tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post9017831178971167607..comments2024-03-29T21:11:37.724+10:00Comments on down to earth: Biggest Kitchen Table - Living Deliberately and MoneyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10009255189422269142009-07-08T16:49:18.791+10:002009-07-08T16:49:18.791+10:00We finally made the move to the country and it'...We finally made the move to the country and it's spurred me to make more deliberate shopping decisions. I only shop fortnightly. We have a family of 8 so I buy 16 loaves of bread & 24ltrs of milk and freeze it in the deep freeze. By not having to go to the store each day we are able to use our money more wisely. and by doing it this way we're saving around $100 a week. And it's a comfort to know that there's 2 weeks of supplies on hand.Miss H https://www.blogger.com/profile/01657111673100822103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-81803412447247327272009-07-08T00:42:01.326+10:002009-07-08T00:42:01.326+10:00I think the most important tip for someone just ge...I think the most important tip for someone just getting started on a budget or envelope system is to MAKE SURE and have a "mad money" envelope or fund. Maybe its just $20 a paycheck, but it is something. This helps when you are making the transition. So if you are a Starbucks junkie or something like that, you know you can squeeze in one without touching any of your other envies. Also, if a friend you are used to seeing invites you to lunch, you can do it once. Not having a little pocket money is the thing I've seen kill most budgets.autumnesfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04519475352289814754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89212522652316453432009-07-06T21:47:22.613+10:002009-07-06T21:47:22.613+10:00Thank you so much for the link to BudgetPulse soft...Thank you so much for the link to BudgetPulse software, it is EXACTLY what i have been looking for. <br />I have previously tried a manual budget spreadsheet which really helped me see when regular bills were due in the future but was quite fiddly to update. In hindsight I think I tried to make it too detailed with too many specific categories. It was a useful learning experience though. <br />I also tried the trial version of Microsoft Money but was concerned about the way it links to your bank accounts, and found it too complex for what i wanted.<br /><br />I would love to join you in the No Spend Week, however i just feel it is not the right time for us to do this. I have recently had an operation and my partner is still doing a fair portion of my usual household tasks, i don't want to make things more awkward for him than they need to be. <br />We will instead be starting our No Spend Week on 20th.BJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00982780976367993804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33701083338750403122009-07-05T08:52:06.213+10:002009-07-05T08:52:06.213+10:00I am looking forward to participating on the audit...I am looking forward to participating on the audit but I'm going to do my no-spending week in the week following this (starting Monday 13th July).<br /><br />My 30th birthday falls next week and with a few different celebrations planned it is inevitable spending will happen so rather than feeling disappointment with myself at not being able to pull through a week, I'd rather do the no-spending week at a time I know I'm not setting myself up to 'fail'. <br /><br />I'm excited about seeing what's to come in the audit!Aineadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04977854310212664249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7767632680157921892009-07-04T22:44:16.801+10:002009-07-04T22:44:16.801+10:00I just love this idea! We will start our no spend ...I just love this idea! We will start our no spend week on Sunday because Saturday is the holiday and our daughter's birthday.Diananoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-31526264616952943632009-07-04T13:14:55.785+10:002009-07-04T13:14:55.785+10:00I have to admit Money is not my favourite topic. I...I have to admit Money is not my favourite topic. It's not that I am a big spender - far from it. I just don't pay it the attention it deserves. It comes in ... it goes out. <br /><br />But I am forcing myself to look at how I spend money and trying to develop different ways to save it. I have have set myself some tasks to complete such as developing a budget!!<br /><br />Thanks for giving me a much needed 'prod' Rhonda. :)Neenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07608627413296944719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10270397096573634132009-07-04T13:12:52.368+10:002009-07-04T13:12:52.368+10:00We're going to try a no-spending week starting...We're going to try a no-spending week starting on Sunday. DH says, "WHY NOT!" you're challenge is very timely, as usual, I've been posting about our approach to budgeting lately, too!Sharihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08776207973534699394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17265506569579570842009-07-04T07:41:48.819+10:002009-07-04T07:41:48.819+10:00Can't get the family to join in no spend week ...Can't get the family to join in no spend week but I will give it a go.