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Just to get an idea, I really want to save like mad for 2017. I got lots of HUGE stuff to save up for. What kind of budget for the MONTH would you set for 2 adults? (I'm in California, by the way...high COL & we love food! Rent for 1 bed/bath is $1510/mo & moving out of question.)
I was thinking:
Dining Out: $50 - 75 (that's 1 restaurant & maybe 1 casual eatery)
Entertainment: $25 (1 movie shouldn't be too bad, if that)
Personal: $50-75 (magazine, smoothie, etc.)
Groceries: ??? What would you say for organic/healthy foods?
I don't have to worry about :
- dry cleaning
- new clothing/shoes (I'm trying not to buy ANY for the whole new year)
- coffee, liquor, cigarettes (never did any of that)
- children or pet care (don't have any at this time)
- live performances (will maybe go to 1-2 musicals in the whole year, if even that)
- manicures, pedicures, facials, massages (never really did any of that)
- cars (been paid off, thank God!)
I've also just subscribed to some YouTube channels about $ & budgeting & started reading this book (Rich B---h by Nicole Lapin).
Maybe you can see if there is a free version of the magazines online. As far as the live shows go, see if any of the local colleges have a music or drama dept, you can often get to see some really great shows & music recitals, for free or low cost. I don't know about your grocery budget, my new food & household budget is going to be $250 per month, (2 of us) but I don't always buy organic & we eat meat or fish free meals at least once a week, Lentils are one of my faves. I also shop at Grocery Outlet, Safeway is far too expensive. Of course I am retired so I have the time to cook most days.
Do you have cable tv? If so, try an antenna. If it works in your area, you can potentially save some big $$.
We use one, and also subscribe to Netflix. We save about $80/month. But even better, we're not paying for stuff we're not watching.
One thing that helped us save money was got set up automatic withdrawals from our checking accounts, & have them deposited into either a money market or a no load mutual fund. If you say take out $50 or $100 a paycheck, it can add up fast, If you schedule it to be taken out as soon as your pay check arrives, you don't have the chance to spend it on something else. Make it an online account & do not get an atm card, that way you can't spend it until you transfer it back, but only transfer it back in case of emergency or large purchase ( that you have been saving for)
Speaking of ONLINE BANK ACCOUNTS, anyone know of a good company? Please post the link if you don't mind. And how do you withdraw $$ if you want to if there's no B&M bank location?
I have it set up so it can transfer online to my local bank. For mutual funds, you would likely have to make a phone redemption & get the check in the mail. But hard core savings should not be touched often, & if you are saving for something specific, then you know in advance when you will need the money, so you can plan to draw it out on time. You can google banks & their ratings. Most high street banks also have online access, which is great for bill paying.
Just to get an idea, I really want to save like mad for 2017. I got lots of HUGE stuff to save up for. What kind of budget for the MONTH would you set for 2 adults? (I'm in California, by the way...high COL & we love food! Rent for 1 bed/bath is $1510/mo & moving out of question.)
I was thinking:
Dining Out: $50 - 75 (that's 1 restaurant & maybe 1 casual eatery)
Entertainment: $25 (1 movie shouldn't be too bad, if that)
Personal: $50-75 (magazine, smoothie, etc.)
Groceries: ??? What would you say for organic/healthy foods?
I don't have to worry about :
- dry cleaning
- new clothing/shoes (I'm trying not to buy ANY for the whole new year)
- coffee, liquor, cigarettes (never did any of that)
- children or pet care (don't have any at this time)
- live performances (will maybe go to 1-2 musicals in the whole year, if even that)
- manicures, pedicures, facials, massages (never really did any of that)
- cars (been paid off, thank God!)
I've also just subscribed to some YouTube channels about $ & budgeting & started reading this book (Rich B---h by Nicole Lapin).
Any other suggestions, ideas, etc.? Thanks a lot!
You should be fine with about $160 a month for groceries, however, it will require couponing and looking at various store sales ads to stay within that budget. Believe me, years ago I was able to buy a months worth of groceries at $150 for two people so it's definitely possible.
You should be fine with about $160 a month for groceries, however, it will require couponing and looking at various store sales ads to stay within that budget. Believe me, years ago I was able to buy a months worth of groceries at $150 for two people so it's definitely possible.
Years ago bread was $1.00 and eggs were $0.50.
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