Tips on becoming a saver?

[Happyinwonerland]

The personal trainer is necessary. I need to make this investment into my health. I've been carrying around 20 extra pounds since my daughter was born and he is helping me get rid of it. It isn't crazy expensive, less than $200 a month.

We don't have cable.

I do have a mortgage payment. Our house isn't crazy expensive, and our mortgage is cheaper than rent would be.

I have a car payment because the loan is 0% interest. We do have the money to pay it off today if need be, but I like having that cash liquid. And my car is worth twice what I owe.

The birthday is crazy expensive because we have so many people. Food costs us $300, cake is another $100, then drinks, decorations, gift for the birthday girl, party favors, games. It adds up fast

The vacations we should probably cut back. We really enjoy our trips. But it does eat a big chunk of our money.

We don't use credit cards. I have some debt from college and my car/house loans. Really nothing extravagant.We do have retirement and college savings. Just not enough everyday savings. In addition to a new house in the next 5 years, we are going to have to buy dH a car at some point. His clunker is 13 yard old. He graduates in just over a year, so hopefully he will get a pay boost to help with these goals.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

crisi-I find it hard to believe someone with over $200k would have trouble affording those things, unless you live in a very high cost of living area.I live in Kentucky, where day to day expenses aren't too high.

 

[SirDuff]

The personal trainer is necessary. I need to make this investment into my health. I've been carrying around 20 extra pounds since my daughter was born and he is helping me get rid of it. It isn't crazy expensive, less than $200 a month.

We don't have cable.

I do have a mortgage payment. Our house isn't crazy expensive, and our mortgage is cheaper than rent would be.

I have a car payment because the loan is 0% interest. We do have the money to pay it off today if need be, but I like having that cash liquid. And my car is worth twice what I owe.

The birthday is crazy expensive because we have so many people. Food costs us $300, cake is another $100, then drinks, decorations, gift for the birthday girl, party favors, games. It adds up fast

The vacations we should probably cut back. We really enjoy our trips. But it does eat a big chunk of our money.

We don't use credit cards. I have some debt from college and my car/house loans. Really nothing extravagant.We do have retirement and college savings. Just not enough everyday savings. In addition to a new house in the next 5 years, we are going to have to buy dH a car at some point. His clunker is 13 yard old. He graduates in just over a year, so hopefully he will get a pay boost to help with these goals.

Honestly, it doesn't really sound like you want to save. You have a justification for all your "spend, spend, spend", so I'm not really sure what you are looking for from this thread. And that's fine, just confusing.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Morgan- I don't hire out lawn care and house keeping. I cook at home most nights (admittedly, it's usually expensive meal- lots of seafood and organic ingredients). I don't even pay for child care. We don't have a cable bill or landline either.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Honestly, it doesn't really sound like you want to save. You have a justification for all your "spend, spend, spend", so I'm not really sure what you are looking for from this thread. And that's fine, just confusing.

I guess I was looking for advice on changing the habits instead of just lectures on why the expenses I have are unreasonable to someone else.
Like, how do you throw an inexpensive birthday party with 35 guests? How do you keep your grocery costs down and still eat healthfully? What do you do for fun instead of spending $300 on concert tickets?

 

[Happyinwonerland]

We don't have disposable income. So I don't have a problem saying no to things. Right now there are no vacations or anything else. Even needed things we can't get. We have to put away money for our taxes every 3 months. Don't get me wrong I love thinking about vacations and things but I have to be real about finances and do what is right. So for you I would say instead of spend , spend, spend, think of it as I could take this money and apply it to any bills that I could pay off. And take your money and put so much aside for your vacations.

I'mean sorry your family is in a tough spot. Hopefully things will turn around for you.

 

[crisi]

crisi-I find it hard to believe someone with over $200k would have trouble affording those things, unless you live in a very high cost of living area.I live in Kentucky, where day to day expenses aren't too high.

