Mumof2's Personal Finance Blog

Our kids still live with us..they are 26 & 28..the 28 year old has chronic illness so will probably live at home for her entire life and we are fine with that..she is such an easy person to live with. Our other daughter is still studying so she will live with us till she finishes next year and get a full time job and she works as well.
We were talking to friends of our and they thought we were wrong to be charging our kids to live at home..they help py the rent/gas/elec/water...they pay their own insurances/car rego/phone etc...but we think they are old enough (have been doing this a few years now) to learn how to budget and be resposible while living at home for when they move out...or if our eldest stay living with us...she can help pay for the household...we don't charge them for food unless they buy something they want themselves.
Do others do this or what do you think about this?
We started when they were like 5 and got pocket money that we had a system where they had to figure out their pocket money with us..they were taxed 10%, they had to save 10%, pay 5% sick pay and then the rest was theirs to do what they wanted...if they were sick and couldn't do chores then they still got the pocket money for that week as they had paid a sickness benefit...it was a good way to teach them about money and they loved it...and yes all the money we deducted got put into their bank account..so we think we have instilled pretty good budgeting skills with our girls...others think we are mean parents and that the kids should be having fun and worrying about their own money not paying bills...I disagree..so would like others opinions!!

Well I have next years budget all written out..yes I like a hard copy I don't trust computers...technology tends to repel me...and it looks like we might finally be able to start saving...

2019 has been a bust..financially so we are starting over...and hopefully nothing to major pops up and we can have some decent savings...

So like bankergurl I'm going to set myself the $20k challenge as well as the 52 week challenge for 2020..I will tweak the budget during the year depending on actual amounts due but we always add 10% so many fall less then we put away..so are covered..elec and gas are a bit different..its a much bigger house but it has better heating/air con and we are not use to payments yet and we just went through a week of 110 plus a day for 5 days...so sure it will be up more than usual...but we will be able to cover it!

hoping to put another payment towards the CC before end of year won't pay it off but will get it down further and should have paid off in jan/feb 2020

I am EXCITED for the new year!!

For the last 5 days it has been over 100 degrees...today will be arround 112...I have plenty of water out for the wild animals but it is so hard to see them so heat stressed...we have had all sorts of animals...last night we had a possum and today a kookaburra...its just so hot for them....so glad for tomorrow when it is so much cooler...not much we can do for them...except make sure enough water is out and if they look dire then get them to a fauna rescue or vet...lucky it hasn't come to that yet...but doesn't make it any easier...wish we could just bring them inside for the day.

The family photos came out great..we had fun doing them its the first ones we have had done in years...so after christmas when it dies down at the stores we will get some printed and framed to put up...They will motivate me to lose weight..I'm the heaviest I have ever been and I hate it...but my hubby just says that with my illnesses and being bed ridden for 18 months its what happens..so now that I can start doing a little more now I can work on it...but he doesn't care how I look he loves me no matter what...but we are pretty sure he has cancer so I need to get back into shape so I can take the best care of him!!

I'm looking at our budget to see if i can get as much paid off the CC by the end of the year...would at least like it under $1000...thats my goal...can't believe it is a week till xmas and 2 weeks till the new year...i am looking forward to next years budget...should be good all going well and nothing major pops up...which usually happens for us!!

Had family photos done yesterday..haven't had them done in years so thought why not and it was on our anniversary so made the day even more special...can't wait to get them back.

Not doing much the next few days it is summer here and for next 3-4 days its around 110 so better to stay indoors as much as possible, we do have plenty of water out for the wild animals...just so they have some...will top up each night.

Not much else happening here...have done next years budget and it is looking good no doubt it will change depending on hubbys cancer results but we will deal with that as it comes up...so today will be about chilling, waiting for the plumber and just pottering around the house.

Also started the 52 week challenge last week just for something different to do and added another $34 to that...christmas is completely done and paid for and although we don't have much money in the bank all bills are paid, the pantry/freezer and fridge are stocked and I am feeling blessed!!

Made another $500 to the CC today was feeling depressed the other day so used it to buy stuff I shouldn't have but I did so it is still at over $1200 but can make another payment by end of year...will pay off in jan!! and I have put it away now not carrying it with me!!

I had my money jar just sitting there instead of putting it in the bank (not much in it as I rarely have cash) I decided to start my 52 week challenge...so today I have the first 8 weeks done and I will continue to do this until it is done then bank the money and start again...just a fun thing to try keep things interesting...

I saved $500 on our insurance yesterday so I am updating our budget. I have a few goals i need to write up ready for next year, these are:

1.get $2000 back into our ice acct ASAP then add a small amount each month to get it growing
2. to save $15000 for a newer car as ours is getting old and needs replacing
3. start saving a house deposit!

