Summer budget panic!

[dogluva]

I use one service from the government and I'm a bad person for wanting my kids to go on vacation? A vacation, that btw, we haven't signed up for yet because we don't know if we can? I come on the budget board here in order to find ways to save for them to go. And as I said before, I didn't come on here to discuss my reasons for them being part of that program or to explain my financial situation to anyone who's never been a part of such programs. I came on here because of the original poster's topic about trying to find ways to save to feed the kids over the summertime.

Well look at like this? I don't get ANY services from the government and I also want my kids to go on vacation. But, unfortunately I can't because it costs to much. And I work two jobs, my husband works, my son is taking out loans to go to college (like we did), to pay bills and have a little bit for extras(like a meal at McDonalds-not WDW) just so we don't have to take anything from the government. Do you see why I am a little resentful???

 

[hentob]

And most of time, we are able to get groceries. Not as much as I'd like and a lot of the time, we end up eating the same kind of stuff because we can't afford anything else. But my kids won't be kids forever and I want them to have a nice WDW vacation at least once in their lives.

You are able to afford groceries MOST of the time , and even then you can't afford any variety for your children

Yet, you are using your stimulus check for WDW?

Has anybody ever sat you down and explained to you what being a parent means? I sometimes think people just weren't taught this and they are very surprised when they hear people explain it is not normal to take a vacation if you cannot afford to take care of your children.

Do you have any local parenting classes that you can attend?

My anger has turned to pity. Some people truly don't know how to raise a child and this cycle continues

Break the cycle, flamestarrdust! Food before fun! That is easy to remember.

 

[hsmamato2]

Someone has to say it......

But several people on here qualify for free breakfasts/lunches and still have nice trips planned. How exactly can you not afford to feed your kids but can afford a nice vacation?

I am not trying to be rude, but I would really like to understand

????

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I find it VERY ironic you can hold an opinion like this while supporting the most liberal and socialist candidates we've ever seen.

Let me stress, there is no abuse of system when someone qualifies for a government program like reduced lunches or WIC.
Abuse would be if the cutoff was $45,000, and I bring send in last years paycheck that shows I make less than I do. Or claiming dependants that don't live with you.
I qualify or most programs because my husband is enlisted in the military. So, since your taxmoney pays our salary (his military paycheck) should you have a say in what I do with my paycheck?
Seriously, who knew a Disney board could be so judgemental?

I also said I fully support the social programs that help people who NEED it and are struggling.

People who have additional funds to go to Disney or buy DVC are not struggling nor do they NEED to have their food paid for.

And your husband (and you) are providing a great service to this country.

Thank You. ​

As somebody else said, THAT is what our tax dollars should go towards. People who need and definitely earn it.

People who are playing the system so that they get free or reduced lunches, paid by my tax dollars, and then buy DVC with my tax dollars - yes, those are the ones that should be weeded out of the programs.

 

[DVCMama]

Yet, I can't say I'm going to set aside some money so my kids can go to WDW because my kids are on a free breakfast/lunch program.

If you have enough money to be setting aside for a vacation you should be paying for your kids lunch. You can easily send a cheap bagged lunch, I do it for my son everyday. It can be very inexpensive and much healthier than the crap they serve at school. And a LOT less embarassing for your children. You yourself admitted they were embarassed about it. So you are saving for their vacation by sacraficing their emotional well being. Great parenting.
Also you are taking money from the taxpayers to allow yourself extra money for a vacation, you should not be surprised that the people footing your bill are upset. I am all for government programs for people who need them, and free lunches are a good thing. But you apparently aren't in that much need for it so you are indeed abusing the system.
Also you are seriously buying the dining plan?! You aren't buying your kids lunch at school but you are able to afford this luxury!?!? That is just plain SELFISH. Our family who makes a nice living cannot afford the dining plan! It is simply a money wasting thing for us. The dining plan is a LOT of food, you probably don't need it and that would cut a lot of cost of your trip right there.
Also I want to add that no one is entitled to a Disney trip, not even your children although I am sure they are wonderful. In fact a lot of really great people I know have never been. I would be willing to bet your children will respect you more for getting your finances in order and not making them take free lunch than being able to have Disney world for a week.
If you want a trip for your children then take care of your living expenses first. When you can afford to feed your kids and have no government assistance then you should consider saving for the trip. And then WORK for for the trip. What about getting a job (but that might push you over the free lunch cutoff yikes!)?
You can't afford daycare for you kids you say, well what about doing home daycare or an evening job for extra money? There are lots of different ways to get it worked out to help your situation and be able to afford a trip in very little time. I wish you the best of luck.

