Budgeting @ Home

~MuNiYa~ · Jul 31st, 2003, 09:20 AM

For married couples or from your expierence with parents..
who does the budgeting at home.

Share techniques on saving money..

Its seems like both Salman and I keep making moreand more everymonth.. but we spend just as much...

Our bills are incredible and they all seem essential..

roshnie · Jul 31st, 2003, 09:30 AM

Tell me about it !
Put a ban on yourself & just stop going to the malls etc
I would do it two or three months a year & that does help. Do you look for sales?

funguy · Jul 31st, 2003, 09:39 AM

When I go to the mall, I know exactly what I need. I would go straight to that store, buy and leave. I don't look for sales or buy stuff ONLY because it is on sale. If I don't need something, I wouldn't buy even if it was 99% OFF sale.

Having said that, I just spent $300 on Banana Republic web site.

CareBear · Jul 31st, 2003, 09:45 AM

I hate roaming around malls if I don't have anything in particular to buy. Like Funguy said, I usually know what I want, as well. When I see it...I buy it...and I'm out of there. I hate shopping for hours and hours. It's annoying and very tiring.

I guess that helps in not spending too much.

roshnie · Jul 31st, 2003, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by funguy:
When I go to the mall, I know exactly what I need. I would go straight to that store, buy and leave.

Having said that, I just spent $300 on Banana Republic web site.

ha ha ha....So much for going straight to "that" store

~MuNiYa~ · Jul 31st, 2003, 09:55 AM

No its not shopping... its just everyone has a cell phone and a home phone and then no one stays with in thier minutes.
Then we have to have all the cable channels.. UFF!!!

funguy · Jul 31st, 2003, 10:03 AM

These are the bills I have to pay;

Mortgage payment
Auto Insurance
Electricity
Water & Garbage
Gas
Dish
Cell phone
Home Phone
Lawn Maintenance
Pest Control
Internet Service

CareBear · Jul 31st, 2003, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ~MuNiYa~:
No its not shopping... its just everyone has a cell phone and a home phone and then no one stays with in thier minutes.
Then we have to have all the cable channels.. UFF!!!

We're all with you on that one!

~MuNiYa~ · Jul 31st, 2003, 10:11 AM

at this rate..we'll never be able to own our own home..

My BF doesnt work.. only her hubby does and he makes about 30-40 K... and they run thier house beautifully.. cable and all.. meanwhile Salman and I make more then them and are always damning ourselves for these bills...

mehroo · Jul 31st, 2003, 12:41 PM

Muniya just wait til you have kids pirr dekhana hota kia hai

~MuNiYa~ · Jul 31st, 2003, 01:47 PM

^hai allah dont scar me..

Faisal · Jul 31st, 2003, 02:15 PM

Two words: Use Quicken.

Jal_Pari · Jul 31st, 2003, 02:20 PM

get rid of some cable channels first...thats what i did

It was hard in the beginning as i was literally addicted to some TV programs...but khair it subsided....don't think i am gonna go bazerk if i don't get to see ptv ztv or all cool movie channels.
Also make sure to check flyers, sales advertisments etc before you go for shopping and grocery. I don't know about there...but we do get piles and piles of flyers every weekend, it sure does help alot.

Degas · Jul 31st, 2003, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by funguy:
These are the bills I have to pay;

Mortgage payment
Auto Insurance
Electricity
Water & Garbage
Gas
Dish
Cell phone
Home Phone
Lawn Maintenance
Pest Control
Internet Service

plus a truck load of over limit credit cards

I could never manage money in my life.. dunno I always pay late with late fee even when I have money.. I am pathetic with accounts..

SaadiaB · Jul 31st, 2003, 02:58 PM

I am good at budgeting and NOT buying things that I dont need, thank God!!

One thing is that, when I need something I plan ahead and then wait for the right kind of sale and then go and get it. I don't buy things if I know that they are way too expensive, I'd rather wait a while till I find the right rate. Sometimes I buy things before hand. Like today I bought a vendilator fan for the next summer season for my home, as it was season closing sale, a very good piece and price.

My bills include, everything for a home, car, insurances, life insurance, mobile, mortage for my flat, garage rent and many more bills that I can't remember now not to mention, food, cloths and travel.

CocoNut · Aug 1st, 2003, 12:40 PM

Unfortunately, most of North America is in your condition. We haven't been taught or have ever sat in budget classes (nor are there any to my knowledge). That only happens later on when its too late...credit counselling.

Its really careless and can make a big crater if God forbid something happens down the road. Its easier for a single person to control their budget than it is for a couple so there is no comparison.

Limit yourselves by keeping a balance sheet.

Draw out your necessities, your wants and your absolute needs. Then start eliminating the excess. I bet you there are some frivilous expenses in your list which you think are absolute needs.

EntityParadigm · Aug 1st, 2003, 01:22 PM

best policy is to set limits on your spendings. force urself not to cross the limit. making budgets is not going to work. you will always flex your budget to include new things. also think that you only have that certain amount to live with for the whole month and there is no way to exceed it. this will give you some respite. :~)

waleed · Aug 1st, 2003, 03:11 PM

it feels so gd not to have to worry about money

Xara · Aug 1st, 2003, 03:13 PM

marry a stinking rich guy?

sorry i havnt done it b4
but 4 shopping im too specific, clothes shoes/jewellery if its not exactly how i want it its returned the next day other ppl i know just get anything and everything

~MuNiYa~ · Aug 1st, 2003, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by waleed:
it feels so gd not to have to worry about money

what does that mean?