Mumof2's Personal Finance Blog

Hi...just wondering what the ufmc is that people are doing?

My friend is coming over from the US in feb for a 3 month visit...to say I am excited is beyond belief...and we are paying for the tickets...but they are getting so expensive due to the exchange rates...but worth the price...I am trying to stay on budget while she is here so we will see what happens so far everything with the budget is going well and all bills are paid and savings have started...can't wait till our next payday....

One thing I have noticed on this website is that in Australia it is hard to be able to get any sort of credit unless you have a great income...if you don't work yu will never get a loan for a car/house or even a personal loan or CC....Our banks never offer any incentives to stay with them at all...so in a way I think it is a little easier to save and stay out of debt over here as we know we won't get all the credit you get in America....but in saying that it is so hard to save for a house over here as you need a minimum 3% so for a $300,000 home (which is a very basic home) you need $30,000 ($20,000 of which is fees) so that really sucks but I find it interesting the differences...what are your thoughts

Well last year they sold our house and we got new owners and new landlords...and everything has been good...well I was sick and trying to get the bills paid etc before christmas...I stupidly pay our water bill to the old account and not the new one...didn't know till we got an email saying it was late and I went back and checked it...well I made the mistake so paid the account in full to the new owners and have to wait till the 6th jan to contact the other group to get our money back...hopefully won't take to long...

It was my fault but a costly mistake...now to get it rectified...so savings down a little have now rectified and deleted the old people from my account which I thought we had already done...my bad...just need to do better

So this week is pay week to say that I am excited is beyond belief....I love payday to see everything being paid and savings grow a little each month but this year I have some set goals that I want to achieve and I am looking forward to starting them this week..I know it may sound silly to some...but it's the little things in life that make me happy.

So here is wishing everyone a great..safe and prosperous new years...may all your goals be achievable

2018 was a hard year healthwise...which added to our financial burden. Our goals were pretty basic for this year...we wanted to stay debt free, not add any more debt at all and to start saving for a house deposit.

WINS
we have no debt
we used the cc once but paid it off in full within 2 weeks
we updated a few things but paid in cash

FAILS
we ended up with no savings due to all the specialists we had to pay for this year...so our $5000 savings plan was a complete failure

our ice account is on 3/4 where we want it to be so $600 short there

Overall we are happy with this year...started off with no debt ended up with no debt...would love some savings but have moved that to 2019....now to stay on track in 2019 and achieve those goals

Can't wait to see how everyone else faired with their budgets this year

Christmas has come and gone and our cc is in tact (not used) and we have some savings and all bills are paid in full so none to pay till next year...we have plenty of food in the fridge/freezer and pantry...so ending this year on a good not and next year will be all about my health and savings...had a rough year healthwise but so grateful that we have what we have and that I have a supportive family to help me through it...hope everyone has a very merry christmas and a safe and prosperous new year

I took over my moms finances 20 months ago...she lives on a pension and is raising a teenager ( was 11 at the time) had a bunch sof appliances that broke and had to "rent to buy", never had savings as things always came up etc...we talked and set up a budget for her and I paid her bills online and she took cash for her groceries/chiro/fone.

This november she was completely debt free, she has her christmas shopping done (bought her great grandson a laptop ready for high school) and she has savings...we have written out next years budget and changed a few things and she said this is the first year she hasn't really stressed about things in a long time...so I am happy that not only have we been able to help our situation but also my moms and what is better is that she is use to living on limited money and wants to stay that way so she can build up some savings....she says she hasn't really missed out on anything either....so happy that next year will be a positive year for her as well....does anyone else help their family this way?

Rewrote my budget out today, so I could change and add our car account we opened in so we are looking at putting in a monthly "car" payment into the account and will hopefully save around $5000 next year towards a car...cars are expensive here so probably won't buy for a couple years and our car is fine right now.

Going to really try and stick to our budget next year which means we should hopefully save around $20,000 towards a home deposit but I have put $15,000 in my goals just to be realistic. We need approx $30,000 for a house deposit ($20,000 is just fees) but we want to save more so we can do solar panels and whatever changes we want to do to a house when we buy it...so will probably around 2 years before we buy now...longer than what we want but next year I am really focusing on my health so I can go back to work at least part time...but only time will tell. Also added in christmas, birthdays and paying for my friend to come visit us from the US early next year...so excited for that...

