https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 02:57:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1489604 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 14:00:04 +0000 Veggiemama 1489604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: I know you said that you don't want to change your cell phone plans but I would still call your carrier! I had been told in the past that our phones were grandfathered into a better data plan than I could get now.</p> <p> However we just called and were able to get unlimited talk &amp; text plus 2 GB for $50/month cheaper than our current bill! They told us that we were using on average 1 GB of data between the 2 phones, so even though we thought we had a good deal with unlimited we weren't using very much data anyway. </p> <p>Also call your auto/home or rental insurance companies. We just switched to using an agent who shopped around for the best policy (at no cost to us) and so far we're saving another $25/month for just auto. We're still waiting on the home owners quotes. </p> <p>We also just cancelled Netflix, it's only $7.99 but it helps! We are able to watch shows on hulu.com for free and borrow videos from the library. We already have a Roku and watch the pbs and pbs kids channels for free, my husband watches history channel shows for free also using the Roku. </p> <p>One thing I just started trying is selling items at a consignment store, they accept baby and maternity clothes as well as toys and books. Once the items sell you can cash out or keep the money in your account to buy items. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1488542 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 08:50:10 +0000 Chillybear 1488542@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would call your discretionary bills and plead your case for a better deal or lower interest rates. (Cable, phone, insurance, credit cards). We also raised our deductible on our cars from $500 to $1000 after our insurance went way up after my accident over the summer. (money tip from ABC news)</p> <p>For utilities see if there are budget plans that would make your monthly payment the same instead of higher in the winter and lower in the spring. so you have no surprises</p> <p>I compartmentalize our money. Our pay gets direct deposited into one account then I "pay" ourselves a weekly allowance only that money can be used for lunches out, coffee, picking up gifts, buying personal items. We also use a credit card (sunoco) only for gas purchases that way its more of a monthly line item instead of every 5-7 days.</p> <p>I dont know your situation with your BIL but if he cant contribute financially are there other things he can contribute? Can he babysit or clean and cook dinner while you work part time? When my hubs lost his job i found a part time job at a bridal shop for a couple of shifts at night 5-8 and saturdays 11-5 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1488312 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 07:02:48 +0000 irene 1488312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Get a Leaf (electric car). I think there is still a tax benefit / credit ($5000?) if you buy your first electric car, or that's what I was told by DH. We sold our old VW (with tons of problems) and are leasing a leaf for 2 years (= owning our first electric car = eligible for the $5000 tax credit). Charging the battery every night only cost $1 a night compared to adding gas every week. With the $5000 credit DH kept saying we are literally driving the car for free. I haven't looked at the actual numbers yet (and haven't done our taxes) but something to look into :)</p> <p>ETA: Wait, I think this is a state-specific thing though.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1488306 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 06:58:02 +0000 regberadaisy 1488306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: oh, great tip about about the 20%.</p> <p>@mjane: what's a time bank? </p> <p>@looch: yes, we'll definitely be eliminating take out now since I'll have all day to cook dinner. It'll be hard to resist the pregnancy cravings though!! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1488271 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 06:36:08 +0000 looch 1488271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: I am assuming you have a log of actual spend from the months prior? Where do you feel you can cut items? </p> <p>I know it's hard to cut things like a daily latte when you don't have them to begin with. I feel like you probably already explored options like solar panels for your house...but what about things like the pool, is there a way to cut there? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1488226 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 05:27:46 +0000 mjane 1488226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: is there a timebank near you? I would look into that--it is a great option for getting services without spending cash. some of them are really extensive--I have a family member who basically only pays mortgage + utilities + groceries and everything else she gets through her time bank. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487910 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:38:53 +0000 mrs. wagon 1487910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: BTW, it was when I lost my job that my BIL quit his job and moved in.. That did not end well... :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487900 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:36:40 +0000 mrs. wagon 1487900@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: when I lost my job I received à great unemployment check for over 2 years. I kept getting extensions because of the recession. Then towards the end I found out I could work part time. You can make up to 20% of what your unemployment gives you, and you can make more, but it just makes your weekly check smaller but the "bucket" that your money comes out of stays the same. So you can stretch it for a longer period of time if you make too much with a part time job.</p> <p>I walked dogs, then I worked at a bridal salon where I made great commission. I also freelanced for a couple of small local businesses doing online marketing and social media. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487810 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 20:05:13 +0000 T-Mom 1487810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Omg your BIL... Surely he would feel a need to contribute since he's been living on your good graces for so long now without contributing??? Cutting the cable... We are thinking if doing this since there is so much available on Netflix... Or at least negotiate your rate down? Can you decrease number of days that M is going to day care for time being? