Cutting Expenses.............

[Peevee]

My wifes car is a Chevrolet Impala with a 3800 V6 and it will average 25-30mpg with a automatic transmission and it's a roomy car

[JGGR]

My friend and I live very close by and work very close to each other. So, one week is her week to drive us both to work and next week's my turn. We save some gas money that way. If we need to go grocery shopping, we do it together, that way we can take advantage of the 'Buy one get one free' deals and split the cost.
We have a kerosene heater - again, we're very careful with that and only use it when we're home - and that has helped us save a lot in heating costs.
My only weakness is food - I love to cook and always like to try new recipes and stuff. Also, with a toddler in the house that only always want to watch TV and play on the computer, I need to find some other activities for him... so I'm always looking for playdogh (spelling??/), coloring books, etc....

It's hard when you're in bankruptcy, but at least we're starting to learn how to use our money wisely... (at least that's what I want to think).

[FilingOnMyOwn]

guess I was wrong, nevermind my idea to save on fuel...that is unless you want to spend $50,000+ on a new corvette don't wanna do that

Depends on how you drive them too. Mine is a gt and I get on it quite often since I'm usually strapped for time, she will scoot too. Logically, I would have thought a 4 cylinder would get better mpg than a v6 or v8....i knew I was pretty dumb but damn didn't realize it was that bad lol

No you don't want to buy a new vette lol. But its just the point of being able to buy a muscle car, such as the vette, camaro, or mustang, drive it like you stole it, and still get better gas mileage than almost any of the suvs you see out there. Add a manual tranny and you can equal or better the average car.

[Minnymouth]

SinkingFast,
Glad to hear mom has her "own space".... that makes it a lot easier on everyone in the house..... Really hard to have your parent live with you. They always "forget "how old you are , stick their noses in marital stuff, and the endless attempt of trying to make "your" kids mind!!! And I wish I had a quarter for everytime I got told "I do it this way"!!! But we still love them dearly...................
Yes, mom's personalty will change due to meds... you just kind of gotta "feel her out" before you say much.....
Yes, mom's skin is going to be very thin and delicate.... Her skin will tear easily, bruise easily, and she will get a lot colder than you. Pay real close attention to any cuts or scraps she may get that infection does not set up in them.
At least her being in your home and you close by, you will notice if she eats right, stays warm, takes her meds,
and you won't be "worrying" about her all the time.
She can still have her independence, but your there to check on her and help if needed.
Hang in there, your doing a "good thing", one that you will never regret.... no matter how things might change in the future....
Do yourself a favor, sometimes just go "sit with mom" and have some "me and mom time"......... later its a great memory.... believe me I know!!!!

[extremelyhumble]

Thanks for all the tips - new to forum

Hi there - just happened to stumble on this website and you all have some great tips! I've been in a 13 plan for 2 years and 7 months - Minnie: I like how you count the days - I count the pay periods or months - I have 1 year and 5 months to go! This has been no picnic, but it's been very humbling. Oh, the first year I kind of paced the house not knowing what to do. I got myself in this mess by trusting my employer and feeling very indispensible - not so....after 18 years, here's your box and 3 weeks severance, good luck with the future! I was very over-extended on my credit and was living pay check to pay check. By the time I found work (just a mere 4 months later) it was too late to recover.

Now, even though I still whine a little and sometimes feel sorry for myself, I'm actually feeling very empowered by all I've learned and still am learning about living on a budget. Here are some of the things I've learned:

I do not carry my debit card with me and my trustee won't let me have a credit card so there's no worry there. During the week, I carry no more than $20 with me - if I don't have it on me, I won't be tempted to spent it. I've only had this backfire on me one time where I really needed the money for a car repair that day.

I plan my meals and make a grocery list before hitting the store (and I don't go to the store hungry).

I either take my lunch or share with a friend (usually we can split a sandwich and the bill and are satisfied and not over-stuffed).

I buy clothes at second-hand clothing stores and have limited my wardrobe to a couple good pairs of comfortable shoes, basic dress slacks and lots of different tops and jackets (you can make a lot of outfits this way, plus you don't have to buy panty hose!).

I bought my winter coat this year off of Ebay - $8 - great coat - I love Ebay.

I joined a commuter van pool - I work 35 miles up the road. Now I ride with 14 other people and we share the expense. I've been doing this for a year and have had no car maintenance and spend very little on gas. I also got a break on my car insurance. I even humbled myself and went to my employer, who previously paid my parking and asked them if they would subsidise my van pool in lieu of parking - they said yes! So it now costs me about $10 a month to get to work.