I am feeling positive about next year already

Well I have really been thinking of our finances lately and what we can do better in 2019...both hubby and I have had a crap year healthwise which wiped out our savings and we have to add in extra health things for next year but we do that now we should be able to write up goals and stick to them and reach the goals we set.

I'm not one that makes resolutions but I do set goals and make them achievable...also looking at things we can do while my friend is over here from the states for 3 months...we are so excited has been far to long since we have seen each other.

only spent around $12 today for onions and lemons today...so have saved money on the grocery budget.

Our oldest is house sitting for friends of hers to look after their dogs...she will make some great money from it and add to her savings...I am proud to say that everything I have learnt about finances over the years to get to the point we are in we have taught our girls one is great and the other not so much but she makes her own money and pays her own bills but I think for her it is her ADD it can make her impulsive...but the oldest is great at budgeting and I'm so glad that she has learnt from our mistakes

Thought I might try to blog more often...not that I have an exciting life but why not...hubby and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary yesterday...very low key we have both been down sick and we always do thing for and with each other so to us each day is special.

Had my last doc visit for the year she gave me a form that gives me 5 neuro physiotherapist visits for half price (some do it for free mine doesn't) but I will take it...

finished most of our christmas food shopping today so all we need to get now is the fresh stuff christmas eve..

starting to feel a bit more positive this week last week was pretty bad but its a new week...a new perspective

All our bills are paid for the year except groceries and gas and one more lot of rent...but the money is in the bank for all of these plus extra for our christmas food shopping. Our next lot of rent is due right after new year and since pays can be messed up over the holidays the money is in the account just in case.

We have 1 more pay before the end of the year so that will be going into savings so we can have a little savings to start the new year with been a rough year but we have managed to get through without any debt added, the CC is paid off (we used once) and we have a little savings...so feeling pretty good...only have a couple weeks left of this year so hopefully it stays good

My NPT (neuro physio therapist) is happy with how I am doing even though it has only been 3 weeks I have made great progress so I am hoping it continues...its hot today 103 degrees so not doing much today...except taking it easy I don't cope with heat right now...which sucks as I really love summer.

Have to rejig the budget as we have decided that my hubby will also see the NPT as well starting Jan...so have to factor that in as well...

Have opened up another account to start saving for another car...wwe don't need one but a few years from now we might so will start saving now or if this one needs repairs etc it will be covered.

Also have envelopes ready for next year for christmas etc...so we are almost ready for next year

Well its december, we are debt free, our ice account is back to $2000 but we have no savings at the moment but thats ok..we still have a couple of pays before the end of the year...I do have to give my daughter some money for christmas (what she wants) she has other gifts...and I have my specialist tomorrow so have that to pay for..but everything else is done for the year so we are where I wanted to be...next year we will start to save and stay on track going to be better than what this year has been.

Think over the holidays I might do some research on investing in shares it interests me and looking at starting for extra income as well over the next few years....does anyone invest or know some good books to read etc?

I have finished my christmas and stocking stuffers today its all wrapped and we went and got our christmas decorations out of storage so might put up this weekend...being unwell this year I don't really feel in the mood for christmas...so hoping that the closer it gets the better I will feel....hope everyone else is getting their christmas shopping done

I was just wondering when people are saving for things at the same time say a house deposit, car, college etc do you use seperate accounts to keep track of the amounts or do you just have them written down and update as you progress?

we already have 5 accounts for different things so not sure if I should open up another one or not...so figured I would see what others do and then decide...so let me know what works for you.

We had our first thanksgiving in 30 years as we don't celebrate it over here but our yongest wanted to so we did but on sat...it was a good day with family and friends...thankfully it was a cool day with all the cooking...we couldn't decide what pies we like so we made 8 and chose our fav so we could just make them next year....so is going to become a tradition I think (and yes my hubby is american).

Not much else going on I have been ill the last couple of days so have been on bed rest and no appointments this week so next week I have the neuro pysiotherapist so hopefully can get some answers on exercising etc...I just want to be healthier again...

