Seriously, is there ever any way to get ahead?

[sourland]

I wish that I had a positive answer for you. When I was younger it was possible. There was always another job to take or overtime to be worked. So much of that has fallen by the wayside. I'm finally realizing that it is going to be harder for subsequent generations than it was for mine. I realize that in ways we wanted and expected less, but it was always possible to provide.

 

[deerman]

I pay cash...save save and save....only buy what i need , untill i save for my wants.


Wants will alway be there , but real needs always come first.



I just took cans in for my sister 102.00 worth, now i drove 45 mile round trip for her,

Oh those rent to own places you pay 3 times the cost for it. My X worked for them.....i say rip off

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Yeah we know it is a rip off, but our credit doesn't support purchasing these items the old fashioned way, and I can't live without a fridge and washer and dryer.

I seriously do not sit here and pine for what we don't have because we have a lot. Paid for already. It seems there is always SOMETHING that needs attention that costs money. Save? BUHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

 

[rufus]

Sadly, the good days are over in this country. Something like 48 per cent of the people in this country pay no income tax. They say they pay taxes, but then they file and get everything back, plus some get the earned income credit. If you work, save and invest, you end up paying everything out in taxes. Then on the other hand, if you just fall back on the social welfare system, it seems like you do alright.

Rufus

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Yeah and here I am with 2 grown kids at home, make less that $40 k a year and have to pay the fed 2 grand. Where does that makes sense?

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Yeah and here I am with 2 grown kids at home, make less that $40 k a year and have to pay the fed 2 grand. Where does that makes sense?

Nope, because the kids should be bringing in income and what about Ken? Debi, I love you no end- but you and Ken are feeding WAY TOO MANY mouths with the critter collection.

The only way to get ahead now is to do without, at least in my opinion.

 

[HeatherLynn]

btw if the grandkids are living with you, you are providing more than 50 % of their upkeep you could look into claiming them on your taxes. Do the parents of both live with you? How long has each grandchild lived with you? I do taxes so I know this can be done, just not sure your circumstances. I will try to get info together and pm you. You would be shocked with what claiming them can do for your tax return. Maybe if you could get that extra, you could find a used fridge and washer and be done with the rental place and maybe even stock up the pantry and the feed bins a bit.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Both kids are in school now, so for 2011 we can claim them, but that doesn't help week to week. No grandkids live here, Sara's half brother lives here and yes we can claim him.

Like I said, that doesn't really help week to week. The problem with too many mouths to feed is really the people, but how can a parent throw kids out when they are in school and doing their best to find jobs (in an area where unemployment is 27%).

 

[chickaddict]

Fridge - washer - dryer- I get offers on these for free every so often from people who are buying new. If you are anywhere near me - I could toss it your way.

I accepted a freezer from a client of my husbands a few months ago but she was also trying to get rid of a stove and washer all in working order. She got married and moved to the other side of the state. Hubby already had all appliances.

 

[Beekissed]

You need to slip over to the SS forum and see how the frugal folks do it, Deb!