Post by MixedBerryJam on Aug 16, 2012 8:45:02 GMT -5
... Are you truly paid every 2 weeks? Because if so I'd get out a calendar and find out which month you'll receive a 3rd paycheck (this happens twice a year if you're paid every 2 weeks vs. twice per month).
It is very important that when that 3rd check comes in you don't blow it. Treat your self to one nice $20 dinner with lots of fruit and veggies, but $100 into savings and then put the rest toward your utilities or toward your bk law fees.[/quote][/i]
No, no, no. The whole problem is "little treats" here and there that add up. A grownup can go one freaking paycheck without even a $20 dinner with lots of fruits and veggies. How about she puts that entire paycheck towards paying off her debts?
... Are you truly paid every 2 weeks? Because if so I'd get out a calendar and find out which month you'll receive a 3rd paycheck (this happens twice a year if you're paid every 2 weeks vs. twice per month).
It is very important that when that 3rd check comes in you don't blow it. Treat your self to one nice $20 dinner with lots of fruit and veggies, but $100 into savings and then put the rest toward your utilities or toward your bk law fees.
[/i]
No, no, no. The whole problem is "little treats" here and there that add up. A grownup can go one freaking paycheck without even a $20 dinner with lots of fruits and veggies. How about she puts that entire paycheck to wards paying off her debts?[/quote]
Of course she should take all the money and use it for debts. I just don't think it will happen. I suggest a very modest planned splurge vs. a complete binge. It is similar to extreme dieting. If you go on an extreme diet you often come off and binge. The poster seems to struggle with needs vs. wants. If she was more OK with living close to the bone I'd make a different suggestion. Any honestly I $20 dinner with real food would probably be a long term investment in her health. $20 is less than 5% of her total take home paycheck.
Post by formerlyak on Aug 16, 2012 11:06:24 GMT -5
Please keep in mind that we said in the original post that we wouldn't judge her for her finances, but try to help her with a fresh set of eyes.
Luibot has posted some BSC things, but I will say that she does seem to at least take some of the advice we type out here to heart lately (as best she can). Much more so than a lot of the other crazy cakes peeps we have seen come in here and then leave because we said what they don't want to hear.
As of late, it seems like she at least wants to TRY to help herself to some degree.
Please keep in mind that we said in the original post that we wouldn't judge her for her finances, but try to help her with a fresh set of eyes.
Luibot has posted some BSC things, but I will say that she does seem to at least take some of the advice we type out here to heart lately (as best she can). Much more so than a lot of the other crazy cakes peeps we have seen come in here and then leave because we said what they don't want to hear.
As of late, it seems like she at least wants to TRY to help herself to some degree.
i'd cut the cell phone plan to a lower one, and really try to quit smoking...besides not being healthy it's a waste of money. i won't say it will be easy, but XH did quite smoking cigs when i told him i wouldn't marry him if he kept smoking. he ended up doing it cold turkey...some people can, some can't but if you can quit, it's better for you and your health over all, not just your finances.
The cell phone plan is high and can definitely be lowered. A lot of money is going toward your car, so I would really re-evaluate what you can do there. It is really way more than it should be on all counts. Try carpooling, try to get your loan reduced, etc.
With the credit card debt, was that not addressed in your divorce? Do you have all the debt from the marriage? I'm just confused on why it's so high (maybe I missed the back story).
For those who say quit smoking...I am an advocate for that but I am thinking now is not the best time to tackle that. Sure it would be great for finances but smoking is usually a coping skill and anti-anxiety tool for people. Don't quit if you don't have a new activity in place to replace your smoking habit.
Definitely see if you qualify for government programs. Your salary seems awfully low - do you have a degree? I think your best bet is to find a better paying job!
Congrats on the progress, keep it up. You are strong.
Post by riverpestie on Aug 16, 2012 16:25:54 GMT -5
Can you move closer to work, maybe just rent out a room and ride a bike to work? I ride my bike to work every day (in the 110 degree heat and humidty) and I MAYBE spend $30 of gas/month. Also, maybe riding your bike will help you want to quit smoking since you will be able to breathe better while riding! ;-)
I also recommend getting a different cell phone plan and a maybe a dog walking job or something?
Veggies/fruit are very important in a diet. Make sure you are getting enough, check out the frozen section in the grocery store.
Can you look for another full time job with an 8-5 schedule and find an evening job until you're back on your feet?
I recommend walking/riding a bike anywhere and everywhere you can. It is amazing how much you can save by doing so.
Post by riverpestie on Aug 16, 2012 16:30:08 GMT -5
Oh, and I forgot to mention that you can find some bikes that are in pretty good shape at Pawn Shops and on Craiglist! I got my cruiser on CL nearly free because the girl was moving and just wanted it gone.
I dont usually post on this board and I know how hard it can be to quit smoking but if I were you, I would look into disposable e-cigs. They usually sell in gas stations for $2-3 and are equal to 2 packs so you are saving money. Whenever you feel like you just want one puff or two and not a whole cig, use that instead to help stretch your real cigs. E-cigs are kinda embarrasing to smoke in public so it can actually help you cut down out of shame lol. Smokers will give you the side eye and even though you could smoke them inside, people would also give you funny looks for that too. GL!
That's kind of an expensive car on that budget, isn't it?
It is. I love my car so much though and my mom got it for me because she wanted to make me feel good after all of the xBF abuse. I will skimp elsewhere to make sure i pay my car.
You are seriously going to get sick if you spend only $40 a month on food and eat mostly almond butter sandwiches and cereal. We're talking about major vitamin deficiencies. You need fruits and vegetables to live. Add in the cigarettes and you are going to be one sick girl.
Get rid of the car. It's not worth it and makes absolutely no sense to keep. I am 2000% certain that your mom would rather you eat nutritious food than have this car. Plan to make purchasing the same type of car a reward for when you get back on your feet and are in a better place financially.
Stop smoking and start eating (I'm sure that's easier said than done, but this is the time to try to stop smoking - out of financial necessity and also for a healthier fresh start).
You also need a part time job. I can't imagine trying to live on $1,500 a month.
It is. I love my car so much though and my mom got it for me because she wanted to make me feel good after all of the xBF abuse. I will skimp elsewhere to make sure i pay my car.