 

[flamestarrdust]

Well look at like this? I don't get ANY services from the government and I also want my kids to go on vacation. But, unfortunately I can't because it costs to much. And I work two jobs, my husband works, my son is taking out loans to go to college (like we did), to pay bills and have a little bit for extras(like a meal at McDonalds-not WDW) just so we don't have to take anything from the government. Do you see why I am a little resentful???

I can completely understand your position. I just don't like being judged for wanting to do something good for my kids. My last tax refund was entirely spent on getting things for them like new shoes and clothes. I haven't bought myself anything in I don't remember how long. As I said, this WDW is something we hope we can do but we aren't positive that we can, due to how things are financially and with the gas prices rising higher everyday, it may not happen. But I am hoping that it can. And for this upcoming school year, I seriously doubt we even qualify for the free breakfast/lunch program because our situation has changed. However, the government doesn't recognize the help we give to my fiance's mom so things could still be bad for a while. We are hoping that once the trip comes around that we won't need any aid whatsoever.

 

[dogluva]

Actually, I do. Thanks for asking. I never said I got free lunches. I pay money to the school each and every month for my kids to eat lunch.

This is how I live life. Saving, budgeting, and prioritizing.

Sorry, I confused you with someone else.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

And this is coming from a Democrat!

Nope. Not a democrat at all. Never have been, never will be.

Just because I am socially liberal, does not mean that I like to see my tax dollars abused.

 

[flamestarrdust]

You are able to afford groceries MOST of the time , and even then you can't afford any variety for your children

Yet, you are using your stimulus check for WDW?

Has anybody ever sat you down and explained to you what being a parent means? I sometimes think people just weren't taught this and they are very surprised when they hear people explain it is not normal to take a vacation if you cannot afford to take care of your children.

Do you have any local parenting classes that you can attend?

My anger has turned to pity. Some people truly don't know how to raise a child and this cycle continues

Break the cycle, flamestarrdust! Food before fun! That is easy to remember.

Is this really necessary? To question my parenting abilities? My children get fed first before anything else. I give them everything I have. I sacrifice so they can have things I didn't. My children are taken care of. And just because they are on a free breakfast/lunch program doesn't mean they aren't taken care of. I really love the disboards but this judging stuff is getting ridiculous.

 

[hentob]

But who knows if we'll be able to do that because the money may end up having to go to something else once again and the kids will again watch as something they want to do can't happen once again.

Oh sweetie, this happens in families where parents make $100K Teach your children that food comes before fun. Teach them today

Because they suffer as much as the adults do. This may be a little off topic, but we watch as the parent we support uses extra money to fund her cigarettes instead of buying extra groceries. .

Your poor children!

YOU are doing your children a great injustice by allowing this to happen

Let Grammy get very hungry (refuse to buy her food) and BELIEVE ME—She will give up her cigarettes very fast. She was never taught that a basic necessity (food) comes before a luxury (cigarettes)

Don’t enable her so that your children continue this cycle.

