Me and my husband make about $4000.00 a month (that is bring home pay after taxes). I know this is not a lot of money but, it seems like we can't save or have much left over after we pay the bills.The only major bill we have is 700.00 per month rent, 611.00 car payment. We are trying to save to buy a house in about a year through a VA loan. Our utilities are around 800.00 per month. That leaves us around 1,889 left over and this does not include my 703.00 per month child support from my ex. We eat at fast food joints to much but the real problem is my husband can't manage money well at all. It takes at least 20.00 a day for him. He is doing better though. I say that is a lot. Please HELP!!!
2006-09-17 13:34:11 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Before you buy anything ask yourself is it something you want or something you need? Only allow yourself one "what I want" purchase a month (or week, whatever works). And stop eating fastfood! Its terribly unhealthy and in the end it really isnt cheap at all. I can make a big dinner of stir fry or Italian pasta with all the sides for less than a "value" meal.
Good luck!
2006-09-17 13:42:07 · answer #1 · answered by quickblur 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is just an idea, but try this, create an excel Spreadsheet on your computer that covers everything that you need to spend. If you need a sample, email me (theyoungtuckers@yahoo.com). Throw in everything like entertainment, etc. BUT FIRST OFF, PAY YOURSELF. Open a savings account until you save a larger amount of money, then put it in a CD for 6 months so you can't touch it! this is for yourself. if you have about 2500 left over every month (1889 plus child support), MAKE YOURSELF PUT AWAY 2000 dollars and realize how ice it will be to put down 24000 dollars on your house in a year!!
Next thing you need to do is turn your nose up at fast food!!! Tell yourself that you don't want your family eating that crap, then read online all the gross things that you shouldn't be putting in your body!! Get organized and get a menu together!! You will spend less on groceries, and your family will enjoy sitting down to dinner!! Take them for pizza on payday or something, as a treat!! Not only will you get $$$$ in your bank account!! You will also get healthy!!! Email me if you need any help. I used to be a financial assistant!!
2006-09-17 16:30:29 · answer #2 · answered by tasha 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recommend this book very highly it will change your financial family life.
http://www.amazon.com/Financial-Peace-Planner-restoring-financial/dp/014026468X/sr=8-4/qid=1158539893/ref=pd_bbs_4/104-0292145-1285512?ie=UTF8&s=books
The author was a hot shot real estate developer and when interest rates moved against him he went bankrupt and almost lost his family over the stress.
The author comes from a Christian viewpoint and doesn't beat around the bush, he thinks your money says alot about your spiritual life. This stuff works and is simple to do.
Basically, you plan to spend EVERY dollar at the start of the month before you spend the first dollar. Stick to the plan and this will bring you and hubby together as you see progress. There is hope don't get discouraged.
Probably the first piece of advice he would give is sell the car and buy what you can afford. But I'll let you read the book for more detail.
Also look at www.daveramsey.com
God bless... also thanks for serving our country in the Armed Forces
2006-09-17 13:47:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anthony M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The partial answer to your question is indicated by your own words "it seems like we can't save or have much left over after we pay the bills."
Well, what are your bills? ALL of them.Because if you are willing to change, then you need a list of all the sources of expenses you have. Then you need to work on altering your expenses.
There are many people who can help you, but to be forthright, I have noticed that most people don't listen and follow advice unless they pay for it. So perhaps you and your husband are exceptions to the rule, but if not, hire someone to help you through this.
It will pay for itself within several months at the rate you are going.
Good luck.
2006-09-17 17:21:32 · answer #4 · answered by J. C. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you really pay $800 a month in utilities? I'm assuming natural gas heating and electricity. That is way too much. Either the utility is overcharging you or someone is swiping your electric. Please contact the utility company immediately to have your bill checked out. You should be paying about $200-300 month.
eating out costs way too much. Fast food for 2 costs about $17 for dinner here. Instead I buy 1 porterhouse steak at the supermarket, roast some potatoes, and make a salad for that same price. It tastes way better and more nutritious.
2006-09-17 16:42:27 · answer #5 · answered by Steve R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a month you can have a substantial amount of money to help with a lot of things. Personally im using this to help pay tuition and buy a new car (college makes ya broke) You can read about it here http://bigboi007.editboard.com Just make sure your husband doesnt spend it all in one place. Take Care.
2006-09-17 19:52:11 · answer #6 · answered by austin s 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In your situation
1/ car payment too high
2/ try to cook home meals, eat out on weekend is okay,20*30==600 right there. You could save 500/month if cut down on cars and home cook meals
2006-09-17 17:38:38 · answer #7 · answered by Hoa N 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
f u cant budget on 4000. a mnth there is no hope for u. me n my gf make it by on 3000. tell ur husband to cut back. there is no ned to spend 20 a day. cut out the fast food 2. good luk
2006-09-17 14:37:24 · answer #8 · answered by Mike Dub 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You bring in more than me and I have 3 kids. Go to www.crown.org or crownfinancial.org. They can get you where you need to be, trust me.
2006-09-17 13:42:20 · answer #9 · answered by nada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