need help with budget

[ansley]

This is what I have come up with so far. I would also appreciate advice on getting a reluctant spouse on board. He knows it would work but ........

House payment 380 includes ins and taxes, 34,4?? owed, 8.5% int.
Utilities 487 the only extra is cable/internet at 64. (I am starting to make changes for elec usage as it is the highest utility)
Food 240 family of 5 (thank you angel food ministry).
Truck 243, about 8,000 left, don’t know int. rate.
Auto ins 105.
Auto gas 700.
Medical, we guessed at 60 but haven't set up payments yet.
Daycare 280.
Toiletries and etc about 250. The break down is below.

• Bottle liners 16.98 (closer to BF)
• Formula 63.76 I started out nursing and DH was so excited when I had to quit (because of meds). Then he found out how much formula is and we use powdered.
• Diapers 33.99
• Wipes 15.49
• Pull ups 17.79
• Pet food 40
• Bathroom tissue 20
• Laundry stuff 11.99
• School uniforms 33.34 if I / by 12 months
• (does not include toothpaste, deodorant, soap and etc the isn’t bought monthly)

DH’s cigs and dip 88.
DH’s old bill 150, about 15,000 left, I don’t know int rate.
I shouldn't have but was tired of DH buying stuff for him and x getting stuff for ds so I signed dd up for dance 40.
No cc.

That comes to 3,023 a month.

I bring home 1,152 (not great but good for our area) in a 4week month + 288 cs = 1,440. DH brings home 858 + commission (we are coming into the down season). Dependable income 2,010 + 288 (may be a month or 2 late) = 2,298 a month.

[Domestic Gal]

WOW $700 for gas.
$490 for groceries and toiletries. Start scratch cooking.
See if you qualify for WIC.
Start using cloth diapers at home.
Make your own laundry detergent for pennies a load. Use vinegar as fabric softener or cut the dryer sheets in 1/2.
Make your own wipes or buy a 12 pk of wash clothes and wash them yourself.
What kind of TP are you using that is costing you $5 a week. That is like a 12 count roll package. That is like 2 rolls a day. Buy the cheapest scratches stuff so they quit wasting it.
Get power strips on your computer and tv/electronics.
Turn down the thermostat this winter.
DH needs to quit or cut back on smoking. I know easier said than done.
Who is wearing the pull ups. If it is a girl make your own. Take training paints and put in a maxi pad. Lots cheaper and does the same thing. You can get a 24 ct. store brand maxi pad for $2.50 verses $8.00 for a pk. of pull ups.
I am sure others will give you more ideas and input.

[Lady_V]

-- Have you looked in to WIC? It will help with the formula, which frees up a little more money for the things you need.

House payment 380 includes ins and taxes -- pay early/on time
Utilities 487 -- what is the breakdown?
Food 240 family of 5
Truck 243
Auto ins 105.
Auto gas 700.
Medical, we guessed at 60 but haven't set up payments yet.
Daycare 280.
Toiletries and etc about 250. The break down is below.

• Bottle liners 16.98 (closer to BF)
• Formula 63.76 I started out nursing and DH was so excited when I had to quit (because of meds). Then he found out how much formula is and we use powdered.
• Diapers 33.99
• Wipes 15.49
• Pull ups 17.79
• Pet food 40
• Bathroom tissue 20
• Laundry stuff 11.99 -- try making your own
• School uniforms 33.34 month -- do they have an 'end of year trade'?
• (does not include toothpaste, deodorant, soap and etc the isn’t bought monthly) -- why aren't they included? You still need them, so you still need to budget for them, otherwise you won't have enough $ when you do
  

DH’s cigs and dip 88. -- ummm, food or dip, you decide
DH’s old bill 150, about 15,000 left, I don’t know int rate.

I shouldn't have but was tired of DH buying stuff for him and x getting stuff for ds so I signed dd up for dance 40. -- that was nice of you, but can you still afford this when the 'slow period' starts?
No cc.

That comes to 3,023 a month.

I bring home 1,152 (not great but good for our area) in a 4week month + 288 cs = 1,440. DH brings home 858 + commission (we are coming into the down season). Dependable income 2,010 + 288 (may be a month or 2 late) = 2,298 a month.

