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Thread: Is my budget reasonable?

  1. #26
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    The one major thing I'd be worrying about is the fact that desperation/need is the last thing any stripper wants to walk into a SC with. Customers can smell it on you. The second you need it, they don't want you.

    That's just what I've witnessed over the years.

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  3. #27
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    KS_Stevia, I appreciate the thought you put into your advice. There definitely was some useful insight in that post. The reason I want to put away money for school is because one of my biggest goals involving dancing is to not accumulate debt, or as little as possible. I also don't want to put off going to school for too long because I have a feeling I'll keep pushing the start date back further. (In the name of making money now and having more free time). As Melonie has said SO many times, use dancing as a means to an end, and you do have an expiration date. Another goal I have is to stop dancing around the time my son is in Kindergarten/1st Grade and have a Bachelor's Degree in whatever I choose (likely psychology). I'd also like to have another child around that time so dancing won't be practical. So, overall, my goal is to dance for 5-6 years and get my degree. I'm guessing it'll take me longer to get a Bachelor's Degree because I'll have to take fewer classes than recommended to accommodate my schedule and still tend to my family.

    I'm going to look into applying for a Pell Grant right around when I start working. Perhaps a bit earlier depending on how long it takes for the application to be processed. Even if I only take one class for the winter semester it'll keep my mind going, and taking only one class will also be cheaper. I already feel like I'm 'slipping' mentally after leaving High School. I'm not sure if there are minimum enrollment requirements for Pell Grants.

    Regardless of any of that, my budget is as thinly stretched as I am comfortable with now. There are a few details I haven't posted online for privacy reasons, but I wouldn't feel right with taking much more out of it. The courses of action I said I'd take in the event that things don't work out will suit my situation well.

    I also have to figure out money for Christmas, my boyfriend's birthday (Jan 3) and our anniversary (Jan 10).

    I will try to figure out the budget for make up, shoes and clothes. Right now I'm saving from my boyfriend's paychecks for my starter supplies and outfits!

    Thanks!
    -Laurisa
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Oh, here's another important thing. Don't wait more than 90 days from when your state insurance lapses to when you get approved for the new health insurance policy. If you wait longer than 90 days, they may impose an "elimination period" on you and not cover any claims for the first 6 months of the policy under the pre-existing conditions clause. Not sure when Obamacare rules will affect new issues in HI. Something you might want to look into, you don't want to waste 6 months paying into HI that you can't even use (without a huge headache, they might still cover you but in my experience personally and with clients and knowing the laws...they will try to get out of what they can.)

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    KS_Stevia, I appreciate the thought you put into your advice. There definitely was some useful insight in that post. The reason I want to put away money for school is because one of my biggest goals involving dancing is to not accumulate debt, or as little as possible.
    What you should be more worried about is your net worth, rather than your debt, and your ability to meet your immediate expenses. If you take out a $60,000 loan to pay for college, and after dancing for 5-6 years you are able to save $80,000, you'll be just as well off as if you had paid for your college as you worked, and ended up with $20,000. The one difference is, if you don't meet your income goals as a stripper, you may have to either cut back on necessities, such as food and clothing to pay for school, or put off school if you do not make enough to pay for all of your expenses, plus college tuition. IMO, you're better off paying for college when you have a steady income, and you know how much you will be getting each week. Of the dancers I know, that tell me how well they do or don't do, they will sometimes tell me how great of night they had, while other times they will tell me they barely made enough for tip out.

    The only reason I can see to not take out a loan would be if the interest rates are very high. I'm not too familiar with student loans, but right now, interest rates are very low. I would definitely advise against running up debt on high interest credit cards to buy stuff like expensive clothes or frivolous items, but if you can get a low interest loan to pay for education that will lead you to a good career, I don't see any drawbacks. If you're concerned about having a lot of debt when you finish school, open up a savings account just for tuition, and deposit the exact same amount, or more, you would have paid your school in tuition. This way when you finish school, you'll have enough money to pay off your loans, and you'll also have this money in your account if any absolute emergencies come up, such as not having enough money to pay for rent or food.