Well none of my goals were met this year and won't be met by the end of this year due to life getting in the way...so have written the rest of this year off...we will start over next year and hope life is a bit kinder to us.

On the upside I have lost 12 pounds this year (without trying) hoping next year I can exercise again and lose some more weight

We will start out with some savings but not sure how much yet but will update next year...

also doing thanksgiving this year (sat) as our youngest wants to haven't done it in years so should be interesting...we don't celebrate here...hope everyone has a great thanksgiving

When we started trying to save for a house these last few months I made up a white board to show our progress but so many things have happened the last few months and we still don't have anything marked off...my lowest amount is only $2500 but just wish I could sign it off everytime we get close we have another specialist appt...so I am disappointed but here's hoping next year we get some signed off...anyone else ever feel bad for not reaching their goals each year...

I set pretty realistic goals so get disappointed when we don't reach them...but there is always another month and I am happy that we we still have no debt except another laptop (which is a DD x-mas present) but that will be paid off next month..so will start the new year debt free

Paid off the CC today hadn't used it in 8 months (was paid off) but wanted to pick up some christmas gifts that were on sale so used the cc but couldn't deal with having the debt so paid it off. Don't have much left in savings but thats ok we still have some...my goals are way off from where I want to be so will have to work on my 2019 goals instead and just write the rest of this year off and just save what we can

I have never used the CC for christmas and I had to use today to buy a couple christmas presents as savings is so low due to medical bills...UUUGGGHHH I hate debt so I am hoping to pay it off real soon...not the way I want to start the new year off...

Here's hoping for a miracle that we get everything sorted and start the new year off fresh and debt free

Have had 3 specialist appointments this week, the first 2 said they couldn't find anything..but today I saw a neurophysio therapist and I think they might be able to help me..so that is what we are focusing on right now...so hopefully it will help...they said it will take some time as they have to retrain my brain in several areas so here's hoping...but been an expensive week and its only tuesday...now need to figure out the rest of christmas and how to pay for it...spent so much money on specialists.

On a better note my brother paid for the boat today so hubby has that for his interests...and we still have some savings...just need to sit down and rejig the budget....mom is coming downs this week or next week so can go over next years budget with her and finish up setting up her banking.

so far a good week and expensive week but we are getting there...

Saw another specialist today (neurologist) cost $305 and they basically said that sorry but it's not neurological it's something else...so more savings gone and no answers!!....a little frustrating...still see another one tomorrow and one next week then our savings will be almost gone...maybe one day we will have answers and saving...

I hate debt, we haven't had debt in awhile but I needed to update my computer so we got a 25% deposit 12 months interest free about 3 weeks ago....it was frustrating me having debt so we paid it off today...so we are debt free again only had debt for 3 weeks but that was 3 weeks to long...I'm now on happy camper!!

Been a couple weeks since I blogged, have been really unwell then doing okay, not sure what we have done but I have had no meds in 5 days and feeling around 80% which is great but weird, I am just waiting for the crash to hit me, I even managed to grocery shop with my hubby yesterday....not complaining but trying to work out what happened for the change...but I am going to enjoy it while I can...have done so much last few days and it feels great. I do have 4 specialist/doctor appointments this month and going to stick with them in case I take a turn for the worse again...

November is going to be an expensive month for us with all the specialists and I want to pay off my laptop we got a few weeks ago so we can be debt free again, so savings will be way down but if we have savings at end of month then I will be happy.

On a good note my hubby has sold his boat (to my brother) so that will give him some extra savings for his hobbies, not finalised yet as my brother works out of town but will be done in next few weeks.

I have been working on my moms budget all year as she is almost 80, had some debt doesn't do internet banking etc so I have been doing it for her for last 18 months and she will be debt free in next 2 weeks, we just ordered her a new bed and mattress for her great grandson that lives with her he just turned 13 and is to tall for a single bed....and she paid cash so she is happy...she is coming to visit this month so will finish up her christmas shopping and next year she will start doing her own budget again as I have it all written out...she is really happy right now as with me doing it has taken all the pressure off of her etc.

I have our budget written up for next year so that is ready to go, so i am finishing up my christmas shopping this month and then that will be us done for the year have most done just have a few stocking stuffers to get and some gift vouchers people have asked for but will get closer to christmas.

