I don't make a budget.
Posted By: sm on 2006-12-04
In Reply to: How much is your Christmas budget? sm - Curious one
Only have 3 children and a very small extended family to buy for. I doubt I spend over $600 between them all.
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Make a list of budget/spending priorities for your self employment income
Dave Ramsey's book has a irregular income planning sheet. Basically you list your expenses with the cash flow sheet. With any steady income you allocate it. For irregular income, make a list from the cash flow sheet of what needs to be paid first. Keep a culmulative total.
Budget??
 What is your price range?????
According to DH, our budget is $1,000
But more likely I'll spend about $1350. We have 3 kids. We usually get them 1 big gift to share and then round it out with smaller gifts. This year, they're getting a trampoline. It'll probably run around $400 and then about $200 on individual gifts.
The breakdown of the other $350:
Parents $150, Grandma $25, Gift Exchange $60, Siblings (from my kids $20, Niece/nephew: $40, Teacher Gifts $30, Student Gifts: $15.
The remaining $30 will go to Toys for Tots! Each of my kids like to pick out a $10 gift to put in.
I have 3 siblings and 1 that's married, so we all put our names into a drawing and buy each other a $30 gift. My brother that's married also has 2 kids, so our kids exchange gifts. Of course, my 2 unmarried siblings also buy small gifts for my children, so we always get them a little something from them -- usually lottery tickets or a gas card for Sheetz. $10 used to fill 'em up, but now it'll probably just buy them a hoagie and chips. We do our exchange party on Christmas Eve. It keeps the kids entertained and gives them a little "preview" of what's to come. I have to say I enjoy Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day. It's so much more relaxed, not as much work (we order pizza and wings), and the kids aren't as tired since they didn't get up at the crack of dawn.
Teacher gifts kill me. It's hard to find something nice for under $10. I usually go for a coffee mug with a Christmas scene or teacher saying on it and fill it with candy.
Of course, DH thinks I do all this for Christmas for $1000, but why tell him and spoil it? We do a Christmas Club for $1000 every year and I just buy the other stuff here and there.
We already got our Christmas gifts for ourselves -- a 46-inch LCD TV for DH and a Dooney & Bourke purse with matching wallet for me.
Now you all got me excited again about shopping next week. I've got my list ready and haven't cashed my Christmas Club check. I always wait until the day before Thanksgiving to do that so I know I won't spend it on anything else.
For those of you below who posted that you don't shop on Black Friday. Let me just say that I don't go out early for the best deals -- but rather just to watch the chaos of it all. I sometimes snag a deal or 2, but I learned a long time ago not to wait until Black Friday to get the most sought after items. Best to get them in Sept or Oct. 
How much is your Christmas budget? sm
Our family budget is $1000 and that covers gifts for 19 people, including "Santa" for the 2 kids. What about your house?
Christmas Budget
We usually spend about $300 on each chlid (2) and we don't have too many more people to buy for so it's hard to estimate how much more we spend on the others. Of course having a 12 year old that wants all the big ticket items this year, it gets kind of tricky.
Need to set up a budget for my 22-year-old DD.
She really overspends in this area and I need to show her how to manage a little better and about sacrifices. Bills first and then play. With the gas prices on the rise it is going to be tough having any left over.
You said budget? Do not think inside WDW
is for the budget minded. Maybe I am wrong but even eating in the park is $$$ most of the time. I would only stay inside the park if only going to WDW because of the fact you get to start earlier than the outside group and have maybe a few more perks. Lots of motels outside Mickey land offer buses that take you back and forth to the park. Oh, BTW, I am in my 60s and I have not outgrown Mickey and Minnie yet!
Christmas budget....
I never spend a lot at Christmas. I have one daughter to buy for and 2 nephews (a new one this year!). Other than that, the rest of the family members get something handmade. This year they will be getting wickless candles that I make and sell to sit on warmers (they got these and warmers last year) and I'm also embroidering flour sack towels. I'm hoping to find an iron-on pattern to fit each person. My family and my boyfriend's family love anything handmade and it really saves me. Plus, I hate to buy them something that they probably won't use or don't need. As far as the nephews, I will probably spend about $30. For my daughter, I pick a few things off her list and that's all she gets. I think this year is going to be a little more than usual for her, probably around $400, only because 1 of the American Girl things she wants is retired and I have to get it off eBay! My boyfriend and I do not buy for ourselves, but we may get another game or 2 for the Wii. For my daughter's teachers, last year we did candles and they went over well, so I'm doing that again. :)
No budget, but don't really buy gifts.
Hubby and I only give gifts to people we live with. Which means, we give gifts only to our children. But even for the kids, we don't focus on the gifts. They each get about three gifts and a stocking. Everyone is nearly grown now, ages 17, 18 and 20. DH and I haven't exchanged Christmas gifts in over 20 years. We simply go out and spend time together during the season. We'll have a really nice dinner somewhere, or go to a show, something like that.