So with everyone out today for at least a few hours it will time for me to use the quiet time to work on these goals in our budget...wish me luck!!

Well we didn't get our goals achieved for this year but we ended up financially better off than last year even with all unexpected moving, health issues/expenses etc so we are happy for that.
The only debt we have is the CC which we are hoping to pay off by end of year but if we don't we will be real close so can do in jan 2020...we had it down to just over $1300 but had to use it as the internet was down at the mall and I forgot to transfer money into the everyday account...I have the money to put on it but we have a payday tomorrow and want to put some of that money on there as well so will wait and just do 1 transfer then should be under $1000

All bills for the year are paid, cupboards, freezer etc have plenty of food, cars are all gassed up...still have money for things like fruit/vegies/milk/bread etc...christmas shopping is all done and paid for so don't have that stress and we are going to a family members house for xmas lunch so don't have to worry about that...

So although we didn't hit our financial goals we are ending the year more positive than we started and next year will better....financially anyways.

Find out friday if my hubby has cancer or not and if so what the next steps are if he does...fingers crossed nothig serious...but only time will tell

Made another $400 payment to the CC today...getting it there slowly...only $1361.33 left to pay off...will be done by jan 2020 then to start saving for a house and get our ice acct back up to where it was

Was able to make a CC payment today...$3200 so feel good about that...hoping to make 2 smaller payments during the month. Yah getting there

had our thanksgiving today it turned out really well...had quite a few people..mostly family and a few of our daughters friends...it was nice to catch up with everyone.

Its payday next week, most bills are paid and christmas is all paid for and done so we are hoping to put a big chunk on the dreaded CC...Other than not much else happening here...first day of summer tomorrow and it is cold and wet here...pretty typical

Christmas shopping is done and finished WOOHOO, next week is pay week so can pay bills and then put the rest on the CC so can get some paid off before end of year.

My hubby has to have some tests in the next few weeks, they are thinking cancer but will have to wait and see..so not stressing till we get results...fingers crossed its not but if so will have to change our budget etc...its always something popping up in life...wish murphy would bug someone else for a change...especially on the health front

Other than that not much happening we are having thanksgiving on sat here...(not an aussie holiday so people work) and just like over there it is cold and wet LOL..should be a fun day!

Well I am over this year...I really wanted to start 2020 with no debt but we will still have half the CC to pay off next year...which means I have to rewrite my budget...so I have decided to write the rest of this year off...no more tracking my budget...will pay what we can on the CC and just be happy with that...

I'm not going to give up we will still stick to what we normally would on the budget bill wise...I have my christmas shopping done just have money to get out...but just a bit disappointed that I won't have it paid off!!

Well yesterday was a scorcher 110 degrees and today is 70...such a difference had a few fires in our state but not near us but we had all the animal and our go bags ready...so glad we didn't need them.

Has been hectic time with so much family drama...we don't have drama but the rest of the family does. I have been helping my step son with papers for court for his divorce...his wife is greedy and his teen daughter has been having a hard time as her mother hadn't seen her in 11 weeks and then said she wanted her for the weekend but when she got there found out it was only cause she needed help baby sitting...she was so angry..she is such a sweet kid...and her mom just doesn't get what she is doing with her...finally getting her the counselling she needs to help her through this time...her mom makes me so angry, and they have no court orders so she doesn't have to see her.

Then I have been helping my mom with doing their passports...her great grandson has lived with her since birth (hes now 14) but there are no court orders and his mom is a druggie she has signed all the papers and such she doesn't mind doing that but you have to drag her to places and she lives 5 hours away so has been a real hassle...but getting there.

Then on top of that my nieces son was not returned by his dad on sunday...which breaks their court orders so she has been trying to get him back...but it is taking its toll on her....and taking to much time to get him back...

Other than that I have finished my christmas shopping. just need to put some money in my envelopes and I'm done...So ben a busy eventful week...this weekend we have a pride march and next weekend we have thankgiving...our version anyways..yes we do it on a saturday as its not a holiday over here..