Again, STOP feeding Grammy—I PROMISE you, she will use her money more wisely

 

[Hayloburger]

We haven't been able to do anything for the kids so far. I am making the down payment to WDW for our trip with my stimulus money coming next month. Since we've been supporting my mother in law, we haven't been able to afford anything. Now that we've moved, we are hoping things will change. But by no means have we been able to go to WDW or any other place for a vacation this year due to our financial situation. We didn't go anywhere last year either. I'm guessing that most of the rest of the money we put towards our trip will be our tax refunds. And most of time, we are able to get groceries. Not as much as I'd like and a lot of the time, we end up eating the same kind of stuff because we can't afford anything else. But my kids won't be kids forever and I want them to have a nice WDW vacation at least once in their lives. So I am going to scrimp and save to put aside what I can so they can go just once even if that means they end up on the free breakfast/lunch program again next year. But I would only do that as long as it is absolutely necessary. Once we are better off financially, then of course I would take them off that program but until then, I won't and I won't feel bad for putting money away so my kids can have one awesome trip to WDW. And I'm not trying to be rude either or upset anyone. I just want my kids to have at least one good thing to look forward to even when money is low. It's not their faults things are this way and they already have to suffer enough. I mean I don't think the kids like being on the free breakfast/lunch program. I remember kids being embarassed about it when I was a kid. But by no means, does this mean it's a bad thing to be on. In fact, it's becoming more common it seems in certain areas. My daughter's teacher told me about the school having to even supply deodorant to kids at the school because their parents couldn't afford it. Things are just really tight for a lot of people right now.

I NEVER RESPOND TO THESE POSTS, BUT THIS IS CRAZY...
Think about what you are teaching your kids. You are teaching them to 1) steal from the government, 2) setting the wrong priorities and 3) that YOUR wants are more important than their needs. You state that they don't like being on the lunch program.......they don't have to be....your everyday life and how you live it is way more important than spending a week on vacation. I think people (and I include myself in this) have this fantasy that a Disney trip will make everything better...try focusing on the present, not the fantasy trip.

My definition of a good parent is to do what's best for my children. This means setting a good example by living my life correctly....no matter how challenging it may be.....that mean paying my bills, saving for retirement(so my child isn't burdened by me), and saving for college(so my kids can take care of themselves) and skipping disney (or if there's money left, then I go to disney). By not taking care of your responsibilities first, you are CONTINUEING THE POVERTY CYCLE. And don't say it's not poverty, because you can't or won't feed your kids. It's your business to do whatever you wish, but don't expect the tax paying citizens (and good mothers) on this board to sit by silently and not be appauled....because afterall, we're feeding your kids.

As to the other post who is financially struggling and then purchased the DVC...why don't you take that money, invest it in a college fund, and then your kids will be able to provide for themselves when they are adults and they won't need the governments assistance!

 

[hentob]

Is this really necessary? To question my parenting abilities? My children get fed first before anything else. I give them everything I have. I sacrifice so they can have things I didn't. My children are taken care of. And just because they are on a free breakfast/lunch program doesn't mean they aren't taken care of. I really love the disboards but this judging stuff is getting ridiculous.

Not attacking.

I was only going on what YOU said. You said you can afford food MOST of the time, yet you are using your stimulus check for a luxury NOT for food

Yes. It was necessary. You need counseling if you can't afford to buy your children food, but you are going to WDW.

That is wrong and you need help You don't think it is wrong (that you can only afford food SOME of the time, yet you are planning a vacation) because you don't know any different.

Break the cycle that Gram has passed down. You admit what she is doing is wrong (smoking but not able to afford food), yet you don't see what you are doing as wrong

 

[Plantlady]

I find it VERY ironic you can hold an opinion like this while supporting the most liberal and socialist candidates we've ever seen.

Let me stress, there is no abuse of system when someone qualifies for a government program like reduced lunches or WIC.
Abuse would be if the cutoff was $45,000, and I bring send in last years paycheck that shows I make less than I do. Or claiming dependants that don't live with you.
I qualify or most programs because my husband is enlisted in the military. So, since your taxmoney pays our salary (his military paycheck) should you have a say in what I do with my paycheck?
Seriously, who knew a Disney board could be so judgemental?

