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Living within your means?

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D

dat dude

Senior Member

1,564 posts
Feb 8, 2011 9:45 AM
It may be in your interest to ask your child support case manager for a child support review. I know your child's well-being is very important to you, however, paying $580 for 2 weeks of support is pretty high. Plus, considering your expenses involving your youngest child, you may be eligible for a reduction. Even if you can reduce it $50 a month, that would be a huge savings until the child reaches the age of majority.
Feb 8, 2011 9:45am
F

fan_from_texas

Senior Member

2,693 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:09 AM
Interesting thread, and a lot of great tips here.

Re the Prius, it sounds like most of your driving is highway driving. On a highway, a hybrid doesn't get as good gas mileage--they earn their keep on short city trips with lots of stops to allow brake regeneration. My guess is that if most of your driving is highway driving, you'd be better off (all-in) with a Corolla than with a Prius.

For cheap entertainment, I'd recommend buying boardgames. There are a number of great games that may cost you $40 upfront, but then you can play them every weekend and skip on the costs of dinner/movie. We have a number of friends who get together for weekly game nights. I don't know if this is a result of the recession, but 20-somethings getting together for game nights has become incredibly popular among our group of friends. If you're looking for suggestions for a game, I'd recommend Carcassone, Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, or Pandemic.

Once you realize you can spend $40 and then get hours and hours of cheap, fun entertainment out of it--including spending time with your fiancee and hanging out with friends while making an evening out of it--you'll be hooked. Seriously.
Feb 8, 2011 11:09am
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:13 AM
Ugh, Settlers of Catan ...

I have friends who love that game, and I've played so much I want to punch the man in the face.

Along that vein, though, you're right. Even a deck of playing cards or Rook cards can provide that. My wife and I always invite friends over to play a game called Shanghai Rummy. Cost us the price of two Rook decks, and we've played probably 60 hours of it in the last four or five months.
Feb 8, 2011 11:13am
I

I Wear Pants

Senior Member

16,223 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:16 AM
Settlers of Catan is excellent.

So is Risk.
Feb 8, 2011 11:16am
F

fan_from_texas

Senior Member

2,693 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:22 AM
I mention Settlers because it's so popular, but it's a bit dated at this point, and I think you can do better (e.g., Pandemic is a great cooperative game, Ticket to Ride is quick and easy, but still relatively strategic, Carcassonne is pretty interesting and fresh).

Mrs. FFT and I play a lot of Dominion. It's a great two-player game that we can play in the evenings while she's nursing the C-Monster. It beats watching TV, and it's cheap entertainment.
I Wear Pants;669922 wrote:Settlers of Catan is excellent.

So is Risk.

No, Risk is terrible. It's long, and it's heavily luck-based. A relatively competent 8-year-old can manage the basics of strategy, and beyond that, you're just trying to roll high. Games with a lot of luck are fine, but not if they take forever. I love complicated, long games, but there's nothing worse than spending hours playing something that ends up being decided by luck.

I'd rather rip my eyes out than play a game of Risk.[/rant]

For people who aren't big into games, I'd recommend just trying out Ticket to Ride. I've yet to meet anyone who dislikes it, even people who hate games and would never otherwise play them.
Feb 8, 2011 11:22am
Belly35's avatar

Belly35

Elderly Intellectual

9,716 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:38 AM
Guy! The cut this, cut that and reuse bath water is only one aspect of gaining additional financial stability in this situation. Cutting only makes a person feel worse, working create a positive view.

In a thread not long ago Side Income ...

Many of us commented on the odd work and skills we use to create additional income.

This is the next direction rydawg5 need to take ….. he has to evaluate his skills, work and or hobbies to create this secondary income. Without this plan any major set back will only place addition stress on a fragile financial situation.
Feb 8, 2011 11:38am
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:42 AM
Belly35;669957 wrote:Guy! The cut this, cut that and reuse bath water is only one aspect of gaining additional financial stability in this situation. Cutting only makes a person feel worse, working create a positive view.

In a thread not long ago Side Income ...

Many of us commented on the odd work and skills we use to create additional income.

This is the next direction rydawg5 need to take ….. he has to evaluate his skills, work and or hobbies to create this secondary income. Without this plan any major set back will only place addition stress on a fragile financial situation.

If you read my post, I did include several additional income ideas. Some were experience/talent-based, so it had to be nebulous, though.

