Hellobee Boards

Same as Dagret.

ETA we also don't count groceries or gas in the "left over" money. We have separate line items for both those recurring expenses, as well as all our bills and our savings. Left over money is strictly for eating out and miscellaneous expenses, but sometimes also has to cover doctor's appointments, vet bills, etc.

As for living comfortably off of that, it depends on the month. It would be wonderful to not have to weigh whether or not to buy something. And if an unexpected expense like a car repair bill or something comes up, it's a less comfortable month, and occasionally if it's a very big expense, we have to dig into savings. We won't put anything on credit unless we absolutely have to, or unless we have the money and we're just charging then paying off for the points.

OK and now I'm adding more so ETA again... after this month, we're cutting out about $500 in monthly expenses because we're finally paying off our washer/dryer we bought back in April, and we'll have paid all of our OB's deductible. So we'll be going from $1000 left over to more like $1500. So by the time daycare rolls around, everything will sort of even out back to where we are right now, except we'll be able to put a little less into savings and have a little less left over (around $800 instead of $1000). At least we'll still be able to put *something* into savings.

@Coco Bee: We are pretty much in the same boat. We don't have much left after we pay all our expenses. Especially now that we are paying for daycare.

I am so bad about creating a budget and sticking to it. I know if we were to do that we would have more left over. But we get by. And we do put money in savings every month and we both contribute a good portion to our 401k's.

@oahujeni: You and I are in almost exactly the same boat. Just remember that they'll need very little in their first year! (that's what I keep telling myself, as if I won't constantly be buying him clothes, books, and toys)