i need help big time!

Aubrey - posted on 01/27/2010

it sounds silly but for now while your at your moms house try to get a job as a waitress or bartender thats what i do and it really helps i use my paycheck that i get to pay my rent but the majority of my money is made cash in hand this way i can get her the things that she needs when they are on SALE and not when she needs them. NEVER pay full price for ANYTHING!!! Typically things go on sale at least once during the month buy them during that week with the coupon that may have been in the paper 2 weeks before for the best deals.

Even as a part time job its nice to have the money now when you need it not in 2 weeks when your pay check comes in. If you cant get a job like this I try to buy things way before we run out this way im never stuck with no wipes or no milk ect. If you have like 2 tubes of tooth paste or 3 loaves of bread ect. when you dont have any money for it and pay day isnt for another 5 days you can grab the spare and wont have to do with out. Dont be afraid to go on line and print out coupons or check the sunday paper. Also try ebay some peopel cut coupons then sell them for like a dollar and save you the hastle. Pre make dinners then freeze them like shepards pie, caserols ect.. saves time and money. Get a Whole sale club card or membership like cost co, sams, or Bj;s they are a fee in the begining but will save you a ton of money buying in bulk in the long run ie Dove deoderant 4$ in walmart is 6.95 for a package of 4 in bj's.



Also a huge way to save money is to get a big jug and stop spending change. Every time you do spend money pay with dollars then put the change in the jar. I paid for my entire maternity leave ( 2600) with change that i saved while i was prego. I know it may be hard to resisit it but leave it alone keep putting money in it and when you need it really bad for that new car, or downpayment on a apartment, or family vacation it will be like your taxes you get back in april it will seam like extra money to help you out in a time of need.

Aliree - posted on 01/26/2010

As far as saving money with coupons check your local shopper and plan your meals around what is on sale. You can also view grocery stores ads online and possibly get some coupons too. I find the envelope method is working for us. You can google envelope budget plan to learn more. It's free just an easier way to keep track of what you are spending. It's all about setting a budget, making lists and sticking to it!! Write down your goals and things you can to achieve them. You say you want to move out and get your own place. Then think of that when you get the urge to buy something you really don't need. Also call human services or workforce center one of these places may have free class on budgeting. Check out some books from the library about budgeting and saving. Good Luck!!! I hope all your goals come true for you and your family.

Elizabeth - posted on 01/26/2010

Hi Deslannee,

Sorry to be a latecomer to the convo - I just saw this in my weekly digest.

What I see in a lot of these posts, but hasn't been explicitly stated, is that you need a BUDGET. Most bank websites offer them. Here is one I used for the basis of my budget (and you can print it out when you're done): http://www.nab.com.au/wps/wcm/connect/na...

With Savings - it's a good idea to change the way you look at it. Savings isn't money you put away for a rainy day or for that big thing you want to buy, it's paying yourself first and foremost. If you earn $100, then you spend $100, you are working to support the people that sell the products/services that you purchased. If you earn $100, put $10 into an account for yourself, then you are now worth $10 to someone on paper, and the other $90 is about getting by. Where this becomes important is both in self worth and in building yourself up to financial freedom - because you'll never be rich on the money you save, but you can use that money to start building "passive income", which means that money makes money for you, then compound reinvestment means money you didn't work for. What this means is that Savings is not for spending, ever. It's for investment, and then when you're too old to work, it's for taking care of you. I know it's hard to comprehend, because you're probably young, but the earlier you start, the better off you'll be - by more than you can imagine. I highly recommend the purchase of a book by George S Clayton called "The Richest Man in Babylon" - it will teach you the fundamentals of becoming wealthy, and anyone can do it. But it's not easy, and it does take discipline. The thing about tracking your expenses that everyone's talking about (eg, writing every single expenditure down) will help you find that discipline, however.

Doing a budget will be a real eye-opener for you to understand your situation and help you make decisions about how you will handle things in the future. Some people have suggested set aside food money, then stop eating when you run out - that's one way to do it, but believe me it's better for you and your family to foresee that you can't live on the cash you've set aside or to plan to eat differently before that ever happens than to go without food. There's some tips and tricks on saving money here: http://www.circleofmoms.com/thread.php?e...

I also advocate the envelope system mentioned earlier as that is a good mechanism to enforce your budget. But please take the time to reconsider your notion of how and why Savings exist, especially if the fundamental problem is a lack of wealth, and do up a budget to understand your situation.

Regards,
Elizabeth

Tammy - posted on 01/26/2010

Ive started using the 50, 30, 20 budget and I LOVE IT!!! 50% goes to needs (household bills) 30% goes to wants (cell phone, cable etc) and 20% goes into savings. You have to stay strong and not touch that savings. For instance, it almost payday and there are no groceries.... RAMEN noodles it is.... its only 20 cents a serving. Because I got myself in this mind set, ive managed to see my savings account in the 4 digits!!! IT REALLY WORKS!!! Give it a try!