As you'll recall, I started that thread. :D
Feb 8, 2011 11:42am
I

I Wear Pants

Senior Member

16,223 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:44 AM
So do you want to play Risk then?
Feb 8, 2011 11:44am
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:46 AM
I Wear Pants;669967 wrote:So do you want to play Risk then?

LOL!
Feb 8, 2011 11:46am
password's avatar

password

Senior Member

2,360 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:47 AM
Fab4Runner;669680 wrote:Congrats on your 2nd baby...how old is he? And I'm sorry that your daughter is so far from you now as I can imagine it's very hard on you. But as others have said, kudos on making the effort to see her and be there for her. If your ex and you split the time with her 50/50 it doesn't make sense to me that you'd pay that much in child support. Perhaps if you had her only on weekends, every other weekend, etc. But 2 weeks on and 2 off is very even so such a large amount doesn't seem right. I have no kids so I am far from an expert on these things but that's just my take.

As far as saving...does your fiance tan, get her hair or nails done, etc? If she does I would say those are some areas to save. I hate being pale but when I didn't have the $ my tanning package was the first to go. If she gets her hair colored she can either try to do it herself or wait longer between appointments (go from every 6 weeks to every 8 or 10). If she doesn't do color but just cuts try going somewhere cheaper. I know how it is to go from having an amazing hair person to going to Great Clips but for a trim it doesn't really matter...hardly any stylist can mess up a trim. If either of you have gym memberships cancel them and work out at home (run, walk, download some work out videos).

There have been some other great suggestions on here as well. Eating at home is definitely a big one...wildcats and I spend a ton going out to watch games or just because we're too lazy to cook. We need to do better for sure. Buy generic brands when you can, clip coupons (or find them online) and definitely stock up when there is a good deal on something. I watched a girl get 2 carts worth of groceries for under $2 once...I don't have the patience to go that crazy with coupons but you can really save if you do. If you have a pet consider asking a friend or family member to take it until you're in a better position to take care of it. Or try finding cheaper food for it.

Good luck with everything...hope some of these are helpful :)

Are you serious?
Feb 8, 2011 11:47am
F

fan_from_texas

Senior Member

2,693 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:49 AM
I Wear Pants;669967 wrote:So do you want to play Risk then?

Heh.
Feb 8, 2011 11:49am
password's avatar

password

Senior Member

2,360 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:49 AM
oberhaus;669739 wrote:Aldi is a great place for groceries. The quality is not bad either. There are some things I actually like the Aldi brand better then name brand. We save at least $100 over going to Kroger or even WalMart.


They have excellent pork chops.
Feb 8, 2011 11:49am
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Feb 8, 2011 11:51 AM
password;669973 wrote:Are you serious?

If it's a large dog, or if you have things like horses, this actually isn't bad advice. Those kinds of pets can be quite expensive to maintain.

A goldfish? Not such a big deal.
Feb 8, 2011 11:51am
1

1th

Junior Member

22 posts
Feb 8, 2011 12:03 PM
I Wear Pants;669967 wrote:So do you want to play Risk then?

i HATE that game almost as much as i hate prunes or a root canal.

i dont understand how anybody could ever enjoy that game.

op, if youre looking for a good game with a few people (4+ works the best) get boxers or briefs. my girl and i have people over all the time and play. love it.
Feb 8, 2011 12:03pm
justincredible's avatar

justincredible

Nick Mangold

32,056 posts
Feb 8, 2011 12:14 PM
1th;669994 wrote:i HATE that game almost as much as i hate prunes or a root canal.

i dont understand how anybody could ever enjoy that game.

op, if youre looking for a good game with a few people (4+ works the best) get boxers or briefs. my girl and i have people over all the time and play. love it.

Great screenname. Welcome.
Feb 8, 2011 12:14pm
Fab4Runner's avatar

Fab4Runner

Tits McGee

6,196 posts
Feb 8, 2011 12:23 PM
password;669973 wrote:Are you serious?

Yes, I am serious. I'm not implying his financial situation is that bad but if it is it's better to take care of yourself, your fiance and your children. I've actually heard of many people doing this. We considered it when I was in high school and my house burnt down. We lived in a small rental while rebuilding and there wasn't room for all of our dogs. Obviously a different situation but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Animals can be expensive.
Feb 8, 2011 12:23pm
password's avatar

password

Senior Member

2,360 posts
Feb 8, 2011 12:49 PM
I would think before you would give your pet away to someone else that you could find some other way to come up with the money to take care of your pet.Yes it can be expensive but they are like family to some people and they should be treated that way.Now if you keep your dog chained to a tree and just drop off some food and water once a day then maybe you should find someone else to take care of your pet because you really don't enjoy them.I did not mean you fab4runner but the people that keep their dogs chained to a tree all year round.
Feb 8, 2011 12:49pm
I

I Wear Pants

Senior Member

16,223 posts
Feb 8, 2011 12:50 PM
Eat your pet. You don't have to buy it any more food/medicine and you save money on groceries.

