Summer budget panic!

[hsmamato2]

It really isn't anyones business who gets free/reduced lunch.

sadly though,it is other peoples business when you can get free food/services for your family on TAXPAYER dollars,and save your money you DIDN'T use for food,etc to make vacation payments. THIS is why people are so sensitive to these topics- times are tough for lots of us- and it hits a nerve with me too to hear this thinking- I guess I'm one of 'those' 'judging' people who manages on our own budget,pays taxes in full, and gets to hear about others who use free food etc to get what they want.... I don't feel sorry for those who have DVC ,take expensive vacations,etc and get govt. assistance for daily necessities,and then wonder if they can FEED THEIR OWN KIDS all summer long.......
to OP,I'm sure you're a very nice person,but I seriously doubt you will have problems feeding your kids in summer- no one can be THAT desperate,and go to Disney.
(I know plenty of people who ARE that desperate,they come to our local food pantry for free things,and can't get to Disney)

 

[hentob]

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?

People who pay taxes get very upset with people who take their money, but can afford to vacation.

Title I schools DO have children that pay for their lunches Believe me, we are in a Title I school and my children don't get free/reduced meals.

It goes by PERSONAL income. Everyone that gets free/reduced luch fills out an application.

I NEVER want a child to go hungry. I also NEVER want their parents to say they can't afford to feed their child, yet be able to afford luxuries.

 

[Plantlady]

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.

Oh, the irony of it all.

I didn't realize the taxpayers were paying for DVC. I must of missed out on that.

I thought that money came from me throwing change into a change bucket.. not going out to eat, and saving.

There is no stipulation anywhere in the requirements for the free/reduced lunch program that states that every extra penny you have must be used on what other people deem as necessities. The guidelines are set, and ANYONE that qualifies is allowed to use the program.

To the person that eats at McDonald's instead of WDW.. because I'm stealing your tax money... I don't eat at McDonalds. I set that money aside.

To the person that takes their kids to the local amusement park, because I'm stealing your tax money. I would never waste my money in that manor. I would save it.

Now, these two examples alone... pay for the highly debated DVC dues. Either one. By themselves.

If it's ok for me to take my kids camping.. since that has been deemed an acceptable use of my extra money.. why can't I use that money. .that I would of needed for the tents, camping gear, campsite fees.. and set that aside for a bigger vacation?

It seems that small, vacations are *socially* acceptable on the DIS, for use crazy people that are stealing your money. Visiting relatives, camping, local activities. The money that *would* of been spent there.. was saved in my case. It cost me no more than it's costing you to do those things.. and it cost for DVC. I just cut those things out for two years. Now, since I planned ahead, I will be able to have a fun *small* vacation every TWO years.. again.. for the same price as a camping trip, or a trip to a local amusement park.

 

[DevilDuckie]

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.

Not enabling someone's drug addiction is not starving them. If your MIL has the money to support her habit, she has the money for food and would be making a conscious decision. YOU are not denying her food, you are making her act like a responsible adult. She would be starving herself if she chose cigarettes over food. There should be no guilt attached for you.

 

[Hayloburger]

ohhh...I just thought of something.
If I don't feed my kids for a few years, I can save all that money and stay at the Grand Floridian, maybe even for a week!!! After all, that would be sooo cool to see my kids faces when we check in !!!! I'm sure that they wouldn't mind the food situation for just a few years.

Why didn't I think of this before? And all this time I have been saving my money for 5 days POP, when I could get the Floridian!

I AM BEGGING THE MODERATORS TO CLOSE THIS THREAD. The people abusing the gov. assistance programs will never be able to defend their position...these arguments could go on forever.

 

[GinCar]

If the taxpayer is helping to fund the vacations by providing aid in other areas, then yes, you absolutely have an obligation to those taxpayers to explain why they are funding your meals and you can still afford to go on a luxury vacation.

If you were not using funds provided by others, then you would be right - you do not owe an explanation to anyone on how you use your funds.

But you and many here are not. You are using funds for your family that are provided by the United States of America, in otherwords, the citizens of the US.

And it is our obligation to monitor and question whether our taxes are being used in the way they were meant to be used.

Please know I am trying to add a "light-hearted" joke during a serious topic.
But... you sound like a Republican, not a Democrat!

