I haven't blogged for a while because I haven't had any money in my pocket for a few weeks. Every Monday, after my payday, I look at my bank statement and cringe. I have alot of bills that are due and past due, yet I spend my money during the weekend and justify my purchases at the time as " I deserve this" I have this mind set, that I don't have enough money to pay my bills, because I usually have two month balances or more, so I need to hang on to my money for the next two weeks, because gas and food are so expensive, and $100 doesn't go far with two tanks of gas at $36 and food, but then I end up spending the money I have and I haven't paid one bill. I am in over my head with a cell phone plan, a chapter 13 plan I'm three months behind on and my rent check bounced this month. I don't really know where to turn to get a grip on my pattern of money management. I hope someone can give me advise, because I'm not being responsible with my money. 
Dave Ramsey? Suze Orman? Who is the best for my situation?
October 17th, 2011 at 03:42 pm
October 17th, 2011 at 03:50 pm 1318866626
If you are behind on bills, there is no expense that you can justify with "I deserve this". You need to tell yourself no. It will be tough, but it will be sooo worth it.
October 17th, 2011 at 04:24 pm 1318868647
October 17th, 2011 at 04:25 pm 1318868701
October 17th, 2011 at 04:33 pm 1318869234
October 17th, 2011 at 04:46 pm 1318869965
October 17th, 2011 at 05:49 pm 1318873742
For the little "I deserve it" voice. Of course you deserve good things, things that make you happy, things that relax you. But what I hear is for you is that you spend to relax or to make yourself happy. Is it possible to do those things on the cheap? What free, public, cheap resources do you have and that you could enjoy within walking distance of your house?
October 17th, 2011 at 06:01 pm 1318874467
Challenge yourself with a "No Spend _____ " - Day/Week/Month, whatever. Put aside a small amount of money to reward yourself with (whether it be $5 for a trip to Starbucks or a matinee at the movie theater). We've been cash poor and everyone in the family is aware of our situation - meaning as a parent, I do not want to hear about things that you want. If it is an immediate need (like something for school or likewise), I'll entertain it and we'll see if we can borrow it/buy it used/etc.
My children regularly view their weekly trips to the library as "fun" - a new batch of books/movies/wii games. They no longer ask about renting movies from Family Video or buying books through the Scholastic program at school. Unless, of course, they are using their own money for that purchase.
I think if you step back from the spending and report what you spend daily, you'll be able to change your behaviors and mindset. Sort of like honestly writing down what you eat when you want to lose weight. Seeing it in black and white can influence how you spend your next day's calories or money.
I've read both Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman and both have their positives. I think you need to investigate and see which is a right fit with you. We've used Mary Hunt in the past, I like her plans because they address past issues, but help to plan for future expenses which are undeniable.
Good luck to you!
October 17th, 2011 at 06:14 pm 1318875290
Another thing to think about when you are about to spend: What would a reponsible person do with their money? Would they buy a new pair of slippers if they are behind on bills, or would they just wear an extra pair of socks?
October 17th, 2011 at 06:20 pm 1318875638
October 17th, 2011 at 09:24 pm 1318886679
Think about all the nonessential things you may buy and strongly consider cancelling them: cable tv, duplicate cell phone and land line phones, coffee, sodas, lunch out, perfume, makeup, tv dinners, and anything else not required to keep body and soul together. You actually need: 1) a place to live, 2) food and water, 3) heat (or cool) depending on the season, and 4) medical care. You have to prioritize your expenses according to need and want. For those things you want, but cannot afford, try freecycle or craigslist to see if someone is giving it away. If it is a book or dvd, can you borrow it from the library?
Think about every single thing you spend money on and question it. While you are still behind on your bills and owe money on your debt, you should not buy new clothes except for stuff like underwear.
If you normally go out to lunch, consider taking your lunch to work/school every day. Lunch out, take out, and tv dinners are expensive and you have to cut your expenses in order to make your debt payments on time. Buy generic stuff instead of brand names. If you drink coffee or sodas, bring your own from home. It is much cheaper. And you don't have to live on ramen and peanut butter. You could make a variety of meals at home and live quite well, and cheap. If you already have a bunch of food at home, go on a Pantry Challenge, creating meals out of what you already have.
If you want some entertainment and cannot afford to rent dvds or Netflix, how about going to a museum or zoo for free or really cheap? You could go for a walk or ride a bike. Think outside the box.
If you have a cell phone on a plan and your contract is up for renewal, consider cancelling and getting a prepaid phone. If you also have a landline, do you really need both? If you have internet access, can you use the internet at a public library?
These are just a few examples. I am sure you can think of plenty of places to cut. It takes time and practice. Good luck.
October 17th, 2011 at 09:24 pm 1318886695
Think about all the nonessential things you may buy and strongly consider cancelling them: cable tv, duplicate cell phone and land line phones, coffee, sodas, lunch out, perfume, makeup, tv dinners, and anything else not required to keep body and soul together. You actually need: 1) a place to live, 2) food and water, 3) heat (or cool) depending on the season, and 4) medical care. You have to prioritize your expenses according to need and want. For those things you want, but cannot afford, try freecycle or craigslist to see if someone is giving it away. If it is a book or dvd, can you borrow it from the library?
Think about every single thing you spend money on and question it. While you are still behind on your bills and owe money on your debt, you should not buy new clothes except for stuff like underwear.
If you normally go out to lunch, consider taking your lunch to work/school every day. Lunch out, take out, and tv dinners are expensive and you have to cut your expenses in order to make your debt payments on time. Buy generic stuff instead of brand names. If you drink coffee or sodas, bring your own from home. It is much cheaper. And you don't have to live on ramen and peanut butter. You could make a variety of meals at home and live quite well, and cheap. If you already have a bunch of food at home, go on a Pantry Challenge, creating meals out of what you already have.
If you want some entertainment and cannot afford to rent dvds or Netflix, how about going to a museum or zoo for free or really cheap? You could go for a walk or ride a bike. Think outside the box.
If you have a cell phone on a plan and your contract is up for renewal, consider cancelling and getting a prepaid phone. If you also have a landline, do you really need both? If you have internet access, can you use the internet at a public library?
These are just a few examples. I am sure you can think of plenty of places to cut. It takes time and practice. Good luck.
October 18th, 2011 at 01:00 am 1318899617
If your rent check bounced this week, IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION is needed. Those are all great books, and the people here are kind to suggest them, but I would call this a crisis. Eviction comes next.
Do you have a land line? If so, get rid of the cell phone immediately. Is there a cancellation penalty? If the cell phone costs more than $45 a month, get rid of it and get a land line. It sounds like a cell phone is a luxury you can't afford.
I don't know what your other expenses and income look like so I can't offer further help, but if you put it out there for us, you'll get a dozen people offering advice and tips, free of charge and most of it coming from people who have been there at one time or another.
I think you need to take immediate steps to stabilize your situation, most of all, the bounced rent payment.
October 18th, 2011 at 02:06 am 1318903612
October 18th, 2011 at 04:57 am 1318913828
Where do you expect to be 5 years from now if you don't change what you are doing now? 10 years from now? When you are retired?
Will that life be what you "deserve"?
October 22nd, 2011 at 04:00 am 1319256057
November 4th, 2011 at 09:28 pm 1320442120
Jerry