I suspect our definitions of afford are very different. We are savers, we can't afford things if it dips into our savings, causes debt. And we pay ourselves first - well - second, first I pay my bills and the critical living expenses, then we save, then what is left over I can "afford" to spend. So I can't afford a personal trainer, even though its "only" $200 a month unless I cut $200 a month out of something else. And there isn't anywhere I spend that I'd want to cut for a personal trainer when the C25K program on my phone does me fine.

You have a birthday party for 35 people by feeding them cake and having it mid afternoon in your back yard. No meals. You don't hand out party favors and you play games that are free.

 

[Narnia_girl]

Another vote for YNAB.
My 2015 goal was to Stop Shopping--it's so simple, but this concept has saved me so much money. I don't go out with the gals for a day of shopping anymore, or shop because I'm bored or killing time. I only go to stores when I have to and I try to get out asap. Same for online shopping. Don't browse anywhere!

I guess I was looking for advice on changing the habits instead of just lectures on why the expenses I have are unreasonable to someone else.
Like, how do you throw an inexpensive birthday party with 35 guests? How do you keep your grocery costs down and still eat healthfully? What do you do for fun instead of spending $300 on concert tickets?

I you feel you must entertain that many people for her party then make it a cake/ice cream and punch in the afternoon. You don't have to feed people a meal. Or make it a potluck. Many people are happy to contribute their favorite recipe. Ditch the fancy decorations, too. Often they are a one-time-use and then throw away. Visit Pinterest for (a million) inexpensive ideas.

For Fun:

• Visit Pinterest--you'll find more ideas than you can possibly do.
• Do a search for "Free things to do in YOUR CITY".
• See if your museums or zoos have free days.
• Go to library activities, meet friends at the park.
• Free community park concerts
• Scavenger hunts
• Search for cheap (thrifty, inexpensive) date ideas--many of these lists are suitable for families.

 

[mrovito]

I guess I was looking for advice on changing the habits instead of just lectures on why the expenses I have are unreasonable to someone else.
Like, how do you throw an inexpensive birthday party with 35 guests? How do you keep your grocery costs down and still eat healthfully? What do you do for fun instead of spending $300 on concert tickets?

It is very easy to fall into this trap. I have held parties at places that charged $25/child. With food and drink it adds up. Thr most I spent was around $700. Afterwards I said to my wife we are crazy. The kids had fun, but at the end of the day we realized we spent a big chunk of money on a party they will forget. So look for other alternatives. Have it at a movie theater. It's inexpensive if it's a matinee and order pizza and have cake. Do you need to have so many people? if so have it at home. Order a hero sandwich or grill hotdogs to keep the cost down. Paying someone to come in to entertain or play games is not necessary. I think a big part of your spending is on trips. I do what someone suggested and wait 24 hours before a major purchase. Do I really need this or want it? I see nothing wrong with spending money on yourself and your family. Vacation time is precious. Just make sure it's not at the expense of your future or family's future. Kids grow up quickly and it's tough to play catch up later on ( no matter how much money you make).

 

[Happyinwonerland]

c25k is fine, but I'm beyond that level of fitness. It's good cardio for sure, but we focus on developing strength as well. The strength is good for my career too, as it prevents injury, so it's a double benefit- good body and safe work.

I guess a party with just cake is ok, but I'm afraid it would seem like a gift grab instead of a celebration. Too late from this year, the invites have gone out and the caterer has been paid, but maybe next year we will think about an afternoon party with hors devours instead of a meal. Maybe cut back on favors.

