So many plans... So little cash!
By Storm
@jcj_111776 (3216)
Philippines
February 14, 2010 8:31pm CST
I'm sure that I'm not the only one who finds themselves in the same situation. Do you find yourself, just like myself, who has a long list of major plans to minor ones that requires cash to be done?
In my case, everywhere I look inside our house, something needs to be fixed. One example of these things, are the bathroom tiles. They need to be replaced with those non-slippery types. But these tiles are a little costly and not to mention the payment that I have to give to the one who's going to replace them.
So, just like the other plans, they lie in wait.
My husband's salary helps a lot but there are just those times that expenses outweighs the cash we have. From the utility bills, to school tuition fees and other miscellaneous fees, to the weekly fee that we have to pay for our son's transportation to school. And unfortunately sometimes, when one of us gets sick 
and needs medical help. We all know, that medical help doesn't come cheap.
So, with these regular budget expenses, other plans such as house repairs need to take a step back and wait for their time to get fixed. And that is the time IF and WHEN we have the extra cash.
and needs medical help. We all know, that medical help doesn't come cheap.
So, with these regular budget expenses, other plans such as house repairs need to take a step back and wait for their time to get fixed. And that is the time IF and WHEN we have the extra cash.3 people like this
21 responses
@agrant10 (1476)
• United States
15 Feb 10
Hi JCJ,
I can truly relate. I have to do it a little at a time. One thing at a time. I wanted to fix up my son's room. So, I purchased the celing fan first. Then the next month I purchased the paint. Then the next pay I was able to replace his bed with a new one. Now, I'm working on some nice furniture. Then I will tackle the big gaint- the hardwood floors. Then I will be finished with him room. For me I do one thing at a time.
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Another good point, agrant. Sometimes trying to handle all these plans can be overwhelming, and not to mention, very frustrating. Aside from the bathroom tiles, and the other repairs, I also plan to change my children's bedroom.
One respondent have suggested that I searched on the Internet the information needed. And maybe I can do it myself. It's a bit daunting but challenging as well. I just can see myself changing the tiles... and hoping not to end up a disaster!
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
That's what I've been telling myself. It's one thing to change a light bulb or hammer away some loose nails. But to change tiles... now, I have to stop and re-think. I do hope they give you a very good price. Labor these days don't come cheap.
@agrant10 (1476)
• United States
16 Feb 10
I just can not see myself doing the hardwood floors. I really would not know the first thing to do after after taking up the carpet.
I already have the name of someone who does that kind of work and all I have to do is buy about 2 boxes of hardwood every pay period and whatever else will be needed to place the hardwood floors and they will put it down at a reasonable price.
I already have the name of someone who does that kind of work and all I have to do is buy about 2 boxes of hardwood every pay period and whatever else will be needed to place the hardwood floors and they will put it down at a reasonable price.1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
15 Feb 10
We are lucky in one respect have a son in law that can do many things nd it shouldnt be thaqt hard to learn how to replace the tiles.
We gather up we need little at a time and when we have it al he fixes it.
But it does take money to get things done around the house or even buy clothes when ya need them.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
16 Feb 10
I know that feeling my hubby worked all kinds of hours got home late never waited supper on him for the kids needed thier sleep So was left up to me to do what needed to be done too.
Like when the job moved I had all the packing to do then drove to the next place and we moved over 700 times in 35 years
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
As for the packing job, I only did it once. And I did it solo!Now, that's one experience I never EVER want to repeat again!
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Because my husband is away most of the time due to his work demands, it's either me or my aunt who does some minor repairs. We can do most minor fixes but changing the tiles will be a lot challenging. But in this day and age, there's nothing a woman can't do!
@secretbear (19448)
• Philippines
19 Feb 10
Hi jcj!^^
Money really makes the world go round.^^;; Well, not all the time. But we really need money for almost everything! As some might say, it's like, the only thing free today is air. 