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Not wanting to threadjack, but there have been discussions in other threads about the 'paradigm shift' in terms of the future cash value of a college degree versus the total costs of obtaining that degree. In terms of 'highlights', the issue revolves around the difficulty that new graduates are having in obtaining decent paying employment opportunities given a huge 'overhang' of unemployed earlier graduates who also have some experience to offer. Until this situation changes, it is absolutely prudent to run the cost / benefit calculation of obtaining that degree ... particularly including 'lost income opportunities' where time spent studying means time not spent earning money, as well as the cost of student loan interest. Lately the situation has been getting even worse due to reductions in student grant money amounts / availability resulting from states' efforts to reduce their budget deficits.

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    Not wanting to threadjack, but there have been discussions in other threads about the 'paradigm shift' in terms of the future cash value of a college degree versus the total costs of obtaining that degree.
    Also hoping this isn't threadjacking too much A lot of people tried to cost/benefit optimize their degree when I was at uni - going into areas that were seen as easy money. By the time they graduated the easy money had shifted and they had a degree in something they weren't really keen on. By the time you graduate, the job situation and everything else with the world / local economy may be completely different to what it is now, so if it's not "worth it" to have a degree right now, that doesn't mean it won't be in the future. Or it may be even worse
    Once again, the conservative, sandwich-heavy portfolio pays off for the hungry investor
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Melonie View Post
    Lately the situation has been getting even worse due to reductions in student grant money amounts / availability resulting from states' efforts to reduce their budget deficits.
    The grants and low interest subsidized loans I'm thinking of are all federal. Given that she is head of household with a child and partner to support, she will be well-qualified, assuming they don't look into her parent's income (but I think she has been emancipated for a while?)

    Also, taking a break from education won't make you stupider. In fact, older students usually fare considerably better gradewise than younger students. I took 3 years between my bachelor's and master's degrees...it comes back pretty quickly.

    A degree in psychology from an online university...honestly hon, is going to be a waste of your hard earned money. If you were to do psych in a major university, with excellent career seeking connections, and wanted to turn that psych degree into a master's degree, or something related, then maybe.

    But a psych degree from Virginia College isn't going to land you anymore jobs than not having a degree at all, more or less. Sorry.

  10. #33
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by KS_Stevia View Post
    The grants and low interest subsidized loans I'm thinking of are all federal. Given that she is head of household with a child and partner to support, she will be well-qualified, assuming they don't look into her parent's income (but I think she has been emancipated for a while?)

    Also, taking a break from education won't make you stupider. In fact, older students usually fare considerably better gradewise than younger students. I took 3 years between my bachelor's and master's degrees...it comes back pretty quickly.

    A degree in psychology from an online university...honestly hon, is going to be a waste of your hard earned money. If you were to do psych in a major university, with excellent career seeking connections, and wanted to turn that psych degree into a master's degree, or something related, then maybe.

    But a psych degree from Virginia College isn't going to land you anymore jobs than not having a degree at all, more or less. Sorry.
    By the time I'm ready to apply for a grant I'll have been on my own for about a year.

    I didn't mean a solely online degree. I want to go to the local community college and take online classes, as well a class or two in person. They have a University Center that can help you get a degree from a University while going to school through their college. Once I get my Associates Degree and am more financially stable I will likely transfer to Eastern Michigan University which is right by my work. The purpose of taking classes at home is to reduce childcare costs. My degree would be from a Community College or a University in the end though.

    I'd like to major in Clinical Psychology and graduate with my Bachelor's Degree and then assess the job market. If need be I'll keep dancing and get my Masters. If not, I'll start working in the field and get my Masters as I go along.

    I never meant to make it sound as if I would be going to a solely online school or anything.
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  11. #34
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Hi Laurisa,

    You seem to be very sharp and extremely good at planning, but I think it is important to try dancing first before you figure out your budget. I only say this because I got ahead of myself when I just started working! After the first few weeks, when I thought I got the hang of it, I charted everything out and estimated I could close off the year with $xx,xxx, assuming I made an approximate #x,xxx per month.