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487767 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 19:47:13 +0000 regberadaisy 1487767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@skipra: (((hugs))) I have YNAB but am in the process of relooking at the budget since we are now down to one income. Sadly, a lot of my answer to your questions is no. DH still makes too much for our family, even me pregnant, to qualify for any kind of assistance. I am looking into public healthcare now and am hoping something pops up. We are still waiting to hear from his employer but I'm sure his isn't cheap either.</p> <p>Definitely looking at deferring loans, trying to convince DH to cut cable for a antenna, and cutting a few other things. A big one is unlimited texting which was added on mainly because MIL came into our family plan. But she texts A LOT. I fear if we take it out we end up paying more for overage.</p> <p>One good thing about gas is since I'm not working we'll be saving on gas money! LOL </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487706 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 19:22:19 +0000 skipra 1487706@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know too much about your situation but so sorry to hear about your job. We are really struggling right now on one income and a new house.<br /> If you haven't already then I would start with a budget. What are your fixed expenses and estimates for regular recurring expenses such as gas and groceries? Do you have any irregular expenses such as quarterly water bill or something? If so try to accrue for them as well so you don't have a bad surprise when it comes due. Is there anyway you can lower some bills - for example hanging laundry to dry or using the dryer only during non-peak hours? Without your income do you qualify for assistance on your utilities? Can you receive discounts if you pay bills early? Can you replace just one cable box with an antenna? What about your DH's tax withholding? You may be able to reduce it so he receives more in his paycheck.<br /> For us I try to figure out how much we have to spend on groceries and other necessities as well as any left over discretionary spending and take cash out of the ATM. Once that runs out we're done spending (except for.emergencies).<br /> I don't know if any of these suggestions are helpful but at least know you are not alone with this struggle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487597 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 18:25:38 +0000 regberadaisy 1487597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for all the suggestions. I do appreciate them all! </p> <p>@catlady: He actually just started a new job. A decent increase from his previous job so we're better off than the last time I was laid off!</p> <p>@gingerbebe: haha I was asking that because I was wondering if BIL was bullshitting us that his stipend was taking so long.<br /> Those are all great suggestions. I can definitely look into some of them. Thanks!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487324 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:01:27 +0000 catlady 1487324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry if this is obvious, but have DH ask for a raise if it has been awhile. My DH got a nice one while I was pregnant and it helped alot. His boss knew we were expecting and I think that made him more generous. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487314 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:57:16 +0000 regberadaisy 1487314@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: she's taking priority right now but I'm taking care of things on my laptop while she sleeps. First thing is to get health insurance because deadline for public health care for 4/1 coverage is 3/15. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487301 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:51:37 +0000 gingerbebe 1487301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think you mentioned the GI bill stuff before, so I don't know if that's an option. DH took online classes at the community college and borrowed his books from Chegg.com and we lived on his living stipend and pocketed the book money for like 6 months when he was unemployed and I was waiting on my Bar Exam results. He still has 8 months left on the GI bill and has floated it as an option for me to do since I can as a spouse while I'm on maternity leave to make up some of our income loss.</p> <p>I don't know if this is something you can do, but putting feelers out in your community might help too - just letting folks know you have availability to do a little work here and there. There's lots of moms out there who need help with some babysitting or after-school pick-ups and are more likely to hire a mom or mom-to-be in need than a high school kid. I got tapped into that kind of network once when I was out of work and I got so many word of mouth referrals for little jobs. Babysitting turned into petsitting, which turned into watering plants and collecting mail for neighbors while on vacation, housesitting, etc. I also used a neighborhood listserv to get random jobs, like baking someone a homemade birthday cake they didn't have time to make, or dropping off some scones for a tea, or sitting with an elderly person for an afternoon.</p> <p>Maybe you have a skill you can help with like teaching piano or guitar to someone's kid, helping with typing or homework, or teaching someone to knit or sew or bake. I know a mom who started paying a high school kid $15 an hour to teach her son guitar knowing the high school kid wasn't going to be a "real" guitar teacher. She did it to help the kid out and to get her son off video games a few hours a week! </p> <p>Dog walking might be another thing you could do a few times a week, just to get some fresh air. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487296 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:49:54 +0000 LovelyPlum 1487296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Rent from your BIL! Seriously, I'm all for generosity, but this is getting ridic, and you need the money. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487271 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:40:31 +0000 snowjewelz 1487271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: How is MIL? Are you actively trying to job hunt, or is MIL taking priority right now? