Stockpile or pay ahead on bills?

**amanjud** · 07-31-2008, 11:03 PM

So I've been trying to stockpile before winter gets here and our heating bill skyrockets. We have all electric heat so it is not unusual for our bill to be close to $600/mth in the winter. My goal was to get enough HBA(soaps, shampoo,detergent ect.)to last us the winter, plus I will do some meats and veges.

My question is should I be spending the money paying ahead on bills, or keep stockpiling. I do get most of my stockpile on sale and with coupons, so it's maybe $30 extra a week. Sometimes I feel like I'm being frivilous with the money, but that is only because I hate to see money go.

I don't know, it's late and I'm rambling and I should be in bed LOL!!
Let me know if this makes any sense!

**Cricketlegs** · 07-31-2008, 11:05 PM

What about halfsies?

$60 aside for bills and $60 in the stockpile???

That way you would be working both of your concerns and not feeling antsy.

**Momto2Boyz** · 07-31-2008, 11:06 PM

That is a good question. I don't know what I would do, so I'd be interested in seeing what people say.

But, I did want to post and say this...don't pay ahead on bills, if you don't get a discount for paying them early! Instead, set the money aside in an interest bearing savings account. The money will be there and earmarked for these bills already, but at least the money will be working for you and not sitting in some companies account working for them!

The only time I would do this, is if they are cc's and are charging you interest or if they give you a discount for paying early (which most places don't even do anymore...lots of places used to give you a 10% discount for paying before the due date)

Anyhoo, that is just my 2 cents!

**Cricketlegs** · 07-31-2008, 11:08 PM

I agree with Sarah--put the monet aside and hold it and use it when needed.

**amanjud** · 07-31-2008, 11:16 PM

Good ideas. I'm gonna list what i have, mostly HBA stuff. I probably have enough HBA, but ya know, I hate to pass up a great deal! Never paid full price for any of it. It's very addictive.

6 toothpaste
5 shampoo
4 body wash
14 Dh soap (irish spring bars)
3 hand soap
1 conditioner
8 laundry detergent

I've got meat in the freezer too, but not enough to last a whole winter, and in Central NY winter is from Oct sometimes til May. It's very unpredictable.
I should probably stop worrying about it so much and enjoy the summer more!

**Cricketlegs** · 07-31-2008, 11:21 PM

monet should read money!

What a typo, listen if you have a Monet, don't put it aside! RUN to the best auction house and sell that baby lol.

monet--I really should take a moment to proof my posts......sigh

**Cricketlegs** · 07-31-2008, 11:22 PM

Here in east texas our AC came on in March.....and heat starts in November.

**amanjud** · 07-31-2008, 11:25 PM

Originally Posted by Cricketlegs

monet should read money!

What a typo, listen if you have a Monet, don't put it aside! RUN to the best auction house and sell that baby lol.

monet--I really should take a moment to proof my posts......sigh

ROFL, it's late..think we are the only ones still posting. I should prob. go to bed. UGH

**Cricketlegs** · 07-31-2008, 11:28 PM

I am still trying to read the whole board lol! I can't seem to get out of frugal living lol.

I have to post about my dhs job scare, my meltdown, the new job offer, his current job counter offer, the decision...wow I am tired lol!

**MomToTwoBoys** · 08-01-2008, 02:17 AM

I'd go half way. That's just me, though.

Oh wait! No it's not...

**treeluva** · 08-01-2008, 03:55 AM

You should probably go with your security gland.... what does your gut tell you you should do?

Half and half sounds like a good compromise... you are working on both concerns for the winter months at the same time.

**WV_mom_of2** · 08-01-2008, 07:26 AM

As someone who has used her stockpile in very lean times, I don't pass up a good deal LOL. I like having a stockpile for times when I am stuck in the winter(dh is sometimes stuck in another state for days on end in really bad weather), when money is really tight, when I am too sick to get out to the store, etc. I've been busting my butt this past month to get us caught up on all our bills and I thanked God for my stockpile everyday. It allowed us to eat well while putting that grocery money toward bills.

I think as long as your bills are staying current I'd keep up with the stockpile. Are you also stockpiling food items? That is where I put most of my focus. Having that stockpile will allow you to eat or clean or bathe and put your money toward the electric bill!

**freebs** · 08-01-2008, 07:37 AM

Originally Posted by Cricketlegs

Here in east texas our AC came on in March.....and heat starts in November.

i agree!!!!! i am already ready for the ac to go off as i just got my bill.

OP i would stockpile items! as prices are changing everyday and they are not going down!!

**YankeeMom** · 08-01-2008, 07:39 AM

I would stockpile or save it before I paid ahead on bills. Unless like someone else said, it's a bill that's drawing interest like a credit card or loan. Then I would pay that before I would stockpile or save.

Or you could split the difference and pay a little ahead and stockpile a little.

**nodmicks** · 08-01-2008, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by Momto2Boyz

That is a good question. I don't know what I would do, so I'd be interested in seeing what people say.

But, I did want to post and say this...don't pay ahead on bills, if you don't get a discount for paying them early! Instead, set the money aside in an interest bearing savings account. The money will be there and earmarked for these bills already, but at least the money will be working for you and not sitting in some companies account working for them!

The only time I would do this, is if they are cc's and are charging you interest or if they give you a discount for paying early (which most places don't even do anymore...lots of places used to give you a 10% discount for paying before the due date)

Anyhoo, that is just my 2 cents!

Great advice!