Welcome back to Finish The Sentence Friday Blog Hop (FTSF). We give you a sentence and you finish it (however long or short you’d like). Please feel free to link up and follow any or all of our hostesses, which are below.
Our Special Co-Host This Week Is (and so happy to have her joining us!):
Tarana from Sand In My Toes. So, please do visit her and show her some love today.
And now for this week’s sentence to finish: “What I really want to scream out loud is…“
Next week’s sentence to finish: “My favorite decade was…”
What I really want to scream out loud is…
No More Money Talk!!
Seriously, when I hear Kevin tell me again that we need to save more money in our savings account, I just what to shout this from the top of my lungs.
Recently, we had our age old debate about finances in our house.
See we have a lot saved already in our savings account and I also save all my blogging & design money in a separate account monthly, as well (yes I do make money now from both and am proud I can contribute).
The thing is Kevin’s paycheck is what we pay bills and live off of it. And still he would like me to find more out of there to save with. We decided that we would try our best to live off his salary and use a portion of it to save further for a house, too.
I proudly paid off all the Christmas bills in January and have no debt from that. Then, thanks to Obamacare, we were told our health insurance through his job would remain intact, but that we would have to contribute half of one of his monthly paychecks for his January 31st paycheck. Granted it was just one paycheck for the whole year (so they tell us), but we (the four of us) had to live on half his bi-weekly pay for two weeks.
I scrimped and saved all leading up and only needed to dip in for $200 dollars to our savings during this time.
Not trying to pat myself on my back, but still I thought I did a good job economizing for that time.
But then came the realization that I haven’t been able to save much for both January and February, because of this. January was me gearing up and February, I played catch up.
Now, as spring approaches and we are heading into March, I am beginning to see the light of day, but it is going to be a slow process it would seem to be able to save as much as I was before the holidays and the health insurance paycheck crunch, too.
Yet now more then ever, I will definitely need to be more creative on finding ways to cut back and cut corners a bit to do this.
We do need to live though, however there has to be ways to save more of this money and figured I could list a few ways that could help us and maybe others, too.
1. Meal Planning – I know that Karen from Dino Hero Mommy does this and may need to be more thoughtful on this for our house now. I try my best to do this when I make my grocery list and plan out what we are going to eat and also try to plan around sales/coupons more, too. I am truly not a coupon junkie, but will have to try to use what I do have and find.
2. Buy Paper Goods and No Perishable Items in Bulk – My local store always has sales on certain brands of water, paper towels and even toilet paper. And every once in awhile not only are they on sale, but offer coupons. It is at this time that I am going to try more then just one to bulk up and save money.
3. Save on Entertainment – We already don’t go to the movies very often, but also have been reading a lot. Granted I used credits I had in my Kindle and iTunes accounts, but when those run out, I will have to try to buy books when they go on sale and keep a better eye out for that, because Kindle especially runs specials on books very often even for only a few days at a time.
4. Credit Card Purchases – Believe it or not, we don’t have any credit card debt and we only charge what we know we can afford to pay off in a month’t time, never paying interest. So, this one should be an easy one by just making sure that I possibly can charge less then what I can even afford. See, I say should be easy, but still have to try better at this.
5. Sit down and make a budget – I have done this before, but now that I am trying to save even more I should definitely probably redo this and make sure I know what I can afford to save and try my best now to stick to it.
Now that I started to list my ways to save more money. Does anyone have any others that might help me? I know logically like I stated earlier we do need to live and not completely cut everything we love out, but just looking for some more ways to economize a bit now.
And now that I shared what I would scream out loud, please share your thoughts on this here with us today!
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Billybuc says
Excuse me, Janine, but there is something I don't understand about this blog….what are savings? LOL
Have a great Friday my friend….seriously, what does that mean????
Janine Huldie says
Lol, Bill I know it is crazy, but we do totally have savings, just wish for a bit more I guess. Happy Friday Bill!! π
@Mrs_KarenC says
SQUEEEEEEE You mentioned me!!! OMG…I am heaven right now! π
Okay…breathe…lol…..
