Post by brokeandscaredae on Sept 3, 2014 12:26:33 GMT -5
I am aware that I picked Tuesday to post about this. I guess I should have thought it through, but it was my first day back to work after the long weekend, and that's when it all came to a head.
An update of sorts: I was able to give my insurance information to PP, and actually spoke with the insurance and it looks like I may only be responsible for 20% of the cost if they use the claim code they gave me. Thank goodness we already hit our $3k deductible in March and now I generally don't have to pay or pay very little. Also, I was able to get one of the credit cards to send me a new card and expedite the shipping, so I should have it before Tuesday just in case.
I am feeling a bit better about the money aspect, but overall still emotional about everything else.
Post by sofamonkey on Sept 3, 2014 13:04:50 GMT -5
Even if your insurances covers a portion, see if they have resources to help you with the rest. Usually they have sliding scales or some other means of help. GL!!
Are you able to post your budget or where your money is going? there should be a way to cut some expenses to free up a little money. Are you or your DH able to get a 2nd job to help until you have more of it under control?
Are you able to post your budget or where your money is going? there should be a way to cut some expenses to free up a little money. Are you or your DH able to get a 2nd job to help until you have more of it under control?
I know you have a budget, but is it realistic? I have one, too, but I go over budget in several categories every month, rendering it completely useless.
Have you called lately to see if you can lower your car insurance? Credit card rates? Cell/cable bills? (Or drop cable completely?)
The Money Matters board is great for looking at budgets and making recommendations or having suggestions for places you can cut. It sometimes helps to have someone else look at the numbers.
You might benefit from using Mint. You can set financial goals and keep a close eye on your budget that way, too.
You've saved money before and you can do it again.
Post by brokeandscaredae on Sept 3, 2014 16:10:13 GMT -5
My budget is as follows:
Our income month to month is flexible, due to bonuses on my end and how much my h works on his (he gets gratuities), but the mimnimum that I require every month and that I DO see is roughly $5k/month.
Our fixed expenses are:
Rent - $1995 Gas - around $450 (I commute 45 miles each way to work, we are also a one car family. On Monday and Tuesdays, my h drops me off and picks me up, which means that we're doing 180 miles total in one day) In Law Loan - $500 Internet/Cable - $85 (I tried to cut cable, but it is actually cheaper to bundle it. We have Comcast. If anyone has suggestions on internet only providers, I'd be interested in learning more) Phone - $120 Car Insurance - $115 Electricity - $45 (cheaper some months than others, this is the average) Netflix - $8 Water - $50 (this is every 2 months, so I budge $25/month) Car loan - $250 Groceries - $450 H Work Money - $400 (H is a driver, needs money to pay tolls, parking and food on the road) Credit Cards - $500 (paying only minimum payments would be around $300/month, but I am trying to do extra in order to pay off faster)
This totals out to $4943. Leaving a whopping $57 leftover. I am trying to save at least $100/month from our overages (it's pretty consistent that we end up with over the $5k for the month), and then also putting extra towards credit.
I don't think that it is entirely realistic as it doesn't allow for emergencies, splurging or anything other than bills. My bonuses have been averaging around $500 extra a month, and my H usually makes an extra $100-200 a month, but I would like to not count on those (spend it before we have it).
I have a million different sub accounts for accounts, that I treat as "envelopes" so that each week I fill them up when we get paid and the funds will be in the account when the bills are due. This has been working, but I do sometimes end up robbing Peter to pay Paul.
I've tried Mint and really don't like it - my credit union has a similar tracker that I like much better because it's easier to customize the tags and then track how I'm spending.
As far as second jobs, that's unfortunately not possible at this moment. With the commute, I get up at 3:30am and try and be in bed by 7:30, which doesn't leave much time. My h never knows what time he will work until the night before, so with that instability, another job would not work.
I appreciate any insight to my budget - it would be really helpful.
I realize this is a ginormous post. I'm a bit wordy.
What metro area are you in? Your rent seems high. Your gas expense is ouch. I pay $40/mo for Uverse DSL internet. It's not amazing, but it's fine. You can cut back on groceries. Pack lunches for him on the road to save on eating out.
