Budget for Critique

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Radiance

I know you are just pushing Steve's buttons, however, some ideas for those trying to save on milk...

Seriously, for those trying to save on milk, I'd suggest 2 things.

1. Drink skim milk. At least in my area, the price increases as the fat content increases, so cheapest is skim, then 1%, then 2% then whole milk.

2. Shop around. In my immediate area, a gallon of milk ranges from $2.09 to $3.99 depending on the store.

[Radiance]

I just couldn't have done it without you!

Updated Budget for August , now at $7 surplus
Also, pending actions
-Find a charger for my old razer so I can deactivate my G3 ($20 savings)
-Find a cheaper options for vitamins ($15 savings)

Short term objectives
-Eliminate debt category ($410)
-Build 3 months expense in bank

Mid term objectives
-Join employer 401k
-Start my son's pre paid college

Long term Objectives
-Get life insurance
-Get long term care insurance

August 2009 Budget

Housing
Mortgage 1550
Taxes 290
Home Insurance 92
HOA 287
Total 2219

Utilities
Water 65
Electricity 100
Phone/Int ernet 65
Cable 0
Cell 71
Total 301

Savings
Savings 300
401k 0
IRA 0
College 0
Total Savings 300

Food
Groceries 400
Lunches 0
Total Food 400

Transportation
Car 293
Insurance 100
Gas 150
Tolls 35
AAA 6
Maintenc 100
Transportation 684

Baby
School/Day Care 849
Baby Toys 0
Baby Clothing 15
Baby non-Food 80
Total Baby 944

Family Necessities
Personal Care 20
Clothing 6
Household 50
Entertainment 40
Total Family Nec. 116

Medical Health
Medical 100
Vitamins 41
Contact Lenses 5
Total Medical 146

Health
Signature-14% 360
Visa-14% 20
Amex-24% 30
Total Debt 410

Family Support
Parents Support 300
International Calls 21
Total Family 321

[psuicyde king]

I've read the posts here - all good advice.

Although I think a little differently than most.

Don't stop sponsoring the child. Yes you need the money. Need you could pick sponsorship back up later on. But you're having a hard time giving that up, and I believe the satisfaction you get from sponsoring this child negates a lot of the negative emotion you're going through right now. $32 to help a life and secure emotional well-being. I say it's worth it without a doubt.

I completely agree that cable could be cut. I have relatives in a similar situation, and their little girl watches the same 1 or 2 DVDs for MONTHs. Get the ones with with a lot of short cartoons on it. No need for cable after that.

I'm sure you already have looked into this, but depending on when you financed your home and car loan, it may be a good time to consider a refinance.

With the high interest rates and high minimum payments on your cards, it looks like the monthly interest is something that could be hurting your budget - look into loan consolidation. You could dramatically reduce your interest rates and stretch the loan out over a longer period of time. This would greatly reduce your monthly contribution.

Between that and the other things you've figured out, you'll be back in good shape in no time.

But I'll finish with my FIRST recommendation. Read "The Noticer" by Andy Andrews today.

[PennySaved]

Sure would like to see your housing bill decrease... that would free up alot of space.

Is there any opportunity to increase the income? Perhaps do something from home just as data entry or deliver newspapers in the early am?

[Radiance]

Actually, I am looking into doing an energy healer course (Abount $100 per level, 3 levels)
Energy healing sessions in my area are about $85.

Of course if I work from a partner's office I have to share my earnings, I guess I can keep $60 for an hour session? I need to research how are these things split.

I have connections with several natural health providers.
I could offer my sessions at my midwife's or doula's practice.
Also at spa's where I was a customer.

My pediatrician who is also an N.D. (naturopathic doctor) told me he can introduce me to other practicioners that can be interested.

At the begginning I might need to volunteer at hospitals to make myself known, but in the long run I feel this is a more sustainable second income, something I'd enjoy and I could do in a more permanent basis.

I do appreciate the ideas, please don't get me wrong, but deliver papers in the early am would be a problem, I don't want to drive my baby around so early.

Data entry, that sounds better and something I can moonlight at.
Do you know where/how can I find such opportunity? I guess customer service could work too. My baby goes to sleep at 9:00PM