What are some of your budget busters?

[ewokgirl]

I've really been thinking about this because it's summer, which means our church youth group has been doing many more activities. My husband and I are youth workers, so we're usually with the kids. Some of the activities are expensive! And it seems like the kids want to eat out every Wednesday after youth group.

This week we have activities every single day because it's their last week of freedom before school starts. Last night's activity was $12/person. Tonight we're all eating out together after the youth meeting. Friday's activitiy is $5/person. Sometimes it feels like we're being nickeled-and-dimed to death!

I actually voiced my concerns about paying to the youth minister on Sunday. We have 2 leaks under our house, which insurance is covering; however, it means 2 deductibles, which comes to almost $3000 out-of-pocket. Right now, we really can't afford to pay for youth activites times 2 for my husband and me. Thankfully, the YM said that we're covered since we're providing rides and chaperoning. But I really feel for the parents who have more than 1 kid in the youth group!

I know I can't be the only one who keeps encountering budget busters like this!

[peanut]

Yep. Our budget buster is usually travel and weddings. With unexpected travel for funerals and weddings these days, our budget takes a hit.

Another one is food sales. I can't leave well enough alone. If food is on sale, I'll break the budget to stock up. Even if it's not normally in our diet.

DH asked what we used mangoes for when I picked up 20 lbs. this morning. I pointed out I ran out last year, that I use them for lassi (a smoothie). I didn't point out, but should have, that at 60 cents a pound, it was the cheapest fruit in the produce section! Even figuring half of that is pit and waste, that's 90 cents a pound, and I couldn't find anything cheaper...except the unripe peaches for 89 cents a pound. I walked by them. When the peach display has a greenish cast to it, you know to walk on by. They're woody.

Jean

[thrifty gal]

Our biggest budget buster is eating out. We will do really well for awhile, but we seem to always slip back into eating out too much.

Stops at gas stations is a budget buster for us. We seem to never just get gas.

[auntie2many]

My budget busters are the sales at Walgreen's, Rite Aid and CVS. We do not have a category for these in our budget.

Another budget buster is computer parts. Dh is a computer geek and whenever our computer goes on the fritz he repairs it, but the parts can get costly.

auntie

[Missy]

children and their related accessories.

[Odilia]

4-H.

We love it, but the kids are so enthusiastic and want to try so many project areas. We've found some cheaper ways to accomplish their goals, but we really need to work harder on cutting costs. Right now, we have one child in regular 4-H and 2 Clover Kids. Before long, we'll have 5 kids all wanting to do a bunch of projects and attend 4-H camp and take part in lots of workshops... It's going to get even spendier!

We do love 4-H and feel it's a worthwhile program for the kids, so we need to tame costs in this area so we can enjoy the benefits without feeling such a pinch.

[ktsmama]

My biggest and really only budget buster is eating out!!! It drives me nuts, but I can not seem to stop and get it under control.

I guess part of my problem is that I have no other hobbies, so eating out is almost like a hobby to me. (I can't believe that I just admitted that!!)

[autumnlynn]

I think my biggest budget buster is impulse spending. I can go shopping for something in particular and then buy a lot of stuff not on my list.

[frooz]

For me it's gardening stuff. Plants, seeds, vegetable plants. But I like to think of it as an investment because we get fruit and veges out of it

[Jenna]

Mine is eating too many dinners out. I am good for a week or two, and then will splurge for a few days. I can justify it at that moment, but looking back - it sometimes seems a waste.

[frooz]

I just remembered my other addiction. Tupperware. My husband just laughs and shakes his head when I buy new stuff but I do use the pieces I buy, I always make sure I am purchasing something I will actually use.

[LexTysMommy]

Going out to eat. That is the only main one. I dont shop (besides grocery) and i dnt have hobbies. I do not buy kids toys etc when we are out. I have not rummage saled this summer. I do not work outside of home so do not use much gas, or need much clothing. We take vacations once a year (under $500) and do not spurge on anything but eating out. SEE I justified it! Thats how i see it in my head! Makes sense? or no! Someone slap me!

[accountantbyday]

I just remembered my other addiction. Tupperware. My husband just laughs and shakes his head when I buy new stuff but I do use the pieces I buy, I always make sure I am purchasing something I will actually use.

Oh, I'm addicted to Tupperware, too!!! But it lasts so darn long, it's an investment, not just a purchase. At least, that's the way I see it

As for my other budget buster, it's yarn. You'd be surprised at how fast it adds up....well, I always am, anyway!

[starsapphire]

New shoes and clothes. I was so good for so long. I paid off all my CC's and got a 3 month EF so I wasn't spending much if anything on clothes and shoes at all. Now its time to replace everything because everything's worn out, its not like I had tons of clothes to begin with. And I work in an office. I was planning on doing this since springtime, I just wasn't planning on spending quite so much. And I'm not done yet. Eeek!

[lukesmama]

Mine are (in no particular order):
-takeout pizza
-diapers and formula
-craft supplies (card making/scrapbooking materials)
-splurges for our children (clothes and toys)
-DH's love of electronics/technology (he controls himself 99% of the time, though)

Oh, and today....handmade bath soap (purchased off etsy.com). I bought three and am eying another! At least I'll be really clean!