What about car registration, inspection, repairs?

According to what you have posted, you are going to be $725/month in the hole every month.

Get the sugar ready because here comes the bitter truth...

Most of the bills seem to be related to DH, yet he brings in the least amount of money and works at a job that is commissioned based. He is going to have to take on a second job, or find one that is better paying, preferably not seasonal or commissioned. If he can find one with opposite hours than yours, you save $280 a month because you won't have to pay for a babysitter.

Try selling the truck. Ya, I know, he isn't going to like the idea, but does he like the idea of walking to work because the truck got repo'd because there wasn't enough money to make the payments? Your house, utilities and food need to come first. You will barely make that on what you will have to play with. You can't afford the truck.

[nuisance26]

~I see alot of areas in which you could cut back but the other posters have it pretty well covered. Everything that is not essential to food, health and shelter has to go. We use Scott or Marcal tp here and I buy it at $.03 per 100 sheets(look at the unit pricing)so we only spend $2 on tp every month. I only use 1-2 Tablespoons of laundry detergent and make a bottle(bought as a loss leader for less than $2)last for almost 3 months. Just keep playing how low can you go every month. Stretch all your products, reduce your grocery budget, turn off those lights! I did want to add that you can wash and re-use bottle liners. I did it all the time with dd. Even if you used just one bottle liner a day you'd save money.~

[nessarowdy]

I agree with the getting on WIC. That will cover your formula and some of your food expenses! Also, you can make your own baby wipes. Google homemade baby wipes, and there are MANY different recipes. While you're at it, you can make your own laundry detergent and fabric softeners. Hang out your clothes to dry.

Your gasoline expense is high, is there any way to carpool or minimize trips?

Hugs,
Vanessa

[LexTysMommy]

What is breakdown of utilities? Do you have cell and house phone? Can you bundle or cancel some packages for a while?



Auto insurance seems high for one vehicle. Can you shop around? Gas also seems high. Do you have one vehicle? How many miles to and from your work? hubbys work?


DO you pay $60 in medical every month? is this taken out at work?

Is dd dance $40 a month? that seems high. can you look for free/reduced or school sponsered dance/sport things?

DH’s old bill 150, about 15,000 left, I don’t know int rate. Bill for? how many years left? is it credit card?

Do you need bottle liners? $17 seems high a month. Formula I second the WIC. $16 is high for wipes. I recommend making your own, or using cheap papertowels, regular towels for this. Could you cut pull ups to just one a night. And get cheap ones. Toilet paper $20 a month? I spend $7 for 24 pack. that lasts me over a month. And with 2 kids in diapers/pullups/wipes. Cut this back. Laundry stuff? detergent? try making your own, use less, way less. I dont understand school uniforms. $33 a month? Could you buy a few staples and handwash during week?

If hubby brings home $858 and gas is $700 and daycare is $280 you are losing money with him working. And maybe also sell his truck for another $243 a month.

Sounds like with all this one of you may need to get part time job until truck, dh bill, and mortgage are paid off. That is $775 a month right there.

[BlessedMomof2]

I would definately check into WIC. For babies they will give you formula (cereal, and baby juice once they reach a certain age too, or atleast they did when my kids were babies). If you have children under the age of 5 they will also give you milk, cereal, Peanut butter, eggs, cheese, and juice for the other kids in your home. It really helped us out when my kids were younger.

Here is a recipe I used when my kids were in diapers for homemade wipes...
1 1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp baby lotion
2 Tbsp baby bath

Boil to kill bacteria
1/2 roll of Jumbo bounty paper towel (you could use any kind of paper towel)

I kept my wipes in a #9 Rubbermaid bowl, perfect size

Place paper towel in the bowl. Pour the water, lotion, and bath mixture over top. I put the lid on right away, and the liquid soaked into all the towels.

They worked perfect, and was a fraction of the price of store bought wipes.

Good Luck with everything!!

[McD]

Keep in mind when reading my comments you are coming up 725$ in the hole every month.

I do have advice for your DH, but it really isn't very nice of me, so I'll refrain. Unless of course you want me too.