 

[Minniesgal]

For me what worked was just starting. I always had a budget but didn't always stick to it and sometimes had little left to save at the end of the month. Then I noticed I was good at staying within the limits of what I could spend so I decided to pull back The limit. I just started putting an amount away each month as soon as I got paid and live on the rest. I started low and increaSed it month on month. Once you start to see savings grow it gets exciting and now I look forward to getting paid and seeing it grow

 

[crisi]

Then you say "no gifts" on the invitation.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

It is very easy to fall into this trap. I have held parties at places that charged $25/child. With food and drink it adds up. Thr most I spent was around $700. Afterwards I said to my wife we are crazy. The kids had fun, but at the end of the day we realized we spent a big chunk of money on a party they will forget. So look for other alternatives. Have it at a movie theater. It's inexpensive if it's a matinee and order pizza and have cake. Do you need to have so many people? if so have it at home. Order a hero sandwich or grill hotdogs to keep the cost down. Paying someone to come in to entertain or play games is not necessary. I think a big part of your spending is on trips. I do what someone suggested and wait 24 hours before a major purchase. Do I really need this or want it? I see nothing wrong with spending money on yourself and your family. Vacation time is precious. Just make sure it's not at the expense of your future or family's future. Kids grow up quickly and it's tough to play catch up later on ( no matter how much money you make).

That's the crazy thing- I do have the party at home! I'miss not a fan of commercial type parties, but it gets expensive to have a nice party at home. The meal is a buffet with several types of pasta, salad, fruit, some appetizers. It is a catered meal, because i have too much going on that day to cook for 35 people too. Dessert is cake, ice cream, and home made decorative cookies. I made a lot of the decorations, or bought them cheaply and jazzed them up. But all the craft supplies get expensive. Just the cups, lunch plates, cake plates, napkins and cutlery for that many people is around $75. And the favor bags- the trinkets and candy add up! And the helium balloons. An did had to bug a. princess costume and wig so my sister in law can be Cinderella to entertain the kids. And I have to rent tables and chairs...

 

[Happyinwonerland]

Then you say "no gifts" on the invitation.

A friend tried that once. She said no gifts, please bring dog food to donate to a shelter. People showed up with dog food ad birthday gifts and it was a bit of a social faux-pas on her part.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

the party gust list is crazy because our family is big. DD has 3 sets of grandparents, 2 great grandparents, 3 uncles, 2 aunts, plus her friends are around 10-15 young kids, who all attend with their parents.

 

[EvieBug]

I guess I was looking for advice on changing the habits instead of just lectures on why the expenses I have are unreasonable to someone else.
Like, how do you throw an inexpensive birthday party with 35 guests? How do you keep your grocery costs down and still eat healthfully? What do you do for fun instead of spending $300 on concert tickets?

So these are reasonable questions. I'll have a go!

1) Birthday party. With 35 guests I'm assuming some/most are family. So how about a pot luck? Maybe Aunt Susan can make her famous 5 layer dip and spend a bit less on a gift for your DD? Get a friend/neighbor/classmate's mom who does cakes to do one so it's not so steep in cost. Or have one "show" cake for the birthday girl that's all themed and what not, and a big relatively plain sheet cake for the masses. Decorations - Oriental Trading is cheap, and for parties where you will toss a lot of stuff after, they are great. Also you can share with other parents - my friend and I both ended up with sons wanting puppy themed parties, so we traded off leftover stuff and shared cost. Games - there are lots of free printables and things you can find online.

2) Grocery costs. Are you meal planning? That helps right off the bat, instead of deciding day by day what to cook. I'm totally guilty of falling off the meal plan wagon but it helps. Budgeting - pick organic for the dirty dozen and maybe stick to conventional for the other items. Find the best deals - it does take some effort and hunting, but it can save you some. Coupons are only good for the processed things generally, but use them if you can.

3) I am not sure how to answer this. We don't do concerts. But there are loads of free/inexpensive entertainment options for yourself and your family. I check the local websites - there are always festivals and things going on near us that we can go to.

 

[crisi]

A friend tried that once. She said no gifts, please bring dog food to donate to a shelter. People showed up with dog food ad birthday gifts and it was a bit of a social faux-pas on her part.

