Yesterday’s question and answer post about how much to keep in a baby emergency fund seemed to be a bit of a hot topic-well, at least compared to other posts I’ve written. Lol It was also nice to “see” some new faces. I appreciate all those of you who joined in on the conversation.
What I took away from the comments is that when it comes to an emergency fund, it is entirely okay to have different comfort levels. The mere fact that we all know we need to have some savings set aside for an emergency is huge. It is scary how many people live paycheck to paycheck. Having an emergency fund also shows a change in our financial habits. Not spending every dime we have-wow, what a concept! We all know those people who can’t keep a nickel in their pockets without looking for a place to spend it. As for the dollar amount, as long as there is a plan in place to cover an emergency (hopefully without adding more debt), that right there shows we aren’t just throwing caution to the wind.
Are there any other money questions or topics (hot or not) that you’d like to discuss? When it comes to the journey to financial peace, I’m always ready to talk! Also, if are a blogger (or would like to start one!) let me know. The more encouragement, the better! We can do this…A Dime at a Time!
Sue says
I thought it was a great conversation yesterday – I, personally WANT to talk about money, but so many people are uncomfortable doing that that it is nice to find an outlet with like-minded people that are working toward the same goal I am!!!
I wonder how people deal with the eating out issue – as I mentioned, that is my biggest vice – I’ve tried budgeting a certain amount….don’t care when it’s gone….go out anyways, I’m just not sure how to best deal with this – especially since I don’t want to say “no” when someone suggests going out….yes, that petulant child is coming out again.
Lucy says
I thought the conversation was great, too. I really wish more people would want to talk about it. Unfortunately, there seems to be a hidden shame when it comes to the topic of debt. Personally, I want to get out debt so badly that I’m more than eager to talk about it!
I honestly believe we all have our vices. I don’t struggle with eating out-probably because we live out in the boonies and also since Hubs eats out so much when he is away from home, he doesn’t like doing so when he is home. My biggest struggle is the grocery store. Sigh. The only thing that has helped me is using a budgeted amount of cash. Once it is gone, no more spending. FYI, I have a whopping $5 left for the month, but I’ll make it work!
Marybeth says
When we starting getting out of debt, it was hard to say no. I felt bad for saying it. Then I started inviting people over when they asked us out for dinner. You know what happened? We had a great time and spent so little. I didn’t make huge, elaborate meals. Sometimes it was burgers on the BBQ. Sometimes it was a roasted chicken or spaghetti and meatballs. Our friends wanted to spend time with us. Food is a good way to do that. After the second time of the other 3 couples coming over, they invited us to their house instead of out. It became a rotation after that. We still do it. A year into it my girlfriend said how nice it is to eat at each others houses instead of going out. We get to hang out and talk. No one is rushing you from the table. We play cards sometimes or watch a movie after now. I never want it to go back to overpriced restaurants.
P.S. I love to talk about money and retirement accounts but most people look at me like I am crazy when I do. So I talk to people on blogs like this one. Thanks for letting us.
Lucy says
That is an excellent tip for avoiding eating out! Thank you for sharing!
Glad that there are others who enjoy talking about personal finance!
PRISCILLA says
I like talking about money, too. I didn’t grow up that way. It was taboo in our house. I got in trouble one time as a kid because I took a peek at my parents’ Form 1040! I think I have learned from my daughter and others in her generation that it’s okay to talk about money and support each other on their financial journey.
Lucy says
I agree with you and your daughter. Talking about money is a great way to support each other. Wow…what a memory! Glad you were able to overcome the taboo.
Patti says
I can talk about money all day long…to anyone who will listen. Glad all of you are like minded 🙂
Lucy says
Ah, so nice to be around so many like-minded people!
Rhitter says
Oh you know how much I love to talk about money! It is all about community
Rhitter recently posted…On Answering Sue’s Next Question
Lucy says
Indeed it is!