Otherwise, this is what jumped out at me.

Utilities 487 the only extra is cable/internet at 64. Can you give us the breakdown of what things are for water, for sewer, for electric etc? It needs to be said that when you are 725$ in the hole every month the the extra (even if it is your only extra) needs to go.
Auto ins 105. This seems high for one vehicle. Can you shop around? DO you have it at the same place that you ahve your homeowner's insurance? Do they give a discount?Can you raise your deductibles?
Auto gas 700. How far do you guys drive for work etc? is carpooling an option? this is really high.[*]Bottle liners 16.98 (closer to BF) Why do you need bottle liners?[*]Formula 63.76 Can you get on WIC? That would help with groceries too[*]Diapers 33.99 Can you switch to cloth diapers? At least when at home?[*]Wipes 15.49 This is high for wipes. Are you using coupons for wipes and diapers? Can you make your own?[*]Pull ups 17.79 What is the age of the child in pull-ups? Can you switch to underpants? Pull-ups are outrageously expensive imho.[*]Bathroom tissue 20 Very high. Very high.[*]Laundry stuff 11.99 You can make your own for less Needs to be budgeted for.[/LIST]
DH’s cigs and dip 88. Does he need both cigs AND dip? I know you can't make him quit, but it would help the budget if he would.
DH’s old bill 150, about 15,000 left, I don’t know int rate.
I shouldn't have but was tired of DH buying stuff for him and x getting stuff for ds so I signed dd up for dance 40. Until you fix the 725$ deficit in your budget you may need to cut this.

[ansley]

Auto gas- DH goes west to another town and I go north to another town. DH needs his truck for work, no car pooling. I work split shift and don't mind going in early but no one wants to wait for me to get off, no car pooling.

Food- I went a little high because of holidays. A co-worker and I priced it and this is very good. I am spending about 57cents per person per meal. There is no Alde’s (sp?) anywhere around here and the closest Sam’s is a 2hr drive. I used to do once a month cooking but we were spending 75 to100 on average every week. We do not qualify for WIC.

Don't have the money all at one time for cloth diapers and shipping cost for 1 or 2 at a time would be outrageous. The closest diaper service is 2 hrs away and doesn't serve our area. I thought long and hard about that one. I even thought about making my own and making cloth pull-ups. I’m not sure if I can as I am currently teaching myself to sew.

Someone posted about making your own laundry detergent. Is it okay for babies and people with sensitive skin? Will it get out the diesel, oil, gas; break fluids and etc that DH gets on him? Will the vinegar not make your clothes smell like vinegar? We don't use dryer sheets.

We use wash cloths for paper towels (just started). I have 2 using wipes so I could get each dc their own color wash cloths. Will it matter that we only wash once a week? That is the main thing that has kept me from going with this idea.

I only have a few power strips but they are not arranged where I can turn it off when not in use. I plan to rearrange things this weekend, depending on life.

DH must have 2 ACs going at all times in the summer and at least 1 fan. In the winter we use 4 space heaters and all have a thermostat. Let's just say dc and I have flannel night clothes for winter.

The smoking and dipping is up to him. It takes a lot of will power (which I know he has) and a lot of support from the dc and I (I just don't know how much yelling at the dc I can take while he goes through withdrawals BTDT).

Pull-ups- we get the off brand and I have thought about trying to make her some. She is getting too big for what you can buy. I have also thought about cking the price of depends (or off brands).

School uniforms - only school employees may participate in the end of summer uniform trade. I suggested a community uniform trade as a service project for our boy scouts. So far they haven't done one.

DH bought most of the stuff I didn't include in multi packs when he was getting a commission ck.

Dance-I know I shouldn't have done it but it was that or a divorce.

My DH is a mechanic (helps with repair cost), our state does not require registration (other than when you first buy), inspection sticker is due during busy season and tag is on a wing and a prayer.

We are upside down in the truck and most people want cars. He had a second job. He was so grumpy (to say it nicely) they let him go.

