I have 5 months, time to stop messing around!!!

**AnW819** · 10-18-2010, 06:57 PM

DH and I are slacking big time!!! While we are not going out and just blowing money on the movies or bowling and stuff, we are spending money on things we do not really need. Extra grocerys, doing a lot more driving around rather than being frugal about it, getting a book at the book store, this, and that.

We have been putting off bills again (bills that are already behind).

Part of the problem is DH has not gotten a real paycheck yet...This Thursday will be his first real paycheck and I am getting serious now. DH and I are going to knuckle down.

Why? Dad is getting married, and we have to move out, and have to find somewhere to live. Problems---We have an eviction on our credit report even though we gave them the keys and said sorry we have to move out we can't afford it. No money saved to move out with.

Solutions? Waynes dad is thinking about letting us live there. Pros to this...he has a wash machine!!! Rent is cheaper than living at dads. There is not mold in the bathroom!!! Its in PA so Wayne and I will both be closer to our family. Wayne will not have to pay $4 toll everyday to get to work. Wayne will not have to drive 1 hour to work everyday (30 minutes from his dads). And, I will get out of dads house because me and dad living together just does not work. I know it does not really work with any family member, but there has been a lot going on (that I do not feel like typing....) that I just can't take anymore!!!

So...that being said..if Waynes dad says no, we have to find a room for rent or something so we will need money saved up. If he says yes, we still need money saved up.

My goals:

Get car payment caught up: $500
Get comcast caught up: $560
Get emergency fund: $1000
Get moving fund: $2000
Get vet fund & pay past due balance- (cats need to be tested for lukemia since Simba had it--in order to be able to bring cats with)- $300

I know we can do it. I really know we can. Time to stop talking and to do it though...I just wish I would have that aha moment to be like...ash what are you doing??? Because while I know I am not managing our money well, I still seem to be doing stupid stuff!!

**HappyMama** · 10-18-2010, 07:07 PM

The first step is making a plan and commitment to it, and you have done that which is fantastic. Keep your chin up, your eyes on the goal and before you know it you will have reached it. Make sure hubby is just as committed and two working towards a goal helps with accountability and making it happen faster.

Good luck to you with the move.

**AnW819** · 10-18-2010, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by HappyMama

The first step is making a plan and commitment to it, and you have done that which is fantastic. Keep your chin up, your eyes on the goal and before you know it you will have reached it. Make sure hubby is just as committed and two working towards a goal helps with accountability and making it happen faster.

Good luck to you with the move.

Yes, we are BOTH on board, and have decided every night (when DH does not work) we are going to read our Dave Ramsey book again! When I read it the first time, I had that aha moment, but then it quicky faded...I need it back! I don't have a choice now, I have to save money, or you can find me under the Ben Franklin!

**frugalwarrior2** · 10-18-2010, 07:11 PM

Holy crow-I thought you were 4 mo. preggers form that tag line.whew.
You guys can do it. He will start making consistant pay checks and all will be better if you get serious.

**AnW819** · 10-18-2010, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by frugalwarrior2

Holy crow-I thought you were 4 mo. preggers form that tag line.whew.
You guys can do it. He will start making consistant pay checks and all will be better if you get serious.

Oh I praise the Lord right now, that I am NOT pregnant because...wow...I just don't even know how I would care for that child right now.

But yes, him getting consistant (and great!!!) paychecks are gonna be a MAJOR help!! We have been living off of $267 a week which may seem do-a-ble, but not with the bills we have.

**lisaflex** · 10-18-2010, 07:21 PM

good luck! you can do it! chin up .... deep breath...

**AnW819** · 10-18-2010, 07:26 PM

Thank you!!! DH and I sat down together for the first time last night and made a budget together...ushally I or he does it and the other just looks over it, but I think it was better we both did it!

**Russ** · 10-18-2010, 07:37 PM

Ashley, be sure to not put too big of goals on yourself. If the goals are unattainable it's easy to get discouraged and give up completely.

**AnW819** · 10-18-2010, 07:41 PM

Thanks Russ! These goals are definitally obtainable IF we stop doing stupid stuff with our money. We make enough money to make these goals if we are on a very strict budget. There are more things I would like to be saving for like car repairs, but adding anymore would not be optainable.

This week our plan is to: Pay $400 on our car, $250 on comcast. Step one is getting caught up on bills that are currently behind. (in addition to these behind bills this week we also have $150 car insurance due which is behind but this will be PIF!) and grocerys, gas, toll, laundry mat.

Thank the Lord for a large paycheck this week!

**frugalwarrior2** · 10-18-2010, 07:47 PM

No Ashley-it was barely doable in 1986 when we bought our cheapy little home. We had to do computer shows for extras-like car ins.

**piney** · 10-18-2010, 07:51 PM

Russ is right i us't to make big goals and when i couldn't fufile them i would just give up and do nothing or the wrong thing.

**Momto5RN** · 10-18-2010, 08:29 PM

i am confused- how will your dh not have to pay a 4$ toll if you move to PA - i thought he worked in AC ?? Or does he work in one of the new pa casinos ??

**AnW819** · 10-18-2010, 09:18 PM

He works @ Harrahs in PA

Mom, where in NJ do you live again? South??

**Libby** · 10-18-2010, 10:35 PM

Ashely - great work on getting W to sit down and do a budget with you. Now that you have a plan for where your money needs to go....you should make your #1 goal for both of you to stop the unnecessary spending. THAT is doable - focus on that...the rest of your plan should flow like gravy.