I totally hear you Janine, even though I do try to save, the actual fact of saving money is something I just can't do with daycare costs right now. I am hoping that I can save that money next year or over the summer. It really stinks living paycheck to paycheck.
I know we saved big time by dropping cable and using roku. Adding up the monthly fees for hulu plus and netflix and figuring the "monthly price" for amazon it still comes to WAY LESS than cable would cost. Besides, Anthony has far better choices of shows and movies.
While I can be frugal, I think I have more to learn about saving money and have to do a better job of rationing foods for the week so they last the week. I can't wait to read all the great ideas you get babe. MWHAH
Janine Huldie says
Ok, you made my night by your comment here and seriously I hope you know how much I love you. Seriously, Karen can't say that enough and totally do have such regard for you not just as a friend, but for your moving saving ways. Seriously, I was writing this and thinking,"What would Karen do?" Love you tons and you gave me more food for thought about Cable now, too!! π
Billybuc says
Janine, I have more savings today than when I was making six figure incomes…go figure!
Janine Huldie says
Bill, so do we believe it or not, but living in NY and wanting to buy your first home, it just doesn't go as far as you would think or imagine. Sad, but true!
day-with-kt.com says
We spent years getting to a debt free stage – the fact that you don't have any credit card debt is huge!!!
You will get where you want to be savings wise!!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks for saying that Kim and will say I am proud that we are credit card debt free, just have to work on the student loan debt debt and of course saving more now, too π
Kate says
So jealous that you don't have any credit card debt. That is SO impressive to me especially as you're living on one salary and raising two girls!
Janine Huldie says
Kate, it took a long time to get here. Kevin had credit card debt when we first met and we paid that off during our engagement (we were engaged for 2 years). Then little by little we paid off car debt and now working on student loan debt. Seriously, the student loan debt just annoys me the most, because we are highly educated, but paying through the nose for it!
Kristi Campbell says
Oh jeez, I can remember being in the grocery line trying to decide whether it was better to buy Ramen noodles or beef. I feel for you but it also sounds like you have such a great outlook on debt. I had a HUGE credit card debt when I was ¥ounger. It took me years to fix it. So yay you π
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Kristi and I am proud of us that we paid off all the credit card debt a few years back, but just wish we had more to go around, if that makes sense! π
Ruchira says
yup, savings is a big issue with kids growing up and gotta pay for their schooling too.
i totally get you, j9
I also agree with you on the saving tips. Try to incorporate those! Also, we try to eat out once or twice max in a week.
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Ruchira and believe it or not, we don't say out much, if it is once a week that is even a lot. π
irkedmommy says
Oh Janine, I completely feel you on this one, except that you already have a savings! Hahaha, we are trying to save but don't have much.
Hey, congratz on making blog and design money! You should be VERY proud of yourself!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks for saying that Echo and I still sometimes can't believe I am making money doing both. And as for the savings, Kevin and I have truly worked hard to save as much as we have, so totally proud of both, but I guess greedily wish for a bit more at times.
lizzy says
Oh, I hate talking about money too! I went to see a fortune teller once several years ago and he told me that money was always going to slip right through my fingers … how right he was! I think your savings ideas are fantastic. Do you have a toy library close by? I think a toy library is a wonderful way for kids to be able to play with a huge variety of age-appropriate toys at a fraction of the retail price.
Janine Huldie says
I wish we had a toy library and would so use that if we did, because you are so right toys cost an arm and a leg and the girls truly want everything they lay there eyes on! And wow to the fortune teller. Seriously, always amazes me how sometimes these people just get it right! π
tinarobmorley says
It sounds like you are doing great with being careful by not having credit card debt and having some savings. You can be glad about that. Hopefully, your girls will learn good money management principals from their mom and dad. Wishing you more "Savings"!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Tina and I truly do hope my girls leaner from us and our mistakes, because I never want to see them have to worry as much about money as we have.