We are expecting our first 100 degree day tomorrow...have made lots of salads, ice, have put out water in the yards for all the animals that may need it...so heres hoping for no fires...Australia is on fire already don't need any near us...I think its going to be a real hot summer

I have so many friends putting up their christmas trees all around the world...what I find sad is that in our state it never really feels like christmas...electricity is so high here that even businesses don't really get into the spirit as they just can't afford it...everyday people even less...its really sad...hardly anyone puts decorations in their yard as people steal or break them (unless they have a huge fence..even that doesnt deter them at times)...I would love to go to the US and see a "real" christmas...although not snow...we are use to 100 degree days at christmas so snow would kill me...but just to see all the decorations and how it feels like christmas...seriously if people came to our state at christmas they would be disappointed...I know most here are....so I will put our tree up a week before christmas...and just enjoy the decorations in our home like we always do....I also have a big family but miss having all the little kids running around at christmas all excited as we don't have any of them near us..to me that is what christmas is about little kids running around playing and being excited...to much food and being with family

Do you help with other peoples budgets? I have helped a few family members get their money back under control...most do okay..some do okay for a bit then when they start to get ahead they get off track again.

But I do my moms budget for her, I write up her budget, I pay her bills (she is almost 81 and has no idea with computers) she has a 14 yr old that lives with her (has since birth), she was getting into so much dire straits with her money and stressing herself out I told her I would get her back on track...it took us 18 months and she was doing great...now don't think is much of a spender as she isn't but things in her house got old and started not working so she had to replace it, a boy in school and all his activities and she is on a limited budget..she rarely ate out unless a special occassion...this year has been so much better for her, she has been able to buy a few things she has wanted and not needed...she asks my permission to buy things, as i have certain accounts for certain things..and I rarely say no..as she deserves it and doesnt really do much for herself...her bills are paid and she isn't stressing over them...she is much more relaxed and happy...now she is saving for the 2 of them to go over to the US next year to visit friends...Ii am so glad that we were able to take this journey with each other and she is so much better off...I pay all her bills online and I have a book I write receipts numbers in so hers are in the back so if anyone calls about a bill (some do a couple years later) we have the info...she is free and happy to live out her years stress free...or at least as stress as you can with a teen LOL...

I have taught our daughters the same thing, we were never really taught about money, so it was trial and error for us...but we do okay now...I just hope that the smarter people get about money and the more they teach each other about it maybe the world would be a much better place with less debt...hers hoping

I am hoping that we will be debt free by the end of the year..that means we can save for a newer car and then a house deposit next year...I didn't reach my goals for this year but going to do a blog next year on saving for a house and car...maybe a $10,000 blog and $20,000 for a house...does anyone else do this to help them stay on track and be accountable?...I know everyone here are in different places with their debts and finances but does blogging make you stay more accountable??

Although I am going to go through next years budget in the next few days to see if this achievable

I am hoping that we will be debt free by the end of the year..that means we can save for a newer car and then a house deposit next year...I didn't reach my goals for this year but going to do a blog next year on saving for a house and car...maybe a $10,000 blog and $20,000 for a house...does anyone else do this to help them stay on track and be accountable?...I know everyone here are in different places with their debts and finances but does blogging make you stay more accountable??

Although I am going to go through next years budget in the next few days to see if this achievable

I am hoping that we will be debt free by the end of the year..that means we can save for a newer car and then a house deposit next year...I didn't reach my goals for this year but going to do a blog next year on saving for a house and car...maybe a $10,000 blog and $20,000 for a house...does anyone else do this to help them stay on track and be accountable?...I know everyone here are in different places with their debts and finances but does blogging make you stay more accountable??

Although I am going to go through next years budget in the next few days to see if this achievable

have done a bunch of my christmas shopping and stocking for our kids...also the people we are giving money to I have a few of those envelopes done so about two thirds done with christmas...still on budget and want to try and pay off CC by end of year...staying on track so far and feeling happy!! How are you all going with your christmas shopping and preparations??

Payday today...have all bills paid and have managed to put $2500 on the CC...half way to paying it off...hopefully by the end of the year!!

My daughter has had a debt for a couple years that she has been paying off...one that we didn't think she owed but being a govt dept it has been an uphill battle...I got sick so we stopped fighting with them and she continued to pay them...yesterday I called them and stated a few facts and said we were going to fight it until we were satisfied...she said she had to make a few phone calls that was at 2pm yesterday...today they have credited her account with $1800 and written off her debt...that is one more hassle we dont have to deal with...my daughter is extremely happy....I am feeling accomplished this week...and it payday this week so more christmas shopping and payments to the credit card

Recieved our payment from the owners of the old house it was only $1000 but better than putting up with what we were...its now been put into savings for our house deposit.

Finally did some christmas shopping yesterday...used the CC but thats fine...it beats trying to go shopping closer to christmas...my illness just cant handle so much stimulation at once so will get done before it gets to busy...not doing a lot this year and the christmas budget just goes back on the CC...so all good.

Not much happening here doing good at neuro..dont need to see her again till the new year..so will save some money there.

