I have a really good job with benefits. My problem is I am always broke. What is the answer? Help!?

Question

I make about 60k a year have 3 daughters and my wife makes about 55k- why are we always broke?

Answer 1

There's research you need to do on your finances before you can answer that question.

First, you need to track every penny you, your wife and kids spend. And I mean EVERY penny. Track everything you buy, every bill you pay, everytime you run through the drive-thru for food or stop to get a coffee and newspaper. Do this for at least one month.

At the end of that month, sit down and look at how you are spending your money and what you are spending it on. Categorize your spending for month specifically. For example, instead of listing all food purchases into one category, break it down into "groceries," "eating out at restaurants," eating out at drive-thrus," "snacks throughout the day" (especially if you or your wife stop and pick up donuts, bagels or other small items on a regular basis). Only through specifically categorizing will you find out why you are spending all of the money you are paid.

You will be surprised to find out how much money you end up spending on relatively "small" items that add up throughout the month.

Also, are you paying for everything in cash every month or racking up credit card debt which you then payout large amounts of interest every month? This can take a financial toll.

I know this sounds labor intensive but it is the only way to get a true and honest hold on where your money is going. If you don't how it's being spent, you will not be able to ever control it.

Answer 2

you're spending more than you make, simple as that. You need to sit down together and make a budget. You need to find out where you're money is going. I know that sounds crazy but other than your mortgage and your monthly utilities you may not be aware of how much money you're spending on other things. Do you dine out often? You'd be amazed how much money that can add up to over a month's time. Keep track of EVERYTHING you spend and simply cut out the unnecessary things that are draining your wallet. Good luck

Answer 3

You truly should be able to live comfortably. You also should be socking away loads into a retirement/education fund. Seriously, do not spend so much. Pay your bills, put atleast $500 a month in an emergency fund, make sure you utilize 401k, THEN use the rest as spending money.

SAVE SAVE SAVE

Answer 4

Because you spend more than you bring in. One way to solve this is to daily list all your expenses, and I mean all. Write them down. Once you and your wife do this, you will be able to see where your money is going. My guess is you don't have a clue as to what you spend it on. This will give you a snapshot and show you where you can cut. Also make a budget, listing your fixed expenses, such as house pmts, car pmts, etc. Then you can figure out your variable expenses and cut your expenses in that category. Good luck.

Answer 5

The answer to money is always the same:
BUDGET,
and off course
GET WHAT U NEED FIRST, THEN THINGS U WANT
By doing so you will have to compromise of course, but at the end it will pay off.
For example, always always compare prices and services, dont just take what every body takes, cause it might be wrong choice for you?!

Answer 6

There are two kinds of "broke," one can barely pay the bus coin and the other don't see ATM machine around. In your case, if you don't see any ATMs machine in the blocks where you at. It is alright to be that kind of broke. But if you can't pay your bills, this is outrageous for someone who makes that much money. Think about it.

Answer 7

First list your liabilities. Then manage your bank account through the internet every couple of days. Youll then notice what your spending most of your income on. Try and limit specific spending every two weeks. Youll be surprised that after a lil practice youll be noticing your savings account grow.

Answer 8

Do you have a budget planned?

You must lay out all the expenses you have and by orginazing the must-pay and the not needed you can cut down on expenses you have

If you guys go out to eat alot but dont want to stop you can pick restourants with lower prices and still go out to eat

Answer 9

You either are spending too much or have too much debt that you are paying off each month or both.

Itemize your monthly output and you may be amazed as to what is going out compared to what is coming in.

we did and were shocked!

hope this helps

Answer 10

You are lacking self control skills. You need to find an accountant and he/she can help you make a budget for the money and help you follow it.