Today Kristen and I did a brief evaluation of our finances outside of tuition. We discovered that our cost of living is not beyond our means, pretty cheap for most people, actually. However, the two of us view finances similarly, which is very reassuring for us. We both had a wrench in the gut when we looked at our outflow and, as students, feel that whatever is going out will always be more than what is coming in. It doesn't help that we don't have an adjusted concept of what our cost of tuition will be in the following year now that room and board are out of the picture.
I understand that finances are often an area of contention for couples and Kristen and I are making efforts to stymie the disruptive effects that it can have. So, now the little paranoia bug is working through the gears of my head and I'm thinking, "how can I find a way to make our income equal our outgo and have a happy outcome?" Of course, as it goes, this just results in too many comings and goings, in and out!
Posted by Mendon at November 14, 2005 4:28 PMDoes anybody know why I keep getting my messages bounced for "Questionable contents"? I havent cussed or written anything offensive or "questionable" unless Good Luck Buddy! is Questionable!
Posted by: Rahmat at November 15, 2005 12:52 AMMy own current adventures into the world of continuing liquidity have discovered two delightful things.
Firstly, the most useful and workable outcome is always the simpliest.
Secondly, the applying Baha'u'llah's teachings on consultation, plus the money laws of the Faith (pay debts before all else, give generously whilst you have etc.) pretty much cover any issues.
Also, I'm finding it delightful to remember to trust in God - finances are something we often keep close to ourselves to worry about, rather than from being detached and acknowledging that it isn't in our hands anyway.
Rahmat, every time I've gotten the 'questionable content' note, removing ellipsis points (. . .) or putting a space between each one as I did here seems to do the trick.
Posted by: Mara at November 15, 2005 8:53 AMSo far I have learned this about money in a relationship:
Stay simple.
Save save save.
Once you have a kid stop thinking that the money you make is for yourself.
Forget that you have any money at all and if you are making some it will eventually pile up.
Money doesnt buy happiness or love, but I have to admit, how the world works today, it helps, trust me, it isnt nice to be hungry or cold and not be able to solve it or to not have enough to get your kid what she/he needs for school the next day.
Always ask yourself the question that most companies fear, "Do I need this? do I really need this?" do it honestly or it wont work, putting thought to your next purchase will open your eyes.
Appreciate what you have because you will always have a lot more than someone else.
I hear that keeping all your receipts and a log of dayly expenses helps, also setting a dayly weekly and monthly amount separated by everyday expenses / rent+food+groceries+taxes / entertinment
Consistency is the secret I guess (Im terrible at that)
Posted by: Rahmat at November 15, 2005 10:28 AMdefinitely advice to be heeded. Thank you, Helen.
Posted by: Mendon at November 15, 2005 10:32 AMWhen I did credit counsuling (didn't know that, did you?) I learned that there are only wo ways to address credit crunch -- increase income, or decrease spending. Bet that came as a big surprise!
Posted by: ma at November 15, 2005 4:00 PM