Tarana says
I think it's commendable that you don't have credit card debt. Since you've already got a good plan, I'm sure you'll make it through! Thanks for the shout-out, am happy to be co-hosting this week π
Janine Huldie says
My pleasure for the shout-out and for having you co-host. And thank you so much for you kind words, too Tarana!! π
massholemommy says
Money is always an issue I think. We paid off our credit cards last year and closed the accounts, so that helped us out tremendously!
Janine Huldie says
That always does help tremendously. I can't come to terms with closing them out here, but thankfully we are truly good with only charging what we can afford and never having any debt to pay interest on now.
katbiggie says
I can't believe you guys had to pay out half a paycheck in one month. That's insane! HOw many other people were not as prepared as you and really suffered from this? Money is always so very tight with us. I'm sad to say, I use my credit card way too much, and I have too much credit card debt. I want to get rid of that. As for tips, I say take the time to print coupons from online and match them with store sales. Most places double the coupon, so if you buy, for example, a creamer that is on sale for 3 and you have a 55cent coupon, you get 1.10 off, and instead of paying 3.99 (regular price) you pay 2.90.
Janine Huldie says
Thank you so much for sharing about online coupons and how they work. I really do need to look into them better and know this. But you gave a bit more incentive to do this now. And by the way the health insurance payment really threw me. I did budget knowing about it only a few weeks in advance, but still was totally no fun and still not sure how anyone thinks a family of 4 could live on half a salary for 2 weeks. Just insane and still boggles my mind.
Dana says
Sounds like you and Kevin are doing a good job already. The only suggestion I have may be one you already do, but if you don't, look into borrowing electronic books from your library. I hate to pay for books!
My recent post Old Yeller
Janine Huldie says
I did do that for awhile when I had a Nook, but wasn't sure how to do it for my iPad, but definitely should look into that and thank you for the suggestion, Dana π
christine says
Janine, you already have a great start, having no credit card debt and already having some money in savings. As for tips for saving more…keeping a journal could help. Keep track of every single dime you spend in a week or month. It would be tedious, but it would certainly help you figure out if there are any money drains you didn't realize. Having an end goal could help, too. Is there a number you and your husband would like to have in savings? It might help to have a certain number in mind, then work backwards. To get to that number in a certain amount of time, you need to save a certain amount each month. Make the deposit of that amount into your savings account the first thing you do at each pay check.
And I wouldn't be a very good fake farmer if I didn't mention growing your own food. Ever thought of having a garden? π
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks so much Christine and seriously greta suggestions. We do have an end goal number in mind and think it is more just getting there that seems overwhelming at times, but a journal may definitely be a great start. I do have my bills written out and budget from that, but like the journal idea. I truly have never been much of a gardner though having a black thumb unfortunately, but still thanks for all your help here π
Sandy_Ramsey says
I think you have a great plan of action and are doing all things possible. You have a point when you say you have to live. I know for us, we have the little things pop up all the time that aren't included in the monthly budget. Keep doing what you're doing, Janine. I think you'll find you'll be fine. The lack of credit card debt is reason to be pleased all by itself!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Sandy and that is the thing we don't live beyond our means in my eyes, but still we do indeed need to live a little from time to time, too. So, just trying my best, but love all the suggestions so far today π
Diane Roark says
Janine,
I love when people try hard to live within their means. God calls us to be content in everything we do and have. If not, we will always end up with a lot of debt. This is difficult to teach my teens who want to go everywhere and eat out often, BUT they are beginning to understand that being content brings lots of rewards in the future. We are all able to save for things we really want.
Blessings and thanks for setting such a wonderful example!
Diane Roark
recipesforourdailybread
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Diane and I too remember being a teen and thinking money grew on trees and was no issue. No I know better and just try my best, but do appreciate your kind words and support!! π
dishofdailylife says
This post spoke to me in many ways. I could scream about this too. It's been a very frustrating last few years. Something always seems to go wrong and there is no room to spare.
Janine Huldie says
I know exactly what you mean Michelle and just when I think we are good something else comes up. It is truly never ending and totally can relate and feel your pain on this. Trust me, I totally do.
