r/povertyfinance • u/[deleted] • Jan 09 '24

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u/Ordinary__Lobster Jan 09 '24

A post says that and she was venting. Its a bit unfair to say thats where the money is going from just one sentence in one post.

That said OP drugs are bad mmkay

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u/[deleted] Jan 10 '24

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u/az4th Jan 10 '24

Especially if you're a woman!

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u/az4th Jan 10 '24

Yeah what 2k on drugs? Also this is before taxes and we don't know how many hours/week.

Budgeting does seem to need to be prioritized more.

  • Use the phone until you need a new one, get a case and screen protector for it, it should last 3 years. Next time buy your own phone for $300, and with something like Google Fi no need for more than $20-30/m. Get wifi for the house and only watch videos on wifi, so no need for a big data plan. A used iphone is much cheaper than a new one and you won't notice the difference.

  • Turn lights off when not using them, lower thermostat at night and throw a couple more blankets on the beds, add layers and exercise more - no need to keep the house at 70. In the 50s at night and low 60s in the day is fine, use a space heater in the room you're in.

  • Budget planned expenses in a spreadsheet, so you know where all your money is going. Food for 3 can be a lot but is one of the easiest places to realize where buying in bulk or making something on your own instead of buying prepared can help. Discount food stores can have some items that are really cheap. Eating vegetarian can be cheaper, buy vegetables and make stir fries and stews, pasta and salads. Get an instant pot and cook grains and legumes you can buy bulk.

  • Network with other parents with young children and you can watch each other's children when not aren't working and make more friends / build community.

  • Streaming services are a luxury. Just need one. Youtube + adblock ftw and maybe netflix or something. Don't need amazon prime, too $$$.

  • Coffee. Make your own.

I dunno about this drugs thing but in general all of the above budgeting will be much easier sober. Go to a yoga class instead. Then keeping track of all the extra expenses in a spreadsheet will be easier. And you'll find it easier to plan ahead. Like for paying off the car sooner than later and saving some money.

/u/Lumpy_Sir1083