I've tried very hard to stay away from the materialism at Christmas. It's just not what it's about.
we always vary the budget
We have no discipline. If we have a good year or bad year it shows. Sometimes the kids remember the bad years, but so do the grown ups!
Tell her they are on a tight budget and if she wants those people there
she can pay for them ;)
Our standard budget gathering is
meatball sandwiches, pasta salad, green salads. If I'm in the mood, I'll make the meatballs myself, but it's easier to buy bags of them from one of the big box mart type places. The giant cans of Don Pepino's spaghetti sauce are really good and cheap, too.
Has he ever had to live within a budget? Truly supported himself w/o sm
mamma's help? I would take a very hard look at my marriage with this man. If he is controlling now (and controlling where you go and how you spend IS control), this will not change. Financial carelessness is a serious issue; you will be saddled with his debt for many years if you are not careful. Do go to Suze Orman's website and/ or get some books by her from your library; I recommend "Women and Money".
It sounds to me like your warning bells are going off. Please listen to yourself and don't get burned. Take care and give us an update.
they always request more to cover what others don't send - plus what their budget won't buy -
x
My lunch-budget is however many lines I miss when
I don't keep track either. Poor budget planner. Spend way too much - around $2k. nm
x
the poster is seeking advice on lodging, on a budget
nm
Set my budget a year in advance, save all year and
nm
At that rate, I could make in a week what I make
x
I would make a good Beth with wig on. Not sure DH would make a good Dog.
xx
That just does not make me think more of you. You are still sm
still coming off as a spoiled woman and not deserving of her time, money, or affections. Lady, you are one spoiled woman.
Anyone know what something I can make up
husband wants another (we already have 3). I'm secretly taking the pill and he wants to know why I am not getting pregnant.
I was thinking of making up something like "I cant have kids anymore because of something" ..... anyone know what "something" I can make up?
can't make
My chicken soup tastes like dishwater.
Well I know who all 3 are, so what does that make me?
x
Now that I think of it my DH did make up some - sm
tapes; used to DJ parties long ago; so he did the music (his contribution other than showing up!)-- and we "snapped" up the china, not stamped it up! Boy, too much sun on Saturday I guess! We did have a photographer too (that is in that $5K figure); did a very small "package" with a local studio; 2 hours of photographer time, got lucky though, got one of their better photographers who had hurt his foot so could not do big long weddings. He did a wonderful job and we had great pictures to remember the day by. (Plus my brother video taped it as well).
I don't think I would make them (sm)
They are voicing their objections loud and clear and for some reason. They must be very uncomfortable. I am a new grandma (3 years) and I don't get real involved but try to keep my GD busy and I think I would know if she was downright miserable which sounds like what your kids are. I would question the kids at an approprite time - separately and then together and then see what their responses are - tell them you will not get mad and you can keep their secret but you are concerned and would like to know. Then if a time ever comes up with your MIL and it is appropriate - drop a hint or two.
How do you make these?
I have read all the posts about these cute blankets. How do you make them ? They sound pretty easy.
Do you make your own? - sm
I make breakfast taquitos to stick in the freezer for quick breakfasts if the kids are running late, which is almost every day.
One kid hates cheese and likes the corn tortillas so I make bacon and scrambled eggs with a little onion powder, roll them up and make them stick with a teensy bit of cheese (she has never noticed it there) then freeze them.
The other kid like the flour tortillas so I do the same thing but add shredded cheese. Stick them in the freezer in gallon size freezer bags.
I can make 30 of each kind in about 20 minutes and that's 30 days worth of last minute breakfasts or after school snacks.
I know - it's almost enough to make
you join a gym, if only I could afford it. It's not my company - I think they are above board and good people and all. But I've been doing this 19 years, and my brain keeps telling me that variety is what is needed for a brain, not cave dwelling, isolated work.
Not how much I make, how much I have.
NM
Make-up
The makeup counters at Macy's, Boscov's, all the big stores offer a free makeup application and teaching, but be careful they'll try to sell you the store. At 13, I would say base if she has acne if not, none, and a little mascara and maybe a light lip gloss.
Tell her from many of us from them 70s and 80s, lots of makeup causes creases and wrinkles as much as the sun does.
13 stinks for everybody, but probably mom more than anyone. Good luck.
Yes, I am saying to make up even if you
think it is not your fault. That is what I am saying. That is what others are saying also. You can be stubborn and refuse, but it is the right thing to do. You can say it won't work, he won't listen, but you still need to try.
There is someone here saying they make
Maybe that's the company they were talking about in the magazine. You can make $28.00 an hour or more working for doctors. That is not a lie. A lot of these companies offer their own school to work as you go.
Just because every one does it, well that does not make it right
Daresay I go against the norm and not be politically correct and say there are consequences to every action?
