Question

Going through the budget crush workbook. If I make $1500 monthly, all my Bill's minus groceries and household items I have $208. Is this even possible? And no money for saving? This makes me very nervous! Has anyone had this happened just starting out?  

Answer 1

What household items are you buying ? Can you buy bulk ? And allocate what would’ve gone to the cash envelope towards debt or savings .  

Comments

@wageworker this $208 was before any food or household items which is why I'm nervous, and unsure if that is normal

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@feinstein59 how many times did you do the budget ? Something is off

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@wageworker I did it once based off of my fixed expenses, the average gas expenses, and even did my highest energy bill to date to ensure I didnt under budget. How many more times can it be done but get a different result?  

Answer 2

You have $208 left over monthly after paying all your bills, groceries and household items!? pretty much your basic necessities?  

Comments

@achene no this $208 left didnt include groceries or household items

Answer 3

I would think the $208 is savings unless you are tackling debt. All you bills and necessities have been met. What about transportation?  

Answer 4

Could you explain a little more about what you are nervous about? That's $200 you can save or throw at debt

Comments

@townshend no that's $200 left for food or household. There was no room for saving or emergency funds

Answer 5

Where can you cut back on your bills? Subscriptions, cable, etc?  

Comments

@townshend I only do internet, netflix and prime in place of cable but 2 other people use the subscriptions as well. My cell phone isnt in my name but I also work from my phone so I have to have the data plan for my smartphone and cant get it any cheaper.  

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@feinstein59 do they split the subscription cost with you? I would cut that three ways, each person pays 1/3.  

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@ebsen no because it was used towards my rent at the time for my FIL to use it. And then my estranged-husband pays for hulu in exchange for using the netflix so it balances out

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@feinstein59 oh ok!  

Answer 6

Can u put up a ss, of your written budget page if you'd like someone to look over it?  

Comments

@paulinepauling yes I’ve seen others do it  

Answer 7

Can you get government assistance like WIC or food stamps? Make sure those people using your subscriptions are paying you for your Try and get your employer to pay for your phone if that’s what you work off of

Comments

@marlyn3 it's not a normal employer so I cannot just have them pay for it. I do get wic (just dont give a dollar amount for benefits) and applied for foodstamps.  

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@feinstein59 I hope you get it ❤️

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@feinstein59 your profile says you a CNA, I work in healthcare and they get paid pretty well — what is it you’re doing from your phone? WIC definitely helps, I’ve worked in WIC and as long as you’re using it properly and to it’s full ability you get a decent amount Hope you can get the food stamps! Utilize food pantries as well!  

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@marlyn3 Cna here do not get paid well. I'm lucky to make $14. 50 in janesville, WI area. I'm working on building in a health and wellness company to earn extra money. But it's not instantaneous results. My job was paying time and a half for doing a hallway on my own but then hired a second CNA for my shift and unit so I only get time and a half for 3 out of 7 days.  

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@feinstein59 ah it was just a thought! Our CNAs are at 20/hr didn’t realize that wasn’t the norm!  

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@marlyn3 yeah I wish I got paid $20/hr lol

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CNAs here on first and second shift get 12-14$ an hour here in RI and cost of living is ridiculously high

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@marlyn3 CNA’s get like $10 in Idaho Falls area  I’m not a CNA but Idaho is a low paying state as it is. They definitely don’t get paid what they should!  

Answer 8

Heres the month sheet. I forgot daycare cost before so I may have to apply for assistance with that too, and find a new center or daycare provider

Comments

@feinstein59 is there a cheaper place for you to live? Your rent is half of your income without utilities, I think that’s where you are getting hit the worst

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@marlyn3 I had it based off of time and a half pay as that's been my income the last year. I've lived here since August but in my area there isnt much available for a 2 bed 1 bath apartment that's not over $625. And they wont let me rent a 1 bedroom with having my kids 50/50.  

