Budget help for young couple?

**ladykemma2** · 09-28-2008, 03:17 PM

guys, in alabama 100 for electricity is chump change. homes down south can run 200-300 a month for A/C bills.

**ladykemma2** · 09-28-2008, 03:34 PM

hi!

the first thing i did learning from this website was unplugging everything in the house that is not currently being used. instant savings of 100 a month. then i turned the A/C to 78 with fans (I'm in the deep south too) or turned it off for as long as i could stand (july). we need heat about three days a year so i don't "winterize".

then i learned to meal plan, use a crock pot, and shop very well. there is very little meat in this house - can't afford it. i do intentional leftovers so i have brown bag lunch the next day.

i learned to budget, and to have a "freedom account" (mary hunt) for all the intermittent and annual expenses. those used to break me.

one year into this, i am trying something new - shopping every two weeks. so far it has resulted in savings of 30 bucks.

learn to sew and mend. take good care of your clothing.

putting on teacher hat: what are you considering for job training or education? a student loan invested now may be the best money you ever borrowed. there is a dire need for science and math teachers.

i think it's great that you and your grandma are caring for each other.

**NikoSan999** · 08-16-2009, 09:26 AM

Any updates on how this i going several months later?

**Greebo** · 08-16-2009, 11:28 AM

Definitely go on a FIXED cash basis for groceries. Every pay put the same amount of money in the food envelope. I don't care how big the check is. Start with $300/month so that's $75 each week.

New rules:
1) You may not buy food with anything other than what is in the FOOD envelope.
2) You may not buy ANYTHING ELSE but food with what is in that food envelope.

Hopefully $75 a week will be more than enough and you can cut it back to $60 or so.

Get an extra job - both of you - at a minimum until you're out of payday loan debts. NEVER EVER EVER use them again. The long term price is way too high for the short term solution they offer.

Other excellent advice has been given as well.

**kita** · 08-16-2009, 12:58 PM

Strange thing about dates going on here...I have this starting in September of LAST year.

But my suggestion is that you look at short-term...stop the bleeding. Cell phones, elect if possible, that rent, look at food stamps etc.

But also look mid-term. Partner learns to drive if possible. Looks for better job, second jobs. Can one or both of you do something short-term in the way of education--ask at your local community college. In one school year you could have a license like LPN which would greatly increase your earning power.

Long-term goals--what happens when Grandma is not able to provide rent? Do you want to do college? or buy a house??