<br /><br />Colette UKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-10966002228832644612009-07-04T07:21:38.386+10:002009-07-04T07:21:38.386+10:00Thank you so much for this post! I definitely need...Thank you so much for this post! I definitely need this as too much money goes to trivial things, and I know so much is getting wasted. Thank you for the inspiration! Will be starting on Sunday, after we do groceries on Saturday! :D Thanks again!<br />Courtneybookflutterbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12426712911284917236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20443111111070570882009-07-04T06:38:22.180+10:002009-07-04T06:38:22.180+10:00No spending weeks is something I can't partici...No spending weeks is something I can't participate in. We've tried it before and end up spending more money. <br /><br />Knowing there's a "no spending" period approaching I always end up buying more on my last shop to stock up. Then after I get through the no spending period, buy even more on my following shop.<br /><br />I put this down to the fact we're a young family and what you plan to eat in a week or more, can fluctuate. I also have a condition which is assisted through diet, so food is viewed as essential, not a luxury which can be cut back on.<br /><br />So with this in mind, the "no spend week" brings the hoarder out in me, which must plan for all contingences. We end up spending more than if we'd just been sensible every week with what we spend.<br /><br />I'm actually having several no spend weeks, but it's done on non essentials like building projects or plants. For example, now is the perfect time for planting out more fruit trees, but we've deliberately held back from going out and buying any.<br /><br />We'd dearly love more fruit trees as we only have citrus and a mango. Instead of hitting the nurseries though, we're planting seeds that come in the fruit we buy now.<br /><br />I have serveral building projects which need materials to complete also, but we're not spending there either. Instead we're looking at the junk we've put aside "for later" and see if we can't modify it to be a temporary solution.<br /><br />Things like using thick branches or sappling trees for stakes in the garden. We'd much prefer star pickets because they're resistent to termites, but they are expensive to buy. We can make do with the free supply of sappling trees on our land though. It's one of the temporary but often cheaper solutions.<br /><br />A friend also gave me some of her striped beetroot and sweet potatoes to eat. I've kept the small ones to plant out again. I'm hoping the beetroot will re-shoot, so I can collect the seed and grow more of that variety I don't have.<br /><br />Anyway, I think if you're used to consuming or just have plain bad habits to deal with, sometimes living deliberately doesn't always mean going cold-turkey. It won't work if you haven't dealt with the behaviour which drives you to consume thoughtlessley.<br /><br />Like a smoker giving up cigarettes, you have to have something else to chew or otherwise appease the nerves of withdrawal. I hate to say it but I'm a habitual gardener. Although gardening is good on so many levels, it's not good when you don't limit your spending on it.<br /><br />So sometimes the longer term solutions are to find less damaging ones overall. And always be honest about what you CAN afford, not what you would dearly love to buy.Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7949481086050269582009-07-04T03:54:30.994+10:002009-07-04T03:54:30.994+10:00I have posted our process of zero balance budget.I have posted our process of zero balance budget.Donettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13530145585581721795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-42120243199553519212009-07-04T03:50:03.603+10:002009-07-04T03:50:03.603+10:00Dear Rhonda,
thank you so much for the first tips...Dear Rhonda,<br /><br />thank you so much for the first tips en tricks. I really want to join your way of living, although we are already one little step in that direction.<br /><br />What I really want to say is THANK YOU! I hope we can make it to the end ;-)Moniquehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10828404522476914827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67588796570988270032009-07-04T03:37:43.723+10:002009-07-04T03:37:43.723+10:00I use an envelope system on the computer called Bu...I use an envelope system on the computer called Budget by <a href="http://www.snowmintcs.com/products/" rel="nofollow">Snowmint Creative Solutions</a>. It's easy to use, inexpensive to buy, has free upgrades for life and even has cute little envelope icons. They versions for both PC and Mac, and have great customer service.Annie Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07123644833186800503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-92003564057265685152009-07-04T03:08:12.237+10:002009-07-04T03:08:12.237+10:00Can we join in, please?
