Looking for someone to help!

[Princesspolly0110]

Looking for someone who can help me with a budget. Like actual number crunching. I'm in the KC area and I'd be willing to do this online via email or text. College students, stay at home moms, anyone good with budgets and numbers! Thanks, Sam

 

[mkymouse40]

I don't really have the time to help with this, but I will tell you that most counties or local governments where you live offer free budget counseling. Every locale around me offers it. Good luck!

 

[LJSquishy]

Good for you to want to start budgeting your money to work for you! I'd be happy to help you in any way I can, but it may be somewhat difficult for someone to help you with a full budget due to so many variable costs, especially unforeseen expenses that may or may not occur on any given month. I just started using the You Need A Budget software (YNAB) for my own budget and their free Webinars are very helpful, as are the folks on the YNAB forum. I've miraculously "found" an extra $900+ per month (on top of what we were already saving) that we'll be able to save (or spend on limited categories such as fun money, clothing, etc)...I'm not even kidding. This is why I wanted the budgeting software -- I knew we were bleeding money from somewhere, and I found the leaks and patched them. I should note that we have so much money to be able to save right now because we're living almost rent-free while we save for our new house & adoption (once we have another mortgage payment & a kid we won't have as much to save).

 

[califlorican]

I also recommend a budget software. Mint is pretty decent, we use that just to see how we're doing on our budgets. I'm happy to help if needed too, I actually enjoy this kind of thing
I also suggest looking up financial blogs (I follow a few: Sixdollarfamily, colormefrugal, moneyaftergraduation) for ideas on budgeting too!

 

[happily single]

Not the OP, but in the same boat. I consider myself pretty educated but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to use MINT or YNAB! I have attempted several times over the years to use both!

 

[Vernie822]

I am a little budget obsessed but I like to keep track of everything. What kind of help are you looking for? I do like Mint - I like to keep track of how much I am spending on everything. I also have an Excel workbook. I keep up with pretty much every transaction on any of my credit/debit cards so that I can keep things organized.

 

[LJSquishy]

Not the OP, but in the same boat. I consider myself pretty educated but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to use MINT or YNAB! I have attempted several times over the years to use both!

I'd be happy to help you as well, especially if you already have YNAB (or are interested in using it)...but would still love to help you even if you just want to write down your budget on a piece of paper!

 

[happily single]

I'd be happy to help you as well, especially if you already have YNAB (or are interested in using it)...but would still love to help you even if you just want to write down your budget on a piece of paper!

Thank you.

I will find my account this weekend, and will send you a message once I get stuck. Thank you!

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

Doing something over the phone or email is difficult, so I can't offer to do that, but I'll give you some tips.

* First thing you need to do is a data dump of your bank statements into excel (try to do at least 6 months, but a year is best).
* Then take and sort them all by what type of expense it is. Putting a column in that you can put a description to sort better helps.
* Then match everything up with the same or similar due dates. I like to take my payroll calendar and insert the expenses matched to the pay dates.
* Then just start putting all of the expenses together with the pay dates and you pretty much have a budget.

You can do a running total by the year or you can total by month. I do a little bit of both. Excel has some great budget templates available to help you also. The most important thing that you need to do is know what you spend money on. That's why I suggest doing a dump of your bank statements so you can see exactly how much you spend on "junk". But, if you spend cash a lot this won't help as much.

 

[NinaBella]

Doing something over the phone or email is difficult, so I can't offer to do that, but I'll give you some tips.

* First thing you need to do is a data dump of your bank statements into excel (try to do at least 6 months, but a year is best).
* Then take and sort them all by what type of expense it is. Putting a column in that you can put a description to sort better helps.
* Then match everything up with the same or similar due dates. I like to take my payroll calendar and insert the expenses matched to the pay dates.
* Then just start putting all of the expenses together with the pay dates and you pretty much have a budget.

You can do a running total by the year or you can total by month. I do a little bit of both. Excel has some great budget templates available to help you also. The most important thing that you need to do is know what you spend money on. That's why I suggest doing a dump of your bank statements so you can see exactly how much you spend on "junk". But, if you spend cash a lot this won't help as much.

That seems like a ton of work. I suppose it is good to look at the history.

When I do my spreadsheet (had to re-do it after I retired based on new income), I don't look backwards. I only look forward. The past is the past to me. I have to create a new budget. So my spreadsheet lists all my bills. I have a column for category such as credit card, household (utility, electricity, cable, etc), then other type of re-occurring bills I have. If there is an overall balance due such as a credit card, I list the overall balance and interest rates. I also have a column for when the bill is paid. I pay all of my bills either on the 1st or 15th (lines up with previous military paydays, and easy for me to remember two dates instead of multiple), so I have a column that says indicates if the bill is paid on first or 15th. About 5 days before the 1st and 15th, I review my spreadsheet and update the amounts being paid, electricity is not always the same each month. But most of my bills that do have the same payment each month like life insurance, auto insurance, etc., I have set up for auto pay though my bank web bill pay service.

