PERSONAL BUDGET STORIES - WHAT EXPENSES HAVE YOU CUT OUT OR CHANGED IN THE LAST 2 YEARS???? | |
BRIEF
User ID: 1551548 United States 09/16/2011 07:33 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I budget for Christmas and birthdays...a concept most people can't grasp...yeah, they come the same time every year just like going back to school with the kids...no shocker there, but yet most freak out at those times and don't have the money... Last Edited by BRIEF on 09/16/2011 07:33 PM I never forgive and I never forget I am a licensed firearm holder. I will, under protection of law, use lethal force if attacked. |
Abs
User ID: 1373595 United States 09/16/2011 07:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Everything has become Need over Want. I only do Starbuck's now for my occassional want and my gadgets if I have money in that account. The only debt is $19k left on my 2010 Prius. Quoting: Abs My Budget: Food: $75 (mostly home cooked from scratch and a garden.) Cable/Internet: $50 (local channels only and 20mg speed..got a year special) Netflix: $10 (download only) Computer/Gadget:$50 (I put $50 a month away in a Credit Union so I can buy a new gadget whenever I want) Car Payment $500 (I over pay by $35 a month. I should sell it and get a pre 1973 car, in case of an EMT) Space Rent $575 (I went into foreclosure and moved to a mobile home 6 months ago. This includes garbage, sewer and water.) Gas/Elect $50 (Yep, only $50! Set to 80 in summer and 68 in winter. All windows open from sunset to sunrise and anything I don't use daily, like the TV, microwave, etc, is unplugged completely.) Clothes $5 (if that-I repair or thrift shop) Grooming $2 (haircut every 4 months for $5) Misc $25. (movie, music, etc, soap, bleach) Car Ins $100 House Ins $50 iphone $80 Gas oops $75 Total $1650ish and I'm single and really don't need anything else. Take out the car and it would be $1025ish a month. I have accumulated nice things over the years, so my trailer, which I am embracing, is very comfy. I am rich. Poor is a state of mind. If I have a book, my eyes and my health, I'm good. I put the rest in a Roth IRA, A 6 month Rainy Day fund and a 403b. Oh, I usually spend about $25 on an extra bag of beans or rice, or coffee, for reserves. Since I'm a teacher in CA I will not be able to get Social Security. It's Obvious I'm prepping to be making very little down the road. I have to add I just bought a 5 cubic foot freezer from Craigs list for $40. Small but worth it's weight in gold, since when I cook, it usually is enough for 6. (old habit from growing up in a big family) As above, so below. |
Abs
User ID: 1373595 United States 09/16/2011 07:43 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | i have started making meals out of very cheap cans of soup, double the quantity by adding water and vegetable stock and bulk it out with a little rice. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1550946 if its a chicken based soup add some pureed carrot to any soup any grated potato different meal every night, filling and cheap You're so near to cooking, that you might as well stop buying the shit in the can and make it all from scratch. Cheaper and healthier. Campbell soup= MSG I have a freezer zip lock bag...it takes the skins of all my onions, garlic, cucumbers, potatoes, celery hearts, chicken bones after I am done eating them...anything that will work in a soup broth. When the bag is full, I drop them in a pot with pepper corns, salt and a couple bay leaves. Boil/simmer, then drain...let it cool, skim off the fat and pour into different size tupperwares to use for soup or stalk for rice, etc and freeze them. Last Edited by Fhre A'an on 09/16/2011 07:43 PM As above, so below. |
Abs
User ID: 1373595 United States 09/16/2011 07:46 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: BRIEF Yeah it's fun to help someone put together their first budget with no income and payments on everything they have...including their furniture! This is the absolute prime reason our country is going down the shitter. Banksters have convinced everyone that life is free all you have to do is be born. Mean while they send your SS# to UN and make you a debt slave for life. I actually recommend renting cheap to save and pay cash for a house, but to rent a microwave or a couch is just fuck'n retarded. Brief: I could pay off my house but it would take about every cent I have - my rate is only 3% and I'm earning more than that on my investment so I'm keeping the mortgage for now - do you agree? The house is the only debt I have. Pay it off! Anything you save after that means you could be a little bit more aggressive. Last Edited by Fhre A'an on 09/16/2011 09:07 PM As above, so below. |
Abs
User ID: 1373595 United States 09/16/2011 07:47 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
DoveInLight
