341 Meeting

[kwnancy]

our meeting went pretty well yesterday. the trustee questioned us on one of our budget items -- $400 per month for Recreation, newspapers, periodicals, books.

We have to submit an itemized listing of these expenses. Our lawyer didn't seem to think this was a big deal, however it is to us (of course).

Here's the list DH and I came up with. Looking for advice/suggestions. Thanks to all.

We are a family of three self (Nancy), DH (Bob) and 17 yr daughter (Josie). We try to attend all high school events that DD and her friends are preforming in, hence football and baseball games and all the chorus/band concerts and school plays.

Budgeted Monthly Misc Expenses

Postage $5.00
Computer Supplies - printer cartridges, paper $15.00
Haircuts - Nancy and Josie only $20.00
AOL $25.00
Newspapers $10.00
Magazine Subscriptions $60 annual $5.00
Fishing Licenses $45 annual - Bob and Nancy $3.75
State Park Annual Pass $60 $5.00
Birthday Gifts / Cards $200 annual $16.67
Christmas Gifts/Tree/Cards $500 $41.67
Happy hour once a week for Bob/Nancy @ $20 per week $80.00
Pizza Delivery $20.00
Crafts - knitting, cross-stitch $10.00
Puzzles $10.00
Food at work - Bob and Nancy $200.00
Video Rentals - one movie per week $16.00
High School games/concerts/plays ** See below $380/12 $31.67
2 paperbacks per month - one each for Bob and Nancy $20.00
Race entry fees - 10K's, Marathons and Tri-athelons $30.00
----------------
totals $564.75


** Bob and Nancy only
6 Football games - $5 per person admission $60.00
Parking at Football games $10 per game $60.00
10 Baseball games - $5 per person admission $100.00
Parking at Baseball games $5 per game $50.00
4 Chorus Concerts - $5 per person admission $40.00
3 Band Concerts - $5 per person admission $30.00
2 Plays - $10 per person admission $40.00
---------------
Annual Cost $380.00


Actually we came up with well more than the $400 that we submitted on the budget -- should we trim these numbers or will the trustee do that for us??

[AAAArt]

There are only a few items which might question.
Lunches...I realize that's only $5 per person per day, but they might ask if you can't take a lunch 1 or 2 days per week.
Happy Hour... I would change that to eating out/entertainment and raise it to $100 - $125 per month. (why can't you drink at home?)
Books...Isn't there a library? (possible question)
Haircuts...Raise that. I pay $18 a month for 1 hair cut and tip. My wife was paying $65-85 once every 6 weeks for a cut, color and style.
Please note...the questions in parenthesis are not mine, I'm just playing devil's advocate as a grumpy trustee)
I think that once you explain the school activities that you will be fine.
On the whole, I find a few of your items as slightly borderline, but most as understated. Just not sure I'd go into that much detail. Maybe lump knitting and puzzles together as hobbies, then explain if asked. Definitely change Happy Hour to eating out or entertainment and for God's sake, please let Bob get a hair cut also <G> Best wishes, Art

[kwnancy]

Thanks for your advice! DH doesn't need haircuts - he shaves his head, so his 'razor expense' comes out of the grocery $$