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Also my lease is up in July and I plan to use my taxes to find something cheaper and pray to god something cheap comes along

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@feinstein59 it's a great little starter budget, well done, I wasn't great at it, when I was your age. As you progress weekly, you'll see where u might want to make cut backs. Join your local library for free dvds and books and online magazines and free music streaming and WiFi . You could then switch money from your TV and phone to pay off loans or for days out.  

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@paulinepauling this is all base minimum by like $200 worse case scenario of not working 2 days in a pay period so there will be wiggle room

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@lastly I got it off the budgetmom. Com site and signed up for the email to get this budget crush workbook

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Can you switch your cell phone over to prepaid? Boost/Metro/StraightTalk most of them are $50/unlimited. right now sprint has an awesome deal for bring your own phone $35/month. Also renters insurance does that cover car insurance as well? If not shop around you can get renters MUCH cheaper.  

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Oh also do you receive child support? Even if you don't include in your budget incase it's in consistent you can sock it into savings.  

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@columba56026 I am currently on my dads insurance as a drive only so dont pay that currently. Renters insurance is needed to rent my apartment. Cell phone is contracted for another 1. 5 years so cant move that yet. Child support isnt yet established but maybe in a few months will be

Answer 9

I would drop netflix & prime and stream from free streaming services and/or check out DVDs from your local library. and look for a cheaper phone plan. I have straight talk for $45/month. And definitely meal plan

Comments

@tolkan I am in a 2 year contract still under my FIL and he wont pay to cancel the contract until its finished so that one is out of my hands for right now

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@feinstein59 oh ok

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Do you have a local help center, food banks, etc? Some churches also help where they can. You've applied for food stamps (which is great), but you should try to also apply for assistance with rent and daycare. I've been in your shoes, it's hard.  

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@tolkan I was going to ask about the daycare assistance when I get my foodshare phone interview to see how it all works.  

Answer 10

Definitely create more income.  

Answer 11

Can you get child support?  

Comments

@colour nothing is established yet

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@feinstein59 is he currently paying 1/2 of the day care costs? Or are you covering all?  

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@colour I've been covering all the last few weeks. But he paid me half today for last week

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@feinstein59 have you looked into donating plasma? I did this for a few months last year to get through a tight spot.  

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@colour I am not allowed to due to a past health condition. I used to but then at a renewal the doctor stated I couldnt do it anymore. I was debating looking into like uber eats on my days off cuz I can have my kids with me doing it

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@feinstein59 sorry to be nosey, but I looked at your profile and see that you knit. Have you thought about making things to sell on Etsy?  

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@colour it's not nosey lol. I used to sell my crochet items, but it takes me a long time to make things. I might have to get back into it

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@feinstein59 maybe focus on smaller items. Baby booties. Baby caps. Barbie clothes.  

Answer 12

Are you getting child support for your two children? You may want to rethink trying to build something else and see if you can get in a hospital etc or get a second job on weekends you don’t have your children.  

Comments

@luckin we go to court for that in april. Weekends I dont have them I already work 2PM-1030pm so I may just see about going in early those days and currently dont have early am childcare to fit the hospital available shifts in my area. It's not off the table though.  

Answer 13

Sorry to say, but saying in the most supportive way, but you are living above your means. will have to make some changes to survive and support those babies. They only get more expensive as they get older. Best option is Second job or different job - increase income. Do you get child support? Does he help with child care? You should live without cable or internet for a while you work towards having a small EF. Can you get reimbursed for using the data for work?  

Comments

Free antenna tv works great for us.  

Answer 14

I drive for Postmates. And I host a trivia night one night a week. That’s an additional $150 week for only 2 nights. 6-9pm.  

Answer 15

I am not sure if someone mentioned this but have you also looked into assistance for your utilities? The winter is coming to an end but I believe this is something to consider next fall!  

Comments

NYS is open until the end of March so application may still be possible.  

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I actually just did this a bit ago. Starting next billing cycle on the 6th, it will be $92 plus my $13 past due balance

Answer 16

Miko says to either increase income or decrease bills. U got this!  

Answer 17

WIC, food stamps, finding another job some how.