    Not long after that, I realized how the reality of working in a stripclub did not sync up with my projected goals. On paper (or onscreen), they seemed like easy hurdles to overcome, but to physically and mentally experience personally- especially in the beginning- was indescribable.

    Of course, I do enjoy my job now, but I've since then readjusted my expectations and goals to be more realistic. I don't doubt your ability to be a successful dancer- I'm only suggesting that you calculate your budget after trying it out for a while first, if that's possible.

    Or have you already started? If that's the case, how is everything going?

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by sugary View Post
    Hi Laurisa,

    You seem to be very sharp and extremely good at planning, but I think it is important to try dancing first before you figure out your budget. I only say this because I got ahead of myself when I just started working! After the first few weeks, when I thought I got the hang of it, I charted everything out and estimated I could close off the year with $xx,xxx, assuming I made an approximate #x,xxx per month.

    Not long after that, I realized how the reality of working in a stripclub did not sync up with my projected goals. On paper (or onscreen), they seemed like easy hurdles to overcome, but to physically and mentally experience personally- especially in the beginning- was indescribable.

    Of course, I do enjoy my job now, but I've since then readjusted my expectations and goals to be more realistic. I don't doubt your ability to be a successful dancer- I'm only suggesting that you calculate your budget after trying it out for a while first, if that's possible.

    Or have you already started? If that's the case, how is everything going?
    This is a great post! An awesome reminder that not everyone can work 6 days a week successfully.

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by sugary View Post
    Hi Laurisa,

    You seem to be very sharp and extremely good at planning, but I think it is important to try dancing first before you figure out your budget. I only say this because I got ahead of myself when I just started working! After the first few weeks, when I thought I got the hang of it, I charted everything out and estimated I could close off the year with $xx,xxx, assuming I made an approximate #x,xxx per month.

    Not long after that, I realized how the reality of working in a stripclub did not sync up with my projected goals. On paper (or onscreen), they seemed like easy hurdles to overcome, but to physically and mentally experience personally- especially in the beginning- was indescribable.

    Of course, I do enjoy my job now, but I've since then readjusted my expectations and goals to be more realistic. I don't doubt your ability to be a successful dancer- I'm only suggesting that you calculate your budget after trying it out for a while first, if that's possible.

    Or have you already started? If that's the case, how is everything going?
    I am so guilty of doing this too - counting my chickens before they hatch. Something for all new dancers to keep in mind for sure.



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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Although it never hurts to set lofty goals!

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by charlie61 View Post
    Although it never hurts to set lofty goals!
    shoot for the moon... land amongst stars...

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    Featured Member laurcon's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    So what I got from this:
    Breastfeeding while dancing. I'm not a mother, but I'm not sure its totally an option. I heard your nips stretch out like 4 inches and look all beat up, plus your boobs are sore. I don't know how high the contact is at the club you want to work at.

    Food budget is not the place to make cuts. Esp with a baby/child. What could be more important that nutrition? Seriously, once we have a roof over our head, our next concern is food/body fuel. If you don't want to have to spend 3k on health problems, you've got to pay attention to the nutrition you're giving yourself and your family. I'm sure that's a pretty difficult feat in Detroit anyway though.

    Seriously though, I'm thinking you should probably only have health insurance for you and the baby. The baby needs it cause duh. You need it because you need to work and take care of the baby. I just think you could get a lower deductible. Just seems crazy to pay for all the health things out of pocket till you hit 3k?? And you're paying them $300 something a month for that? I understand wanting to be covered if something big happens, but I just feel like there could be insurance that better fits your needs out there. I found my plan through ehealthinsurance.com and I love it.

    Also I understand your whole debt aversion thing living in an area like Detroit. But I don't think anyone who's been dancing for years and years and doesn't have a drug problem has debt anymore. Okay well obviously not anyone, but girls that are responsible with their money. I think you'd be crazy to try to get by on what you think you'll make dancing before knowing. I just can't see an 18 yr old with no experience supporting a family, breastfeeding a newborn, and paying/going to college without some type of help!