I find myself in frustrating situations like yours, too. So many things to be done that requires money and yet, I don't have enough to do it. Fixing the window in my room, painting the walls, painting my cabinet which has been so long overdue, upgrading my computer, replacing the light bulb, going to the dentist, and a lot of other things. It's just so frustrating especially now that almost everything in the market is getting more expensive each day. And by the way, I'm still single and yet, the cost of maintenance is still high. 
I find myself in frustrating situations like yours, too. So many things to be done that requires money and yet, I don't have enough to do it. Fixing the window in my room, painting the walls, painting my cabinet which has been so long overdue, upgrading my computer, replacing the light bulb, going to the dentist, and a lot of other things. It's just so frustrating especially now that almost everything in the market is getting more expensive each day. And by the way, I'm still single and yet, the cost of maintenance is still high. @jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
22 Feb 10
I agree with you, secretbear. In our time, almost anything is not free. That's why people grab the chance whenever something is on sale. 
Including me!
Including me!
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
It can be quite frustrating especially when you roam your eyes around the house, and see those that needed to be fixed. But your hands are tied, and there's no choice but to wait.
@Biomechanoid (2923)
• Estonia
15 Feb 10
I have some plans that do require lots of cash. Some of these are less important, because they are related to entertainment (like buying myself Playstation console or iPod or whatever else). Anyway, some plans will need a constant income, so my first aim for the closer future is to get well educated and get a good-paying job for myself, so I could accomplish my plans. A large amount of cash only wouldn't help me with accomplishing my long term plans, it would only help me to carry out some part of it temporary.
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
That's a very well-laid plan.
I wish you good luck in attaining those plan of yours no matter what. You're also right that sometimes one big drop of cash may not be enough. Unless, a person makes sure that this sudden cash can be stretched for a long time.
I wish you good luck in attaining those plan of yours no matter what. You're also right that sometimes one big drop of cash may not be enough. Unless, a person makes sure that this sudden cash can be stretched for a long time.
@angelajoy (1825)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
I have the same problem too. I have lots of plans that wouldn't happen if I have no cash. Right now I'm still trying to save as much as I can so that I can put my plans into action. It's very frustrating actually. I accumulated a huge debt two years ago, and now I'm still paying off that debt. But I think at the end of the year all my debts would already be paid, that is, if nothing horrible and unexpected happens.
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Indeed, good luck to both of us!And I hope my mother will still have the patience until I can fully pay up!
And I hope my mother will still have the patience until I can fully pay up!1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
Hello angela and goodluck! I understand when it comes to paying debts. I have my own story. It's been a year now and I'm still not finished paying up to my mother. My son was hospitalized last year and the hospital bill exceeded the cash I had. I asked for my mother's help. And I'm still trying to lessen that amount. I wish I can have an extra cash on-hand in an instant so I can pay her completely. Because she also needs it and I'm really embarrassed that it's taking me awhile to pay up.
1 person likes this
@angelajoy (1825)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
It's nice to hear from someone who understands my situation. Good luck to both of us and I hope we finish paying our debts soon and that like you said, we'll always have extra cash for emergencies or for just anything we want to spend on.
1 person likes this
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
15 Feb 10
I think this happens to us all at one time or another. I just try to prioritize what items are vital, and put others off til a later date. Working from home, I don't make as much as I used to, so other things, like saving for a different vehicle take some more time.
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
You're completely right when it comes to prioritizing. If we don't do this, we will be overwhelmed with these plans. My biggest priority for now is to replace the window screens followed by the bathroom tiles.
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
I do find it hard to get the things that I need considering that there are things that are considered priority. I do have big plans and I am now making my way to such plans. It may not be that fast but I know with hard work and effort, I will surely reach my goal. For now, I have already reach my short term plans and my middle range plans are on the right track. It does require money but more of the effort. So I guess I am gonna be able to fulfill it in due time. I wish you the best and hope that you will be able to fulfill your dreams later on.
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Hi jpso..
Thanks and good luck to you, too. It doesn't matter if it takes time to reach those goals. As long as you're moving on. That's more important.
