What you can afford

countrygal_2008

iVillage Member

Registered: 10-01-2008

What you can afford

9	Tue, 03-27-2012 - 1:02pm

As you may remember, lightning got my home pc about 10 days ago.

Norma

"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus

Signatures On

countrygal_2008

iVillage Member

Registered: 10-01-2008

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 2:06pm

$200 is a lot of money at my house.

Norma

"Patience is the best remedy for every trouble"- Plautus

freeatlast2008

iVillage Member

Registered: 01-02-2008

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 1:49pm

Hi and thank you...

Well? I am frugal and responsible but I do feel I make decisions out of fear.. but then again sometimes I have no control over things.

Truth is I most likely could go and visit my friend in Fla. as long as the transportation to get there is reasonable.. I havent seen her in years.. We were best friends in HS and we found each other again on FB.. It would be tragic if something happened and I couldnt see her anymore.. I already

serenity1986

Community Leader

Registered: 08-25-2006

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 1:12pm

Hi Free....

I guess my concern is your comment: "I am so afraid to spend..."

We all have different priorities, and you are the one that has to sleep at night, so it really doesn't matter what any of us, or your xH, thinks.

But what I do feel you may want to look at is making decisions out of fear. Are you being responsible and frugal, or hoarding out of fear?

One thing your xH is right about, you can't take your money with you. My grandparents had no intention of leaving family money and neither do my parents. We will get their possessions, and what ever cash they do happen to still have when they pass. But no trust funds, no real inheritance, etc.

So Free....are you happy? Do you feel like you are doing without all of the time? Are you at peace with your living situation? Are you at peace with what you do have? Do you obsess over how much you have in your savings/efund?

You don't have to answer here, but some broad questions for you to consider. Not saying your xH is right, but rather that he may be pointing something out for you to look at.

Hang in there...

Serenity

marketingvirgo

iVillage Member

Registered: 12-31-2010

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 12:27pm

Oh my Norma, I would totally give up the laptop and vet bills for a trip! Getting to see new places just opens your mind and thoughts to so many differing ways of living, new experiences and cultures it would be terrible to miss those kinds of things.
DH and I really feel that experiences are far more important than things, and seeing other cultures really opens you up to new thoughts and ideas about life in general.
I don't think of it is a vacation, but a cultural exchange which you really can't put a price on.
Heck, I am sure you could find a netbook for less than $200 nowadays.
I would sure hate to see you miss such a wonderful life experience!
-Marie

#Marie

galstorelady

iVillage Member

Registered: 11-14-2008

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 11:44am

I think that is why he is an ex husband.....they don't always know what is best for you. It sounds like you are making great decisions. Its your money, not his.

freeatlast2008

iVillage Member

Registered: 01-02-2008

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 10:13am

Hi;

I have been reading about what you can afford and I was hoping someone to shed some light on something for me.. I have been living very frugal for years and with limited income and savings I continue to do so..

small_change

iVillage Member

Registered: 08-24-2007

In reply to: countrygal_2008

Re: What you can afford

Thu, 03-29-2012 - 8:11am

Norma, I'm sorry you can't go on the trip. But I agree: worrying about lack of money is worse than not going on a trip. During the years when my budget didn't balance, it felt like I was carrying a giant boulder on my shoulders everywhere I went. It wore me down. It affected even the simplest decisions.

Having a little bit in savings will feel so good!