The Dose of Reality says
It sounds like you have a GREAT plan! We went years…YEARS…without having a real budget. It sounds crazy because how do you manage without one, but we did. (but weren't managing great of course).
You're so right about the Kindle free list. Things go on it all of the time–sometimes just for a day or two–so I check it literally EVERY DAY. I've gone as much as 6 months reading only free stuff (and I read about 3 books a week) –Lisa
Janine Huldie says
Lisa, thank you for letting me know that and knew books went on sale, but love that you were able to find books to keep you reading for that long. And we too didn't always budget and it definitely does make a difference and truly agree with you on this π
tamaralikecamera says
We don't have any credit cards in this house! Just one. Yikes.. It can be scary. And like you, Cassidy's salary pays for most of our lives and mine helps with the non mortgage and car stuff. And yes, I watch these babies which is really hard to do on top of working! Or to work on top of childcare.
I told Cassidy I don't want to talk about money anymore! Of course we will need to do so periodically.
Janine Huldie says
I know I say it all the time whenever the conversation moves to money, but still each time we do inevitably have to discuss it just totally makes me want to scream. And I think we definitely have a lot in common on this and totally had a feeling you could relate to this too π
Kelly L McKenzie says
Love the journal idea that Christine mentioned. I did that for a few months and it was quite the eye opener to see where money was just slipping away without me noticing. Do you get money on returns for your alcohol and pop bottles and cans? If so, pick up any you see lying around. Return them and pop that money into a special fund. I do that and I'm amazed how the money adds up.
Janine Huldie says
That is also a great idea and my parents actually do that, but may need to start doing it too as I drink only bottled water all week long. Thanks Kelly!! π
Kat says
Over the last few years, I have really gotten my finances in order and it feels SO good. I have a monthly budget listing deposits and regular bills and know exactly how much I have to spend each week. I haven't owned a credit card in years since I know how bad I am with them and so only spend what I have. Creating a menu plan is something that I started at one point but kind of fell off the wagon a while back; must get back on that wagon! I'm now proud to say that I have even worked savings into that budget. It feels good to get control doesn't it
Janine Huldie says
It totally does Kat and thank you so much for sharing with me how you did indeed take control of your budget π
Kenya G. Johnson says
I know its rather stressful but sounds like you've got a great plan. I really need to meal plan as well. I never have everything thing I need for one meal. Then I go to the store and get more than I need at that time. Back in the day my mom would go through the grocery store with a calculator. She had a strict budget. Her list was written on an envelope and in the envelope was the cash to pay for the groceries. I think I would do much better is I started simply with taking cash and a calculator. On another note how do you find Kindle deals? I hear people talk about them and I'm always a day late from a freebie or 99 cents offer.
Janine Huldie says
I love your mom's system and seriously think that does sound like it would and could work. As for Kindle, the ones I have gotten, have been great so far, but it hasn't been in about a year give or take, because when I got back onto reading recently, I had Amazon credits for a gift card and then also with iTunes, I had a gift card from an blog article I wrote and shared for a company. So, I need to take a better look again into this, because those credits are almost gone.
Lisa @ Golden Spoons says
I get this. Money is so frustrating. I get angry every time I buy groceries because they are so darn expensive. I do the meal planning thing, too and would be happy to offer some thoughts on that sometime.
Here's is something else we do. (Sorry in advance for the lengthy comment.) In our house, my hubs is the money manager and financier. He pays all the bills and oversees our savings. But, I'm the one who does all the daily spending (groceries, kids' activities, etc.) Many years ago, we got into debt because when I started staying home we didn't change how we lived or how we were spending. We are out of that now, but it was a long road. Along the way,we got some financial advice and one thing they suggested was to have a weekly "meeting" about our finances. We did and it helped sooooooo much. He would make sure I was aware what bills were due to be paid. I would make sure he knew what expenses we had coming up. Before, I had no idea how much our power bill was and he had no idea how expensive groceries actually were. We were able to communicate about our expenses calmly and plan out what was coming up. We both gained a better understanding of what was coming in and what was going out. We were able to know exactly what we had so spend each week and we both worked very hard to stick to that budget.