User ID: 1366065 United States 09/16/2011 08:02 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | 1. Turned my entire yard into an urban garden... have been growing all my own veggies and dehydrating/putting the extra up for winter. 2. I also have a weekly budget for groceries and got into 'extreme couponing' couponmom.com is an excellent site. 3. Pretty much the same as you on the electricity/water/cc 4. catch rainwater in empty barrels to water garden 5. I do my own hair now 6. cook all our meals, no more going out to eat 7. instead of going out to dinner with friends, I have been hosting potlucks. It's much more personal, fun, and no babysitter required. 8. Walk or ride bike anywhere within a mile or so of the house- limit my gas consumption on my automobile 9. Sew/repair clothing, utilizing hand me downs, and garage sales instead of shopping online/in the stores. 10. Cut up old t shirts and clothes for rags, instead of spending money on paper towels to clean house 11. I make my own cleaning supplies using vinegar, etc |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:09 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Everything has become Need over Want. I only do Starbuck's now for my occassional want and my gadgets if I have money in that account. The only debt is $19k left on my 2010 Prius. Quoting: Abs My Budget: Food: $75 (mostly home cooked from scratch and a garden.) Cable/Internet: $50 (local channels only and 20mg speed..got a year special) Netflix: $10 (download only) Computer/Gadget:$50 (I put $50 a month away in a Credit Union so I can buy a new gadget whenever I want) Car Payment $500 (I over pay by $35 a month. I should sell it and get a pre 1973 car, in case of an EMT) Space Rent $575 (I went into foreclosure and moved to a mobile home 6 months ago. This includes garbage, sewer and water.) Gas/Elect $50 (Yep, only $50! Set to 80 in summer and 68 in winter. All windows open from sunset to sunrise and anything I don't use daily, like the TV, microwave, etc, is unplugged completely.) Clothes $5 (if that-I repair or thrift shop) Grooming $2 (haircut every 4 months for $5) Misc $25. (movie, music, etc, soap, bleach) Car Ins $100 House Ins $50 iphone $80 Gas oops $75 Total $1650ish and I'm single and really don't need anything else. Take out the car and it would be $1025ish a month. I have accumulated nice things over the years, so my trailer, which I am embracing, is very comfy. I am rich. Poor is a state of mind. If I have a book, my eyes and my health, I'm good. I put the rest in a Roth IRA, A 6 month Rainy Day fund and a 403b. Oh, I usually spend about $25 on an extra bag of beans or rice, or coffee, for reserves. Since I'm a teacher in CA I will not be able to get Social Security. It's Obvious I'm prepping to be making very little down the road. Wow ABS sounds like you are on the same track that so many I have heard from What would you estimate your outgo prior to 2009??? CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:13 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Excellent post op!! Quoting: DoveInLight 1. Turned my entire yard into an urban garden... have been growing all my own veggies and dehydrating/putting the extra up for winter. 2. I also have a weekly budget for groceries and got into 'extreme couponing' couponmom.com is an excellent site. 3. Pretty much the same as you on the electricity/water/cc 4. catch rainwater in empty barrels to water garden 5. I do my own hair now 6. cook all our meals, no more going out to eat 7. instead of going out to dinner with friends, I have been hosting potlucks. It's much more personal, fun, and no babysitter required. 8. Walk or ride bike anywhere within a mile or so of the house- limit my gas consumption on my automobile 9. Sew/repair clothing, utilizing hand me downs, and garage sales instead of shopping online/in the stores. 10. Cut up old t shirts and clothes for rags, instead of spending money on paper towels to clean house 11. I make my own cleaning supplies using vinegar, etc Wow Dove in Light ..That Potluck Thing sounds like a Awesome Idea!! Yup old Towels and torn sheets make great cleaning cloths I tried doing my own hair , but found that the local beauty college used me for free for live hair demo's for their testing .. they do a great job !!! CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
riderr
User ID: 1551354 United States 09/16/2011 08:23 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into There is no finish line [link to www.facebook.com] Love is the highest motivation which man may utilize in his universe ascent. Love is the desire to do good to others-Urantia Book Gold is food that can be consumed,to make your transition to the higher realms easy |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:29 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into Quoting: riderr How do you use your house to produce income?? CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
Carol B.