What's your total debt? Interest rates?
Oh yeah, rent is high - and this is actually GOOD for the area. I'm in the Bay Area, CA. I'll check out Uverse, thanks!
For groceries, I know that's an area that I can cut back on, but I'm afraid that we'll end up going out because we're not feeling like anything in the house (I'm trying to get better about that, but that's a HUGE part of our spending problem). I agree that I can pack lunches for him, he just won't take them. That's been an argument in itself.
For the in law loan, we still owe $19k. I project that to be paid off at the end of 2017 paying $500/month. They're not charging us interest.
Car loan has $13500 left, paying 1.65% - at $250/month, it will be paid off in April 2019.
We have five credit cards, and this is the order we're paying them off (snowballing):
BofA: $4700, 0% until October 2015, then 22.99%. Paying $250/month right now, projecting being paid off in June 2016, if no extra payments being made Chase: $4300, 0% until June 2015, then 22.9%. Paying $100/month right now, will add the $250 from BofA when paid off, so should be paid off in April 2017. Wells Fargo: $6600, 12.7%. Paying $100/month, once snowballed should be paid off in April 2018. Citibank: $900, 0% until January 2016, then 12.29%. Paying $25/month, paid off in October 2017. Best Buy: $750, 0% until August 2015, then 11.99%. Paying $25/month, paid off in May 2017.
Pack H a lunch/snacks to take with him so he doesn't have to buy as he goes.
Cell phones: I am assuming this is probably a bill for 2 smart phones with data? Is it possible to downgrade to bottom of the line plan with no data (and get rid of the smart phones)?
In-law loan: Is this what they asked you to pay back? If you could pay them less then save a little bit to have a cushion.
Your rent seems outrageous. Nothing else in your budget seems to indicate that you are in a HCOL area. Is this the norm for you area or is rent high? Anyway you could move somewhere cheaper (and closer to work to save on commuting costs)?
Your rent seems outrageous. Nothing else in your budget seems to indicate that you are in a HCOL area. Is this the norm for you area or is rent high? Anyway you could move somewhere cheaper (and closer to work to save on commuting costs)?
You probably posted before she updated that she's in the Bay Area. Unless she's in a 1BR apartment, that rent is AMAZING for this area.
What metro area are you in? Your rent seems high. Your gas expense is ouch. I pay $40/mo for Uverse DSL internet. It's not amazing, but it's fine. You can cut back on groceries. Pack lunches for him on the road to save on eating out.
What's your total debt? Interest rates?
Oh yeah, rent is high - and this is actually GOOD for the area. I'm in the Bay Area, CA. I'll check out Uverse, thanks!
For groceries, I know that's an area that I can cut back on, but I'm afraid that we'll end up going out because we're not feeling like anything in the house (I'm trying to get better about that, but that's a HUGE part of our spending problem). I agree that I can pack lunches for him, he just won't take them. That's been an argument in itself.
For the in law loan, we still owe $19k. I project that to be paid off at the end of 2017 paying $500/month. They're not charging us interest.
Car loan has $13500 left, paying 1.65% - at $250/month, it will be paid off in April 2019.
We have five credit cards, and this is the order we're paying them off (snowballing):
BofA: $4700, 0% until October 2015, then 22.99%. Paying $250/month right now, projecting being paid off in June 2016, if no extra payments being made Chase: $4300, 0% until June 2015, then 22.9%. Paying $100/month right now, will add the $250 from BofA when paid off, so should be paid off in April 2017. Wells Fargo: $6600, 12.7%. Paying $100/month, once snowballed should be paid off in April 2018. Citibank: $900, 0% until January 2016, then 12.29%. Paying $25/month, paid off in October 2017. Best Buy: $750, 0% until August 2015, then 11.99%. Paying $25/month, paid off in May 2017.
Total debt: just under $50k. Ouch.
You're both going to have to get over the mental hurdle of eating out. You just have to realize it's not an option, just take it out of the equation all together. If you buy groceries to make 2-3 casseroles or something a week, that could help without having to fret over coming up with a different meal plan for every single meal.