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487255 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:36:44 +0000 regberadaisy 1487255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BakerBee: thanks! I applied for unemployment yesterday. First thing I did. We do have a budget but I need need to re evaluate tonight based on only getting one income. Was up at hospital all day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487254 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:36:02 +0000 LBee 1487254@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: Maybe try to find a bee who is interested in sharing your Amazon Prime? We share with my parents and it's super easy. We also share our Netflix subscription with my husband's best friend. He pays us in dog sitting, but still, haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487249 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:34:03 +0000 LBee 1487249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you investigated unemployment since you were laid off? It starts the day you apply (not the day you are laid off) so you will want to get that process started. </p> <p>The biggest thing I recommend to clients (certified financial planner) is to sit down and really evaluate your budget. If you don't have one, this is a great time to make one! Everyone has areas they either splurge or just unknowingly spend (i.e. they don't realize the bank is charging $10 per month to send them hard copy statements). Really scour your bank statements looking for those auto-draft payments (gym, netflix, xm radio) that you can turn off. Every dollar makes a difference! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487246 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:33:36 +0000 regberadaisy 1487246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@kiddosc: yup, been making my own laundry detergent and cleaner for years. I do have to call and defer my loan. I'll do that that tomorrow.<br /> Sigh. I'm guessing he has no conscience. I need too talk to DH but yeah BIL needs to at least contribute something. We want him out ASAP. We can tell he's already blown through most of his first living stipend check shopping. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487241 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:32:23 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1487241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>- Limit paper goods and cleaning supplies (use cloth and make your own supplies)<br /> - No convenience buying (snack size portions, pre cut veggies, etc).<br /> - Set a budget per meal (we need to work on this for dinners to avoid trying recipes that end up costing a ton) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487238 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:31:36 +0000 cmomma17 1487238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: same here re: the clothes. :( ah well! Kicking BIL out sounds like the best option so far! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487230 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:30:33 +0000 cmomma17 1487230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@snowjewelz: +1 to the make your own cleaners! We have used nothing but vinegar and water for the last month and are surviving just fine! I also love money saving mom. Living well Spending less is another good resource </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487225 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:29:23 +0000 regberadaisy 1487225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kimberlybee: LOL I know! </p> <p>@cmomma17: the last time I bought clothes was a few Maternity items on hb classifieds. Can't honestly tell you the time before that I shopped for myself. And you know I already do all the Swagbucks etc. ;)<br /> I drink water 98% of the time. Only have Netflix instant and DH uses it a ton when he works night s. BJs membership and it saves us money ten fold. Amazon prime same. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487224 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:29:17 +0000 kiddosc 1487224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: I think you might do a lot of this already, but homemade laundry soap and cleaning solutions would save money. Adjust your thermostat and turn down your hot water heater. If you have student loans maybe consider deferring them for a few months until you're back on your feet. </p> <p>But most of all, tell BIL you can't afford to have him in the house anymore. Seriously doesn't that guy have a conscience, doesn't he feel guilty mooching? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487223 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:29:06 +0000 looch 1487223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Rent out a room, change investment strategies, stop long term savings, defer loan payments, part time work, barter for services. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487219 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:28:33 +0000 Kimberlybee 1487219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Breakfast for dinner (eggs, bacon, pancakes, or cereal), sandwiches for dinner (PB &amp; J, tuna fish, chicken salad, egg salad, and cucumber sandwiches). A couple of nights a week will save you time and energy! </p> <p>Use roku or Apple TV to stream shows, we cancelled our DirecTV </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487218 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:28:25 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1487218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>or make BIL pay you rent or at the very least, groceries?<br /> after you kick BIL, get another paying roomie? :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/money-money-money#post-1487216 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:27:44 +0000 snowjewelz 1487216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Haha I remember you had a thread yesterday that was happy, happy, happy! :grin: And THEN you asked if bad things happen in 3s (it was you right). What's with you &amp; 3s lately :wink: </p> <p>Love the kick BIL one! You are soo lucky to be grandfathered into unlimited data! </p> <p>I don't have much advise but I follow <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/" rel="nofollow">http://moneysavingmom.com/</a> and she has tons of good ideas/advice! I really want to start making my own cleaners so that our home is greener and I don't have to spend money buying them! </p>