Thread: Income<Outgo
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Old 06-08-2007, 08:50 PM   #34 (permalink)
ASU2003
immoral minority
 
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Location: Back in Ohio
I use MS Money. It is a good little program, but it will really show you where you spend money. It might not be the places you think. Home Depot and Lowe's might cost me $600/year. If I cut that to $300/year, what will happen? I might have $300 more at the end of the year.

It sounds like you need to come up with a finacial plan. It doesn't mean stop spending everything, but be more responsible and analyze both of your spending. A basic thing to do is break down expenses into a. Necessary for life b. Makes like better c. Unneeded but fun categories d. Taxes e. Savings.

Here is what my plan would be:
1. Set aside one hour a week (Sunday night after dinner is my time) and go over the current state of your finances. The purchases last week, and what is planed for next week. Are you going to save money for something else or pay down a CC or whatever. Don't get emotional, just look at the numbers like you work at the IRS.
2. Work on reducing spending. Make lists of what to get at stores.
3. Conserve gas. Although I bet you spend less that $2500/year on gas right now.
4. Read some books at the library or on-line about money management and organization. Even some finacial pyschology books might be good to understand why your husband and you spend more than you have.
5. Don't nag him. It will just make him want to spend more or resent you. It might impact other areas of the relationship. (I don't know about your specific case, but in general this is what should happen)
6. Quit smoking and start doing free things around your city to pass the time.
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