Why do YOU post/read the Budget Board?

[dvcgirl]

The budget board is inspiring - I paid off my mortgage with the inspiration of the budget board.

Its educational.

It reminds me that I don't "need it all" and that there are a lot of people out there living simple and fulfilling lives.

Its a place to discuss economics - micro, macro - and finance - micro and macro.

And sometimes its really funny.

I don't like the "Yankee Candle is having a sale!" threads - but I just don't go into them.

Ditto....

I like the in-depth finance/economic discussions the best. And I like to help people work out budgeting dilemmas and financial difficulties.

"Budget" to me simply means how one choose to allocate their income. Yes, we're able to save 60% of our net income because we make a nice income, but also because we're frugal in comparison to other people who make what we do. I get a lot of good ideas here and am also inspired to keep my life simple.

And like someone else said...."it's not what you make, but what you keep" that matters. That's what the budget board is all about.

 

[disneymom2003]

I also don't rent and have never stayed at Pop. Six years ago we went to WDW for the first time. We were able to stay at OKW 7 nights for the price of4. I would never have know about that promotion if it was not for the Dis boards.

 

[Dancemom03]

The LMT promotion fiasco was one of the funniest times I've ever spent on the internet...and I didn't even win! If I would've won...well, that would've been even better. But I'll take the fun memories just the same.

sUre Was! yUp, I miss yoU all... welll, except Janice & Kevin of course!

Uu

 

[crisi]

Actually, I have read this board now and then.
A couple threads about people cooking all their meals in their rooms at WDW to save money with crock pots etc.

Threads about shipping groceries to WDW for their food.

A thread where women posted how they fed their family on really cheap food daily(that one was rather scary how un-nutricious the meals were.)

I guess then I lost interest.

When I go to WDW I want to not cook for once.


I do budget & cook from scratch every single day

-on vacation I dont want to.

When I first came to the budget board, I found those threads amusing. I guess I was convinced that my way to do Disney was somehow better. Or that these people who needed to crockpot at Disney shouldn't be taking the trip at all because they couldn't afford it.

And then I started paying attention. There are still plenty of people here taking Disney trips when they aren't really sure what they will do when the transmission on the twelve year old car goes out, or are living paycheck to paycheck with credit card debt putting another vacation on the Visa (hey, its free dining!). But a LOT of budget boarders I gained respect for. They don't vacation like I do, but that doesn't mean they do it wrong. I learned that some crockpotters/food shippers are managing to squeeze in three more days, or the Illuminations cruise they wanted to do - and for their families eating out of a crockpot isn't a big sacrifice in order to have the other things they want out of vacation. Or they are creating extra money for something ELSE they want more than they want a burger from Peco's Bills.

 

[robsmom]

Why I love the budget board:

I think that any chance to save a few $'s on something that I want/need to purchase is a good thing. I get great ideas and sale information. I try really hard not to just buy something because it is on sale, but I usually have a list in my head of things I am looking for and a sale will push me over the edge.

I have saved $$$ on Disney trips through tips and ideas that I have rec'd on the budget board and other parts of the DIS. I can get more for my money if I do some research and planning.

Finally, I enjoy the discussions on financial topics. I read the millionare next door and one of the key items for wealth accumulation is how much time one spends thinking/working on their finances. Being aware of what you have, what you spend, and what your goals are is a big part of success. The budget board helps me stayed focused and hear what others are doing. Even the sad posts of people who are struggling help me to remember how lucky I am and help to motivate me to save for a rainy day.

 

[poegirl30]

I love reading the budget board because of the great information on sales and coupons. I've received great tips for saving from this board, as well. I love the budget board!

 

[perdidobay]

I don't understand the perception that to be reading/posting on a budget board means you don't earn a lot of money, own a house, etc... Perhaps people who are here that can afford expensive camps can do that because of the money they save bargain hunting in other areas.

For many, many, many people being bargain consious is simply a way of life. I was raised that way. Even if I suddenly tripled my salary, won the lottery or inherited a million dollars that wouldn't change. I can't fathom why someome wouldn't look for the best deal on something they were buying.

My thoughts exactly!

 

[DISdreamin']

After reading through this thread I had to share my thoughts...

I have an acquaintance whose family is not very well off. Their household income is well below the median - maybe $10K over the poverty level for their household size.