I do have formulas set up to calculate the overall amount I am paying in debt/bills and another formula that adds up all of our income coming in that month (and the date they are coming in), another formula that calculates how much is left after income and bills paid. So I can see how much I have left over each month and determine what I want to do with that balance. I keep one spreadsheet per year, and each spreadsheet has a tab for every month.

I like using spreadsheets over other programs because it gives me control to see just what I want to see. Nothing more, nothing less. My bank has a entire budget tool, free, but I still prefer the spreadsheet.

I suppose mine is more of a monthly tracking and others may budget a year in advance. I just go month by month. It is much easier for me that way. Also, less depressing to focus just on the month at hand.

 

[NinaBella]

Most community colleges offer "workshops" for various topics. There are even Excel workshops for those who want to learn how to use it at beginner, intermediate, and advance levels. I would think they would offer a finance/budget workshop. Look up your local community college and find a contact number for anyone who runs any of the workshops. Then call/e-mail and ask that person if they know if there are any financial/budget workshops. Don't worry if its not the right person, most often they will be happy to re-direct you a co-worker who will have the answer.

 

[NinaBella]

You said you are in the KC area. I assume that is Kansas City (at least that is what came up in google).

Check out the KCCC continuing education courses and workshops.

http://kansascity.augusoft.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010


There is one that says FINANCIAL. If this isn't the course you need, ask the instructor if one that fits your need will be offered in the future. They can add you to a list of interest.

http://kansascity.augusoft.net/inde...play&int_category_id=3&int_sub_category_id=23

Classes: Community Education: Financial

• Please click on the course title to see the full course description.
• To begin the registration process, click on "Add to Cart" on the right side of the course listing.
• If class is full, a waiting list box will show to the right of the course listing. Click on that box to add yourself to the waiting list or contact the KCKCC Continuing Education office to see if the class will be offered next semester. Please provide us with the course title and course date when e-mailing (ainlow@kckcc.edu) or when calling (913-288-7660) with questions.
• IMPORTANT: To enroll yourself online in one of our classes, you must have an e-mail address and a credit card. If you do not have an e-mail address and a credit card, please call us at 913-288-7660, and we can help you enroll.
• ATTENTION KCKCC EMPLOYEES: Call us for information about discounts for KCKCC employees and their dependents.

Available Discounts
Days of the Week : Weekly - Mon . Weekly - Mon 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (9/14/2015-10/12/2015) Room 3625 Instructor : Scott Kaufmann

Call 913-288-7660 to register.


--------------
I found the course description and this is an investment class, but the instructor is a financial advisor.


Course Description

Does investing intimidate you? Do you feel clueless when conversations turn to the stock market? Have you procrastinated your investment plan? Hands on Investing will give you a working understanding of the stock market, investment alternatives and how to invest for success. A certified Financial Advisor will guide you through a series of investments that you select and track. Experience setting your investment decisions and criteria, understanding ways to reduce your taxes and implement estate planning strategies.

Class ID: 14270
CEU's: 0
Tuition: $30.00 Member Cost: $20.00
Schedule Information:
Dates Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
9/14/2015-10/12/2015 Weekly - Mon 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Room 3625 Scott Kaufmann
Registration Closes On: September 14, 2015 12:00 AM



Back to Class Listing page

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

That seems like a ton of work. I suppose it is good to look at the history.

When I do my spreadsheet (had to re-do it after I retired based on new income), I don't look backwards. I only look forward. The past is the past to me. I have to create a new budget. So my spreadsheet lists all my bills. I have a column for category such as credit card, household (utility, electricity, cable, etc), then other type of re-occurring bills I have. If there is an overall balance due such as a credit card, I list the overall balance and interest rates. I also have a column for when the bill is paid. I pay all of my bills either on the 1st or 15th (lines up with previous military paydays, and easy for me to remember two dates instead of multiple), so I have a column that says indicates if the bill is paid on first or 15th. About 5 days before the 1st and 15th, I review my spreadsheet and update the amounts being paid, electricity is not always the same each month. But most of my bills that do have the same payment each month like life insurance, auto insurance, etc., I have set up for auto pay though my bank web bill pay service.

I do have formulas set up to calculate the overall amount I am paying in debt/bills and another formula that adds up all of our income coming in that month (and the date they are coming in), another formula that calculates how much is left after income and bills paid. So I can see how much I have left over each month and determine what I want to do with that balance. I keep one spreadsheet per year, and each spreadsheet has a tab for every month.

I like using spreadsheets over other programs because it gives me control to see just what I want to see. Nothing more, nothing less. My bank has a entire budget tool, free, but I still prefer the spreadsheet.

I suppose mine is more of a monthly tracking and others may budget a year in advance. I just go month by month. It is much easier for me that way. Also, less depressing to focus just on the month at hand.

