money away on it.

[andi9899]

Jan 7, 2019 17:53:40 GMT -5 muttleynfelix said:

Jan 7, 2019 16:27:35 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Clothes and shoes. We all need them, but not as much as I have. I have filled the closet in my room as well as the walk in closet. I probably have 40-50 pairs of shoes. I never counted them and honestly I'm kind of afraid to.

That is a lot of shoes!

When I did my check, I spent less than $300 at the store that I buy my professional clothes from. I try to buy a couple items in the spring and a couple items in the fall each year. Over the years, things add up.

I spend very little for casual clothes.

I have a stupid amount of workout clothes. I know I work out a lot, but I don't need a whole dresser dedicated to workout clothes.

[countrygirl2]

I gave away a lot of clothes with tags still on them, that's nuts and it has stopped.  I used to spend an obscene amount of money on clothes.

[Blonde Granny]

Jan 7, 2019 18:34:10 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

Jan 7, 2019 17:55:11 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

I gave away 3 Calvin Klein sets of capri pants with matching jackets, none ever worn, bought them and didn't bother to try them on. When I did they were too small so......and this AM I tried on a really pretty sweater (never worn) to wear to work, didn't like the way it fit and the neckline was too low....out it went.

I absolutely hate trying on clothes, but can't imagine how many things I've given away unworn because I'm too lazy to try things on first. That is something that must stop right here and now.

So why not try them on at home and return them if you don't like the fit?

I have never understood people who don't return stuff that is returnable.  Sure, there are a few places with "all sales final" policies, but not the major retailers.

Of course, that attitude has made me the designated returner at our house.  I don't care.  If it doesn't work, I am not throwing my money away on it.

It's hard to say it, but sometimes I just shop to have something to do.....a reason to get out of the house.  OR it's on sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How can I not buy something if it's on sale?  As for returning, too many times I've just put the stuff on hangers and don't even remember that I bought it.  That's why this has got to stop.  Slowly now I've taken things out and donated them, I'm making some progress, and that's all I can hope for at this point.

[countrygirl2]

It's hard to say it, but sometimes I just shop to have something to do.....a reason to get out of the house. OR it's on sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How can I not buy something if it's on sale? As for returning, too many times I've just put the stuff on hangers and don't even remember that I bought it. That's why this has got to stop. Slowly now I've taken things out and donated them, I'm making some progress, and that's all I can hope for at this point.


That is so familiar, I'm guilty too.  Well that has been taken care of my favorite store has closed, now more are.  I can go to TJ Maxx, its ok and once in awhile I find something, but there buy more towels and kitchen stuff. Sad to say because I have basically been forced to not buy clothes by closed stores.

I am working on doing better and am but only because I'm being forced too.  I just won't buy much clothes online unless its known places as I have gotten burned on clothes I've bought before.  They were rags I had to throw away basically.

[Deleted]

Retailers must hate people like me.  When I want to do some fun shopping I go to Marshall's (same company as TJ Maxx) and head straight to the food section.  I avoided "salted caramel" anything and look for the healthy options:  interesting sauces, US-sourced raw honey, flavored salts.  On my way in last Saturday I did notice a cheap, flimsy knit top by Jones New York.  Made in China, of course.  That used to be a high-quality brand.   Not tempted at all.  I avoided every other type of merchandise except what I came in for and spent $33.

I can come out of Costco most times with nothing except what was on my shopping list.

[bookkeeper]

Jan 7, 2019 18:58:00 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

Jan 7, 2019 18:34:10 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

So why not try them on at home and return them if you don't like the fit?

I have never understood people who don't return stuff that is returnable.  Sure, there are a few places with "all sales final" policies, but not the major retailers.

Of course, that attitude has made me the designated returner at our house.  I don't care.  If it doesn't work, I am not throwing my money away on it.

It's hard to say it, but sometimes I just shop to have something to do.....a reason to get out of the house.  OR it's on sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How can I not buy something if it's on sale?  As for returning, too many times I've just put the stuff on hangers and don't even remember that I bought it.  That's why this has got to stop.  Slowly now I've taken things out and donated them, I'm making some progress, and that's all I can hope for at this point.

This is why I have a large thrift store habit.  As a 20 something, I needed everything I was shopping for, as a 50 something, you are just making a bigger pile at your house.  I like to shop for upgrades.  Especially high end kitchen goods.