Helen - posted on 01/25/2010

As soon as you get your paycheck, deposit a certain amount into a savings account. If your paycheck is electronically deposited into your checking account, find out if you can arrange for a certain amount of your paycheck to be deposited into a separate savings account. This way, you'll never see the money, so you won't miss it. I hope this helps!

Theresa - posted on 01/25/2010

Grocery shopping ALWAYS seems to be my problem! I have started looking at the weekly adds online for Publix AND Winn-Dixie! Granit, I HATE going to both stores, but the money I save on the STUFF we eat on a weekly basis is HUGE! I went shopping 2 weekends ago and spent $148 and saved $66 on B1G1 Free's! Winn-Dixie normally has their Meats on sale! Publix has a LOT of the other stuff on sale! My 18 month old daughter LOVES gold fish and Publix had them 10 for $10! You CAN'T beat that! I sure did stock up on them = ) I hope this info helps. Good Luck with managing your money = )

Melisia - posted on 01/23/2010

Allowance!! I take out enough money for gas and any other incidentals you may need throughout the week. I also make sure that I keep at least 10 dollars in my wallet so if I am tempted to buy something I can use the cash...anything left over at the end of the week I carry over...I usually use this money to buy me something special or just save it up to see how much money I can accumulate. At the end of the week once the money is gone it is gone and I have to wait till the next week to get more. This makes me very aware of where my money goes and I like to see how much money I can save....Good Luck!!

Mary - posted on 01/23/2010

couponmom.com also has many links to coupons and a great tutorial about how to use them to save the most money!

Mary - posted on 01/23/2010

http://www.crown.org/Tools/ and www.daveramsey.com both have great systems. if you really have trouble with spending I would suggest the envelope system. Decide categories of spending (utilities, food, clothes, etc.) put a set amount of money in each envelope at the beginning of every month and when that envelope is empty you don't spend anymore money in that category until next month. Ex. if you have $30 in an out to eat envelope and Jan 15 it's gone, you don't eat out anymore that month. The Crown page has a list of what percentage of your income each envelope should get.

Shannon - posted on 01/22/2010

write down all your spending for an entire month, everything! then decide what is needed and what is just extra. then work out how much of your pay you need to keep seperate to pay bills, groceries etc. out of what you have left for the month, divide it up into savings (for your own place), emergency fund (for say a cab ride or perscriptions from the dr.) and leave a little to treat yourself and your son to something once a month - you know a dinner out, order pizza and a movie, a reward for doing good. put the money in labled jars if you have to so that way you see what you have to spend on each thing. if you ever have money left over at the end put it towards your goal. there are lots of sites on the web that you can find a budgeting list, to give you an idea of how much of your pay should be put towards what items (i found some to be compleatly rediculous, but you can adjust it to what you have now and as you go).

Kathy - posted on 01/21/2010

Hi Deslannee,
I am an Accredited Financial Counselor and mom. I just saw your post and was reading through the responses. There are lots of really great ideas here. Definitely take advantage of all the coupon ideas! But I think the most important piece of advice is to keep track of your spending. Keeping a spending journal is the best way to see where your money is going. Write down everything...fast food, lunch money, everything. If it leaves your hand it goes in the journal. After you figure out where it is going you can develop a spending plan for where you would rather it be. My clients often don't realize where there money is disappearing to until they see it in writing. After you do this you should set a financial goal for yourself. It could be anything from establishing a emergency savings account to paying for a upcoming vacation. Whatever it is it needs to be something that you will be willing to change your spending habits for in order to achieve it. Then go for it. You are much more likely to make those hard decisions if there is something better you are working towards in return. Hope this helps. :)

Ginger - posted on 01/20/2010

many communities have action agencies that have free budgeting programs also there are programs available to help pay down deposits on a home. Ask your health and human services agency for referrals

Ashley - posted on 01/20/2010

You should also collect all your receipts even the fast food ones. Categorize them...and see how much you spend on each category every month...like, my categories are: health (medicine, diapers, etc.), food, clothes, household, and the list can go on depending on your expenses’. Try 2 minimize each category by shopping around or cutting back. It's all about being organized with yourself, life, and money.

Kimberly - posted on 01/20/2010

I can't ever find coupons for what I want to buy. So far the best thing is a forced savings. Use a seperate account (money market or similar) pulls money out of your savings/ checking account. basically like automatic bill pay but it is an auto self saving. Just be sure or something else that it isn't easy to get to or has an ATM!

Alison - posted on 01/19/2010

I have a notebook and I write everything down. I have a daily allowance and save what I have left each day for emergencies. When you write things down you can easily see where you can save money and where you waste it. I find it really helps, and sometimes I take a little out of my savings for a treat.

Tracy - posted on 01/19/2010

You can get the Sunday newspaper (depending on where you live) if they have coupons in it. Also, this may sound silly, but if you have a dollar store in your area, a lot of the time they provide stuff you need ex. toliet paper, wipes, cleaning supplies and just odds and ins. They also carry food. This is of course a temporary thing, but it helps when you have little money. And try not to buy anything out like food or coffee. You can also go to a bakery that sells bread, and cookies and snacks for cheap. It's not top notch, but it will get you through when you need it. Try to put $20-$50 in your savings as soon as you get paid and don't touch it. Act like it's a bill and you can't get it back. By the end of a couple of months you will see how you have saved. It's not much help, but it's a start. Good luck to you.