User ID: 1265827 United States 09/16/2011 08:33 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | i have started making meals out of very cheap cans of soup, double the quantity by adding water and vegetable stock and bulk it out with a little rice. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1550946 if its a chicken based soup add some pureed carrot to any soup any grated potato different meal every night, filling and cheap You're so near to cooking, that you might as well stop buying the shit in the can and make it all from scratch. Cheaper and healthier. Campbell soup= MSG I have a freezer zip lock bag...it takes the skins of all my onions, garlic, cucumbers, potatoes, celery hearts, chicken bones after I am done eating them...anything that will work in a soup broth. When the bag is full, I drop them in a pot with pepper corns, salt and a couple bay leaves. Boil/simmer, then drain...let it cool, skim off the fat and pour into different size tupperwares to use for soup or stalk for rice, etc and freeze them. I must say, abs, you have done well! I am impressed with every one of your posts on this thread. Way to go! Prayer.....the world's first wireless connection. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1351486 United States 09/16/2011 08:36 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1351486 United States 09/16/2011 08:37 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into Quoting: riderr How do you use your house to produce income?? pretty sure he grows the weed in the basement now...since he no longer smokes it, all profit baby!!!! |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:37 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | i have started making meals out of very cheap cans of soup, double the quantity by adding water and vegetable stock and bulk it out with a little rice. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1550946 if its a chicken based soup add some pureed carrot to any soup any grated potato different meal every night, filling and cheap You're so near to cooking, that you might as well stop buying the shit in the can and make it all from scratch. Cheaper and healthier. Campbell soup= MSG I have a freezer zip lock bag...it takes the skins of all my onions, garlic, cucumbers, potatoes, celery hearts, chicken bones after I am done eating them...anything that will work in a soup broth. When the bag is full, I drop them in a pot with pepper corns, salt and a couple bay leaves. Boil/simmer, then drain...let it cool, skim off the fat and pour into different size tupperwares to use for soup or stalk for rice, etc and freeze them. I must say, abs, you have done well! I am impressed with every one of your posts on this thread. Way to go! ABS you need to start teaching this way of life!!! CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
riderr
User ID: 1551354 United States 09/16/2011 08:38 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into Quoting: riderr How do you use your house to produce income?? I live in a resort area.Pocono pa on the east coast.Its has a inlaw apartment which I rent out.Many people from all over the world visit this area.So I joined a house sharing site via a place I saw on face book for cyclists.basically they pay 100 dollars a day to share your home and ride the big hills.The Pocono Pa area of Pennsylvania is a tourist town.I have a home that can accomadate people.Kinda like a bed and breakfast,I am in the early stages of this Last Edited by riderr on 09/16/2011 08:39 PM There is no finish line [link to www.facebook.com] Love is the highest motivation which man may utilize in his universe ascent. Love is the desire to do good to others-Urantia Book Gold is food that can be consumed,to make your transition to the higher realms easy |
Carol B.
User ID: 1265827 United States 09/16/2011 08:38 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Prayer.....the world's first wireless connection. |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:38 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1351486 United States 09/16/2011 08:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1188144 United States 09/16/2011 08:39 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:45 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | I want to personally thank OP for starting this most informative thread. 5 stars and good karma for you Tx! I suppose I shouldn't be amazed at the amount of great posts here in this thread...there are some really smart people here on glp for sure! Thank you all for your contributions. Quoting: Carol B. Awwwe Thanks CarolB !! We do have some great people at GLP with some Fantastic ways they have had to make cuts and sacrifices over the past few years. It really amazes me since the fact is : the people are not the ones who have the spending and saving problem ,we know what we have to do in order to make a budget - Why Is It So Hard With Our Elected Politicians ??? CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:47 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | uh...no not paid off actually should have been, but thats a story for another thread...I am going to end up doing a short sale and getting the hell out of here...sometimes you just have to start over I understand 100% -sometimes you know when to hold them and when to fold them !!!! Cut Your losses and move on!!! CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:48 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into Quoting: riderr How do you use your house to produce income?? I live in a resort area.Pocono pa on the east coast.Its has a inlaw apartment which I rent out.Many people from all over the world visit this area.So I joined a house sharing site via a place I saw on face book for cyclists.basically they pay 100 dollars a day to share your home and ride the big hills.The Pocono Pa area of Pennsylvania is a tourist town.I have a home that can accomadate people.Kinda like a bed and breakfast,I am in the early stages of this Wow Riderr That is a Awesome Thing .. I bet you stay busy!! CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 08:49 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into Quoting: riderr How do you use your house to produce income?? pretty sure he grows the weed in the basement now...since he no longer smokes it, all profit baby!!!! Yup was thinking the same thing CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
BRIEF