These people wouldn't know budget if it BIT them. Granted, they only have a certain amount of money for necessary items, but when we have discussed creative ways of saving money, long-term budgeting for items they KNOW they will need, etc., it gets shrugged off. The attitude is "we get by just fine". Ummm...not really. These are the same people who will borrow $$ because they run out of food four days before payday.

These are the same people who, when their tax return comes in or they get some windfall, hit the mall and DW buys herself a Coach purse and wallet. I mean, come ON! *I* don't have Coach purses and wallets (okay, confession, I do have a wristlet bought at the outlet mall for $30) and my salary alone is three times the income of their entire household! It's just not something you do unless you have lots of discretionary $$ IMO.

So "budget" and "not having enough money"...not necessarily the same thing.

I think of budget as being frugal, getting the best I can for my $$, being conscious of where my $$ go! That's budget to me!

 

[robsmom]

I thought maybe I would look up a definition of budget. Only when used as an adjective does it mean reasonably or cheaply priced. As a noun or verb it is really about having an estimate or a plan for you money. Doesn't really matter if you have 20K or 200K everyone needs a plan.

budget  

–noun

1. an estimate, often itemized, of expected income and expense for a given period in the future.
2. a plan of operations based on such an estimate.
3. an itemized allotment of funds, time, etc., for a given period.
4. the total sum of money set aside or needed for a purpose: the construction budget.
5. a limited stock or supply of something: his budget of goodwill.
6. Obsolete. a small bag; pouch.

–adjective

7. reasonably or cheaply priced: budget dresses.

–verb (used with object)

8. to plan allotment of (funds, time, etc.).
9. to deal with (specific funds) in a budget.

–verb (used without object)

10. to subsist on or live within a budget.

 

[jaminmd]

Actually, I have read this board now and then.
A couple threads about people cooking all their meals in their rooms at WDW to save money with crock pots etc.

Threads about shipping groceries to WDW for their food.

A thread where women posted how they fed their family on really cheap food daily(that one was rather scary how un-nutricious the meals were.)

I guess then I lost interest.

When I go to WDW I want to not cook for once.


I do budget & cook from scratch every single day

-on vacation I dont want to.

It wouldn't be a vacation for me if I had to cook but I have no right to criticize someone if that is what they have to do to afford a vacation. I've read a lot of extremes since I've been coming to this board & I have read things that have made me shake my head. Sometimes I'd like to reach through the screen to some posters & shake them back to reality. At other times, some people are just plain mean in how they respond and I feel sorry for those that posted to begin with.

It has certainly reinforced how thankful I am for all that I have and that I don't have to ask for extreme budget vacation advice, how to go to Disney with zero money for any emergencies, or how to haul a chicken in my suitcase, etc.

I still like to save money where I can if at all possible. Just because I have more doesn't mean I waste it.

 

[crazelion]

I come here because I learn so much. I would never would have figure out mycokerewards if some would not have walk me though the process. The person who post about free gift cards from mypoints.com. The advice on here is awesome and simple to understand.

 

[brekin67]

I like to be tipped off about sales, coupons, links, etc that will save me money.
I love the budget board.

 

[CarolA]

For threads like this...


Seriously, there is a certain "trainwreck" quality to the budget board.

The following are sure to bring out the "quick to judge"

1. I have debt and have EVER gone to Disney much less am planning a future trip
2. I leased a car
3. I can't pay my debts
And so on... it's just like waiting for a wreck at a Nascar race.

And of course there's the judgement inherent just in the OP that started this thread with "judgements" LOL!



As ususal this thread has gone into the "judge thy neighbor" category.

As to real budget help... EH.. more of it's "ways to spend money while thinking you are getting a deal"

 

[DISdreamin']

For threads like this...


Seriously, there is a certain "trainwreck" quality to the budget board.

<snip>... it's just like waiting for a wreck at a Nascar race.

<snip>

As ususal this thread has gone into the "judge thy neighbor" category.

Yeah, all true.

 

[Grumpy'sWife4Ever]

For threads like this...


Seriously, there is a certain "trainwreck" quality to the budget board.

The following are sure to bring out the "quick to judge"

1. I have debt and have EVER gone to Disney much less am planning a future trip
2. I leased a car
3. I can't pay my debts
And so on... it's just like waiting for a wreck at a Nascar race.

And of course there's the judgement inherent just in the OP that started this thread with "judgements" LOL!



