I need anyones help.

[bclements514]

Hi all! Good morning. I am new here and I am looking for all the advice I can get. I am a SAHM and I am looking to really cut spending. My Husband's work is skim in the winter and great in the summer. We have been overspending this summer since our DD was born. Please help we only have one CC and a car loan that needs to be paid off. Thats what I want to start with at least. He is looking for a more steady job and one that offers insurance. The baby has insurance through the state but I feel bad that we are using it when I know that we are capable of getting our own. Thanks for your time. Looking forward to hearing from anyone.

[forHISglory]

Most of us would be glad to give input, but we need more information. What is your budget? What spending patterns do you have? Do you have an emergency fund? Do you see obvious leaks in your money? With a little more info, we can probably give advice. Just give the info that you are comfortable in posting.

[bclements514]

Well I am in the process of making a budget. We never had one. I have alotted 200.00 to groceries(food, paper products, baby food, formula, diapers) Is that to high? We dont have an emergency fund. We have 240 in saving and we save change. WE have a lot of leaks like going out to eat, he eats lunch out everyday( everyone eats out that he works with, they are never at the same place for a job). I have started planning meals and cooking at home.

I guess the hardest part is that we never make the same amount of money every month. If it rains, snows , or is under 30 degrees he can't work. I am sure there are a lot of you in the same situation. What do you do?

[FrugalMomof3]

Well, I would suggest getting a budget in place first. As for your alotment of $200 is that per week or per month?

Why can't hubby pack lunch? It's alot cheaper than eating out everyday.

How do you compensate for the times when he can't work? Meaning how do you manage and pay the bills?

Have you tried getting forumla for the baby through the local WIC agency? That would save you alot of money as well.

Try cutting out basics like cable or certain phone features like caller ID, call waiting, 3-way calling on your home phone, it may not be much but it can add up.

Wash your laundry in cold water, turn out lights in every room when not in use and use natural light during the day and candles at night.

I am sure the other ladies here can help you more but OH shop at food surplus stores or Aldi's or Price Rite.

[bclements514]

We are never late on our bills b/c wehave over ten thousand dollars in our checking account. I am in the process of tranferring it over to a savings acount and just keeping 1000.00 in there.
I dont what to use it to pay our car and CC off b/c that money has to last us if something happens.

I guesss hubby doesn't take his lunch because no one else does.

I am also shutting off our home phone and internet and getting wireless internet. Thats just one bill and it is cheaper that the phone and Aol.

I was all clothes in cold water, have the furnace set to 67,and try not to use lights as much as possible.

We always manage to have money coming in, I babysit for two babies and I get paid through my annuity everymonth. It's not enough to pay for everything but we get by.

Thank you for your advice Frugalmomof3

[Kitten20]

You've gotten some great advice already and it sounds like you are on your way, so I just wanted to say welcome to FV!

[dianne9106]

I have found a wealth of information here at the Village! You are wise to transfer that money into a savings account, perhaps look into a money market that you can write checks on as well. Your situation is unique but not abnormal. I would check out a few money saving books, I recently read The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey - excellent read and he is on the radio in most places and the pod cast are free.
I am not sure how you eat, but $200 with diapers and formula may be a little lean?? Perhaps you could look into cloth diapering - not for everyone but it's cheaper during the day. My DH did the happy dance the day I quit cloth diapering !
A good stock pile of foods and goods can help during the leaner times, clip coupons and find the sales. January will be excellent time to stock up as well. There is a great trading thread here and someone is usually conducting a trading train for coupons.
If you have extra stuff sitting around - sell it. If you are not using it - someone could. Perhaps buy some of your stuff used at the thrift store - many great bargains have come from those.
Check out some threads and you will learn more than you ever thought possible. Start with a budget and many things will fall into place.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes!
Dianne

[Susanscraps]

Welcome! Your DH's job sounds like mine...he is a landscaper, but snow plows in the winter. His checks are great in the summer, and lean depending on the weather. My Dh does take his lunch, rarely eats out. There are so many good ideas here. I joined the freecycle in our area (just to get rid of things), and also keep my eye on our local Craigslist. Before you buy "anything" new, check out those 2 places. I see many great things for free or a fraction of the cost. Do you belong to MyPoints? I usually cash out for a $50 gift card in a year, just by clicking on emails (and some rare online shopping). Every little bit helps.
Congrats on you new baby!

[FreesiaE]

IMO it makes little sense for a credit card bill to be accumulating interest when you have the money to pay it now. Paying this interest is increasing the cost of whatever you bought, and decreasing your income. Keep 1/3 or whatever you feel is appropriate for emergencies only, but realize also that during an emergency, you will have a paid off credit car to use if need be.

[kaykwilts]

to the forum.

[nuisance26]

~Welcome to FV!~

[Royal]

Hello and to FV!!

[Darlene]

Welcome to the Village!

[monkeymia]

Welcome to the Village.

All the girls here have given you great advice. My advice is when you have the money in Summer, save save save in Summer so you don't have to stress as much in Winter.

[lilk]

Welcome to FV.