The budget has been doing good and the the best thing is we don't have any stores near us (walking distance) so I need somone to drive me if I want to go...I hate asking so I don't...not that I buy much...had to pay for a prescription the other day, I have a bad chest infection and needed the meds but didn't have our card for free meds hubby did and I was with my daughter so just paid it...not worth going home to get.

Today I went to get our daughters dog his biscuits...he only eats one kind..and its over $30 for a 1.5 kilo bag..we are members and apparently get 15% off for this month...he asked if I wanted to use the discounts I'm like sure anything to save a dollar...it cost me 16cents for the purchase...couldnt believe it...so almost a free bag of dog food....happy with that...

Didnt make my neuro appointment as I was at the docs with my chest infection as I had trouble brathing and I have a biopsy next week on my face to make sure I don't have skin cancer...sun over here is brutal

Well I woke up feeling horrible today..I had a doc appointment and she said since the move I have pushed to to long and my illness is kicking my butt so I need to back off and rest more..and that I look like crap (her words) I love this doc she is to the point will go to the ends to help her patients and fights the system every chance she gets...she is awesome.

Then we had tribunal today for compensation...really wasn't feeling it but wanted to get it over and done with and be done with this company (housing)...the point of this claim was not really about money (although it did cost us a bit) but to get the owner to see who he really has working for him..they lie to him and us..and it was the only way to get his attn as we have no contact details for them...and they really are lovely people (owners)...and I wanted to just inconvenience the company...because they annoyed me so much...they came in and were disorganised, couldnt answer questions on dates and then stated the owner didnt know why we here today and was offering nothing...so the lady said they had wasted everyones time if they couldnt negotiate etc...then they were asked to leave while they spoke to us...if we didn't come to a settlement today then we would have to come back to a magistrate later...and I just want to focus on my health...the outcome was they have to pay us $1000 compensation, so we are happy...the owner isnt but hopefully now he can see what they are like even the company owner wasnt to happy with how disorganised they were....so we have some extra $s and are done with them for good...and they have 14 days to pay!!

Almost the middle of october and I usually have a majority of my christmas shopping done and yet this year I have only have 2 gifts that I bought months ago...with the move and everything I am just not feeling it this year and I find it so hard to buy for the kids now...they are adults and anything they want or need they buy for themselves..so I'm just not feeling it...anyone else feeling it this year or have started their christmas shopping?

Whats the average that people spend at christmas? We only buy for our kids, my mom and her great grandson that she is raising (she has had him since birth) so it doesnt cost a lot although I tend to give our girls a good amount of money for whatever they want to get or do.

When we moved into this house they had a dishwasher...we had one in our last house but sold it as they had one...well i never looked at the house before we moved and my hubby and daughter never looked in the dishwasher...well it doesnt wash well and it has rust marks...so we asked if we could buy one ourselves and replace and just change back when we move...so happy we will finally have a good one and will take so much pressure of my neck and shoulders...not an expense that we wanted but well worth it.

Starting to get some nicer weather here for a few days then back to rain...but getting a lot done so feeling accomplished...even though I am sore as hell...my body is hating on me right now...but will rest over the weekend as I get ready for our housing tribunal

Well it not financial but I just love how this place is coming together...slowly but surely...still have all the outside to do and a bunch of extra stuff the girls are going to sell...but my daughter and I keep saying each week while we live up here in the hills we had better see a koala in the trees...well...

my daughters dog kept barking this arvo...so hubby went to see what the matter was (he barks at most things) and he yells out its a koala...we had one sitting on our fence just looking at us...so I took some photos and a video of it on my fone...he was like 2 metres from us...he then after about 10 mins walked the fence then the clothes line...almost fell a couple times but he managed not to and now he has been asleep in a tree for a couple hours..its my first wild koala that I have seen up close and it was in our yard!!

This week was pay week, got all bills paid, paid my daughter back, and got my ice account back towards it should be...should be back there by end of month...then will chuck extra at the CC to get rid of it.

Had a couple extra payments this week as my hubbys son ended up in hospital with suspected heart attack so we had his daughter for the night...he is home doing better but he also had to put his dog down due to old age and she was going downhill...so we had to pay for that..but other than that everything is on track.

We are finally getting some warmer weather, I love warm weather...love summer and being spring here everything is blooming..love it!

Its payday this week have revised our budget to get our 2 remaining debts paid off and work on getting our ice account back up...so will update after we pay everything later this week.

Still moving stuff from storage, should be done this week hopefully then we can save the $160 a month and put that where it is needed.

Being up in the hills really affects my ears which is making my dizziness worse lately..so still trying to adjust to that...but getting there..have been menu planning and that has been going well...hoping the rest of the year continues being great...feel so much better since we have moved