    And is this a "nice" club or a dive? You might find it necessary to get your nails done, tan, wear good make-up, highlight your hair, get your eyebrows done. But there are cheaper versions of these things, and its not required to make money in some places. At my club, its required to walk out of the dressing room.

    Idk I wish you the best, and you're a strong smart girl, I know you can make it work. But seriously, this makes me glad I'm 27 and childless, cause this is going to be so much work. But a little hard work is good for ya, god knows I need to try it!

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    you heard wrong re: nipple appearance while breastfeeding. they do get larger, but hardly look 'beat up'. the soreness is an individual variation and can often be dealt with by pumping when on-demand feeding isn't possible.

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    ^ yeah and the part about "nips" extending out by 4inches?? yea its pretty obvious she doesnt know what shes talking about, or else doesnt have good estimate of measurements. they extend but not THAT much. if anything for some girls who have normally inverted or flat nipples, having them extend a lil bit might actually be a GOOD thing lol.

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by kthnx View Post
    ^ yeah and the part about "nips" extending out by 4inches?? yea its pretty obvious she doesnt know what shes talking about, or else doesnt have good estimate of measurements. they extend but not THAT much. if anything for some girls who have normally inverted or flat nipples, having them extend a lil bit might actually be a GOOD thing lol.
    I know how long 4 inches is. A woman in the dressing room was just telling us this the other night. Perhaps she's lying but I was in shock and awe of the idea. She said it was only right after the baby was done but then they go back to somewhat normal. Idk and I don't wanna find out. But I think breastfeeding is great.
    It was just something I was throwing out there, but I realize now her child is already here so she already knows what its like and its obviously not an issue for her, so nevermind.

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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    I don't know what kind of college you are planning on going to, but what seems impossible for me is not necessarily the budget, but how you are planning to work 6 nights plus go to college AND take care of a baby. I go to college full time and am in the club 4-5 days a week and let me tell you I'm struggling! You are going to be physically exhausted from working so much that you won't get anything else done, at least that's how it is for me..

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    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    I only breastpump so my nipples look fine. They stick out maybe 1/4 of an inch longer for about 10 minutes after I pump then go back to normal. Nothing crazy lol, and my breasts aren't sore anymore because I'm totally accustomed to it. Those are just rumors!
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  23. #45
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by laurcon View Post
    So what I got from this:
    Breastfeeding while dancing. I'm not a mother, but I'm not sure its totally an option. I heard your nips stretch out like 4 inches and look all beat up, plus your boobs are sore. I don't know how high the contact is at the club you want to work at.

    Food budget is not the place to make cuts. Esp with a baby/child. What could be more important that nutrition? Seriously, once we have a roof over our head, our next concern is food/body fuel. If you don't want to have to spend 3k on health problems, you've got to pay attention to the nutrition you're giving yourself and your family. I'm sure that's a pretty difficult feat in Detroit anyway though.

    Seriously though, I'm thinking you should probably only have health insurance for you and the baby. The baby needs it cause duh. You need it because you need to work and take care of the baby. I just think you could get a lower deductible. Just seems crazy to pay for all the health things out of pocket till you hit 3k?? And you're paying them $300 something a month for that? I understand wanting to be covered if something big happens, but I just feel like there could be insurance that better fits your needs out there. I found my plan through ehealthinsurance.com and I love it.

    Also I understand your whole debt aversion thing living in an area like Detroit. But I don't think anyone who's been dancing for years and years and doesn't have a drug problem has debt anymore. Okay well obviously not anyone, but girls that are responsible with their money. I think you'd be crazy to try to get by on what you think you'll make dancing before knowing. I just can't see an 18 yr old with no experience supporting a family, breastfeeding a newborn, and paying/going to college without some type of help!

    And is this a "nice" club or a dive? You might find it necessary to get your nails done, tan, wear good make-up, highlight your hair, get your eyebrows done. But there are cheaper versions of these things, and its not required to make money in some places. At my club, its required to walk out of the dressing room.