The most important thing I've added to my life since being in 13 is church. Right around the anniversary of my 1st year in, I found myself in church and rededicated my life to Christ. Years 2 and 3 have been a lot easier knowing I am forgiven for all of my mistakes - even for being a past slacker in the money department. As I pay back all 100% of this enormous debt, I feel God is proud of me for repaying what I owe and learning how to be more humble. I feel like I'm finding pleasure in life, even though I don't have two nickles to rub together, my house is held together by duct tape and I really could stand a trip to the beauty shop!

Keep on keeping on everyone..........Remember - the best things in life aren't things!

[jane taylor]

Dear Extremely Humble:

We are very new in our Chapter 13--just 7 weeks now. While the budget is tight, I am much happier now. I don't have to worry about people calling me all the time, I know how much is going out each month (I'm sure it will change a little once it's confirmed), and I'm learning to live with less. It doesn't bother me anymore. I don't eat out as much and don't miss that. I buy clothes on clearance and have realized that I have things in my closet that weren't even worn yet. I also do meal plans, make my grocery list from that, and try not to go to the store hungry.

Looking back I can't believe I wasted so much money on nice clothes, eating out, etc. It adds up so quickly.

Like you, I've also had a spiritual renewal. I had lost all faith in myself, in God, in others, etc. and was really depressed. Life certainly isn't perfect, but I feel great now and empowered. I look forward to every day instead of dreading it and don't feel trapped any longer.

These folks here are great!! I'm so thankful I also stumbled across this forum. Minny and the others have been so kind and supportive! Glad you are here and God bless.

jane

[Minnymouth]

Extremelyhumble,

Welcome aboard......

Yes we are all in the same boat together...... some are sinking slowly to the west..... and others are on their way to shore, paddles swinging.

Sounds like you have your Chapter 13 under control, have adapted well to the changes in your life, and have set new goals, standards, and values to your way of life from now on.

Check in with us often, let us know how its going with you. If you have any questions, maybe we can help! If you have a problem, maybe we can help, and help relieve some of the stress you encounter....

We do not give legal advice on this forum, but we do supply a lot of humor sometimes and moral support.

Welcome to our Family,

Minny

[extremelyhumble]

Thanks for all the tips - new to forum

Jane & Minny - Thanks for the replies. I've put the site in my favorites and am sure this site is going to be just that. Jane - Hang on, this is a wild ride. It's like a vacation - the phone has stopped ringing! Minny - I like the pic of the dogs (yours I'm assuming) - they make me smile!

I will admit that when I read both of your replies I did choke back the tears. I've been doing this for 2 years and 7 months and no one I know understands what this is all about. I'm so glad I found you!

[Minnymouth]

extremelyhumble,
Glad to have you join us....

Any time you got a problem or a question regarding anything - just ask us. Here on the forum we discuss problems we are having with spouses, kids, etc.
We often post a receipe or our travel plans and post pics of where we've been. HHM is presently touring the world.
He reports in off and on and lets us know where he is and what he's doing.
We talk shop, cars, kids, family, pets, pet pevees, etc.

And we support each other thru our bankrutpcy process.. we keep each other from killing the Trustee or our attorneys.....

So welcome to our family.

[jane taylor]

Extremelyhumble:

Sorry that you're here, but glad you are here, too! We're all in this life together and we can "bear each other's burdens." Always feel free to share your joys and sorrows.

Take care and have a great weekend. God bless

jane

[krobin02]

Robivi3,

I really don't KNOW how some people make it from month to month... Especially on one income and it min wage or slightly above.

They are making it almost impossible for a single person to survive by themselves. A single woman has the same expenses that a married couple does minus the kids.....
And being single they hit you with "more taxes"...... out of the paycheck....

Even cutting corners, buying sensibly, and watching the almighty dollar every month single people still have a very hard time staying even or trying to put back for a rainy day...

At least people with kids get a financial break at the end of the year with credits.....

I can't imagine living in Fla and having your expense, mine are bad enough here in Ky.

But as long as I can survive, I will.... when I can't I'll go back to the 2nd job again to get ahead of the game a little.

My thoughts,

Good points but then survival is the game for married and/or rich people. Those of us who are in fact single (that's me) are screwed before we even try. I alone on my 1/2 of a married couple's annual salary have to try to buy all the same stuff. We need help (as in quit penalizing us for being single... I didn't ask for my fiance to be killed).

[Minnymouth]

krobin02,

Just I can understand where your coming from...... being single also..... we have the same bills as a married man.... just the salary or the two salaries coming in.... And yes we are penalized for being single.

My deepest sympathy in loosing the one you love..... have been there and done that also in 1969 thanks to Vietnam..... sometimes its very hard to deal with it!! Expecially if you young.....

Chat with us, if you have to file BK then sit it out with us..... We have all been there and done it....... some are still in the process or just starting out.

Minny