Horse bacon can be delicious.
Feb 8, 2011 12:50pm
1

1th

Junior Member

22 posts
Feb 8, 2011 12:56 PM
password;670065 wrote:I would think before you would give your pet away to someone else that you could find some other way to come up with the money to take care of your pet.Yes it can be expensive but they are like family to some people and they should be treated that way.Now if you keep your dog chained to a tree and just drop off some food and water once a day then maybe you should find someone else to take care of your pet because you really don't enjoy them.I did not mean you fab4runner but the people that keep their dogs chained to a tree all year round.

If it truly gets tight, though, finding some way "to come up with the money" might be just how you're going to feed your OWN children.

When asking others to take care of your pet, that doesn't mean a pound or anything. It would be like asking grandparents to look after your children because you don't have the financial means to take care of them, but you want them to be taken care of.
Feb 8, 2011 12:56pm
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se-alum

The Biggest Boss

13,948 posts
Feb 8, 2011 1:00 PM
password;670065 wrote:I would think before you would give your pet away to someone else that you could find some other way to come up with the money to take care of your pet.Yes it can be expensive but they are like family to some people and they should be treated that way.Now if you keep your dog chained to a tree and just drop off some food and water once a day then maybe you should find someone else to take care of your pet because you really don't enjoy them.I did not mean you fab4runner but the people that keep their dogs chained to a tree all year round.

Many people send their children to live with other family members when things get tough. It doesn't mean they don't love them, it just means they want them to be in a better situation. I don't see a problem with it.
Feb 8, 2011 1:00pm
Fab4Runner's avatar

Fab4Runner

Tits McGee

6,196 posts
Feb 8, 2011 1:18 PM
Oops just realized I asked how old your son is when it says he is 6 months, lol. I read the original post yesterday and didn't respond until this morning so I guess I forgot.
Feb 8, 2011 1:18pm
password's avatar

password

Senior Member

2,360 posts
Feb 8, 2011 1:19 PM
se-alum;670082 wrote:Many people send their children to live with other family members when things get tough. It doesn't mean they don't love them, it just means they want them to be in a better situation. I don't see a problem with it.

I could never see giving my children to anyone because of financial problems but that is just me.If things are that bad then maybe you would need to make some changes such as taking a second job or you doing without so that your kids could have a normal life, but there are all kinds of people out there who have different priorities in life.
Feb 8, 2011 1:19pm
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se-alum

The Biggest Boss

13,948 posts
Feb 8, 2011 1:25 PM
password;670119 wrote:I could never see giving my children to anyone because of financial problems but that is just me.If things are that bad then maybe you would need to make some changes such as taking a second job or you doing without so that your kids could have a normal life, but there are all kinds of people out there who have different priorities in life.

I agree, I couldn't imagine doing it either, but then again I've never been in that situation. I can also see why people do it though. I imagine that's a last resort for normal people.
Feb 8, 2011 1:25pm
O-Trap's avatar

O-Trap

Chief Shenanigans Officer

14,994 posts
Feb 8, 2011 1:27 PM
password;670119 wrote:I could never see giving my children to anyone because of financial problems but that is just me.If things are that bad then maybe you would need to make some changes such as taking a second job or you doing without so that your kids could have a normal life, but there are all kinds of people out there who have different priorities in life.

"Taking a second job" isn't just something you can snap your fingers and do. Even if you've got a good education and some good experience, this market isn't easy for landing employment.

Now, suppose the parent is a single parent, with no high school degree. Two jobs STILL might not be enough to keep his/her children from being malnourished or without a roof over their heads.

It's about what you can do. If you love your kids, you want to be with them, but you also want what is best for them, even if what is best for them tears you apart. If you can have both, you work your ass off to do it. If not, I think the latter has to trump the former.
Feb 8, 2011 1:27pm
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FatHobbit

Senior Member

8,651 posts
Feb 8, 2011 2:05 PM
I am terrible at living within my means. Especially lately.
Feb 8, 2011 2:05pm