    Idk I wish you the best, and you're a strong smart girl, I know you can make it work. But seriously, this makes me glad I'm 27 and childless, cause this is going to be so much work. But a little hard work is good for ya, god knows I need to try it!
    Oh, and I don't live in Detroit lol. I live in a city maybe 20-25 minutes north of Detroit that is completely different than Detroit, not trashy at all. My boyfriend and I lived off of $35 weekly at Aldis for groceries, it's completely doable. You're off point about the breastfeeding thing completely though. My entire life I've had good insurance and I have no interest in changing that, and I pretty much stated that I'm willing to pay the deductible so me and son have good insurance. His Dad being on it won't increase our deductible, just increase the monthly premium a bit.

    I'll respond in this thread later, personal shit going on.
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  24. #46
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by crystalize View Post
    I don't know what kind of college you are planning on going to, but what seems impossible for me is not necessarily the budget, but how you are planning to work 6 nights plus go to college AND take care of a baby. I go to college full time and am in the club 4-5 days a week and let me tell you I'm struggling! You are going to be physically exhausted from working so much that you won't get anything else done, at least that's how it is for me..
    This is my plan:

    Baby daddy stays home.
    I'm giving myself 6 years to get my Bachelor's degree, which means I won't be going to college full time.

    I'll likely take one class at the college and the other 1-2 classes online. It'll work itself out, I'm not concerned. I've taken online classes before so I know how much workload there is, and I also have a college credit in psychology that I got in person.

    If I'm only going to school at the college about 4-6 hours per week (at the most) then I should be totally fine. Usually the classes are like Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4 PM at the college I'm going to for like 12 weeks to get the credit. That's totally doable for me. The other classes I'll do online when I have time.

    His Dad will be doing the same thing, taking one class at the college and the rest online. He'll be staying home with our son. We've discussed it and decided that will work best for our family, regardless of whether not people think 'I should support him'. He's shown plenty of work ethic during our relationship so I'm not concerned about him becoming a lazy person. Our son is a full time job as it is, he's a very energetic, attention-demanding baby. We just don't want to send him to daycare. His father has a lot of issues with his job right now so dancing will suit our family better monetarily and beyond that even.

    So, that's my plan. I decided not to report my income for one quarter of working. The reasoning behind this is so my family can keep our state insurance for a few months longer. This will help me because I won't have to save as much money in a three month span, it'll give me an extra three months! Aside from that, having my tax returns for Q4 of 2010 won't do me much good for financing a car or leasing an apartment in a different complex than where I live now, so I'm not concerned about losing out on a tax return for 2010. The real proof of income won't come until the tax return for 2011 (which will be available to me in 2012).

    This will alleviate my stresses of having to save for a car and a 3k deductible in three months.

    I'm not too happy about not paying taxes for three months, but I'll live. It's for my family's safety if something happens medically.

    -Laurisa
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


  25. #47
    Featured Member Laurisa's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Initial budget:
    -------------------------------------------------
    Rent- $645
    Utilities - $50
    Cable and Internet - $80
    Food - $300
    College - $375
    (looked at the tuition rates for the college I’m going to, not factoring in a pell grant..$4,500/year for community college)
    Car - $1,000
    Diapers and baby essentials - $200
    Savings - $400
    Gas - $300

    $3,350

    Now, as you can I see I've made some significant changes. Managed to take about $1,000 off my monthly quota...again. I made my goal to buy a car for three months, and I'm hoping to save at least $3,000, if I can save $4,000 then I will. I actually researched how much college will cost me and figured out that $375/month would be more than enough. (I may qualify for a Pell Grant, so my bills may be even less). I removed the health insurance premium and deductible because I won't be reporting taxes until Q1 of 2011 so I can keep my state insurance for me and my family. I'll put off starting college an extra semester so I can buy a nicer, more reliable car if need be. This is because I have to drive 2 hours a day for work, can't have a total POS. This budget is only my budget until January 2011.