Janine Huldie says
Lisa, thank you for that and as such as I hate discussing it, quite possibly a weekly meeting would work here. I actually do all the bills and a in charge of everything, because I am just inherently better with math (having taught it), but like this idea and seriously appreciate you sharing and your advice π
@togetherforlife says
Can't offer any further suggestions, but wanted to say that it sounds like you have some good ideas on your list. Best of luck with everything!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thank you for that and very much appreciate it!! π
Billybuc says
I would like to interview you on "How To Make Money Blogging"….if interested, email me at holland1145@yahoo.com…..it will be five or six questions and you can take your time answering….thanks!
Janine Huldie says
I will definitely email you and am honored you want to interview me. Thank you so much and made me smile in this cold, dreary Friday. π
Chris / HyeThymeCafe says
I haven't been to a library in forever, but I know when I last went, you were able to check out movies, games, etc. I wonder if they have e-books somehow nowadays too. Of course, you could always do it the old-fashioned way. π One thing I got into the habit of doing, although I haven't actually compared my bills to see how much of an impact it might be having … is unplugging things I don't use often. They say that even if it's not ON, anything plugged in is still pulling energy, and things that "sleep," are especially guilty of that, so if you have a CD player or something that goes into sleep mode, even if you don't unplug it, at least turn it off. I try to use coupons when I can, but my problem with that is most of them are for things I don't use. I'm also terrible about meal planning. I don't know IF I'll be in the mood to eat, never mind WHAT, so to figure that out a week ahead of time seems impossible to me. I never understood how people do that. What I really need to do is STOP using my debit card – that makes it too easy to spend mindlessly. I used to take a certain amount from each paycheck for the week (maybe two weeks – I think I was getting paid every two weeks) and spend from that on food, entertainment, etc. If anything was left by the time I got my next paycheck, I would stash it somewhere, so by the end of the year, I had a nice little chunk of cash to use for holiday spending, etc. (or as an emergency stash). I really should go back to doing that.
Janine Huldie says
That is usually what I try to do with stashing away what doesn't get used from each paycheck, but been slacking for the last few with all I shared here, but I too have to get better with that, Chris and thanks for letting me know that it isn't just me π
lrconsiderer says
I wish you every success, Janine. It's one of my WORST things. Hate dealing with money.
Janine Huldie says
Me Too Lizzie and totally a fate worse then death at times dealing with money, so couldn't agree more!!
southmainmuse says
Wow. The fact that you have no debt says a lot. I was just having a conversation with my 20 yo as he left to go visit his girlfriend before heading back to school after spring break. I told him when he gets married. Buy a house below their means. Save and travel before children. That is one of my regrets that John and I didn't travel more the five years we had before kids. We bought a house at the top of what we could afford and didn't leave money for fun. Good luck. Sounds like you are going a great job. But take out some money every now and then and spend it together as a couple.
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Jamie and I hope that I too can teach this lesson to both my girls as they are growing up, but you are so right to do something as a couple even just once a month (thus my reasoning that we do still need to live and enjoy from time to time).
stephsprenger says
This has me all fired up! I too am SICK of the money, budget, savings talk. UGH. I made an elaborate budget spreadsheet after reviewing AN ENTIRE YEAR of our spending, and decided what was within reason for each category: groceries, household, entertainment, dining, clothes, etc. Then I write down every single transaction on a monthly grid, and put it under whichever category it fits in. I have maybe a dozen categories, and forcing myself to write down each transaction really helps me stay within my budget and be accountable. Hope that helps. π
Janine Huldie says
Stephanie, trust me this totally is the bane of my existence, but the spreadsheet idea does sound like it would totally help and may just have to do this now. It will be extra work, but still sounds like it does force accountability and help find out what is worth it and in budget, too. Thank you so much for sharing with me and can't say that enough.
lisang@expandng.com says
I hear ya, Janine! We try and try and try and yet no money in the savings account! We started a budged Jan 2014, so hopefully that helps curb our spending on eating out, particularly. But our grocery bill is crazy. A friend spends $500/month on groceries AND eating out combined. Two adults, 2 children under 5. How does she manage it when mine is $750/month just on groceries alone???? I'm not a super couponer and do prefer certain brands over others, but seriously, I want to scream at my grocery bill.