Thanks and good luck to you, too. It doesn't matter if it takes time to reach those goals. As long as you're moving on. That's more important. @JenInTN (27514)
• United States
15 Feb 10
I know what you mean. There are a lot of things that I want to get done and go do but the money really limits that. I try to put back money for this or that but it seems like eveytime I get a little bit ahead, something comes up that I have to pay for and I'm right back where I started. I would love to redo the bathroom and build a deck on the back of the house but like you said...if and when I get the money and the time. Talk to you later.
I would love to redo the bathroom and build a deck on the back of the house but like you said...if and when I get the money and the time. Talk to you later.1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Hi jen...Been there, and still doing it. I lost count of trying to set aside the money needed for the repairs but I find myself back in square 1. Either something will come up that leaves me no choice but to use the saved money. Sometimes, I even thought of burying that saved money 6 feet under!Just to make sure that they stay!
Been there, and still doing it. I lost count of trying to set aside the money needed for the repairs but I find myself back in square 1. Either something will come up that leaves me no choice but to use the saved money. Sometimes, I even thought of burying that saved money 6 feet under!Just to make sure that they stay! @zzyw87 (1254)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
I share your sentiments. I also have a lot of things that I want to do that I cannot do immediately because I fear it will put a big dent in my wallet presently if I pursue these things. I have to save a lot for the future. I need to save money for a house, car, etc. To add, I also need to set aside a fair amount of money in case of emergency purposes. I also want to go travel which is a real luxury nowadays. I also want to put up my own business. If only money was unlimited.
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
Oh, to travel would be a bliss!But that's out of the question for me and my husband. We can barely keep up with the monthly bills and other fees. What you're doing is good. Saving up even in these hard times can come a long way.
I remember, when I would save these coins. And I just kept on doing it for months. When the time came that we needed cash to buy my son's medicines, we were out of it. Then I remembered my coins. And I couldn't believe that I have saved enough that I could buy my son's medicines and still have a little extra.
But that's out of the question for me and my husband. We can barely keep up with the monthly bills and other fees. What you're doing is good. Saving up even in these hard times can come a long way.
I remember, when I would save these coins. And I just kept on doing it for months. When the time came that we needed cash to buy my son's medicines, we were out of it. Then I remembered my coins. And I couldn't believe that I have saved enough that I could buy my son's medicines and still have a little extra. 
@sexyposh (575)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
It really made me laugh when I read the title of your discussion. It reminded me of what happend yesterday. Yesterday was Valentines Day and it fell on Sunday. My boyfriend forgot to withdraw cash last Friday for our planned date for Valentines, which by the way our bank account is in passbook. Passbook accounts can only be withdrawn on weekdays.
So yesterday, after the church we weren't able to go on the date because we don't have the money, instead we just went home early.. So sad we missed dating on Valentine's Day just because we're broke on that day...
Well that was just one of THOSE experiences. I still have a long list here that can be use as respond to this discussion... hihihi
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
Oh, I completely understand with passbooks and weekdays!Fortunately, my bank is open even on weekends until 7pm. Well, it's because they're situated inside the mall.
You can still go on with your plan. After all, love knows no specific dates. Hmmm... sometimes there are couples who seem to spend Valentine' Day EVERYDAY!
That Sunday, my husband came home from work and told me that he'll give me flowers the next day. Because he was out of cash. Uh, ok!
Oh, and before I forget... the next day came. And he has totally forgotten about the flowers! That's my husband!
Fortunately, my bank is open even on weekends until 7pm. Well, it's because they're situated inside the mall.
You can still go on with your plan. After all, love knows no specific dates. Hmmm... sometimes there are couples who seem to spend Valentine' Day EVERYDAY!
That Sunday, my husband came home from work and told me that he'll give me flowers the next day. Because he was out of cash. Uh, ok!
Oh, and before I forget... the next day came. And he has totally forgotten about the flowers! That's my husband!@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
It can be frustrating sometimes when you're at the mall and see something that catches your eye, but can't do anything but just stare. Because you don't have the cash and just can keep on window-shopping.
Hey, I used to do that most of the time!
