Comments on: Why I’d rather spend less than earn more

By: Newlyweds on a Budget

Newlyweds on a Budget — Mon, 02 May 2011 21:00:29 +0000

I completely agree! and this is why I was never a huge fan of Dave Ramsey, bc he pretty much asks that you give up your life until your debt is paid off.

I guess in dire situations, then dire circumstances are needed, but I’m fine enjoying my time AND my little family in exchange for forgoing a nice dinner out.

By: Baking 'n' Books

Baking 'n' Books — Sun, 01 May 2011 03:21:23 +0000

This a great post. I’m glad I found you (through EEMUSINGS by the way!).

Yes, I do agree with you. That’s how I feel.

BUT, at the same time, it’s hard…because for instance, I’d like to have a nicer place to live. I’m sick of living like a College student still at 30 years of age looking for cheap apartments, etc. I’d like to have a condo or a town house at least! But these are about $500 MORE per month (at least) than the cheap stuff I can get. Unfortunately, I am single and not a fan of roommates (again, did that enough in my College days). So for me it’s a question I’m struggling with very hard right now. Should I continue to pay for a cheap, small place to save to pay off my (enormous) student loan debt? (yes, obviously right?)….OR should I spend the extra money for a nicer place and try to increase my income to supplement. The hard thing is that even I do increase my income, I think to myself “that’s money that should be going to the loans, and not rent”….

I can’t win!

By: Link love (Powered by setbacks and rain. Lots of it) | Musings of an Abstract Aucklander

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 19:16:09 +0000

[…] While bringing in more money is theoretically limitless, Karen explains why she’d rather focus on cutting expenses. […]

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:24:44 +0000

Going to work to earn more now days is not an easy option anyway. It is a war zone out there for jobs- anxiety -job stress. Then the clothes, gas and meals away from home (even if you brown bag). Personally unless you just really love what you do -just a JOB will drain you emotionally and physically.

By: eemusings

eemusings — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:44:26 +0000

Hmm. For me, it’s not cut and dried. Everyone has a kind of spending threshold where it is hard or impossible to cut spending any lower. But if you’re living a lifestyle with some luxuries then it’s much more feasible. Right now, I am aiming for earning more because I’m young and my day job schedule allows for me to make money doing other things as well. Earning less right now would severely reduce the amount I’m able to save. But I am hoping to get a job in the next year that would give me more normal hours and my weekends back, which will almost certainly involve a pay cut – the catch will be how much $ I’m willing to exchange for time.

By: Happy Memorial Day & roundup | Sense to Save

Happy Memorial Day & roundup | Sense to Save — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:18:55 +0000

[…] Why I’d rather spend less than earn more – Time is money, people! […]

By: Amy

Amy — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:19:37 +0000

Definitely spend less. I am a stay-at-home mother of 3. If I continued my poor spending habits, I was going to have to get a job. I gave up my career to with my kids. I cleaned up our finances in less than a year. It's important for me to be with the kids. Granted they are in school now, but trust me during the teen years - they need you more! Amy’s last blog post..A Glass of Wine After a Very Long Day

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:12:01 +0000

Kacie – I do agree that when you can’t make ends meet, you have to do what you have to do to pay the rent and put food on the table. If that means working more, then so be it. I’m talking about the people that just want to save/get out of debt faster. There are only so many hours in the day! I’m all for working hard, but sometimes you have to take a break!

Anne – I’m sorry to hear about your salary cut. :( It’s a tough call. If I were you, I’d look at the budget and make sure you can still make ends meet with the lower salary. See how much you can cut without really noticing (i.e. by clipping coupons to save on groceries, cutting services you don’t need/use, etc.) If you’ve made all the cuts you can and it’s not enough or you don’t have ANY money left over for savings at the end, I’d consider looking for a way to bring in extra income, but don’t go overboard! Give yourself some time to relax, enjoy life, and breathe!

By: Carla

Carla — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:05:00 +0000

I'd rather spend less. I think it's been proven, the more you make, the more you spend. If you're accustomed to spending less, the times when you do earn a little extra will just be a bonus, rather than a neccesity. Carla’s last blog post..Yummo

By: anne

anne — Wed, 13 May 2009 16:37:14 +0000

This post is great timing for me! Just recently my salary got cut 15%. My husband and I have always been “savers” instead of “spenders,” but there’s only so many cuts we can make. I’m still thinking about picking up some extra hours to make up the 15% difference. Not sure if it’s worth it or not?