I can't believe that all the christmas decorations are already up and the stores are filled with christmas everything...I really get sick of christmas before it gets here I really don't think that it should be allowed up until a month before christmas...

I am really looking forward to achieving all my goals this month..big expenses and all

The kids are home and we can tell with how much busier the house is, the food budget has gone up and the house is messier...but I love having them home.

Didn't reach my financial goal for the month but was only $300 off so I'm okay with that we can play catch up next month (hopefully)...but we have money in our ice account and savings account so I am happy with that.

No more paydays this month so I can update our savings info on here, and I also need to save to buy my friend a plane ticket from the States to Australia next year...she is coming to visit for 3 months and I can't wait.

has been a busy week for us all but so far not an expensive one....unless your our DD...her cat got out of her area and into next door yard and got attacked by their husky...all I heard was blood curdling screams from my daughter and I went running just in time to see her cat jump over our fence and hear their dog bash into the fence...so lots of vet bills..luckily she only had a few not to serious puncture wounds...lots of bruising but no broken bones...but was expensive for her....also her cat obviously freaked out attacked the other cat which freaked out and attacked my other DD small dog so it was a hellish few minutes trying to get everything calmed down but they are all doing pretty good now.

We have 1 DD away on holiday and 1 house sitting so the house is very clean, quiet and we aren't spending much on food or anything...so that is great.

I have finally been able to make appointments with a neurologist, my ENT specialist (again) and a opthamologist they sent me to the hospital and when I rang they said it was a 2-3 year wait list and I asked if they knew any private ones and she gave me a number and I get in november....yes it will cost me more...a lot more but not waiting on my sight for 2-3 years could be blind by then....so until those appointments it is living day to day and hoping someone gets some answers.

So going to rejig the budget and hopefully be able to cover them all and not use up all our savings...

has been a busy week for us all but so far not an expensive one....unless your our DD...her cat got out of her area and into next door yard and got attacked by their husky...all I heard was blood curdling screams from my daughter and I went running just in time to see her cat jump over our fence and hear their dog bash into the fence...so lots of vet bills..luckily she only had a few not to serious puncture wounds...lots of bruising but no broken bones...but was expensive for her....also her cat obviously freaked out attacked the other cat which freaked out and attacked my other DD small dog so it was a hellish few minutes trying to get everything calmed down but they are all doing pretty good now.

We have 1 DD away on holiday and 1 house sitting so the house is very clean, quiet and we aren't spending much on food or anything...so that is great.

I have finally been able to make appointments with a neurologist, my ENT specialist (again) and a opthamologist they sent me to the hospital and when I rang they said it was a 2-3 year wait list and I asked if they knew any private ones and she gave me a number and I get in november....yes it will cost me more...a lot more but not waiting on my sight for 2-3 years could be blind by then....so until those appointments it is living day to day and hoping someone gets some answers.

So going to rejig the budget and hopefully be able to cover them all and not use up all our savings...

had some big expenses yesterday the car was serviced and needed some new parts we thought it might (its a 2005) so getting old so it end up costing us $880 and then hubby went and got me a laptop once he finishes transfering all the data then we will sell my desk top and hopefully recoup a few dollars.

hopefully no more big expenses and I can at least be over the $2000 mark by end of month

It was time to renew our contract for gas/elec and we have been with the same people for years (they are competitive priced) and managed to get our elec savings rate from 18% to 21% (paid on time) so more savings there...and yes we always pay our bills on time..they are budgeted for...also paid another years worth of contents insurance budgeted $800 but it was only $640 so can keep the rest in our bills account which means adding a little less next year.

Haven't needed much for groceries but hubby had grocery money left over so we stockpiled a few things that were on sale and we are doing okay this week so should hopefully have some left over.

Haven't really spent much money this month other than 2 dvds (with my illness I spend a lot of time in bed so I have dvds...lots of them) and we are getting the car serviced tomorrow but other than that not much else we do need to work on the car a bit my mom literally broke the passenger handle off the door...so need to get that fixed.

next week one child is off on a 2 week holiday with friends and the other is house sitting so hubby and I will have the house to ourselves....will be so nice...don't get that very often.