Bottle liners-I could wash them. Do you think it matters that most of the time the formula has soured in them? He gets most of his bottles during the day while I am gone and 2 at night (lazy and just put the bottle to the side until morning). I occasionally washed the liners with ds#1but the store only has the drop-ins now. Will they still be okay or better to wash?

We buy the cheapest TP the store carries. We may only buy 1pk but it seems like we need more all the time. If it is 1 a month that would be about $10.

[Gibs]

With the bottle liners, the drop ins are fine to wash. Try not to let them go sour, if it takes an extra minute to get up from bed or whatever just rince the milk out of them and wash them in the morning.

[Lady_V]

Okay, grab more sugar... you're going to need it

Auto gas- DH goes west to another town and I go north to another town. DH needs his truck for work, no car pooling. I work split shift and don't mind going in early but no one wants to wait for me to get off, no car pooling.

If he gets a better paying job and/or a job closer to home, the gas will not be such a great expense. It is now costing you more for him to work than to stay home. The truck... needs to go, before they come take it.

Food- I went a little high because of holidays. A co-worker and I priced it and this is very good. I am spending about 57cents per person per meal. There is no Alde’s (sp?) anywhere around here and the closest Sam’s is a 2hr drive. I used to do once a month cooking but we were spending 75 to100 on average every week. We do not qualify for WIC.

How do you NOT qualify for WIC? You make below the income level.

I checked the site, and this is the level (not sure how many are in your family)

	Family of 4 earning up to $3,269
	Family of 5 earning up to $3,824

Don't have the money all at one time for cloth diapers and shipping cost for 1 or 2 at a time would be outrageous. The closest diaper service is 2 hrs away and doesn't serve our area. I thought long and hard about that one. I even thought about making my own and making cloth pull-ups. I’m not sure if I can as I am currently teaching myself to sew.

Making cloth diapers are not very hard. There are some rather simple patterns online that require little more than straight stitching. Why do you need a diaper service? Do you not wash clothes at home?

Someone posted about making your own laundry detergent. Is it okay for babies and people with sensitive skin? Will it get out the diesel, oil, gas; break fluids and etc that DH gets on him? Will the vinegar not make your clothes smell like vinegar? We don't use dryer sheets.

There was clean clothes long before there were commerically made detergents. You can make the soap with Dove instead of Fels Naptha for the baby. My Old Man gets very dirty, and we have had no problem with the home-made soap... been doing it for 5 years.

We use wash cloths for paper towels (just started). I have 2 using wipes so I could get each dc their own color wash cloths. Will it matter that we only wash once a week? That is the main thing that has kept me from going with this idea.

You are going to need more than 1 each if you are going to use a cloth wipe. Easy to make, straight stitching if you choose to sew them.

I only have a few power strips but they are not arranged where I can turn it off when not in use. I plan to rearrange things this weekend, depending on life.

It is worth the time you will spend to move the wires around. Do it before you go to bed.

DH must have 2 ACs going at all times in the summer and at least 1 fan. In the winter we use 4 space heaters and all have a thermostat. Let's just say dc and I have flannel night clothes for winter.

Why 'must' he have 2 a/c's going AND a fan? How massive IS this man that he has to have THAT much cooling??? An a/c in the room being occupied is enough. 4 heaters on at the same time in the winter? Unless you live in a McMansion... 2 is enough. 1 in your bedroom and 1 in the kids (and if money was as tight as that, I'd have the kids sleeping together)

The smoking and dipping is up to him. It takes a lot of will power (which I know he has) and a lot of support from the dc and I (I just don't know how much yelling at the dc I can take while he goes through withdrawals BTDT).

It has been up to him... and you are still $725 in the hole... food, or dip... if it came down to listening to him go through the dc's or listening to the rumbling tummy of my child, which would I choose?

Pull-ups- we get the off brand and I have thought about trying to make her some. She is getting too big for what you can buy. I have also thought about cking the price of depends (or off brands).

Too big for pull-ups... then it's time to do some serious potty training. Unless she has some medical reason for needing them...

School uniforms - only school employees may participate in the end of summer uniform trade. I suggested a community uniform trade as a service project for our boy scouts. So far they haven't done one.