Janine Huldie says
I try my best too, but I can't seem to keep our weekly grocery bill under $150. Once in awhile I come close, but still that plus going out once in awhile on top, I am definitely above $500, so I can truly relate and yes totally feel your pain. I would love to know how your friend does it and if she would share with us, I would definitely listen, because I too do like brands, but I do try to use store coupons when I can. Seriously, though it is just crazy and keep thinking my kids are only little and don't even eat that much yet. God help me as they grow!
lisang@expandng.com says
She says she doesn't buy a lot of organic (which I do) and not alot of meat (which I do). She also says that her hubs eats-out at lunch every day b/c his company pays for it (how nice!). Maybe that explains it?? But yea, only my one kid is old enough to eat real food (and doesn't eat much) so I can't imagine what our bill's going to be like when both my kids are ravenous teenagers!
Janine Huldie says
Maybe that does, but still fearful of the teen years here, too even though one of mine is a very, picky eater.
stephanie2006 says
Wow, just having taken out a quarter of a monthly paycheck without a warning is hard! Do you pay monthly premiums as well? If not, I wonder why they don't split up this premium over a year. In Germany, all employees in the public healthcare system have taken about 8% of their paycheck taken out right away for healthcare. The employer pays another 8%, and this is about all the healthcare cost we ever have. We have a small co-pay on medications, and healthcare for kids is always free. I like it a lot better that way, knowing what healthcare will cost me, and not having to wonder what a sudden illness will cost us. I know how difficult the balance between saving and living a little. Hubby is not a fan of meal planning at all, but I think once I'm home with the baby, I'll try and see how it goes.. I know that it won't be a problem for you to build up your savings again, Janine!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Stephanie and it definitely was hard and hoping that it is indeed only front hat one paycheck and they don't come back later in the year needing more. Just trying now recoup from it and all the thoughts and ideas have given me a lot the think of and play with now for sure π
Rosey says
I wish I had some tips for you. It's so easy to get stressed out, I know…seems like something always pops up out of the ordinary that downright requires money too, when you're diligently trying to save.
Maybe CDs would be good? If you put a signif. amount in a short-term, it could give you a little extra that would be nice. If you put it in longer term, it def. wil. You can take money out at anytime, but you get a penalty if you do it beforehand (and you have to watch the rollover time if you're trying to get it out on time). If you already know that stuff, just disregard this. π
Good luck!
Janine Huldie says
Aww, thanks Rosey and I have a savings account and had a CD account, too. We took the CD account and put into into an investment fund and it has actually made more then the CD, but still trying to save more monthly now if that makes sense.
realhousewife says
You are doing great Janine, like other commenters – not having CC debt is HUGE! (I use mine like you do…only what I pay off at the end of the month so I don't pay interest.). It seemed like it took forever for anything to accumulate but it does!
I remember this girl I worked with carrying a little notebook around with her…in her front breast pocket (our lovely hospital scrubs) and I asked her what it was all about one day. She said she writes down everything she buys…every single thing…as she buys it. Then she figures out what she needed versus what was frivolous. She said some finance expert recommended it and felt it helped her concentrate on saving more money?
If she bought a candy bar – it went on "the list". No matter how small or large a purchase – she documented it.
I don't know…I'd never even try that! Lol. However, I have thought about it keeping that in mind and occasionally I decided an item isn't list worthy:) haha
Have a fabulous weekend!
