like, it’s still dark at 5pm, there are barely any sports on, still bitterly cold and austere and it hurts to go outside, but you’re not even looking forward to christmas or the new year. the new year is here, and it’s largely the same as last year. except you’re getting older.
I look forward to this part of the year because it’s when winter sports begin. I don’t know if you’re somewhere you can take advantage of the weather and ski/curl/skate. If you are, do it. It’s a blast.
I think budgeting and practical finances should be taught at multiple stages throughout a student’s life. I thought I knew the general idea but didn’t appreciate how much neglecting it would set me back....
I’m really lazy, so I use the jar method (they article calls it cash stuffing or the envelope method). But I use multiple accounts and automated transfers.
Basically: I have one account for personal spending, one for bills, one for insurance, one for groceries, one for vacation money, etc. I get paid regularly, so I have automated transfers move money into the appropriate accounts.
When it comes time to make an expense in the given category (e.g. insurance), I pay it out of the appropriate account.
The benefits
I don’t need to think about it after it’s set.
If I overspend in a category, it doesn’t reduce cash available in other categories.
It’s easy to tell if my budget is wrong: ie, if an account is building up cash, or doesn’t have enough money, it’s time to revisit the budget.
The first item is the most important to me. I’m not consistent enough to manage a spreadsheet.
For me, there were several dollar store trinkets that already broke, and one toy for my kids that was a huge sparkly styrofoam mess waiting to happen, so I threw it out rather than curse anyone else with it.
At the other end of the spectrum: My wife and I made a minimal gifts pact. We each got each other minor crap we needed for around the house. It was perfect. No waste. No extravagance. Just stuff we were going to get anyway.
We've already started this year off with crazy shit. What else do you guys think will happen this year and why?
I'll go for a morning run too. (startrek.website)
Wasn't prepared for all the dudes telling me to beat my kids
It’s always in a joking manner… but not really? Just like “yeah you gotta pop em once or twice so they’ll know”. Idk shits weird
The transition from the holiday season back to the normal drudgery is so depressing. Is there any way to make Jan / Feb less depressing?
like, it’s still dark at 5pm, there are barely any sports on, still bitterly cold and austere and it hurts to go outside, but you’re not even looking forward to christmas or the new year. the new year is here, and it’s largely the same as last year. except you’re getting older.
3 January 2023 (sh.itjust.works)
This is the year, guys. (i.imgur.com)
R.I.P. (i.postimg.cc)
double take (slrpnk.net)
What's involved in your budgeting method?
I think budgeting and practical finances should be taught at multiple stages throughout a student’s life. I thought I knew the general idea but didn’t appreciate how much neglecting it would set me back....
30 December 2023 (sh.itjust.works)
It's a crime! (startrek.website)
Always (lemmy.world)
Male Loneliness (slrpnk.net)
WD-40 and some tape are the only tools you need in this life. (pawb.social)
What gifts that you received for Christmas this year are already in the trash?
For me, there were several dollar store trinkets that already broke, and one toy for my kids that was a huge sparkly styrofoam mess waiting to happen, so I threw it out rather than curse anyone else with it.