Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Cutting back to me is everything NOT needed. Gyms are nice, but not needed. Coofee out is nice, but again, not needed. Anything that is an extra would be gone. Its nice to have the me time, i totally get that, but if the cost of me time is cutting into my dailynlife and expenses that would have to go too.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

If some one has $145 to spend on yoga, they are either not really financial stressed or they are financially stressed but are not serious about getting out of it.

People who are financially strapped know that $145 is too much to spend on something that is not food/shelter.

In my life, we are cutting back but not cutting everything. We are not financially strapped but know plenty of people who are and since we also know that things can change quickly, we (well, me since I am the one who throw money away) are trying to live more conservatively so that we can save more. I would not be able to rationalize $145 on yoga.

So, if you have it to spend and you've got your other "stuff" covered, then downward dog away.

Message edited 2/7/2011 11:35:47 AM.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I wil give a different perspective here in two ways...1st I think you do feel you deserve this because YOU are working, providing the majoriy of the income etc. related to what you have posted about your DH's business. So in a way this might be a passive aggresive way to tell him YOU need to buck up, I am not giving up what is good for me KWIM.

Second-I think it is important to have thin that renew you, keep you sane, etc. Thats different for everyone, but I do think you have a right to the things you love. I think the real issue here is getting your DH to change his business. I ve been there so I know its REALLY hard but he'll get there.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I personally think yoga and taking care of yourself physically and emotionally is important. No matter how much DH and I are trying to save right now, my workout classes run me $25/class (I got a few times a week) and there is nothing that is going to stop me from going to them.

Maybe you could find a cheaper yoga studio or buy classes instead of a membership?

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Still reading and appreciating everyone's responses.

Regarding a cheaper plan...please note the $145 is for unlimited monthly classes, so it really works out to be the cheapest. I go 3 sometimes 4 nights a week.

To buy a 10-pack class seems wasteful to me because it's $160.

And yeah, there are definitely other ways we can cut back, and yeah, maybe I am being passive agressive.

DH still smokes and drinks. That is money that should be given up IMO if it comes down to it.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I am a cheapo by nature, but we did just buy a house so we really are cutting back . the one thing I needed to do was join the gym. it's 60 bucks a month for my sanity, I SAHM and don't get out much (plus I want to be healthy all around)

that is one thing I justify

I did cut my cell phone bill (minutes and text) by 30 bucks to make this less of an issue

Message edited 2/7/2011 12:55:58 PM.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

For the record, we do not have debt, unless you count our mortgage and my student loans, both of which are up to date. I am having issues with DH's business. If you go to the relationship boards you can read my original post.

He does work every day too---it's just really big jobs and waiting for the money to come in.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Posted by DRMom

Posted by mzsocialworker1

Still reading and appreciating everyone's responses.

Regarding a cheaper plan...please note the $145 is for unlimited monthly classes, so it really works out to be the cheapest. I go 3 sometimes 4 nights a week.

To buy a 10-pack class seems wasteful to me because it's $160.

And yeah, there are definitely other ways we can cut back, and yeah, maybe I am being passive agressive.

DH still smokes and drinks. That is money that should be given up IMO if it comes down to it.

BTW-I didn't mean that to be obnoxious...I was there once

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I will be blunt. Your DH smokes and drinks. You want to save $$. But because you are not happy (I am reading between the lines here) that he is not "watching" how the money is spent for his smocking and drinking (and I don't mean he is an alcoholic either) you think you should not give up on your yoga. Did I get that right?

I feel there is a lot of immaturity here.

If you BOTH want to save money, look at your expenses and make priorities.

I am not sure how both of you can cut back financially if neither of you is willing to cut back.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I feel like i'm the only one but i don't think $145 is a lot of money a month. AT all...i could cut back my groceries a small bit each week to make up that amount...

i guess it would depend on what your trying to do. If you need $ to pay bills, it is a lot , if your "ok" , just not GREAT...its not a lot.

YOu also only live once and have to set priorities. Everyones is different. Some people want a year of income as an emergency plan...some think 3 months is ok and enjoy the rest of the $$ on life at the moment. It is all dependant on YOU.

Everyone on here is gonna have their own opinions based on their own comfortability level. Its too hard for anyone here to give you any advice IMO. You have to do whats right for YOU.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I definitely understand thinking this way.

When I was married - he wasn't the most responsible with money and with his smoking and drinking, I thought I deserved my gym membership. It kept me sane and healthy.

Everyone has different priorities. Who am I to tell anyone how to spend their money or that they're being immature anyway?

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Posted by mzsocialworker1

Posted by smdl

I will be blunt. Your DH smokes and drinks. You want to save $$. But because you are not happy (I am reading between the lines here) that he is not "watching" how the money is spent for his smocking and drinking (and I don't mean he is an alcoholic either) you think you should not give up on your yoga. Did I get that right?

