Feeling down as well...

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Feeling down as well...
9
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 11:07am

I was going over my budget today on Quicken and I just realized that we are still spending a lot of money on stupid things like eating out and our cell phones. I don't understand why I can't get the cell phone expenses down below a hundred. Maybe it's because we are using them as our primary phones so they get used a lot, but it's also because of all of the little things like dialing 411 and accidentally getting on the internet and downloading a game here and there. I can't police the cell phone all the time and we're so used to using them constantly. How can I cut down the usage? I was told I could completely delete the internet from our phone so that we couldn't even use it, but then we couldn't get picture messages. Then I thought, why do we need to get picture messages? We get maybe 5 a year. Maybe that's the path I need to take in order to make sure we aren't overspending on cell phones. We're also spending a lot on groceries. I know I have a big family but I know I can do better than this if I was just more organized. Maybe I will have to go back to the cash/envelope system. Just keep plugging away I guess. And I think I need to go back to the drawing board and figure out a way to cut the budget even more!

I'm also down because my kids left their paint supplies on the floor, which i thought they knew better and the baby got into the paint, got it all over the rug and his clothes and ate it so I had to call poison control. It's not poisonous, but then I had to give him a big bath and he's still blue from the paint. He ruined some new pajamas I got him. Then I found out that a wedding I thought I had booked went with another vendor that was cheaper. I'm the cheapest around for live music so they must have gotten a DJ to play music for the ceremony. AND I keep on gaining and losing the same pound. I can't seem to get down below the 8 pounds lost mark.

All in all, a depressing day so far!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-30-1999
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 11:21am

I can totally relate. The stress I've felt over the last year or so is really taking it's toll on me. Have gained 10 lbs atleast! I know there are some ways we could save that I'm not doing but goodness I want to live alittle!! I'm trying to hold on and be thankful....it could always be worse right??


Hope you get some good news today!


iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2005
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 12:10pm

Hey Abbie, sorry you're feeling down.

Wedding
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 12:28pm
Do you ever just feel that you can't have anything nice if you have kids! Our carpets are ruined as well. We've just lived with them for all these years. It drives me insane because they were brand new when we moved in here and they were immediately ruined by the cat within weeks and then we had the brilliant idea to get a puppy and she ruined the rest and then with the kids and their playdoh and paint and whatever else they spill on the floor, the carpets are history. We haven't had the money to replace them and so we've lived with them like this for 3 years.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 12:38pm

Hi Abbie,


I am sorry you are feeling down. Clearly, I know the feeling. As for the cell phones, I would say get rid of the internet option. You don't need it. If someone really wants to send you a phone pic they can email it. I think this time of year is just hard on everyone. I know I have been struggling a lot lately.


As for the carpets, have you considered buying a carpet cleaning machine? When I moved into my place I had two cats and a dog and now have two dogs and a cat. Did I mention my carpets were cream . . . you can see where this is going. Anyway, I bought a bissell carpet cleaner and its amazing. I have paid for it 3x over already. Every season I pull it out and clean the carpets and it makes a huge difference. Just a thought!


Bex -


"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift -thats why its called the present."


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 12:53pm
Yes, I do have a carpet cleaner. It definitely helps the carpet, but does nothing for the paint spills! My cat unraveled the carpet at the seams by the doors and the paint I've spilled on it over the years did the rest. So the puppy pee was only a minor part of the ruination of my carpet! And I think I'm definitely going to get rid of the internet option. It's just too much of a risk for bill overages when the internet is just a button away! My 1 year old has even gotten on the internet and who knows how long he was on! I'll find out on this bill and that is scary! I have a friend who had a 900 dollar cell phone bill because her brother went over with text messaging!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-10-2003
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 1:55pm

I wanted to suggest Goof Off 2 for the paint incident. That stuff is good for removing dried paint from carpets and can be used on clothes as well. I bought some to try after my DH managed to step off a ladder into the paint tray and then left a footprint on our cream colored carpets. We used it to get paint off clothes occasionally too since my DD tends to come home from preschool with paint on her clothes and despite the paint saying it is washable it isn't really. Maybe that can salvage the clothes your little one was wearing.

For the cell phones, I use Alltel and we have it so the internet is locked on all the phones. My older DS has a cell phone that we were able to lock out the text messaging too. Maybe you can do something like that too if you don't need those options on one of the phones while still leaving them active on the other. Not sure how many cell phones you have but it might help if your little ones have a tendency to help run the bill up.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 3:00pm

Abbie


I feel so for you. I know how much you are trying to get things in line so you have money to pay off the bills and live.

Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 3:43pm

Oh No! I am so sorry about your blubaby. That must be some mess!

Hang in there Abbie - I think we're all struggling with some stuff right now. Just know you're not alone. We're all in this together.

All my best,
Danni
cl-phocid, Debt Support Group



All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2008
Thu, 01-22-2009 - 4:12pm

Hey Abbie,


Just wanted to offer some info on the cell phone....you can rid of the internet option and still receive the pix, you will be charged per pix though....instead of it being "included" in the monthly bill. On my carrier, verizon wireless, they are 25 cents each. also, you can dial 1-800-FREE-411, it's the same as 411 except you'll hear a short advertisement first and then ask for the # you want.


Hope that helps!