I was just calculating our monthly bills to determine how much DH needs to spend on job #2. Considering we live on base, we don't have rent or utilities, trash pick up, repairs etc... so that alleviates a lot of costs. But with our regular bills such a 2 car loans, insurance, credit cards, satellite tv, dsl, cell phones and home phone and few other small things we only have about $1700 a month in bills (that includes $200 credit cards payments and $100 extra on our auto loans). So for us to live comfortably with a decent amount of spending money DH needs to work only 5 days a month at job 2, and thats on a decent day (He works on pure commission, no hourly). It doesnt even include if he does well. So I guess our extra money (besides both savings accts) will be going toward a new home loan close to when DH gets out of the military. I'm just proud of us because there are a lot of people our age who have overflowing bills and horrible credit and I didn't let that happen. I even checked my credit yesterday and my score is a 773!!! I think thats quite impressive for someone my age!

I know i'm *sharing* a lot today with all my posts but I havn't been on lately so I feel like i've got a lot to share, lol!

By Pamt on Monday, December 6, 2004 - 07:30 pm:

It's all kind of relative though. If I took out mortgage, utilities (which are a killer in SE LA, esp. since my a/c is running today...in December), water, etc. from our monthly budget, then I spend about $400 a month for a family of 4 on phones, car loans, credit cards, insurance, etc. We only have basic cable, one very small car loan b/c our other car is paid off, and a prepaid cell-phone. I do realize that CA has a much higher cost of living, but by far the bulk of our money is spent on our mortgage and things relating to being homeowners. Hopefully you can start setting some aside now for a home later---it would certainly be smart to plan ahead!

By Breann on Monday, December 6, 2004 - 07:55 pm:

The majority of our monthly bills is housing related too. It's a killer! If we took those away, we would be sitting pretty

By Boxzgrl on Monday, December 6, 2004 - 08:08 pm:

Thats why i'm grateful for military housing.... living is CA. in a *safe* neighborhood in San Diego County would tack on about $1800.00 more. Good old California living, not! I guess I was just surprised because we have a lot of new things. 3 new vehicles (ranging from 01-04) and a house full of new things. Were playing it smart now by getting the new things while we can afford it so when we are struck with the reality of house payments and such we will still live comfortably.

Definitely a womans job to be the financial advisor! I can only imagine how things would be the other way around, lol!

By Debbie on Monday, December 6, 2004 - 08:22 pm:

If we didn't have housing expenses, then we would only have bills of about $200.00 a month for cable, car insurance and cell phones. Both our cars are paid for and we don't have credit card debit. Unfortunatley, living in a suburb of Chicago is very expensive as far as housing. It kills us. Now, if we were back in Texas, it would be a totally different story.

By Mrse on Monday, December 6, 2004 - 11:00 pm:

How do you check your credit rating, in B.C ? Does anyone know?

By Trina~moderator on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 - 07:10 am:

I don't think financial sense is a gender issue. My DH is very good with money. I am too, and we're a team, but he takes care of most of our financial stuff, simply because he's better at it.

By Dawnk777 on Tuesday, December 7, 2004 - 07:32 am:

Yeah, my hubby is very good with the money, too.