Can't start until the...Can we join in, please?<br /><br />Can't start until the 7th, though. <br /><br />Your blog is wonderfully calming and one of my favourites:o)<br /><br />I have a really low income so I could do with all the help I can get. We face so many hassles in life and some are so unnecessary. I home educate my young daughter so this will be a great project for her (and me) and such an important life skill. I want her to grow up to enjoy the freedom of being debt-free so she can live as she chooses. She is not greedy and has a kind heart... and loves her pets dearly (Maybe she'll be a vet or run an animal sanctuary when she's older? lol ) We're always trying to feed them the best we can as cheaply as possible. Never occurred to me to make our own. I wonder if they would like your home made pet food recipe? Shall have a go with that. This is one area we could do with spending less. And public transport...it's so expensive in the UK, but we need it to get out and about, for shopping,etc. So, I'd like to save up for a small car.<br /><br />We've already started with the planting of fruit and veg in the garden and may even get a couple of hens later on in the summer for eggs. Daughter wants to learn how to make her own beauty products, like lip balm, etc, and I'm going to make soap again. I want a life for us that is at our pace and not the rat race's.<br /><br />I've never heard of the envelope system.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to this:o) Sorry for rambling. xxMinniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04770118579029775245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50329718915707284422009-07-04T01:22:20.748+10:002009-07-04T01:22:20.748+10:00HI Rhonda,
I'm in for the No Spend week and ...HI Rhonda, <br /><br />I'm in for the No Spend week and simple home audit. I posted about living deliberately & money on my blog if you care to take a peek at it.<br /><br />http://seasideenchantment.blogspot.com/2009/07/living-deliberately-and-money.htmlTracyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13039504643371465874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12174495443927799412009-07-04T01:06:34.921+10:002009-07-04T01:06:34.921+10:00I clicked on and read you earlier post on living d...I clicked on and read you earlier post on living deliberately and found it a helpful springboard for thought. I knew already that I have a lot of things around me that are reflective of past goals. There are too many things I've thought of doing. The hard part is choosing what I really want to do.Dianenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23654690363786283412009-07-03T23:22:12.509+10:002009-07-03T23:22:12.509+10:00My parents used the envelope system back in the mi...My parents used the envelope system back in the mid-60s so they could budget their money. It worked for them.<br /><br />My husband and I debt-free but we still budget. Although we don't use an envelope system, we do have specific money set aside. Extra savings are taken out of his wages right off the top. That money is taken automatically so that my yearly retirement IRA can be paid up-front. We contribute the maximum to my IRA for retirement because it is one of our only tax-deductions ($6,000/year means $500 taken out each month). At the end of the year, we have the full $6K for my IRA contribution.<br /><br />You will not miss what you do not have.<br /><br />I will be starting tomorrow. We are Americans but do not travel into crowds to celebrate the 4th of July.LynnShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18400123476915540411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76591656729541338732009-07-03T19:03:53.160+10:002009-07-03T19:03:53.160+10:00I'd just like to say how much I agree with tho...I'd just like to say how much I agree with those who have already recommended involving children in making and sticking to a budget. When our children were growing up my husband got paid every three months - which calls for some serious budgeting! Each of us had a personal allowance to cover clothes, fares and any personal things like books. When the children were very small I administered their allowance for them but very gradually they had more and more involvement, until by their early teens they were in charge of their whole allowance, paid quarterly. As a result it was always obvious to them that "when it's gone it's gone", and now as adults they continue to budget well and to live successfully on limited resources. I am particularly proud of the fact that they both put having fulfilling jobs ahead of high earnings.<br /><br />BellaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28513592503804170582009-07-03T16:53:46.965+10:002009-07-03T16:53:46.965+10:00Aunty Bee, good luck. I hope it all falls into pla...Aunty Bee, good luck. I hope it all falls into place for you. I'm interested in your customary obligations. Would you care to explain that?<br /><br />Hi Pippa, good luck!Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83570503718958458982009-07-03T16:38:37.056+10:002009-07-03T16:38:37.056+10:00I have been reading the comments with interest, ke...I have been reading the comments with interest, keeping a budget is one of our downfalls. Although DH has him accounting system on the computer and know where all the money goes we don't have a system for allocating money to different areas. This is going to be our goal to sort this out. <br />No spend week will start tomorrow as I need to pick up my meds and some milk today.<br /><br />Thanks Rhonda for all your effort on our behalf.<br /><br />PippaGrandmaibbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00751976102325479714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-106574748611018172009-07-03T16:15:49.970+10:002009-07-03T16:15:49.970+10:00I want in too. I am so going to try. I do have som...I want in too. I am so going to try. I do have something already planned on the 8th but I can prepare for that today and tomorrow so I will start Sunday. I have to tell my friends so they can help me. Our society here does customary obligations on the weekend though so that makes things harder to prioritize what needs to get paid before Sunday but I will try very hard. Wish me luck! I wish luck to everyone else but it seems like most who read your blog are on the ball so I am the one who will need all the luck!Aunty Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14942619820033853811noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15327169757606139502009-07-03T15:48:25.915+10:002009-07-03T15:48:25.915+10:00Oh Daffy, what a fine, fine comment. I'm so p...Oh Daffy, what a fine, fine comment. I'm so pleased and really proud of you. Your negotiations resulted in a good outcome, that's a nice bit of security if you need it. And congratulations on being an aunt again. Five weeks early! Wow. I hope your sister is up and about soon and that you and your family enjoy your new bundle. I send you warm hugs.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32020345868607085272009-07-03T15:40:04.979+10:002009-07-03T15:40:04.979+10:00Rois, our boys loved their milk too.