At the thrift shops, at least you are spending a fraction of the mall costs.  The feeling is the same.  We do take a long look in our closets every year.  If we haven't worn it in a year, it often gets donated.  We moved 300 miles a few years ago and learned the drawbacks of accumulating too much stuff.

[muttleynfelix]

Jan 7, 2019 18:58:00 GMT -5 Blonde Granny said:

Jan 7, 2019 18:34:10 GMT -5 @bamafan1954 said:

So why not try them on at home and return them if you don't like the fit?

I have never understood people who don't return stuff that is returnable.  Sure, there are a few places with "all sales final" policies, but not the major retailers.

Of course, that attitude has made me the designated returner at our house.  I don't care.  If it doesn't work, I am not throwing my money away on it.

It's hard to say it, but sometimes I just shop to have something to do.....a reason to get out of the house.  OR it's on sale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How can I not buy something if it's on sale?  As for returning, too many times I've just put the stuff on hangers and don't even remember that I bought it.  That's why this has got to stop.  Slowly now I've taken things out and donated them, I'm making some progress, and that's all I can hope for at this point.

When my Grandma and Great Aunt were alive, my mom would take them shopping a lot even though they couldn't afford to buy much because it was something out of the house that they could actually do because Grandma could go around in a wheelchair. Now my mom is busy dealing with my Great Aunt's estate (Grandma died 2 years ago, my settled her estate a year ago; Great Aunt died 2 months ago).

[skubikky]

Jan 7, 2019 20:06:50 GMT -5 @athena53 said:

Retailers must hate people like me.  When I want to do some fun shopping I go to Marshall's (same company as TJ Maxx) and head straight to the food section.  I avoided "salted caramel" anything and look for the healthy options:  interesting sauces, US-sourced raw honey, flavored salts.  On my way in last Saturday I did notice a cheap, flimsy knit top by Jones New York.  Made in China, of course.  That used to be a high-quality brand.   Not tempted at all.  I avoided every other type of merchandise except what I came in for and spent $33.

I'm by nature a minimalist so being tempted really isn't a risk for me.   In addition as you say, so many labels that were once reasonable quality are MIC garbage.

I like some of the pants from Michael Kors and Harve Bernard but it's rare that I find anything worth buying.

That accounts for my sparse wardrobe I guess.

I have a core set of things that I wear that consists of 5 pair of pants,  5 sweaters, a handful of long sleeve shirts to go underneath as it's cold at work and a pair of

ankle boots(Fiorentini and Baker).

I have one handbag that I bought last year to replace a Dooney and Bourke that was too heavy.

I got it online at Skagen....reasonable quality at a fair price(~$200).  I'll probably use it for years and years.

[Deleted]

Jan 8, 2019 6:22:55 GMT -5 skubikky said:

I have a core set of things that I wear that consists of 5 pair of pants,  5 sweaters, a handful of long sleeve shirts to go underneath as it's cold at work and a pair of ankle boots(Fiorentini and Baker).

I may buy more boots this year- found a fantastic boot store an hour away and there are some good brands made in the US, including Justin and Lucchese. Not all of them are US-made but I buy only the ones that are. I spent $1,100 on clothes last year but $750 of it was footwear (including a couple of pairs of Birkenstocks to replace 2 pairs that were worn out). I have enough freebie T-shirts to last the rest of my life (some are from events 15 years ago) and being retired, that's what I wear around the house.

[buystoys]

DH is the shopper in our house.  I have to be careful to not say that I want something because he then goes on a search for where to get it cheapest but good quality.  I made the mistake of saying I'd like to replace our stereo that was damaged in our move.  He's spent four weeks looking at stereos.  He found two he liked, but I don't want to spend the money on them.  He's put that on hold for now, but I know that someday a stereo will show up at the door. 

I do almost all my clothes shopping on line.  I have about three places I tend to buy from because I know the quality and fit of what I'm purchasing.  I did pretty much replace my wardrobe last winter.  Everything I had was good for NY, but way too warm for TX.  I donated almost all my closet and bought about ten tops and three pairs of jeans.  I wear sweats around the house, so will replace them as necessary.  DH says I replace them way too late, but we've agreed to disagree on that one.