Will your ILs let you decrease your monthly payments for a bit?
Cut cable? Decrease phone data plans?
Can you and your H discuss him not having access to his debit card? Maybe both of you work on a cash system since spending is an issue?
The harsh reality is that cutting stuff out really won't do much in your situation. Will, it help some, sure, but you've got an income problem.
If your H is a driver, do they re-imburse him for the tolls, etc?
Also, you live in the Bay area, public transport is pretty good isn't it? Can you carpool or take public transport to work instead of all the driving back and forth?
The harsh reality is that cutting stuff out really won't do much in your situation. Will, it help some, sure, but you've got an income problem.
If your H is a driver, do they re-imburse him for the tolls, etc?
Also, you live in the Bay area, public transport is pretty good isn't it? Can you carpool or take public transport to work instead of all the driving back and forth?
This is pretty much exactly right. I was freaking out even before the preganancy shit because I realized that there is really not much I can cut that would help.
They do reimburse him for tolls and everything, but it gets put in his paycheck, so I haven't really been keeping that separate. I can try to keep better track of it, and see if that helps.
Public transit is pretty good, but our hours are not conducive. I generally work 6am until 2:30pm, and he can start anyware from 3am on. The one good thing is that he works Wednesday through Sunday, and they let him take the car home, so we don't have to worry about that for 5 days out of the week. He has a company gas card, so we don't pay for that gas.
We used to live MUCH closer to our work - 10 minutes away. We had to move from our old apartment (that we LOVED and were only paying $1650/month for) because the owner was moving back into the complex and we have a dog who is an "agressive breed" and it's hard to find places that will accept her. We could not find another place that was within our price range in the area. Our old apartment was owned privately, so it wasn't those ginormous complexes that raises your rent every month, which was all we could find in that area. My h's family and our friends all live in the area we moved to, which is nice, and we found a privately owned rental so signed a 2 year lease. So we're stuck until October of next year.
The harsh reality is that cutting stuff out really won't do much in your situation. Will, it help some, sure, but you've got an income problem.
If your H is a driver, do they re-imburse him for the tolls, etc?
Also, you live in the Bay area, public transport is pretty good isn't it? Can you carpool or take public transport to work instead of all the driving back and forth?
This is pretty much exactly right. I was freaking out even before the preganancy shit because I realized that there is really not much I can cut that would help.
They do reimburse him for tolls and everything, but it gets put in his paycheck, so I haven't really been keeping that separate. I can try to keep better track of it, and see if that helps.
Public transit is pretty good, but our hours are not conducive. I generally work 6am until 2:30pm, and he can start anyware from 3am on. The one good thing is that he works Wednesday through Sunday, and they let him take the car home, so we don't have to worry about that for 5 days out of the week. He has a company gas card, so we don't pay for that gas.
We used to live MUCH closer to our work - 10 minutes away. We had to move from our old apartment (that we LOVED and were only paying $1650/month for) because the owner was moving back into the complex and we have a dog who is an "agressive breed" and it's hard to find places that will accept her. We could not find another place that was within our price range in the area. Our old apartment was owned privately, so it wasn't those ginormous complexes that raises your rent every month, which was all we could find in that area. My h's family and our friends all live in the area we moved to, which is nice, and we found a privately owned rental so signed a 2 year lease. So we're stuck until October of next year.
I just want to say - I understand. It's really tough in this area because SO MUCH of your paycheck is going toward just keeping a roof over your head.
My XH and I amassed nearly $25k of credit card debt before we were 25. It took us 5 years, but through a non-profit consolidation program, we were able to get it all paid off. You might look into one. They will contact each CC and negotiate a lower APR than the CC would ever give you directly.
This is pretty much exactly right. I was freaking out even before the preganancy shit because I realized that there is really not much I can cut that would help.
They do reimburse him for tolls and everything, but it gets put in his paycheck, so I haven't really been keeping that separate. I can try to keep better track of it, and see if that helps.
Public transit is pretty good, but our hours are not conducive. I generally work 6am until 2:30pm, and he can start anyware from 3am on. The one good thing is that he works Wednesday through Sunday, and they let him take the car home, so we don't have to worry about that for 5 days out of the week. He has a company gas card, so we don't pay for that gas.