It was a bit of a social faux pas on both parts. If its no gifts its no gifts. Not "but I want you to donate to the charity I choose" and then the guests should have had eighth grade reading comprehension to understand.

 

[Gr8t Fan]

I guess I was looking for advice on changing the habits instead of just lectures on why the expenses I have are unreasonable to someone else.
Like, how do you throw an inexpensive birthday party with 35 guests? How do you keep your grocery costs down and still eat healthfully? What do you do for fun instead of spending $300 on concert tickets?

We have birthday parties every year for our children and spend about $250 total for food for approx. 25-30 people and that includes a full meal. We usually make rice, beans, chicken tacos, tostadas, salad and have cake and ice cream. We have the party at home and that includes a piñata filled with candy. Are you having the party somewhere other than home? Maybe that's why your cost is so high.

We also have plenty of fun that doesn't cost much money. We take walks, go to the park, walk along the lakefront, swim in our pool, have cookouts, watch movies on Netflix, have family game nights, ride our bicycles.

We average 4-5 trips to WDW (and to visit family in the area) a year, but we buy APs, drive down from Chicago, stay offsite in a condo and eat most of our meals in the condo. Our kids think they've died and gone to heaven!

 

[Happyinwonerland]

We have birthday parties every year for our children and spend about $250 total for food for approx. 25-30 people and that includes a full meal. We usually make rice, beans, chicken tacos, tostadas, salad and have cake and ice cream. We have the party at home and that includes a piñata filled with candy. Are you having the party somewhere other than home? Maybe that's why your cost is so high.

We also have plenty of fun that doesn't cost much money. We take walks, go to the park, walk along the lakefront, swim in our pool, have cookouts, watch movies on Netflix, have family game nights, ride our bicycles.

We average 4-5 trips to WDW (and to visit family in the area) a year, but we buy APs, drive down from Chicago, stay offsite in a condo and eat most of our meals in the condo. Our kids think they've died an gone to heaven!

We need to get APs for our next trip, it would save us some $$. We stay off site in a condo too. We drive from Kentucky. our Disney trips are pretty affordable, about $2000.

I con probably save a little on the party by cooking myself, but I would be so stressed.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

So these are reasonable questions. I'll have a go!

1) Birthday party. With 35 guests I'm assuming some/most are family. So how about a pot luck? Maybe Aunt Susan can make her famous 5 layer dip and spend a bit less on a gift for your DD? Get a friend/neighbor/classmate's mom who does cakes to do one so it's not so steep in cost. Or have one "show" cake for the birthday girl that's all themed and what not, and a big relatively plain sheet cake for the masses. Decorations - Oriental Trading is cheap, and for parties where you will toss a lot of stuff after, they are great. Also you can share with other parents - my friend and I both ended up with sons wanting puppy themed parties, so we traded off leftover stuff and shared cost. Games - there are lots of free printables and things you

2) Grocery costs. Are you meal planning? That helps right off the bat, instead of deciding day by day what to cook. I'm totally guilty of falling off the meal plan wagon but it helps. Budgeting - pick organic for the dirty dozen and maybe stick to conventional for the other items. Find the best deals - it does take some effort and hunting, but it can save you some. Coupons are only good for the processed things generally, but use them if you can.

3) I am not sure how to answer this. We don't do concerts. But there are loads of free/inexpensive entertainment options for yourself and your family. I check the local websites - there are always festivals and things going on near us that we can go to.

I go back and forth on meal planning. Even when I do plan, I end up spending a a lot of money on ingredients. I try to do organic fruit and veggies and wild caught seafood. DH works full and is in grad school, and I work part time, so it can be hard to find the time to get to the store when I need to, and get home and get dinner ready.

DD is a few weeks shy of 3 and acts every bit of it. I try to grocery shop when DH is home and can watch her, because I have trouble shopping when she's with me. That usually means I'm rushing to I get to the store, get in, get out, and get home. Very little time for planning.