Only school employees can do a uniform trade??? Will they arrest you if you talk to a mother who's child has outgrown their uniform??? They can not stop you from trading among yourselves.

DH bought most of the stuff I didn't include in multi packs when he was getting a commission ck.

Dance-I know I shouldn't have done it but it was that or a divorce.

If digging yourself farther in the hole is the alternative... then I think you seriously need to re-evaluate things.

My DH is a mechanic (helps with repair cost), our state does not require registration (other than when you first buy), inspection sticker is due during busy season and tag is on a wing and a prayer.

... and still need to be budgeted

We are upside down in the truck and most people want cars. He had a second job. He was so grumpy (to say it nicely) they let him go.

Oh well... life sucks... being broke sucks more. He's a husband and a dad... time for games ended a long time ago. He doesn't have to like it, but he has to do it.

Bottle liners-I could wash them. Do you think it matters that most of the time the formula has soured in them? He gets most of his bottles during the day while I am gone and 2 at night (lazy and just put the bottle to the side until morning). I occasionally washed the liners with ds#1but the store only has the drop-ins now. Will they still be okay or better to wash?

Thought... rinse the liners out and dry them when the bottles are done... or continue to literally pay for your laziness.

We buy the cheapest TP the store carries. We may only buy 1pk but it seems like we need more all the time. If it is 1 a month that would be about $10.

What the heck is your tp made from??? I buy a 24 pack for 4.49 and it lasts at least a month... 2 adults and 1 child.... same as your family, the baby in diapers doesn't use it, and if your oldest is still in pull-ups, she isn't using it either.

You asked for help with the budget. People have tried... but NONE of US can magically make over $700 appear every month. You have a serious problem in your house, and it extends far more than just the lack of finances.

It comes down to this... we CAN'T help you if nothing will change.

[ansley]

What is breakdown of utilities? Do you have cell and house phone? Can you bundle or cancel some packages for a while?
We only have cell. It was cheaper and his family was running up the phone bill while we were at work.



Auto insurance seems high for one vehicle. Can you shop around? Gas also seems high. Do you have one vehicle? How many miles to and from your work? hubbys work?
We are considered high risk because DH wouldn't pay the bill until it was cancelled. This bill is now on bank draft. We have 2 autos (no public trandportation) and both work in different towns. I drive 33 miles and DH is about the same.

DO you pay $60 in medical every month? is this taken out at work?
This is to the dr/hospital and work will not take it out without a court order. I hope it doesn't come to that. .

Is dd dance $40 a month? that seems high. can you look for free/reduced or school sponsered dance/sport things?
Our school does not have dance at all and sports start in JR. High. The community has soccer and baseball for her age but if you are not good you don't get a call back.
DH’s old bill 150, about 15,000 left, I don’t know int rate. Bill for? how many years left? is it credit card?
Right now he doesn't pay on it. It was on an auto acc he had before MS required insurance.
Do you need bottle liners? $17 seems high a month. Formula I second the WIC. $16 is high for wipes. I recommend making your own, or using cheap paper towels, regular towels for this. Could you cut pull ups to just one a night. And get cheap ones. Toilet paper $20 a month? I spend $7 for 24 pack. that lasts me over a month. And with 2 kids in diapers/pullups/wipes. Cut this back. Laundry stuff? detergent? try making your own, use less, way less. I dont understand school uniforms. $33 a month? Could you buy a few staples and handwash during week?
We could buy all new bottles but this system is as close to bf as you can get with a bottle. We can't get WIC. I could have overestimated on wipes. We buy a big box and I think that last a month. Pull-ups are once a night and I use the cheap stuff just don't remember the name. TP may be 1pk a month (10) it just seems like we are always running out. We wash once a week. The big cost in the uniforms is that both dc outgrow their clothes between the beginning and end of the school yr.
If hubby brings home $858 and gas is $700 and daycare is $280 you are losing money with him working. And maybe also sell his truck for another $243 a month.
I tried to get him to stay home but he will not do it.

Sounds like with all this one of you may need to get part time job until truck, DH bill, and mortgage are paid off. That is $775 a month right there.

DH had a PT job. It didn't work out. He doesn't want me to get a PT job because then he wouldn't have someone to care for the dc when he didn't want to.

