Always budget for a carousel ride

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

Laura — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 03:11:17 GMT

Note to rstlne: "Cheesesteaks" are indeed available lots of places...but they are not "real" or "decent" ones, as Donna terms them! She was right to get one from the Philly area. They do taste different.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

rstlne — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 21:33:21 GMT

I'm surprised. I thought those cheesesteaks were more widely available. Anyway, it is worth getting a cheesesteak as a one-time experience. $5 or $6 isn't that much compared to even one night in a motel room.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

Richard — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:22:47 GMT

Donna, I always love your articles. I took your advice. Today while at Monkey Joes watching the kids bounce on blow up slides, I "treated" myself to 2 three minute massages in the massage chairs. The cost was $1 for 3 minutes. Normally I have to have an excuse to "splurge" like that but I remembered your article and loved every minute of it!

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

Denise — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:11:21 GMT

Great article Donna. It sounds like you should have the cheesesteak. Is there something else you can not have to get the extra $5?

My new years resolution is to try the 60% rule. If I can achieve that, I won't need to track my expenses anymore. I have been tracking my expenses for year with excel and downloading my bank info with a csv file. It hasn't helped me save money. I did a budget. I might be able to do 63% or 65% rule. Live off of 60% of my gross pay and save the rest in three accounts, retirement, long term savings and short term emergency items. THe other 10% is for fun:) Fun is mandatory.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

John — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:09:32 GMT

I hear you about frugal burnout. Those long range goals don't offer the instant rewards of a night out at the movies or a yummy candy bar! I'm trying to pay off my car loan ASAP - and then save for the next one (I want to pay cash for the next one - in 5 years.) The money I'm saving in interest doesn't feel like money b/c I don't really see it.

Part of my thought process when I "slip" on my budget is that I convince myself that I deserve something. Part of that comes from looking around me at all the stuff other people have - and forgetting that they are not me. If I take a second and breathe before a purchase - maybe even call a friend to talk it over - I'm much less likely to get off track. So, I think this conversation highlights the benefits of automatic deposits to savings accounts where we can't get our hands on the $. If it's not in my checking account, then I can't spend it.

I also think that it's important to focus on the general intent of your frugality. I mean, smelling the roses (buying a cheesesteak) doesn't take you off the path. Life is progress not perfection - if you're making positive traction toward your goals, it's a good thing. If you find that you're really sabotaging yourself with little purchases, that's something else altogether.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

Tracy — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 14:15:51 GMT

Donna, Freda and the Gang: I don't post to sites. I usually read only. But Freda knocked me upside my head! I will be 47 next month, feeling like I'm 67. My son (22) has put me through junk, so has my husband, sister and mother. Not to mention I moved with my husband so he could be near his younger children, losing $15000 a year to do so. It has made things difficult. I am back on track toward what I am worth employment wise. My husband wants me to quit my second job, but I won't. I have decided that I want a few splurges and to squirrel away a bit for me. I've helped him and my son. Now, I need to focus on MY needs and wants. I buy Starbucks a couple of times a week now. I hit Kohls sales and clearances without buying for others. When my husband acts miffed, I tell him I've earned it --- I have. Donna, Freda and others....Freda is right. Enjoy it NOW. Keep your budget but enjoy life too. Because ultimately -- only You can make You truly happy. Think of yourselves once in a while. Good Luck, Ms Freda! I'll keep you in my thoughts.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

militarywife — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 10:02:25 GMT

One of the things that I do to determain my and my husband's fun money is to look at all of our bills-now in our bills I include our IRA accounts, and anything that we 'must' save for ie house repairs, downpayment for next car, travel, clothes, property taxes, emergancy fund, money for stocks, ect. whatever is left I divide in half I get part my husband get the other half- that's how I figure our fun money. I have lots of sub accounts in our main account it's a really annal way of handaling our money but we've managed in less than one and a half years on around 40,000 a year, put 8000 down on a car, two years of property tax at around 4000, take three trips back to the states, we currently live in germany, for around 1000 each and still save over 17000.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

lecter — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 08:50:52 GMT

I like your article ,being in good wood is important ,but I feel pressure now and hope to relax. From China.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

Nancy — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:52:26 GMT

Feelings determine a lot of our health outcome. You are much more likely to remain in good health if you actively enjoy life. A few treats is the best cancer prevention. Spend a few dollars, and save thousands.

re: Always budget for a carousel ride

Laura — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 22:51:16 GMT

Donna-

I too am from the Delaware Valley region and don't live there now, but every time I visit I try to have a hoagie, cheese steak or some other local treat that I can't get anywhere else. Likewise, just as you enjoyed your carousel ride, I find myself occasionally going on a similar amusement at the NJ shore, even if I am the only adult on the ride! Some things are indeed "priceless," even if they carry a price tag. Find room in the budget for the stuff you really need to do. As long as you don't constantly fritter your cash away on useless expenses, it's certainly OK to treat yourself when the occasion arises. Judging by most of the posters here, we seem to be in agreement! I hope you are having fun visiting your family. You all deserve to see each other.