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
15 Feb 10
Hello Jcj! I know what you mean, so many plans, and no money to go through with it all. If I cant afford big changes, I'll go with smaller ones that wont cost as much. That way I can still have something new but didnt have to spend a bundle on it.
Paint is cheap and it can do wonders as far as a change of look goes.
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
That's a very good point, magical.Why give ourselves unnecessary stress of always trying to think of something for those big plans to start moving. Our mantra should be: " There will always be the right time for everything!"
Why give ourselves unnecessary stress of always trying to think of something for those big plans to start moving. Our mantra should be: " There will always be the right time for everything!"@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Sometimes true, mahek. It seems no matter how much we try to work and earn, the expenses still outweighs the money that we have on hand. And that can get a little frustrating.
@bing28 (3795)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
same here, so many plans, so little cash. Though little by little we can get to some of our plans but more plans are being added. When you're waiting for the paydays, when it comes, so little cash left for so many plans. Not unless I earn instant bigger commissions that's the only time more plans could be done.
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
I understand bing. Because sometimes I find myself in the same situation. I have these plans and after sometime, these plans are accompanied with my new plans. And they all need to wait in line..
@bird123 (10643)
• United States
15 Feb 10
Perhaps, you don't really need money just some good ideas. Be a do it yourselfer. Install the tiles yourself. Hmmm?? Let's think. Do you really even need tiles?? Can you find a way to get by???Is there a way to fix them being slippery?? How about a mat?? Fixing other things in the house can be easy too. Go to your local library. A person can learn to fix almost anything. Search the internet. Someone has had your problem. Find out what they did. There are a million ways to get around money. Think about it. Throwing money at a problem has always been the easy way, not always the best. Your opportunity is at hand. What will you do?? Find the solution!!
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
Hi bird and thanks for the advice. I thought of putting a mat but still considering it. As for finding the solution, I'm always looking for one. I do try to find solutions for other things in the house that needs to be fixed that won't cost us anything. I did purchase a year ago, a small mat that was child-friendly. It didn't cost a lot and it was on sale. But it didn't last long because it wouldn't stick to the floor anymore. It has these small suction caps.
@sublime03 (2339)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
I have the same sentiments. I in the otherhand wants to start a business and do something else with my life but I find it hard to save up to do anything with the economy currently. Both me and my hubby are starting with new companies and so we are so low in cash. I am aiming to save up for my sons tuition for the next school year but it is hard since my previous company was not paying on time or even pay us with the correct amount.
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
That's the problem with trying to save up. Sometimes, the other sources of cash that we're depending on, falls short on our expectations.
@kmahony610 (123)
• United States
15 Feb 10
I do feel this same way. The thing I really want and have wanted all my life is a horse farm and to teac lessons but the upkeep costs so much money. We have been putting up fecnes and trying to save for it but the money always needs to go elsewhere.
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
I know how you feel about trying to save for the intended plan, but no matter what you do, the money will still be used on something else. It has happened to me on several occasions. But as one respondent have suggested, we can always find a solution for some of our plans that won't require money. But we do need to be more resourceful about it.
For some of my plans that can't wait, I do try to find some alternative ways. It's just that, for some, cash is really needed.
@yresh12 (3212)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
With recession still looming. we need to fix a lot of things.
We need to buy the things we want. I am also a victim of
that situation. I am 21 years old undergraduate, I was earning
money at the age 18.. I helped my mom with the bills. Even if we
had a lot of things to pay. I always have time to relax and not
get the problem into my nerve.. Ms Jc relax sometime, don't think
to much.. mwah..I hope my simple advice could help.. :)
1 person likes this
@jcj_111776 (3216)
• Philippines
15 Feb 10
Thanks yrsh..
I do need that.. don't think too much. Sometimes, these things can be a little overwhelming. You get to see the things that needs to be fixed or done.. but they just have to wait. As one respondent have suggested, I can try alternative ways to get these plans going without costing me anything.
I do need that.. don't think too much. Sometimes, these things can be a little overwhelming. You get to see the things that needs to be fixed or done.. but they just have to wait. As one respondent have suggested, I can try alternative ways to get these plans going without costing me anything.