I agree with this! We are also paid by taxpayers money!

I think, if one wants to pick fault.. lets take it to the legislatures that state that the cut off for assistance is $45,000.

Or, let's talk about a teacher's salary. DH is a teacher, I am a para, that will be a teacher within a year. DH is teaching at risk youth in an alternative high school. I am working with special needs kids. One would say that we have a valuable part in this society. However, we STILL meet the guidelines for reduced lunches. To me, that is sad.

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

I think because your title is "Summer Budget Crisis".

You mention in your first line that the kids are on the Free and Reduced program. It implies you are in a crisis in having to feed your children without these programs, yet you have a trip counter for a trip to Disney in your signature.

So, by saying you are in a budget crisis, saying you rely on the free food program during the school year, but hell with it all - we are going to Disney, you touched a nerve.

The way I read your post was: We have a vacation Budget problem because we are not getting freebies this summer. Not a post requesting how to share budget meal ideas. If that was not correct, I apologize. But that is the way it came across.

I love the sharing of ideas on how to reduce grocery budgets. I think all income levels can benefit by this. There were some great ideas in some of the posts.

However, when people say they can't feed their children but then take big trips, and use the taxpayer's money to fund it, it trips people's triggers. Especially the ones who are paying for these Disney trips for the posters.

I am sorry that my choice of words mislead you. I did not mean that my world was coming to an end because of summer. I was being playful with my wording, thinking some of you with kids would understand where I was coming from. I guess I was wrong.
Never once did I say I could not feed my children. We have plenty of food in our home. We are just trying to be responsible and make our budget stretch because we are saving our money for our family vacation.
Nor did I say I rely on a free food program. My children attend Title 1 schools. They provide free breakfast to the entire school regardless of income. I believe the entire school is on a reduced lunch program as well. It is a wonderful school, my kids get a great education, we just live a in very poor town. I apologize for that, not much I can do about it.
I did not realize you were all paying for our trip to Disney. That is such good news! I'll tell my husband that all the saving we have been doing for the last two years was for nothing! The kids will be happy too, they've been saving their allowance and birthday money all this time.
Don't mean to be flip here, but come on! I have never felt so attacked by people I don't even know. My husband and I both work really hard in jobs that unfortunately aren't stellar in the way of income. I am one of those "taxpayers" you are talking about. I am proud of what we have been able to give our children, and I am proud we are saving as a family for a vacation we really want. Sorry if that offends anyone.
Now, any more ideas on how to stretch my breakfast and lunches over the next couple of months?

 

[flamestarrdust]

Oh sweetie, this happens in families where parents make $100K Teach your children that food comes before fun. Teach them today



Your poor children!

YOU are doing your children a great injustice by allowing this to happen

Let Grammy get very hungry (refuse to buy her food) and BELIEVE ME—She will give up her cigarettes very fast. She was never taught that a basic necessity (food) comes before a luxury (cigarettes)

Don’t enable her so that your children continue this cycle.

Again, STOP feeding Grammy—I PROMISE you, she will use her money more wisely

She is an adult and is going to do what she wants so I cannot stop her from using it for what she will. But you say I'm bad for making my kids eat free breakfast/lunch and take them to WDW? Yet, you want me to starve my mother in law because she won't quit smoking? You should seriously rethink what you're saying.

 

[Plantlady]

If you are in the 40% tax bracket, you are making WAY more than the $45,000 per year that you said was your state cut-off.

Just the self employed money is getting taxed at 40%. That isn't a large part of our income. It is in fact a very small portion, but it does bring in some more income.. so, that's ok. I assure you, I did not fib on our paperwork or taxes. We *definitely* make less than $45,000.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I agree with this! We are also paid by taxpayers money!

I think, if one wants to pick fault.. lets take it to the legislatures that state that the cut off for assistance is $45,000.

