Do You Stress About Money?

DavidB · 10-02-08, 03:29

I recently read that money matters are the number one cause of stress for men (according to a Harris poll conducted in early 2008). I can tell you first hand, that's been the case for me. My recent move to do this [Autopia.org and other social networks] has really put the clamp on my budget and cranked up the stress.

Anyway, if you're the kind of guy who stresses about money (or lack of it!) the current economy amounts to nothing more than a big, fat headache. Hell, even if your job hasn't changed, inflation is sucking dollars out of your wallet and the ugly housing market has taken any home equity you might have had and turned it into a deficit. It's no wonder the needle on my Stress-O-Meter is pegged!

So, how are you dealing with the financial stress?

BoostedMopar · 10-02-08, 03:36

Just trying to keep my head above water. The stress is tearing me up though. I miss being the happy, smarta** I once was. I cant afford to eat twice a day sometimes. But I do have some light in the near future. I hope it works out

DavidB · 10-02-08, 03:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoostedMopar

I cant afford to eat twice a day sometimes. But I do have some light in the near future.

You're not alone on this one, Justin. A lot of people are in this boat.

brwill2005 · 10-02-08, 03:51

Obviously money is important. It has been a tough few years since I started the business full time. It is getting better, and my wife and I are used to living frugal. I have come to realize though, that money is not everything. I try hard not to stress too much about it. Just as long as I can pay the bills and have some fun now and again I am happy. What really makes me happy though is my family.

BoostedMopar · 10-02-08, 03:52

Yeah, I am just thankful I have a job. I know (from experience) it can be much worse. But jeez I wish it could be easier!

protojason · 10-02-08, 04:01

I know I do.

Somehow, I've thus far been able to keep the emotion aspect out of money matters. I've been reading many books about finance/get out of debt etc. Look forward to getting the 'real' job soon, pay down the debts, start to invest.

This, coming from a graduate student, coming off a 4 month hiatus, (threw caution to the wind for a once in a lifetime rent free 3 months in hawaii with girlfriend) without pay. (First paycheck in 4 months yesterday...just shy over $1100, once a month...Yeah..It's been thin lately.)

Least the car is paid off. Just need to keep the car supply addiction in check. (Collenite 476/845 experiments have been keeping me satisfied...and a good value)

I've read through Rich dad poor dad, Dave ramsey, etc. At least I know where the money is going/what debts owed and pay bills on time.

In my experience, the finance thing is too intimidating/emotional for people then, they think they are in too deep and it's just despair. . .

It really helped me to write it all down, who I owe what, at what apr, min payments, etc (aka Dave ramsey's "debt snowball").

I also use quicken to track finances...only snafu is that laptop died on me, and it's replacement (mac) is sorely lacking in quality personal finance software.

My biggest unjustified expense is eating out. Been working on it.

-Jason

PS. 2 coats of collenite 476 topped with 1 coat of 845 (and vice versa, half on one half of car, half on other) didnt last south texas summer heat while i was living it up in hawaii. Left on may 25, came back aug 20. No apparent protection when I washed on returning home. No beading etc. Also, have water spots to attend to. (I usually use AJ/AJT., as a LSP. Have one collenite going on the girlfriends car, other on my dads truck. See how they do!

rjstaaf · 10-02-08, 04:26

Definitely the biggest stress in my life. I use 3 gallons a day on the commute and right now the commute is costing me $12 a day or $60 a week

My supervisor is working on a $5K raise but with the state bureaucracy there is no telling how long it will take to go through

As others have said, I am thankful to have a job but with everything costing more it hurts more than it used to...

DavidB · 10-02-08, 04:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by protojason

My biggest unjustified expense is eating out. Been working on it.

lol... Eating out for me is Burger King $3 Whopper Meal on Wednesdays (hold the mayo, extra pickles!). Now that's living!

Flashtime · 10-02-08, 04:27

Quote:

So, how are you dealing with the financial stress?

Being on forums, educating myself, and advancing my skills helps.

2002 Z06 · 10-02-08, 04:31

I am one of those people. I work 40hrs a week at my normal job, try to find details on the side, and my wife goes to school full time and her work hours are limited so I have to make up the difference.......my head is about to pop.

gmblack3a · 10-02-08, 05:07

I lived on the frugal side from 25-35, so now at 42 we still live on the tight side. We go out to eat when I have done at least a detail that week. Only a small amount of debt, so no real stress. Wife does not work and takes care of our 5 yr old, she also helps out at school. At my full time job I only work 3 days a week, so that saves alot on gas vs working 5 days a week.

bumoftheday · 10-02-08, 05:39

I've been very blesses. I graduated college at 21 with very little debt, thanks to my parents and a very good paying co-op (made 30k one year working part of the year), and got a pretty good paying career after college. Have since paid off all my debt(mainly just the car), except my house.