Next month will be rough

[SezzySue]

I think December will be our hardestmonth financially (not including Christmas) as of yet.

This is the last check with his deployment pay and I do not have a pay check anymore.

I am trying to plan groceries but we never get coupons. We are doign better with no eating out or renting movies.

This is what I have

PAY
$1978.50 Base Pay
$1081 BAH
$3059 TOTAL before takes

About $500 goes to taxes and SGLI

Take home pay is about $2560

BILLS:
Rent $1050
Phones $100
Cable/ Internet/ Home phone $104
Electricity (winter) $74
Water $27
Gas $70
Truck $438
Insurance $350
Culligan $15
TOTAL: $2228

Pay - Bills
= $332 for savings, gas, and groceries.

I need to be able to save better. Now the cell is usually less then $90 and insurance flucuates, but this is at the high end of our bills.

Other then coupons and using the commissary in combination with making a meal list, where else do you think I can offset some costs and save more?

I do babysit and my photography as well, I just can't rely on those incomes for the time being.

Thanks for any help you may have.

Well, the good thing is we get a pay raise in Jan.

I would save your photography and babysitting money- like 50% of it for emergencies. I noticed you have no savings account and you should take from those pays for that for when times are very lean and you need money to live.

[rosebud*]

wow your insurance is a lot is that per month.
Hmm i would see about finding a way to get rid of your home phone unless you absolutley need it, that is an added expense you can drop.. ( before you say but then I don't get the big savings having it, work out the numbers to see if it is really saving you anything)
Also maybe see about cutting down your cell plan if that is feasible.

[Trey]

I was gonna say look into changing the insurance too. That's insane. My husband had the worst driving record ever, and the most we ever paid was $310 a month, and that was for two cars.

[SezzySue]

I try to save the money I get. All the cash I get goes in its own piggy bank.

Yes there is a pay raise in January and March (he puts on SSgt)

[SezzySue]

that is USAA and they are the CHEAPEST around here, Vegas is expensive.

Originally Posted by SezzySue I try to save the money I get. All the cash I get goes in its own piggy bank. Yes there is a pay raise in January and March (he puts on SSgt)

Why not put your Piggy Bank money into an actual bank to accrue interest? This will also prevent you from touching it as easily.

Hmmm.... what else can you do to save money?

[rosebud*]

there are a ton of ways to save money, for instance turn off the computer when you are done with it, unplug anything that is unecessary, like phone chargers, powercords things like that ( i heard once that if you see a light it's using energy) lower the thermostat and wear more sweaters.. analyze how much you spend watching tv and see if it necessary to have cable, things like that.
as for your insurance, sometimes you have to shop around all the time. it's sucks and it's boring, but if it saves you money why not.

[phantomlotta]

Well, I do alot of shopping at the dollar stores for things like cleaners, trash bags, etc... those rather expensive things that add up at the grocery store. Do all of your "outings" in non-rush-hour hours, to try and save gas from not pounding on the breaks all the time. Unplug all accessories and appliances you don't need, because they ARE using power, even if the appliance is "off". I agree about re-thinking things like cable (I haven't had it in 2 years), and keeping the thermostat down. Keep blinds open during the day to let in light and warmth, and make sure the windows are all closed tight to keep out the cold. Sweaters, blankets, and snuggling work wonders.

Keep your head up, because stressing only weakens your immune system, and getting sick would NOT help. Know that you are supported and loved, and take a deep breath. You'll be just fine.

[Kara]

I hope things improve and you have lots of photography and babysitting jobs

I can't believe your insurance..Mike's car insurance is 120 per month, and mine is 74 a month.