We used to live MUCH closer to our work - 10 minutes away. We had to move from our old apartment (that we LOVED and were only paying $1650/month for) because the owner was moving back into the complex and we have a dog who is an "agressive breed" and it's hard to find places that will accept her. We could not find another place that was within our price range in the area. Our old apartment was owned privately, so it wasn't those ginormous complexes that raises your rent every month, which was all we could find in that area. My h's family and our friends all live in the area we moved to, which is nice, and we found a privately owned rental so signed a 2 year lease. So we're stuck until October of next year.
I just want to say - I understand. It's really tough in this area because SO MUCH of your paycheck is going toward just keeping a roof over your head.
My XH and I amassed nearly $25k of credit card debt before we were 25. It took us 5 years, but through a non-profit consolidation program, we were able to get it all paid off. You might look into one. They will contact each CC and negotiate a lower APR than the CC would ever give you directly.
I think that we are in the same area - was your program local? Would you mind PMing me the name, and I can check into it?
I just want to say - I understand. It's really tough in this area because SO MUCH of your paycheck is going toward just keeping a roof over your head.
My XH and I amassed nearly $25k of credit card debt before we were 25. It took us 5 years, but through a non-profit consolidation program, we were able to get it all paid off. You might look into one. They will contact each CC and negotiate a lower APR than the CC would ever give you directly.
I think that we are in the same area - was your program local? Would you mind PMing me the name, and I can check into it?
I really appreciate it.
I'm in the south bay. I don't think it was a local program. Let me see if I can find the name though.
Also, PM me if you ever need someone to talk to in person, grab a drink, whatever. I really do get how hard it is just to exist in this area.
My XH's parents loaned him the down payment on a 4 bedroom house while we were both still full time students. It's one of the main reasons our marriage was doomed. It caused so much stress, in so many different ways. And his parents never understood why we never had money. We never lived without at least 1, and usually 2 roommates. We NEVER LIVED ALONE FOR OUR ENTIRE MARRIAGE. Because we just couldn't afford it, plain and simple.
Post by brokeandscaredae on Sept 3, 2014 17:28:49 GMT -5
Thank you again - I may take you up on that.
I will look into that website and see if it might be able to help.
Ultimately, I want to get the fuck out of the Bay Area (California in general) but I feel trapped. My job pays well, I have no college degree so I would have to take a paycut to get a new one, so I just feel... anxious. All the fucking time. Gah.
I will look into that website and see if it might be able to help.
Ultimately, I want to get the fuck out of the Bay Area (California in general) but I feel trapped. My job pays well, I have no college degree so I would have to take a paycut to get a new one, so I just feel... anxious. All the fucking time. Gah.
I love so many things about the Bay Area though. I don't know if I'll ever leave. I just have to make it work. And pick a partner who is realistic about what it takes to make it work.
I always remind myself in February, when it's 70-80 degrees here and polar vortexing everyone else in the country, why I pay almost $1k for a room in a house.
Post by Andplusalso on Sept 3, 2014 17:47:51 GMT -5
I'm mostly a lurker, but I would advise that you ask your H's parents for a reprieve from paying off that loan for two months. Take that money and put it towards the two smallest credit cards and get those paid off. Then put the $50/month towards the next smallest balance card(s). When you get to the end of the 0% APR period, can you apply for another credit card with a lower APR or another 0% APR period, and then transfer your debt from the current credit cards to the new credit card? Basically, you really, really don't want to get to the end of the 0% APR period because most likely, they will back-charge you the interest, which will kill your plan of paying them off any time soon.
Post by brokeandscaredae on Sept 11, 2014 12:41:45 GMT -5
Update:
I was able to take care of the pregnancy through medication. I completed the last step last night and it should be gone, but I am at work today and incredibly dizzy. Does anybody know if this is common or something I should be worried about? Is there anybody who has experience with medical abortion? When I googled, it says to contact my doctor immediately, but it's not severe dizziness. Just kind of woozy and overal malaise.