Janine Huldie says
Wow, that is definitely interesting and not sure I could be that dedicated, but could see how that would help to show what you are buying all month long and prove if it is worth it or not. Thanks so much Kelly for sharing and wishing you a great weekend now, too! π
Real. Life. Parenting. says
Sounds to me like you've got a good handle on things!! Money stuff is always stressful, isn't it!? You've been able to save before, you'll get caught up and be saving again soon!!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much and I am truly trying. Just a work in progress, I suppose π
tikilon says
I am still stuck on having to pay half of his pay check. Wow! I was just thinking the other day I need to build my savings up. I was on short term disability and you can imagine how things are going for now.I really need to figure out a way to bring more sponsored posts and ads to my side. I just recently went back to using coupons and I managed to convert a couple of cashiers. They were amazed by how much I saved by using a few coupons. *sigh* Thanks for the motivation…going coupon hunting now because I almost forgot.
Janine Huldie says
I should be thanking you too and definitely will take a look into doing more couponing, too because you and few others mentioned that here π
Amanda Love says
OK I admit, I can't help you with any suggestions. I very rarely save. I have an allotment that goes every month into my savings account from my paycheck. If it wasn't for that I'd be spending it all. We go out more often than we should and I shop way too much even when I don't need to. I should be asking you for more suggestions. π
Janine Huldie says
Amanda, if you need any advice would be happy to share what I am doing, but like I said I am truly still a work in progress and still need more help on this. Trust me, I spent more money yesterday on something for me, but took it out of my own end and felt a bit guilty, but like I said sometimes we just need to live, too.
jasteck says
You are a master at saving money, Janine. Can you come over and work on my budget? I'd suggest calling service providers, like cable television and cell phone services and ask them if they have any better deals going on. I know when I've threatened to move to other services, they magically pull a new deal out of there back pocket. It's saved me money over the years. All your careful planning will really pay off.
Janine Huldie says
I did totally get a better deal for our Verizon FIOs and actually caught the girl making an error when we resubscribed and ATT, I still was allowed to use my educator's discount, so still better there then if I didn't use it. But I know what you mean and have totally done the threatening to move to the other company to get the better, lower price. So you are so right there. And if I ever get mine totally where I want it, will totally come over and help you, too now!! π
spiritedlife says
I'm actually on the other side of the spectrum. I want to talk more about money. After we decided to move, all the hard work and moves we'd been making have gone out the window. Things are tighter than it should be and we should've been able to make this transition a little smoother. I haven't gotten my husband back on the all cash plan yet! Anywho. If we were consistent like we were, it was getting annoying at the time.
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Janine Huldie says
You and Kevin would get along famously. But seriously not that I don’t like to talk about it, but just hate stressing so much over it.
gigigirl says
You seem to be doing everything right…..saving money has never been something I've been able to do……in spite of establishing all kinds of budgets, etc. Sounds like you are ahead of most of us and you can only squeeze so much out of the incoming resources. I think we also tend to forget more things are going up…..a few cents here and there but they all add up and the money won't stretch to cover it all. Just do the best you can and don't stress it. Sounds like you're doing OK. Tell Kevin to chill! Love…..xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Love you too and will totally tell Kevin to chill. Then again you could tell him too in a little less then a month.m thought of you today, because it was almost spring like weather with temps in the 60s and we change the cold again tonight. I think spring is finally in the air. Won’t be long until you are home now, too π xoxo!!
gigigirl says
Glad to hear spring is in the air. Daylight savings time is a good beginning! I'll look forward to the good weather in April. Love….xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Totally was this past weekend and was still light at 7 pm tonight. So spring is so coming, thank god for small favors. Love you too xoxo π
Brittnei Washington says
Janine, these are such great tips to save money! It's also nice to hear that Obamacare is working out for someone. I honestly don't feel in our situation it is showing to be so nice so this is really great to hear. I feel so late for coming over to this post almost a week later to see what you were screaming about! Eek! xo
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Janine Huldie says
No worries and trust me I totally understand. An sorry about Obamacare for you. Trust me we are lucky, because Kevin's company pays the majority of it for us, but still this was a lot to put out at once for us. Just hope that this is for now.