I would definately check into WIC. For babies they will give you formula (cereal, and baby juice once they reach a certain age too, or atleast they did when my kids were babies). If you have children under the age of 5 they will also give you milk, cereal, Peanut butter, eggs, cheese, and juice for the other kids in your home. It really helped us out when my kids were younger.
We don't qualify.

Here is a recipe I used when my kids were in diapers for homemade wipes...
1 1/2 cup water
2 Tbsp baby lotion
2 Tbsp baby bath

Boil to kill bacteria
1/2 roll of Jumbo bounty paper towel (you could use any kind of paper towel)

I kept my wipes in a #9 Rubbermaid bowl, perfect size

Place paper towel in the bowl. Pour the water, lotion, and bath mixture over top. I put the lid on right away, and the liquid soaked into all the towels.

They worked perfect, and was a fraction of the price of store bought wipes.

Good Luck with everything!!

Thanks for the recipe.

Keep in mind when reading my comments you are coming up 725$ in the hole every month.

I do have advice for your DH, but it really isn't very nice of me, so I'll refrain. Unless of course you want me too.

Otherwise, this is what jumped out at me.

Utilities 487 the only extra is cable/internet at 64. Can you give us the breakdown of what things are for water, for sewer, for electric etc? It needs to be said that when you are 725$ in the hole every month the the extra (even if it is your only extra) needs to go. I had a break down with me but I left it at home.
Auto ins 105. This seems high for one vehicle. Can you shop around? DO you have it at the same place that you ahve your homeowner's insurance? Do they give a discount?Can you raise your deductibles? I don't think deductibles should be more than your EF.
Auto gas 700. How far do you guys drive for work etc? is carpooling an option? this is really high.[*]Bottle liners 16.98 (closer to BF) Why do you need bottle liners?
The type of system we use[*]Formula 63.76 Can you get on WIC? That would help with groceries too[*]Diapers 33.99 Can you switch to cloth diapers? At least when at home?[*]Wipes 15.49 This is high for wipes. Are you using coupons for wipes and diapers? Can you make your own? We don't get coupons. You have to buy the Sunday paper and the paper cost more than the money saved.[*]Pull ups 17.79 What is the age of the child in pull-ups? Can you switch to underpants? Pull-ups are outrageously expensive imho. She is 7 but I have a family history of bedwetting into the teens.[*]Bathroom tissue 20 Very high. Very high.[*]Laundry stuff 11.99 You can make your own for less Needs to be budgeted for.[/LIST]
DH’s cigs and dip 88. Does he need both cigs AND dip? I know you can't make him quit, but it would help the budget if he would.
DH’s old bill 150, about 15,000 left, I don’t know int rate.
I shouldn't have but was tired of DH buying stuff for him and x getting stuff for ds so I signed dd up for dance 40. Until you fix the 725$ deficit in your budget you may need to cut this.

Signed contract that the yr must be paid whether dd is there or not. Other stuff I think is covered above.

[stinkbug]

You don't say where you live.....but at that income with a family of 5, I can't imagine that you don't qualify for WIC??? When was the last time you applied? Have you EVER applied? What are the ages of your children?

And, something is WAY amiss with your utilities......that's just outrageous. You are over 700.00 a month in the hole and your dh is whining about the air conditioning and such. Somebody needs to put on their big boy pants.....

[stinkbug]

Not trying to be mean here......but why do you make so many excuses for your DH??? He doesn't want you to get another job because he doesn't want to care for the kids? And he won't get another job because it makes him grumpy??? Wow....just ....wow.

[ktsmama]

My EX was a diesel mechanic and I used Arm & Hammer detergent which was the cheapest at the time. Arm & Hammer always got his work clothes clean and I always made sure to wash them by themselves so the other "good" clothes would not get messed up.

Can whoever feeds the bottle to the child not open the bottle and at least run enough water in the liner so that it will not sour until it can be washed? It would only take a second or two.

As far as baby wipes go, I used wash clothes. But a big pack of cheap wash clothes just for this, wet them as you need them and you will save a lot of money.

Good luck.