I feel there is a lot of immaturity here.

If you BOTH want to save money, look at your expenses and make priorities.

I am not sure how both of you can cut back financially if neither of you is willing to cut back.

Wow, I think you are making quite a lot of ASSumptions here. Tis LIF though.

Message edited 2/7/2011 6:33:42 PM.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Can a day ever go by on here without unneccessary drama and personal attacks?

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Posted by smdl
I may be an a$$ but I def. did not get your thread. You are essentially posting to ask about is it OK to splurge on yourself but trying to save money. You OBVIOUSLY cannot do both. So what is your point? Unless you just want validation on why you want to justify spending $145 on yoga per month. I don't care how much you spend on yoga. But then why ask people about cutting back financially?

Add your self admitted comments on your passive agressive attitude because your DH wants to spend $$ on smoking and drinking.

I wonder who is the one with the aSStitude?

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

My opinion...
keep your yoga! It's a healthy habit, it's good for you so it's not a waste (unlike the cigs & alcohol which are a total waste). I don't have any advice on getting your DH to quit those but I'd be as p*ssed as you are if it were my DH doing that while you're trying to save up money. I refuse to give up my gym membership even though I'm definitely cheap by nature & could use the money elsewhere... working out is too important to me... so I know exactly what you're saying. Plus you're actually using your membership.. think of all the people who have the yoga plans & hardly ever go at all! That would be a waste... but since you use it & it's doing you good mentally & physically... keep it!

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

You can make yourself crazy budgeting, worrying about money, etc. I definitely agree that once in awhile you do need to treat yourself. For DH and I it's our gym membership. I lost a LOT of weight over the last few years and I was afraid if I gave up the gym membership I would put the pounds right back on, besides the fact that I love the classes. We ARE struggling financially with me being a substitute teacher, but my health is also a priority.

One thing I would do if you're concerned about the price is to check out gyms in your area that have classes. My gym has yoga and I love the instructor.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Posted by neenie

Posted by smdl
I may be an a$$ but I def. did not get your thread. You are essentially posting to ask about is it OK to splurge on yourself but trying to save money. You OBVIOUSLY cannot do both. So what is your point? Unless you just want validation on why you want to justify spending $145 on yoga per month. I don't care how much you spend on yoga. But then why ask people about cutting back financially?

Add your self admitted comments on your passive agressive attitude because your DH wants to spend $$ on smoking and drinking.

I wonder who is the one with the aSStitude?

I didnt get that from her thread at all. I took her question as being along the lines of- even when youre trying to cut back your spending, do you still allow yourself that certain splurge on something you enjoy. I highly doubt her kid is sitting at home banging a wooden spoon against an empty bowl while she's out downward dogging her way around town

I think everyone here is going to interpret "cutting back" in different ways. We wanted to cut back on take out, so ive been learning how to cook. It all depends on your comfort level as well as your financial status- so different for everyone.

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

Posted by mzsocialworker1

Posted by neenie

Posted by smdl
I may be an a$$ but I def. did not get your thread. You are essentially posting to ask about is it OK to splurge on yourself but trying to save money. You OBVIOUSLY cannot do both. So what is your point? Unless you just want validation on why you want to justify spending $145 on yoga per month. I don't care how much you spend on yoga. But then why ask people about cutting back financially?

Add your self admitted comments on your passive agressive attitude because your DH wants to spend $$ on smoking and drinking.

I wonder who is the one with the aSStitude?

I didnt get that from her thread at all. I took her question as being along the lines of- even when youre trying to cut back your spending, do you still allow yourself that certain splurge on something you enjoy. I highly doubt her kid is sitting at home banging a wooden spoon against an empty bowl while she's out downward dogging her way around town

I think everyone here is going to interpret "cutting back" in different ways. We wanted to cut back on take out, so ive been learning how to cook. It all depends on your comfort level as well as your financial status- so different for everyone.

Thank you. I was never asking for advice or justification. It's just clear from this response from this ONE poster, she wants to ****-stir. Basically pointed it out by saying "I'm gonna be blunt" and "you sound immature". If you don't get my thread, or understand my point, don't respond. Obviously, others understood where I was coming from, even if they disagreed.

So to everyone else, thank you for your responses as well, and actually being mature about it. Carry on now........

Re: Spin-off: Cutting back financially

I dont think it is wrong for you to splurge on yourself as long as you dont incur debt and can still save.

I usually spend at least $100 a month on clothes and when I fee really guilty I try to transfer an equal amount into savings so I feel better.

If I spent $100 out shopping I will sometimes transfer $$ from my checking that probably would be wasted on chinese food, pizza, nails or something silly DH will buy into saving because it makes me feel better!