Seriously, whatever your feelings on this matter, please be careful not to judge too quickly. One year we had made a move, job change, etc, and were really tight budget wise. My parents paid for my family and themselves a trip to Disney. I did not ask for it, they just volunteered and knew nothing of our financial situation.
Of course my first response was "no mom" you can't do that! But she insisted that this was what they wanted to do. (BTW, they are not tight financially, just very responsible with $$). We had a great time together.
Now, if anyone knew the hard times we were having, they would have said no way I should be going to Disney, just goes to show you that every situation is different. Although my kids were not school age, I have no doubt that we would have qualified for free lunches.
I will refuse to put the popcorn eating smily here.

 

[Plantlady]

sadly though,it is other peoples business when you can get free food/services for your family on TAXPAYER dollars,and save your money you DIDN'T use for food,etc to make vacation payments. THIS is why people are so sensitive to these topics- times are tough for lots of us- and it hits a nerve with me too to hear this thinking- I guess I'm one of 'those' 'judging' people who manages on our own budget,pays taxes in full, and gets to hear about others who use free food etc to get what they want.... I don't feel sorry for those who have DVC ,take expensive vacations,etc and get govt. assistance for daily necessities,and then wonder if they can FEED THEIR OWN KIDS all summer long.......
to OP,I'm sure you're a very nice person,but I seriously doubt you will have problems feeding your kids in summer- no one can be THAT desperate,and go to Disney.
(I know plenty of people who ARE that desperate,they come to our local food pantry for free things,and can't get to Disney)

Maybe someone can make a list for us.. what are we allowed to spend our money on.

Then all our troubles will be solved.

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

I didn't realize the taxpayers were paying for DVC. I must of missed out on that.

I thought that money came from me throwing change into a change bucket.. not going out to eat, and saving..

The taxpayers are paying for your DVC because you are saving money by using the free and reduced program. You are buying a luxury with taxpayer money that many who don't get the free and reduced lunch programs could never dream to afford.

You can throw money in the change bucket because the taxpayers are part of your food budget.

Technically, you are correct. You qualify.

But morally and ethically, it is SO wrong to buy DVC while using a tax program meant to help those who are struggling.

Pay for your kids' lunches first. If, after that, you can afford to scrimp and save, throw change in the bucket for DVC points and pay for the monthly maintenance fees, than go for it. But to use government money to fund complete luxuries, and DVC IS a luxury, that is so wrong.

 

[Plantlady]

The taxpayers are paying for your DVC because you are saving money by using the free and reduced program. You are buying a luxury with taxpayer money that many who don't get the free and reduced lunch programs could never dream to afford.

You can throw money in the change bucket because the taxpayers are part of your food budget.

Technically, you are correct. You qualify.

But morally and ethically, it is SO wrong to buy DVC while using a tax program meant to help those who are struggling.

What is it I'm allowed to spend my money on.. in your mind?

Can I have a phone? Can I get my car fixed? Mortgage? Or should I not be allowed to buy a house.. because YOU are paying for my kids to eat?

Where do you draw the line?

 

[TomLovesBecky]

I didn't realize the taxpayers were paying for DVC. I must of missed out on that.

I thought that money came from me throwing change into a change bucket.. not going out to eat, and saving.

There is no stipulation anywhere in the requirements for the free/reduced lunch program that states that every extra penny you have must be used on what other people deem as necessities. The guidelines are set, and ANYONE that qualifies is allowed to use the program.

To the person that eats at McDonald's instead of WDW.. because I'm stealing your tax money... I don't eat at McDonalds. I set that money aside.

To the person that takes their kids to the local amusement park, because I'm stealing your tax money. I would never waste my money in that manor. I would save it.

Now, these two examples alone... pay for the highly debated DVC dues. Either one. By themselves.

If it's ok for me to take my kids camping.. since that has been deemed an acceptable use of my extra money.. why can't I use that money. .that I would of needed for the tents, camping gear, campsite fees.. and set that aside for a bigger vacation?

It seems that small, vacations are *socially* acceptable on the DIS, for use crazy people that are stealing your money. Visiting relatives, camping, local activities. The money that *would* of been spent there.. was saved in my case. It cost me no more than it's costing you to do those things.. and it cost for DVC. I just cut those things out for two years. Now, since I planned ahead, I will be able to have a fun *small* vacation every TWO years.. again.. for the same price as a camping trip, or a trip to a local amusement park.

