Re: Does anyone else feel this way?

It definately is scary at first. You will totally get used to it, and paying the bills will become routine. LIke someone else posted, after a year do a budget plan on your utilities. It was a surprise the first year not knowing what my LIPA and KEYSPAN bills were going to be.

Re: Does anyone else feel this way?

It is definitely a scary ordeal. We budgeted everything out and still were scared to death. We only had a little apartment at first, with all furniture that we had not intention of bringing with us. Therefore, on top of all of the utilities, we are paying off our furniture and other improvements on a 0% interest credit card. Like I said, it is scary, but we are managing, and even saving a little. New clothes and going out really becomes less of a priority.

Good luck!

Re: Does anyone else feel this way?

we've been in our house a little over a year and the bills coming in still scare me!! Its definitely overwhelming and very stressfull to think about all the money you spend...but then, when you stop to think about it-you have a house , you have your privacy, its yours,you can do anything! And its worth it!!
If you struggle with some of the bills, see if you can cut down or maybe get that part time job!

I just made a spreadsheet to keep track of all our additional things per month like gas,supermarket,cvs, gifts, etc...

good luck, it will all work out

Re: Does anyone else feel this way?

yup, it was scary and still is sometimes.
We've had lots of surprise expenses that have kept things tight for us.
My Dh is self employed so there's that extra stress of him making enough money.
I work more now at my job than I had in about 5 years, I never thought I'd work more but it worth it to not be so tight. While we don't have childcare costs we do have one kid in college & another that will go in 6 years.
We are very modest in our lifestyle though, we are energy misers, we both drive 5+ yr old cars, we eat home most of the time, bring coffee, breakfast & lunch from home. I'm a HUGE coupon/sale shopper. I pride myself on not paying full price for anything.
My DH pays the first 20% of his income to child support, then the next 30% to uncle sam...then we get to live off the rest. Sometimes I'm amazed we can even swing it at all.
As long as you have a plan & you are a good budgeter, it does work out.