Brandy - posted on 01/18/2010

Hey Deslannee, I know what it is like to try to save. I have a site that might help, it posts money saving tips, and great coupon matchups at different stores weekly. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions. www.savinsome.com

Bridget - posted on 01/18/2010

couponmom.com is probably the woman you saw on opera. She is great and her website is helpful. http://www.couponmom.com/grocery-deals-b... If you use the dropdown menu and pick the store you want from your state she gives you a list of the final prices of products with the use of coupons. It's great. I shop mostly for the free items.

Deslannee - posted on 01/17/2010

nice tips. thank u very much

Heather - posted on 01/17/2010

www.coupons.com & www.smartsaver.com plus my local paper. I also told 1 person at my church I needed coupons, and I get at least 2 bagfuls every week for church members. I've become a GREAT couponer. watch your local sale fliers and keep coupons with you at all times. get a sorter (1.99 to $3 at wal mart or Target). I know my local stores usually have the same products on sale usually once a month. Like BOGO hot dogs. I save the coupon (off 2 pkgs) then get the bogo + the coupon off. Also, some stores double coupons, and most will credit you 5 cents a bag for using re-usable bags.

Deslannee - posted on 01/17/2010

thank you so much for all the help. and yes it does help. my money just seems to burn a hole in my pocket and i do need to get back on track.. i was watching oprah and there was a woman who used so many cuppons that she was able to get 200$ dollars worth of food for about 80 cent. i want to be that woman or i need to be that woman.... its harder because my son is 2 i still feel like a new parent and i know i want to be able to get my own place and move out of my moms.. and make sure i can survie. thank u all for the help .. i need it. anymore cuppon ideas let me know! thnaks

Bridget - posted on 01/17/2010

Also, if you have Publix by you sign up for their baby club. I got a free book and a ton of coupons. Coupons come every month and it is not just baby coupons. Also, with Publix you can stack coupons. That means that you can use one Publix coupon and one manufacturer coupon for one item. If you buy a huggies pack of diapers for say $10 and you have a Publix coupon for $3 off and a manu. coupon for $2 off then you bought the diapers for $5! :) Hope that helps.

Bridget - posted on 01/17/2010

southernsavers.com is a great website for coupons. I'm exactly like you when it comes down to that. My husband and I live with his parents and have trouble managing our money. We get payed on Friday and it's gone by Monday. Two weeks ago we started writing everything we buy down in a notebook. We include what the item was and how much it cost. At the end of each week we highlight anything we didn't NEED to buy. It makes us see where our money goes and what we can change about our spending habits. If you need any help you can always send me a message. Good luck.

Deslannee - posted on 01/16/2010

thank you . i had no idea i could do things like that. i dont have much banking experiance, just because my sons dad was always doing the banking and he was terrable with money

Amy - posted on 01/16/2010

You could give yourself a weekly allowance type deal say 100 dollars a week for gas and whatever. Hope it works out good luck Im not great with money either but these two things have helped me.

Deslannee - posted on 01/16/2010

thank you. so far it sounds good. what i thought would help was like you had said i have a checking account, and a saving account i put money in the savings account for larger amounts of money and then i also use the checking account for a type of emergency savings account so i dont get penalties for pulling money out of there. i think what i need help with is what is the right amount to spend on what after the bills have been taken care of?

Amy - posted on 01/16/2010

I had the same problem. I get my paycheck direct deposit so I have the take a portion out and put into one of my accounts that cost me money to get it out. This way Im not tempted and now its to the point I forgrt that it goes there till I get the reminder at the end of the year.

Kate - posted on 01/16/2010

I like the newspaper for coupons, I also get coupons about once a month in the mail from the website called vocalpoint.com I think they MIGHT be a product testing service but they give AWESOME samples and coupons. As far as managing your money I have found keeping a spread sheet helps. I used to be horrible with money but when I got engaged I wanted to plan a nice wedding and I didn't have a lot of help from my parents so I needed to figure out where my money was going. Basically I have EVERY expense for the month on the spread sheet. Even gas for the auto and entertainment, going out expenses. Now when my husband and I get paid I go through the spread sheet and on that day pay ever bill I have to pay for that check. The entertainment money I pull out and keep with me, when it is gone it is gone. I only buy my clothes with entertainment money. I shop consignment or resale shops such as salvation army or goodwill as much as possible for myself and the baby, and clearance if the resale shops aren't an option. Now when EVERYTHING for that check is paid, I put the rest immediately into a separate savings account. I have two savings accounts, one that I can easily draw money from when NEEDED like emergencies and what not, and the other I can only withdraw money from once a month with out paying a fee. This is an incentive to spend less. I don't know the specifics of your situation but I hope this helps :)