User ID: 1551548 United States 09/16/2011 08:53 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: A/C 1351375 This is the absolute prime reason our country is going down the shitter. Banksters have convinced everyone that life is free all you have to do is be born. Mean while they send your SS# to UN and make you a debt slave for life. I actually recommend renting cheap to save and pay cash for a house, but to rent a microwave or a couch is just fuck'n retarded. Brief: I could pay off my house but it would take about every cent I have - my rate is only 3% and I'm earning more than that on my investment so I'm keeping the mortgage for now - do you agree? The house is the only debt I have. Pay it off! Anything you safe after that means you could be a little bit more aggressive. What if an emergency came up, and she needed 10K? I never forgive and I never forget I am a licensed firearm holder. I will, under protection of law, use lethal force if attacked. |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1535584 United States 09/16/2011 08:58 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | uh...no not paid off actually should have been, but thats a story for another thread...I am going to end up doing a short sale and getting the hell out of here...sometimes you just have to start over Four years ago, my home was worth way more than I owed. Today? I'm upside down by 35K, because of the market. I left my home last month after it was on the market for 3 years. I relocated and started over. |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 09:00 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | uh...no not paid off actually should have been, but thats a story for another thread...I am going to end up doing a short sale and getting the hell out of here...sometimes you just have to start over Four years ago, my home was worth way more than I owed. Today? I'm upside down by 35K, because of the market. I left my home last month after it was on the market for 3 years. I relocated and started over. How Do You Feel??? CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |
Abs
User ID: 1373595 United States 09/16/2011 09:03 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | Its getting tough for me too. Quoting: Anonymous Coward 1551407 When i retired I paid off my mortgage (phew) Owning the roof over my head was a priority. I have a pretty small income, getting smaller by the day. I have savings to cover my regular bills for about 2 years. I have made door curtains and draught excluders so i can lower my heating. When i boil a kettle I put unused water in a thermos flask to save on the electric. When i walk my dogs I carry a rucksack and collect tree branches, a weeks collection equals a nights heating ( if you have a chimney unblock it now ! I dont give a **** about zoning laws, if you are freezing burn stuff LOL) I have gone down to the absolute bargain brands in all my local stores EXCEPT when there is a good offer on good meat. I have bought a push bike, i do have a cheap car but it looks like that will have to go due to petrol, insurance and road tax prices. I am going to build a bike trailer ! I am a gardener but the short gardening season (and small garden size) here in the UK means home grown is a welcome addition but certainly cannot provide enough to live on. Ah well enough from me, good luck all, its going to be a rough ride Great idea with that thermos! I'm going us it! As above, so below. |
riderr
User ID: 1551354 United States 09/16/2011 09:07 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | quit smoking pot.using my house to produce income.Riding my bike to places rather then drive a car.when I do drive a car,ford focus.highways,over 34 mph depending on conditions.Getting things in order financially as best I can.But money is money.Health and a balanced life full of love is good.Losing fear ego and anger ect.to deep to go into Quoting: riderr How do you use your house to produce income?? pretty sure he grows the weed in the basement now...since he no longer smokes it, all profit baby!!!! Yup was thinking the same thing No LOL.Used too a long time ago.But I have a son and I am a Role Model.I invite the Police into my home Literally.There was a drug bust a few houses down.My neighbors daugher was taking pills.The Mom came to me worried.I told her to call the police!She wouldnt because she did not want hr child arrested.F that.I called 911 because She dragged me into the mess.And took down a big time cokehead,And wife beater.His wife was in a wheel chair and this man crackhead beat her.He is in jail now There is no finish line [link to www.facebook.com] Love is the highest motivation which man may utilize in his universe ascent. Love is the desire to do good to others-Urantia Book Gold is food that can be consumed,to make your transition to the higher realms easy |
Anonymous Coward User ID: 1535584 United States 09/16/2011 09:07 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | uh...no not paid off actually should have been, but thats a story for another thread...I am going to end up doing a short sale and getting the hell out of here...sometimes you just have to start over Four years ago, my home was worth way more than I owed. Today? I'm upside down by 35K, because of the market. I left my home last month after it was on the market for 3 years. I relocated and started over. How Do You Feel??? I was scared and nervous. However, I lived in an area, where homes are not selling (market's terrible there). Everything has worked out, and I am really glad I followed through with my decision. It turned out to be a good decision, in the end. :) |
TXREPUBLICHONEY
(OP) User ID: 1484152 United States 09/16/2011 09:10 PM Report Abusive Post Report Copyright Violation | ... Quoting: exiled1 uh...no not paid off actually should have been, but thats a story for another thread...I am going to end up doing a short sale and getting the hell out of here...sometimes you just have to start over Four years ago, my home was worth way more than I owed. Today? I'm upside down by 35K, because of the market. I left my home last month after it was on the market for 3 years. I relocated and started over. How Do You Feel??? I was scared and nervous. However, I lived in an area, where homes are not selling (market's terrible there). Everything has worked out, and I am really glad I followed through with my decision. It turned out to be a good decision, in the end. :) I am so happy for you !!I bet 1/2 of your stress is gone ..now what are you going to do for yourself?? Have you been able to find suitable work?? CEO OF MILK SUPERPOWERS AND NASTY AVATARS(I have been told) SO THE GOTCHA'S DON'T GET YOU BAM!!! REALITY HITS YOU HARD BRO!!!!!! |