Re: Same old story
Other people are going to be much better at speaking to the debt portion, and what to pay/how/in what order, etc.
I'll speak to the expenses portion. I have 2 questons, though. Is the 2682 you get a month net or gross? And, is your husband in the same home with you? Some of how you put things makes it seem like you are separated. If you are not, what is his income, and what are "his" expenses-the expenses he is responsible for from his income, such as house payment?
cell phone bill is about 83.00 month (a need not a lux). Even when a cell phone is required, for job or disability in family etc., there are often non-necessity calls made too. Are yoiu at the barest bones plan? Have you pared down the services and minutes to only what you need? You don't mention a land line. If you have a land line, can you cancel it and go pure cell?
food about 400.00. Is this for 3 people, or 4? I think this can definitely be cut. If it's 3 people, it can be cut by $150-a not insignificant amount to add to debt repayment. What are you're shopping habits? Do you buy name brand? Coupon use? Bulk foods? Store brands? Convenience food?
gas 200 month
no insurance payments (husband)
personal care about 50.00 mth (if that) If that's shampoon, TP, etc. it could be reduced. Again, store brand or name brand? Coupons? Bulk buying?
clothing about 100.00 mth, sometimes..for the kids (back to school now which is why I've fallen so far behind since june) This is very very high. Very nice items at garage sales and thrift stores; used clothes are not a punishment for kids. If they are looked at as not so good, kids will pick up on that. But if the used clothing (in greta shape) is presented as good-"lool at this beautiful blouse" the kids go with that. Kids grow so fast, faster than they can wear it out. I am always shocked at how good 50 cent clothing at garage sales look, for kids. Ands even buying new, places like Ross can let you get 5 tops and bottoms for 50 bucks, enough for a whole year. For yourself, stop all purchases now. Use the items in the back of your closet. Make do. Wear holey sweatpants after work. Just buckle down, and make a list, as they come up, of NEEDS. Then shop ahead to meet those needs cheaply.
How about utilities-land line, electric/gas/garbage water?
Cable? eating out? Car insurance? Any entertainment? Gifts? Do you pay into a 401k? Do you get income tax refunds each year? I agree that you need to write down every item. Look in your bank statements and try to construct a usual konth, then look for the not monthly items and average them to be per month-for example, car repairs, car insurance/registration, medical, etc.
You are brave to admit where you are, brave to ask for help, and brave to have a bunch of strangers question your habits. Remember we have no desire to hurt you and many of us have been in the same position. Our goal is to get you into less debt and a calmer life. So take anything that strikes you wrong with a grain of salt. Maybe it's a good idea that you just need to ponder, or may it's an idea that can not work with your special circumstances. Just weigh it and move to the next suggestion.
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