Well if it makes you feel any better I don't think anyone should be spending any money on anything extra if they are taking from others, not even camping trips, nothing. Yes I mean nothing, not because I want kids to do without but because it would teach parents to do better to provide for them instead of feeling entitled to handouts. I don't think anyone said it was illegal to use it if you qualify, but that doesn't mean it's not immoral. I learned that at church as a kid and teach my children that at home...sometimes legal and moral are not one and the same.

 

[iheartdisney]

ohhh...I just thought of something.
If I don't feed my kids for a few years, I can save all that money and stay at the Grand Floridian, maybe even for a week!!! After all, that would be sooo cool to see my kids faces when we check in !!!! I'm sure that they wouldn't mind the food situation for just a few years.

Why didn't I think of this before? And all this time I have been saving my money for 5 days POP, when I could get the Floridian!

I AM BEGGING THE MODERATORS TO CLOSE THIS THREAD. The people abusing the gov. assistance programs will never be able to defend their position...these arguments could go on forever.

And the judgemental folks can stop attacking people who validly qualify for government programs.
Seriously, if you have problems with government subsidy, take it up with congress. It is not wrong to use what you qualify for.
Why not go into CVS and pay full price for everything? Afer all, you have the money in your pocket. You don't want to deprive someone who REALLY needs the ECB program, right?

 

[hentob]

There is no stipulation anywhere in the requirements for the free/reduced lunch program that states that every extra penny you have must be used on what other people deem as necessities.

I "deem" feeding your own child a necessity So sad for your child that you don't consider that a priority.

And since I provide for your child (you can't feed them without MY money, but you can pay your DVC dues ) I will comment on what you should be doing with the cash that you don't use to feed your child

 

[LotsOfQuestions]

Please know I am trying to add a "light-hearted" joke during a serious topic.
But... you sound like a Republican, not a Democrat!

Seriously, whatever your feelings on this matter, please be careful not to judge too quickly. One year we had made a move, job change, etc, and were really tight budget wise. My parents paid for my family and themselves a trip to Disney. I did not ask for it, they just volunteered and knew nothing of our financial situation.
Of course my first response was "no mom" you can't do that! But she insisted that this was what they wanted to do. (BTW, they are not tight financially, just very responsible with $$). We had a great time together.
Now, if anyone knew the hard times we were having, they would have said no way I should be going to Disney, just goes to show you that every situation is different. Although my kids were not school age, I have no doubt that we would have qualified for free lunches.
I will refuse to put the popcorn eating smily here.

I, for one, don't ever begrudge families helping others out with vacations. That is their choice to do what they want with their money. I know that is a sensitive topic on these boards too that families should help out with bills and not vacations. But I see nothing wrong with parents or aunts/uncles or grandparents taking their families on vacation.

It is the position that "I am going to take government money to feed my kids and then buy a luxury timeshare pay monthly maintenance fees on the vacation property with the money that I saved by using government programs" that brings out the Republican goodvibes) in me.

Good thing I am an independent - I can go both ways

 

[dogluva]

I didn't realize the taxpayers were paying for DVC. I must of missed out on that.

I thought that money came from me throwing change into a change bucket.. not going out to eat, and saving.

There is no stipulation anywhere in the requirements for the free/reduced lunch program that states that every extra penny you have must be used on what other people deem as necessities. The guidelines are set, and ANYONE that qualifies is allowed to use the program.

To the person that eats at McDonald's instead of WDW.. because I'm stealing your tax money... I don't eat at McDonalds. I set that money aside.

To the person that takes their kids to the local amusement park, because I'm stealing your tax money. I would never waste my money in that manor. I would save it.

Now, these two examples alone... pay for the highly debated DVC dues. Either one. By themselves.

If it's ok for me to take my kids camping.. since that has been deemed an acceptable use of my extra money.. why can't I use that money. .that I would of needed for the tents, camping gear, campsite fees.. and set that aside for a bigger vacation?

It seems that small, vacations are *socially* acceptable on the DIS, for use crazy people that are stealing your money. Visiting relatives, camping, local activities. The money that *would* of been spent there.. was saved in my case. It cost me no more than it's costing you to do those things.. and it cost for DVC. I just cut those things out for two years. Now, since I planned ahead, I will be able to have a fun *small* vacation every TWO years.. again.. for the same price as a camping trip, or a trip to a local amusement park.