Angela, good...Rois, our boys loved their milk too.<br /><br />Angela, good luck with your two weeks of no spending. Do you use powdered milk at all. I use it in my cooking.<br /><br />Judie, I love online banking too. It's easy and convenient and as you said, you can see your balances whenever you need to.<br /><br />Songbirdy, I loved my visit to your blog. Your bike and trailer are fantastic! Good luck with your two weeks of no spending.<br /><br />Jenn, I hope you find a way of doing this at your boyfriend's home. Good luck, love.<br /><br />Hilde, I bet you notice a huge difference in most things over those 30 years.<br /><br />Pat, I wish our trains were free for pensioners. I live in hope. Good luck with your no spending.<br /><br />Di, it's not selfish to want something you know would benefit your entire family From my observations, I believe children who grow up removed from the common spending in most Western countries, live simply without missing all the must haves. Children whose families move towards this way of living having known a more materialistic life, tend to miss what their friends have. Maybe a solution for you would be to simplify your shopping, cooking, cleaning and mending to start with. Then slowly move towards the things that effect the children later. Good luck.<br /><br />Mrs Mac, I hope your daughter picks up a few tips here and is encouraged by the discussion.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33056474052490323002009-07-03T15:37:42.451+10:002009-07-03T15:37:42.451+10:00Thanks Rhonda, and I'm glad your son's wed...Thanks Rhonda, and I'm glad your son's wedding went so beautifully! <br /><br />I've started using the envelope system again, and have a money bag for food, emergency (which usually ends up spent by the end of the month - I'm learning!), garden items (seeds, plants, tools, usually builds up), toiletries (thanks to you this is down to £5 a month, and often doesn't get spent!)<br /><br />I think I posted a comment a few weeks ago about wanting to give up work and have August and September off... Well, I handed in my notice on Monday!! This is partly thanks to you, giving confidence that what I was doing was right, and encouragement, and helping me keep an eye on my money! <br /><br />Actually, boss wanted to 'negotiate' as I am a good, reliable worker, and she is having a bit of trouble with others being sick or on holiday or unreliable over the summer... <br /><br />Our negotiation is that I finish in 2 weeks (hooray!) rather than 4, she has someone else who will work my hours for the summer, and I take unpaid leave until after my PhD is written (which should be a lot quicker if I'm not working 20 hours a week too!). I can then go back in the autumn, or hand in notice properly. She knows I'm looking for another job which is more related to what I do. It's good to have the security of something to go back to! Although I would have left without that, as I had planned money enough to get me through for a couple of months. <br /><br />Anyway, sorry, long comment, but I think I just meant to say, when you're auditing your life and goals, leave a little room open for the unexpected - it might actually work out more positively than you could imagine! <br /><br />Oh, and since it's so early here (6.30am!), and I have nobody else to talk to about it other than my mother, lol, can I tell you that my third nephew was born this morning?? 6lb 14, and 5 weeks early, so rather unexpected! Poor sister is still in hospital with baby, since it was so early, but both are healthy, and the other two boys (well, the older one at least!) are very excited about having another brother! <br /><br />You're right, family IS one of the most important things :) <br /><br />Thanks Rhonda :) <br /><br />Daffs<br />xxJenni @ NotReallyAFarmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12699782031004116836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51721177559359224742009-07-03T15:10:44.324+10:002009-07-03T15:10:44.324+10:00I said I was in and I'd like to try a no-spend...I said I was in and I'd like to try a no-spend week, but I'm afraid it just isn't going to happen right now. We leave on vacation in a week and we haven't planned out our food needs, yet. But more than that, we're making plans to move and next week we'll probably have to spend over 5K (ouch!) getting a drainage problem fixed before we can sell our house. <br /><br />We use a budget book to organize how we spend our money. I have columns for everything and we make sure our income is greater than our expenses so we're always saving something. I used to be a bookkeeper, so I don't mind the tediousness of our system.Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08896172914500564208noreply@blogger.com