Or, let's talk about a teacher's salary. DH is a teacher, I am a para, that will be a teacher within a year. DH is teaching at risk youth in an alternative high school. I am working with special needs kids. One would say that we have a valuable part in this society. However, we STILL meet the guidelines for reduced lunches. To me, that is sad.

But we are not talking about your salary. We are talking about you using other government programs that you do not need so you can fund your DVC ownership.

You are paying a monthly fee on your DVC ownership, yet the taxpayers are paying a portion of your children's lunches each month.

So, what you are saying is that because you work for the government, you "deserve" DVC ownership?

Oh, the irony of it all.

 

[dogluva]

I can completely understand your position. I just don't like being judged for wanting to do something good for my kids. My last tax refund was entirely spent on getting things for them like new shoes and clothes. I haven't bought myself anything in I don't remember how long. As I said, this WDW is something we hope we can do but we aren't positive that we can, due to how things are financially and with the gas prices rising higher everyday, it may not happen. But I am hoping that it can. And for this upcoming school year, I seriously doubt we even qualify for the free breakfast/lunch program because our situation has changed. However, the government doesn't recognize the help we give to my fiance's mom so things could still be bad for a while. We are hoping that once the trip comes around that we won't need any aid whatsoever.

Sorry but you don't. If you did you would be defending us working our fingers to the bone to pay for bills instead of taking money so you can save to go to Disney.

My sons would love to go back to Disney. They went 15 months ago. They will not be going back for a long, long time. See, I have to pay for my daughter's braces and my son's dorm. I have to pay my health insurance and my mortgage. I also have to pay $1.75 for five children every day for their lunches. That is $43.75 a week. That is $175 monthly. That is $1, 750 a year. So the money I am spending on food for my kids, you are spending on a trip to Disney. You are also not working 10 hour days like my husband and I are doing.

I am not trying to be judgmental but I cannot help it. It is frustrating when I read that a person who is taking govenment services is planning a trip to Disney world.

 

[hentob]

She is an adult and is going to do what she wants so I cannot stop her from using it for what she will. But you say I'm bad for making my kids eat free breakfast/lunch and take them to WDW? Yet, you want me to starve my mother in law because she won't quit smoking? You should seriously rethink what you're saying.

I am not saying you are bad And I am NOT refering to school lunches. I am refering to you saying that you have no money to buy groceries at certain times.

Your MIL will NOT starve She will chose food over smoking..believe me


I see your cycle will continue. Oh well. I tried.

 

[TNT21]

I am sorry that my choice of words mislead you. I did not mean that my world was coming to an end because of summer. I was being playful with my wording, thinking some of you with kids would understand where I was coming from. I guess I was wrong.
Never once did I say I could not feed my children. We have plenty of food in our home. We are just trying to be responsible and make our budget stretch because we are saving our money for our family vacation.
Nor did I say I rely on a free food program. My children attend Title 1 schools. They provide free breakfast to the entire school regardless of income. I believe the entire school is on a reduced lunch program as well. It is a wonderful school, my kids get a great education, we just live a in very poor town. I apologize for that, not much I can do about it.
I did not realize you were all paying for our trip to Disney. That is such good news! I'll tell my husband that all the saving we have been doing for the last two years was for nothing! The kids will be happy too, they've been saving their allowance and birthday money all this time.
Don't mean to be flip here, but come on! I have never felt so attacked by people I don't even know. My husband and I both work really hard in jobs that unfortunately aren't stellar in the way of income. I am one of those "taxpayers" you are talking about. I am proud of what we have been able to give our children, and I am proud we are saving as a family for a vacation we really want. Sorry if that offends anyone.
Now, any more ideas on how to stretch my breakfast and lunches over the next couple of months?

No ideas here, but I'm sorry that your simple comment/ question has turned into a multi-page personal attack on your (and others) moral values! Can't we all just be friends?