Fiscal Responsibility

treatneggy · 09-01-2010, 11:26 AM

I have to admit I'm guilty also. Stocked up on snus and snuff when PACT passed, thinking it would be my last chance to buy (FDA did stop importation of some flavors), then splurged on some HTF releases.

The wife decides since we are moving soon we need new furniture in the new house. Admittedly it is stuff we don't currently have - beds for both boys (we only have one twin), dining room table and bookcases (neither of which we currently have since we don't have room).

Then she gets slapped with an extra class at school that won't be covered by financial aid (plus $200+ extra in books)....

Now the cards are hurtin' and I'm trying to find time to sort out stuff we're not moving so I can try to sell it for some extra cash.

brigey57 · 09-01-2010, 01:24 PM

Fiscal Responsibility

Excellent post and a point well taken.

Da Klugs · 09-01-2010, 01:41 PM

Hobbies are meant to enhace our lives in positive ways. When a hobby becomes our lives... that is an obsession and only "The Alba Obsession" is generally good for us.

General - Duh - Mr. Obvious comment -

Know what your disposable income is based upon being a responsible adult. No cheating and not putting money in the 401k to support a buying habit. Food is not optional. Housing is not optional. Utility payments are not optional. Buying cigars when you carry a credit card balance month to month (and you have cigars to smoke) is really the answer to the unspoken question we each should ask ourselves - " Do I have a Problem".

If you are married - assume your bride can spend the same amount on "her hobbie" as well. Tends to help put things in perspective.

It's all relative is a term that everyone needs to understand. Just because you see folks out of control and buying things left and right.. it does not justify your behavior nor does it necessarily represent to them what it might to you to spend so much on cigars.

Klugs general rule of thumb:

No Job No income - Dont buy cigars (at least not by the box)
Ongoing Credit card Debt - Buy only what you can smoke in a month
Feeling secure but college for kids is not funded - Less than 5%
Feeling secure but not loaded - Know your DI and spend <10%
Feeling secure, college fund looks good but still have Mortgage < 15%
Fully funded on all fronts, College, retirement, home, -

09-01-2010, 11:26 AM	#1
treatneggy Still Watching My Back Join Date: Jun 2010 First Name: Kurt Location: York, PA Posts: 165 Trading: (8)	Re: Fiscal Responsibility I have to admit I'm guilty also. Stocked up on snus and snuff when PACT passed, thinking it would be my last chance to buy (FDA did stop importation of some flavors), then splurged on some HTF releases. The wife decides since we are moving soon we need new furniture in the new house. Admittedly it is stuff we don't currently have - beds for both boys (we only have one twin), dining room table and bookcases (neither of which we currently have since we don't have room). Then she gets slapped with an extra class at school that won't be covered by financial aid (plus $200+ extra in books).... Now the cards are hurtin' and I'm trying to find time to sort out stuff we're not moving so I can try to sell it for some extra cash.

09-01-2010, 01:24 PM	#2
brigey57 Smoke me if you can... Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Bri Location: Enjoying the weather here! Posts: 256 Trading: (0)	Re: Fiscal Responsibility Fiscal Responsibility Excellent post and a point well taken. __________________ There are five things that make life worth living: a good relationship with God, a good woman, good health, good friends, and a fine cigar." Just say NO to SCHIP and Cigar taxes!

09-01-2010, 01:41 PM	#3
Da Klugs Juan of 11 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Right here Posts: 4,222 Trading: (8)	Re: Fiscal Responsibility Hobbies are meant to enhace our lives in positive ways. When a hobby becomes our lives... that is an obsession and only "The Alba Obsession" is generally good for us. General - Duh - Mr. Obvious comment - Know what your disposable income is based upon being a responsible adult. No cheating and not putting money in the 401k to support a buying habit. Food is not optional. Housing is not optional. Utility payments are not optional. Buying cigars when you carry a credit card balance month to month (and you have cigars to smoke) is really the answer to the unspoken question we each should ask ourselves - " Do I have a Problem". If you are married - assume your bride can spend the same amount on "her hobbie" as well. Tends to help put things in perspective. It's all relative is a term that everyone needs to understand. Just because you see folks out of control and buying things left and right.. it does not justify your behavior nor does it necessarily represent to them what it might to you to spend so much on cigars. Klugs general rule of thumb: No Job No income - Dont buy cigars (at least not by the box) Ongoing Credit card Debt - Buy only what you can smoke in a month Feeling secure but college for kids is not funded - Less than 5% Feeling secure but not loaded - Know your DI and spend <10% Feeling secure, college fund looks good but still have Mortgage < 15% Fully funded on all fronts, College, retirement, home, - __________________ Communities Not Commodities. Punctuation challenged, but trying. Proud winner of phase 1 of the Weight loss contest