As ususal this thread has gone into the "judge thy neighbor" category.

As to real budget help... EH.. more of it's "ways to spend money while thinking you are getting a deal"

I, too, am guilty of popping my popcorn and settling in to watch the "should sharks" swarm (as I have dubbed them....I get bored....) It is entertaining, and as we all know free entertainment is good for the ol' budget!

I have also been clued into some very good deals, both online and in stores, that I would never have known about otherwise..... I love learning where to find clearance items with free shipping, etc. Not always good for the budget, but educational all the same.....

 

[pandora174]

It wouldn't be a vacation for me if I had to cook but I have no right to criticize someone if that is what they have to do to afford a vacation. I've read a lot of extremes since I've been coming to this board & I have read things that have made me shake my head. Sometimes I'd like to reach through the screen to some posters & shake them back to reality. At other times, some people are just plain mean in how they respond and I feel sorry for those that posted to begin with.

It has certainly reinforced how thankful I am for all that I have and that I don't have to ask for extreme budget vacation advice, how to go to Disney with zero money for any emergencies, or how to haul a chicken in my suitcase, etc.

I still like to save money where I can if at all possible. Just because I have more doesn't mean I waste it.

I've done both type of vacations. from 4 star hotels to 3 star all because I am very budget minded about vacation & use Priceline. Some we eat out constantly & some we don't, depends if we're celebrating a b-day or anniversary etc. Not because I have zero money for emergencies just some vacations are more frugal depending on bonuses, my budget for that time frame i.e. school supplies, sport registrations etc. I haven't had to haul a chicken in my suitcase yet but I have re-heated left overs in suite hotels & we bring our water, soda, snacks. I just feel I'm saving money which I can splurge or not as I choose. So if it takes someone to haul a chicken, casserole, non-healthy snacks to go on vacation & they can pay the roof over their head, then go & have a blast ! I could care less if you eat your pre-packed lunch next to me as I eat a counter service.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

We own our home, never stayed on Disney property, and we make a good income; HOWEVER, I consider us to be pretty frugal. I come to this board because I enjoy saving any money I can. I am addicted to couponing and great deals! We have a great savings because we are frugal and I live by the quote: Just because you have it, doesn't mean you have to spend it.

 

[PHXscuba]

My husband is a dentist. Many of you will stop reading right now because you assume we're "rich." While we are more comfortable now, the first 15 years of our marriage were spent first as students and then paying on serious debt. We joked we paid debt for three "houses" (mortgage, student loans, starting a business) but only got to live in one!

While our income has increased, we've used much of it to pay off the business loan and the student loans (finally finished a year ago). When I became a SAHM, part of the deal was that my "job" would be making the most of DH's income. I don't mind paying for things that I value, but I do insist I get the most for my money.

Coming to the Budget Board and others like it is part of my "research" and my encouragement for what's possible. Not every thread is going to apply to everyone. ... And some threads do make you . That's part of the lessons I learn too.

PHXscuba

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Actually, I have read this board now and then.
A couple threads about people cooking all their meals in their rooms at WDW to save money with crock pots etc.

Threads about shipping groceries to WDW for their food.

A thread where women posted how they fed their family on really cheap food daily(that one was rather scary how un-nutricious the meals were.)

I guess then I lost interest.

When I go to WDW I want to not cook for once.


I do budget & cook from scratch every single day

-on vacation I dont want to.

I agree with everything you just said in this post! But the BB is so much more than that.

I got a free $200 GPS from a CC company, a tip I got on the BB.

I have had so many laughs on this board, especially the LMT ones. That was the craziest thing I ever saw here..not the posters, the whole chaotic mess!

I have gotten tons of free stuff from the Freebie Thread.

I met my favorite Diser friend AND got to meet her in person-from the BB.

I find out when Target has huge clearance sales.

I find out where the best place is to buy things I need at the best price.

Lots more...

We own our home outright, have several cars w/o loans. Our bills, including CCs are paid off entirely monthly. We have some money saved from DH's previous large salaried job-we now make half that much. I am not one to spend money foolishly, and one of the reasons I can justify staying at a Deluxe on occasion is because I scrimp and save when I can. This board is great!!

 

[mrsklamc]

We can certainly afford to eat out on vacation; but I happen to enjoy cooking for my family, so we don't spend a ton extra eating out because there's no real reason to.