How many bills do you have?

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
How many bills do you have?
24
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 9:12am

I'm sitting here this morning & *whew* glad DH's paycheck went in.

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 1:52pm

I can give you some virtual cookies as a prize.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 2:42pm

It's a Toyota Corolla. I guess after selling my last Corolla on it's deathbed, I realized that these things sell and are reliable so why not do another one.

The year and miles part is a long story because...well, it's brand new. Yes, I know all about how I'm spending more but we looked at a few used cars, found one we liked and had the carfax done and everything checked out. So we brought it to my mechanic and it turns out that it had been in an accident (not reported) and had a leaking AC line and the tires weren't going to last and I just got fed up with used cars. All of a sudden all of the trouble and heartache that used cars have caused us got on my nerves and I'd rather know right from the beginning that I know everything that's gone on with my car. I also want to know that the car is going to last me more than 5 years like our previous one. So we're going to baby this one and double up the payments and I'm not sure yet how long it will take me to pay off, but it won't be too long. A couple years in my estimation and I'm extremely happy with it. In fact, I love it! It feels so nice to have a reliable car. The gas mileage is fantastic too.

So I'm ready for everyone to jump on me...but I just had to do it. You can't drive around in a rust bucket that can possibly break down at any minute when you have 3 kids and I didn't want to put my money into a car that may or may not last me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2005
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 2:53pm

Mortgage
Cable/internet
Cell phone
Life insurance (auto deduction)
Electric
Gas
Water
Pharmacy for medications
Web hosting (auto deduction)
Pet medication
Child sponsorship
Sewer (quarterly)
Estimated taxes (quarterly)
Car insurance (annual but I reserve out for it each month)

So all in all there are 14 bills. Not including contributions to sinking funds, gasoline for the cars or groceries.

stacy

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 3:08pm

Virtual cookies would be better for my diet anyway!




iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-1999
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 3:15pm

We have 20 regular bills every month. That covers everything from mortgage, insurance and utilities to debt payments. On top of that, we have an additional 8 that are irregular (quarterly, bi-annually, annually). And this doesn't count budgeted expenses like groceries, gas, etc.

Good times. :)










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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 3:17pm

Congrats! My mom has a Camry that is 3 years old and she loves it!


No need to nail into you - its a done deal. JUST a thought though.....instead of doubling payments why don't you save that extra money in case of emergency. While its nice to have a car paid off its nicer to have $$ in the bank first.


Not sure of your efund status but if you can afford to double payments you should have plenty in an efund, IMO.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 5:35pm
I agree. I'm working on the efund. It took a big hit when I had to buy my washing machine. It's a slow process because I've had a lot of extra bills lately. This is the hardest time of year for me to save. From September until January 1st because all of my kids have birthdays within 3 weeks, then there is my car registrations and inspections and then there is the holidays, not to mention all of my doctors appts. are done during this time of year too. I honestly can't wait until this time of year is over so I can sock money away like crazy!

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-02-1998
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 6:49pm
Hi there Maryann, I was just thinking about you today and wondering how you and Raymond were doing. Have a great weekend.




iVillage Member
Registered: 11-02-2009
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 7:42pm

I have a couple
Rent
Student LoanS (2 of them)
Electric - which includes gas
Cable
Credit Card - the bulk of my expenses
Phone
Internet

I'm single and have no kids and live in a major city. I've cut expenses in transportation by getting a bike.

I've realized that some of these bills will change/disappear. My credit will disappear, if i'm consistent in less than a year.

Student loan will always be in my life until 2020.

the key is just to stay focus

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2008
Fri, 11-13-2009 - 9:20pm

"It's a Toyota Corolla. I guess after selling my last Corolla on it's deathbed, I realized that these things sell and are reliable so why not do another one.

The year and miles part is a long story because...well, it's brand new. Yes, I know all about how I'm spending more but we looked at a few used cars, found one we liked and had the carfax done and everything checked out. So we brought it to my mechanic and it turns out that it had been in an accident (not reported) and had a leaking AC line and the tires weren't going to last and I just got fed up with used cars. All of a sudden all of the trouble and heartache that used cars have caused us got on my nerves and I'd rather know right from the beginning that I know everything that's gone on with my car. I also want to know that the car is going to last me more than 5 years like our previous one. So we're going to baby this one and double up the payments and I'm not sure yet how long it will take me to pay off, but it won't be too long. A couple years in my estimation and I'm extremely happy with it. In fact, I love it! It feels so nice to have a reliable car. The gas mileage is fantastic too.

So I'm ready for everyone to jump on me...but I just had to do it. You can't drive around in a rust bucket that can possibly break down at any minute when you have 3 kids and I didn't want to put my money into a car that may or may not last me."

Abbie, I too have a Toyota Carolla that I love. I too financed it (lease it actually) when I had consumer debt. But, I don't regret it. I hope that I will never lease again. But at the time, the lease was a good option for us. For me, knowing that I have a reliable car and not having to worry about repairs and being able to budget for scheduled maintenance completely outweighs the stess of having the car payment. My plan is that once this car is finally paid off, I am going to keep putting the money away in a car account. Hopefully when it comes time to buy a new car I will have a good amount of cash to put towards a new one, if I choose to.