It is a lot of work, but if you don't know where your money is being spent you need to look at history. I'm an accountant and all budgets are based on historical spending. You can't honestly make a budget for food when you don't know how much you have really spent. I always thought I spent a certain amount on gas, but in reality I spent way less. Everyone should find the best way to budget that works for them. I agree that spreadsheets are best since the budget programs are often to much for one individual person or house hold. My way works for me and your way works for you. Doesn't make either of them bad ways.

 

[NinaBella]

It is a lot of work, but if you don't know where your money is being spent you need to look at history. I'm an accountant and all budgets are based on historical spending. You can't honestly make a budget for food when you don't know how much you have really spent. I always thought I spent a certain amount on gas, but in reality I spent way less. Everyone should find the best way to budget that works for them. I agree that spreadsheets are best since the budget programs are often to much for one individual person or house hold. My way works for me and your way works for you. Doesn't make either of them bad ways.

Organizations base budgets on history, I agree with you there. But instead of going so far back on personal budges and expenses you could start October 1st and track all of your spending, and then build a budget from there. Of course there are always emergency car repairs, etc. But you can go a full 6-12 months without any emergencies. It's always best to set aside an emergency budget for any reason. There are also seasonal expenses that you can plan for in the future without looking back. If I know I am on a tight budget, I don't need to look at what I spent last Christmas on the 4 kids gifts. I can just set a budget for next season based on current finances and bills. Not everyone's finances stay consistent for 6-12 months, so it's not always a good starting point. Especially if one person just lost or changed jobs. If a $150K household, one lost a job and now household is $75, what I spent last year may be interesting but I have to plan differently for the future. That was my point. History is good, but not always necessary when looking at your personal budget. When you talk about accounting and businesses that is apples to oranges in my opinion.

I don't even have 6 months of my bank statements. I could go online and look, but it's too tedious. LOL.

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

Organizations base budgets on history, I agree with you there. But instead of going so far back on personal budges and expenses you could start October 1st and track all of your spending, and then build a budget from there. Of course there are always emergency car repairs, etc. But you can go a full 6-12 months without any emergencies. It's always best to set aside an emergency budget for any reason. There are also seasonal expenses that you can plan for in the future without looking back. If I know I am on a tight budget, I don't need to look at what I spent last Christmas on the 4 kids gifts. I can just set a budget for next season based on current finances and bills. Not everyone's finances stay consistent for 6-12 months, so it's not always a good starting point. Especially if one person just lost or changed jobs. If a $150K household, one lost a job and now household is $75, what I spent last year may be interesting but I have to plan differently for the future. That was my point. History is good, but not always necessary when looking at your personal budget. When you talk about accounting and businesses that is apples to oranges in my opinion.

I don't even have 6 months of my bank statements. I could go online and look, but it's too tedious. LOL.

When you look at an account on line, most major banks and credit unions have an option to automatically download it into excel. The OP asked for help and I gave my opinion on what I would and have done myself. People should look at their own back history to see where they waste money. I understand that life changes are going to make the future different and you need to prepare for that. However, looking at the history even for someone that has those changes to look at for the future has to know what their weaknesses are. History is an excellent way of getting a reality check. I said a minimum of 6, but like to do 12. Also, didn't say that those are the only budget categories they will have. Any good spreadsheet budget tool will have the emergency, gifts, extra curricular activity lines to fill out.

 

[Judique]

When you look at an account on line, most major banks and credit unions have an option to automatically download it into excel. The OP asked for help and I gave my opinion on what I would and have done myself. People should look at their own back history to see where they waste money. I understand that life changes are going to make the future different and you need to prepare for that. However, looking at the history even for someone that has those changes to look at for the future has to know what their weaknesses are. History is an excellent way of getting a reality check. I said a minimum of 6, but like to do 12. Also, didn't say that those are the only budget categories they will have. Any good spreadsheet budget tool will have the emergency, gifts, extra curricular activity lines to fill out.

GoofyforDisney3, I agree with you completely.

There is a lot of planning and scrutiny required these days to keep ones financial picture afloat.

I've kept yearly records for years of what actual costs are for a year.

I revise several times per year based on changes.

I use my yearly cost to estimate for the following year. The data history gives me those numbers. The actual bills show monthly increases or decreases. So gas for heating my home will be $10.75 maintenance fee in the summer months but for 5 months of the year it will go from a low of perhaps $26 in October to a high of $150 in January. That means I may need to budget $600-$700 per year or $50-$60 per month. Without data I would be guessing.

Same with insurance costs. Many insurances will let you pay monthly, but will give you a smaller cost for yearly or biannually. I like to sort of escrow these costs into my accounts so I get the best savings. It may be $3 per account, but with 6 accounts that's a couple of hundred extra in my yearly budget.

And food - food is always volatile. So knowing what you need to buy is important and where you buy it.

Gasoline has dropped. 2 years ago my gasoline bill was almost double.

I figure out my whole future year in Dec-Jan and then can move forward, but it's always based on history, and incorporating known changes.

After all this you plan for pleasure and money wasting........

It was looking at the totals spent versus the actual use that made me cut cell plans (Verizon is a rip off for me) and cable TV bills, and increase speed for internet.