    If I start working and realize that some things just aren't attainable, this is what I'll be doing (in order):

    - Applying for a Pell Grant to see if my college costs are reduced
    - Stretching my car budget out another 1-2 months (more if needed)
    - Removing another $50-$100 from our food budget
    - Removing $100-$200 from my savings budget (emergency fund)
    - Putting off college an extra semester to save more money

    I think that this 'new' budget is still going to be hard to stick with and achieve, but even if I only get some of my goals accomplished I'll feel proud. My number one priority is to have my deductible paid in full by the new year, my second priority is to have $1,500 saved in an emergency fund. If the car and starting college have to wait a few more months then I'll live.
    If you are willing to do for one year what other's won't, you can spend a lifetime doing what other's cant.


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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    ok, i only read the first page, but:

    *the $35/week is doable for food. i spend about 100 a month. sometimes 75. however i also bake and grow produce (i live in a warmer climate too)
    * it might help to learn auto mechanics. i fix my own car and this is a big $$$ saver. i drive an old car so parts are cheaper and repairs are easier. i dont recommend an old car with michigan's climate and that amount of driving though! investing in tools and a repair manual is worth it for me. however, i have the option of public transit, so i also drive less. it can be worth it to take a night off work to fix the car when you look at the cost of labor.
    * as far as a cell phone, you can get cheap plans with tmobile (30/mo, 300 min, no text). i got a used phone and just hooked it up. pretty inexpensive.
    * cloth diapers and homemade baby food. many of my friends who are parents poo pooed this until the really factored in the cost of everything.

    are you able to move somewhere closer to your work? this will cut down on car repairs and gas. and give you more free time to care for the baby, etc.

    hope that helped.

  27. #49
    God/dess princessjas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    The only thing that worries me is that you plan to work 5-6 nights a week...and still pass college courses. I'm a straight A student myself, but this, along with being only 18 and being a new mom, just seems completely undoable tbh. Now, this is not being said to be mean and you should know I'm a very determined perfectionist myself. I once managed to work 3 jobs (around 60-65 hrs/week) while taking 21 hrs and managed straight A's while helping take care of my roomies 3 yr old. I missed class pretty often and usually only slept about 2-3 hrs night back then tho...now what you are planning sounds more difficult than that was in my honest opinion. Dancing is unlike any other job. Don't spread yourself to thin! I would srsly consider giving up the health care and applying for Medicaid for your daughter and looking into a low-rate student loan. You can get a low payment and pay it off once you graduate. Hell, you can even do like I did, work a night or two a week dancing to suppliment your day job income, allowing you to pay off debts quickly once you graduate.
    "I hear you calling and it's needles and pins. I wanna hurt you just to hear you screaming my name...You're poision. but I don't wanna break these chains.... I wanna love you but I'd better not touch."

  28. #50
    xoAnnaBanana
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    Default Re: Is my budget reasonable?

    Quote Originally Posted by Laurisa View Post
    Initial budget:
    -------------------------------------------------
    If I start working and realize that some things just aren't attainable, this is what I'll be doing (in order):

    - Applying for a Pell Grant to see if my college costs are reduced
    - Stretching my car budget out another 1-2 months (more if needed)
    - Removing another $50-$100 from our food budget
    - Removing $100-$200 from my savings budget (emergency fund)
    - Putting off college an extra semester to save more money
    Not sure if you know this but fyi, you can't actually "apply" for a Pell Grant (specifically at least).

    I'm going to be a college freshmen this fall and have already went through the financial aid process. So the year that you're going to school you must complete FAFSA.ed.gov around January (and make any corrections once you get your W2's, etc in the few months after that).

    Then IF you quality for any federal financial aid based on your need...you will be notified through your college.

    The types of government grants (money that you do NOT have to pay back- basically free money) that would be available would be the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)- which is for extremely financially needy people, and also any scholarship your school may give you.

    The types of government loans (money that you DO have to pay back-usually within 6 months of graduating, at a fixed interest rate for the most part) would be Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford loans, Federal PLUS loans, and also Federal Family Education Loan (FEEL).

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