That was me that posted about McDonalds. Just used that as an example, we don't really eat there that much but again, it is my money that I earned and I can spend it any way I want. even McDonalds.

I have to work a second job to be able to put change in the jar. The rest goes to feeding, clothing, educating, putting a roof over my offsprings' heads. Spend YOUR money the way you want. However, services from the government is for people truly in need. Not for people to save for trips (any trip, even camping).

 

[Hayloburger]

And the judgemental folks can stop attacking people who validly qualify for government programs.
Seriously, if you have problems with government subsidy, take it up with congress. It is not wrong to use what you qualify for.
Why not go into CVS and pay full price for everything? Afer all, you have the money in your pocket. You don't want to deprive someone who REALLY needs the ECB program, right?

I said ABUSING government assistance programs. I think the programs are great, it's just too bad that people can't use a moral compass when using them.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

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 will starve anyone before I starve my kids. YOU are the one that said that you have money MOST of the time for food and have to SAVE to buy groceries the other times. Sorry- but if my situation was as such the last thing I would be thinking about would be my next vacation. I also sure as heck would not be funding my MIL or anyone's habits (smoking) either.

 

[hsmamato2]

You can throw money in the change bucket because the taxpayers are part of your food budget.
.

yes. no one cares how you use YOUR money,be it change or whatever. But the POINT is,that change in your bucket isn;t extra,it's money that you could be using to buy your kids FOOD. which is a necessity. I don't care what you buy or how you spend it if it's yours to spend- but try handing over y our change bucket money to a stranger and tell them "feel free to blow it on anything fun" while YOU get to figure out how to pay for your families needs later on..... tax money is funded by all of us. So if someone takes it,uses it,but has extra for 'fun' stuff- why is that right?

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I didn't realize the taxpayers were paying for DVC. I must of missed out on that.

I thought that money came from me throwing change into a change bucket.. not going out to eat, and saving.

There is no stipulation anywhere in the requirements for the free/reduced lunch program that states that every extra penny you have must be used on what other people deem as necessities. The guidelines are set, and ANYONE that qualifies is allowed to use the program.

To the person that eats at McDonald's instead of WDW.. because I'm stealing your tax money... I don't eat at McDonalds. I set that money aside.

To the person that takes their kids to the local amusement park, because I'm stealing your tax money. I would never waste my money in that manor. I would save it.

Now, these two examples alone... pay for the highly debated DVC dues. Either one. By themselves.

If it's ok for me to take my kids camping.. since that has been deemed an acceptable use of my extra money.. why can't I use that money. .that I would of needed for the tents, camping gear, campsite fees.. and set that aside for a bigger vacation?

It seems that small, vacations are *socially* acceptable on the DIS, for use crazy people that are stealing your money. Visiting relatives, camping, local activities. The money that *would* of been spent there.. was saved in my case. It cost me no more than it's costing you to do those things.. and it cost for DVC. I just cut those things out for two years. Now, since I planned ahead, I will be able to have a fun *small* vacation every TWO years.. again.. for the same price as a camping trip, or a trip to a local amusement park.

I don't think ANY vacation is acceptable if you CANNOT AFFORD FOOD!!!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Please know I am trying to add a "light-hearted" joke during a serious topic.
But... you sound like a Republican, not a Democrat!

Seriously, whatever your feelings on this matter, please be careful not to judge too quickly. One year we had made a move, job change, etc, and were really tight budget wise. My parents paid for my family and themselves a trip to Disney. I did not ask for it, they just volunteered and knew nothing of our financial situation.
Of course my first response was "no mom" you can't do that! But she insisted that this was what they wanted to do. (BTW, they are not tight financially, just very responsible with $$). We had a great time together.
Now, if anyone knew the hard times we were having, they would have said no way I should be going to Disney, just goes to show you that every situation is different. Although my kids were not school age, I have no doubt that we would have qualified for free lunches.
I will refuse to put the popcorn eating smily here.

I was wondering how long it would take before someone said a family member financed their trip. Look- I am not singling you out but seriously- before I would accept a trip from my parents I would tell them that I can barely afford food so the trip is not a priority. But hey- that's just me.
Of course I only know one person who ever got a trip payed for by a family member. Clearly I run in the wrong circles.

 

[dogluva]

I don't think ANY vacation is acceptable if you CANNOT AFFORD FOOD!!!!

Amen.