So let me make sure I have this right...
because I am fortunate enough to have a husband who has a good job, a great work ethic and both of us have decided to live debt free and are happy that way, I am the bad person here? Wow, how catty and bitchy some women are. Just think, I could work for a lousy company making peanuts, work around the clock to make those peanuts, eat top ramen, never have anything new, never take a vacation and then come here and complain about my life, my job situation, etc. No thanks. Some of you need to take a step back and figure out why you are so unhappy for anyone who can manage to make ends meet in this day and age. None of you would turn it down. DH and I are a team, we work together to have a good life and there is nothing wrong with that. Sorry if that offends you; it works out well for us.
Maybe they should make
those with that addiction be totally immersed in it 24/7 for 30 days. If that doesn't cure them, I don't know what will! (Especally the close-ups!) Eeeww!
It can, but make sure it is thoroughly
thawed out before drinking. Parially thawed is nasty!!!!
Oh, come on, make our day ! sm
Just change the names to protect the innocent! Spice up our boring lives!
Love to hear some of those 18 wheeler stories. My cousin went along with her husband on a trip and said the "girls" would literally jump into the sleeping area of the truck. How interesting!
I would do the same. Why not make
Christmas nice for some other child? It would certainly show your child what the season is really about, kindness and generosity.
I make that, only I use
cream of chicken soup instead of cream of celery . . . we all love it.
Another good tuna meal is to mix the tuna up the way that you normally would (mayo, salt/pepper, etc.) and then add grated carrots and potato sticks. Not too good leftover, as the potato sticks become soggy, but it's great when they're added in right before serving (for leftover, you can just add some fresh potato sticks to liven it up again).
my mom used to make those...
I find them at Super Walmart on occasion and they taste almost the same
I would either make
a Pineapple Nut Cake -
Preheat oven to 300 degrees
Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 c. sugar
2 c. all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. drained crushed pineapple
1 c. chopped pecans
1 tsp. vanilla
Beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla 'til sugar is dissolved. Add flour, baking soda, and pineapple. Add nuts and pour into greased/floured 13 X 9 pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 50-60 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 8-oz package cream cheese (softened)
1 stick butter (softened)
1-1/2 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
My other choice is Watergate Salad. Been a long time since I made it, but it is one of those pudding/marshmallow deals, using pistachio pudding, cool whip, crushed pineapple, marishino cherries, pecans . . . I can't remember if that is all, or the quantities, but has to sit in the fridge while the marshmallows "do their thing". I'm sure the recipe is easy to find on-line if you're interested in that one.
I also might just eat the pineapple by itself!
I normally DVR and just make sure I
don't hear anything and watch it the next day since I work nights.
You do not have to win AI to make it
big. Look at Daughtery and Kelli Pickler. They are both doing fine without winning.
yes! the boy is not able to make....
decisions for himself for now... the mom is so convinced that God will keep her boy safe... He won't... He wants people to take advantage of the advances in medicine that have been made... What, if your son is drowning, do you stand back and see if God hauls him out of the lake, or do you throw him a life saver? Why turn down the only proven therapy against cancer?
This is not the way to make an example from someone
I thought the punishment was supposed to fit the crime.
Can't make them safe.
A 14 year old I know was killed on his bike a few weeks ago. You can't make them live in a bubble. I will pay for my kids insurance and their cars. Of course they will have rules, although our state has plenty as it is for young drivers. I will teach them to be responsible drivers, walkers, bike riders, etc. Just because life can be hard, doesn't mean you have to make it be harder. I moved out of my parents house just before my 15th birthday and took care of myself. While it can be done, it doesn't always have to be.
Um...I am not the OP. I put my name on each post I make.
I was just offering an opinion. As far as I can tell, the OP has not responded to anything.
So....wrong person!
I make a mean Chex mix
When I had an on-site job, I used to bring it in for parties and it was a big hit and I once had a friend and that's all she wanted for X-mas was a batch of homemade Chex mix.
I use the original recipe as opposed to the newer, albeit healthier, one that's on the back of the box these days. In other words, tons of real butter and seasoned salt! I also like to use a mix of peatnuts and cashews and substitute either Cheez-Its or Goldfish crackers for the pretzels since real junk food afficianados don't like pretzels anyway.
I wish I could figure out a way to make a living at junk food because I think I'm pretty good at creating it.
Make sure to introduce your dog to the pup first and see how they
of doggie friend, your dog may not be ready to accept another friend. Tread carefully on this and good luck.
I make these every Christmas
They are big and soft. There is no sour cream, but the butter really makes these tasty.
1/2 C butter
1 C sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
2 C flour
6 tsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Cream butter and sugar - add eg and dry ingredients. Add milk and vanilla. (You might need a little more milk in order to be able to roll out the dough). Chill several hours or overnight. Roll out and cut with cookie cutters. Bake on greased cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Decorate as desired.
Yummy!
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