Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Recession Ponderings - Revisiting the priority list

I know I've written about the importance of a written priority list before but it is always a good subject to revisit.  Most people know we live on a fixed income and after losing a third of the Social Security when our son turned eighteen combined with unexpected medical expenses... there are months we have little or no cash left after paying very basic bills.

Thus, a priority list became essential. 

What is a priority list?
It is the budget equivalent of decluttering our house or looking through our Week at a Glance and realizing we need to prioritize our time.   We write down a list of needs for when we have the money to make a purchase and then prioritize them as to what goes to the top of the list, what is next most important, etc.

How does a priority list work?
When we receive any income beyond our monthly Social Security Disability check, a little goes into savings and then we look through the Priority List before making purchases.  We make the most important purchase, or repair, or maintenance on the house and car.  Then we go down the list as far as we can until we come to the smaller needs (like a haircut).

Is the priority list a constant?
It can change all the time.  For instance, we were just making purchases from the tax refund this past month (which is why I had a little more thrift shopping funds).  A stove had been at the top of our list since only two burners now work on our old stove.  About a week before the tax refund was to come in, the desktop computer died... thus, going to the top of the list and making a new stove impossible right now.

Some items have stayed on the list but near the bottom for years... items needed but not essential... or perhaps just wanted and not needed?

Is there any item always on the list?
A priority is always to purchase meat on sale for the freezer and basic pantry items.  We can no longer keep as deep a pantry as we used to do but we like having at least one extra of many items (and lots of canned tomatoes!).

Also, essential car and household maintenance take priority over most other purchases.  If there is an outstanding bill that has not been paid, it also goes on the list.  Since I am uninsured, my doctor's visits can add up so a priority with the tax refund was to pay off that bill.   

How do we make certain the money goes where it is budgeted?
One thing we like to do if we have enough money (for instance, when my husband gets a few weeks work at the bookstore seasonally) is to put aside some money for groceries during those months we have no extra from our monthly check.  The problem was, it would end up getting used for another need!

Then I came up with the idea of purchasing a grocery store gift card with the budgeted money, either our favorite "neighborhood" grocery store in town or a bigger store like Meijers or Target.  By putting around $100 on a card, it gives us budgeted money for items like milk, eggs, salad ingredients, and fresh fruit.  Obviously not a lot... but enough.

One could do the same with gasoline gift cards and such.  

Do we always agree on what is a priority?
No.  :)

Are any fun items on the list?
Definitely!  We try to include having a family dinner "out".  If there is a library sale coming up, we often will budget some money for that to find some great books for very little money.  With the tax refund, my husband gave me a little money for some thrift shopping.

I no longer shop very many garage sales during the warm weather season.  A combination of a small-ish house and thirty years of housekeeping equals... enough.  There are a few neighborhood garage sales which happen each year where I do like to go. If possible, I'll set aside a little cash for these sales.  I find walking in these neighborhood sales to be relaxing, especially since I'm usually only looking for teacups, Johnson Bros. china (to add to my autumn collection), good children's books, etc.

One thing we found in the extremely lean years was that a family (or individual) has to budget some recreation in their life or they will go absolutely bonkers.  During one very bad "year with no income", my dear friends that I met online in the 1990s would send a surprise $10.00 or $20.00 once in awhile... with a message that it must be spent on something fun.  Christopher was still young enough that McDonald's was a treat and you'd be surprised how much fun fast food can be when you don't eat it often.  :)

I can also assure you the purchase of a great family DVD (which can be enjoyed often) is extremely important if that is a way your family relaxes.  For your family it may be a new CD or giving the kids a little money and spending Saturday morning at some garage sales... but do know one must have a little guilt free fun to keep their sanity in very hard times.

Priority Lists and Holidays
One thing I budgeted for with our tax refund was to purchase some candy for an Easter basket for my son this year (who was quite sad we didn't have enough money last year).  One never knows what is really important to your kids (even if they are grown up).  My sister put together an Easter basket for her daughter until she was married and had her own children.

This is where a gift card to someplace like Target or Wal Mart would come in handy to set aside money for upcoming holiday or birthday treats which can't be kept in the pantry (I've heard some mothers have been known to eat holiday chocolates if they are in the pantry). 

Although, of course, such mothers would never admit it.  :)

I hope this post about keeping a priority list will inspire your imagination!

10 comments:

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I've always thought this was such a great idea and have used it ever since you first mentioned it.

I only use two burners on my cooktop anyway. I don't think I've ever used more than three at time (I use my microwave for lots of things).

Budgeting some fun money is so important! I'm so glad you mentioned it. Sometimes people get so severe with their budgets and then they burn out and go over board. Or get depressed. You can do alot with a few dollars at the thriftstore or garage sale. DVD's are not that expensive to buy anymore and can be enjoyed many many times. Our local Kroger just got a Redbox - you can't beat $1 for a new movie rental (and there are often codes for free rentals)!

Manuela

Florence said...

Dear Brenda, When we were paying off our house, I kept a WTHIPO (When the House is Paid Off)list. Paying off the house was our priority so when things came up that I wanted but were not essential, I put it on the list. This reminded me that these items were not forever "No" just "Not now". Now that the house is paid off, I am gradually working my way down the WTHIPO list. First on the list was a dishwasher that worked, this month was ceiling fans in two bedrooms, and next month will be replacing a cracked window. I'm a great believer in priority lists!!

Terra said...

This plan that you outline is very sensible, especially scheduling in some money for treats, like library sales and a copy of a movie for your family to watch.
I hope your financial situation improves in 2010, dear one.

Lisa Z said...

I love the idea of a priority list for budgeting when extra money comes in. I will get started on that one. And, also buying a gift card so the money gets "saved" for the grocery store or Target is a great idea. I always think I should have more restraint and be better at saving for these things, but the truth is having a family there is always more that could be purchased if some money is lying around. I will consider the gift card idea for our family! Thank you for sharing this.

Little Penpen said...

Love the idea of grocery store gift cards... that would be one sure way to budget. I may challenge myself with that soon! thanks for a very wise post!

Connie said...

I enjoyed your post - it is very similiar to how we live day to day.
Planning for the future but still have a good time now.

Anonymous said...

Very helpful ideas!!

I generally only use 2 burners on my stove at a time too...and once in awhile my electric skillet and or crock pot. I do hope however that SOON you will be able to replace the stove!!

I don't know if this will help...but one friend here is a custom cabinet installer and designer. One place last year GAVE him some awesome things they no longer wanted such as: the VERY NICE and almost NEW stove, the kitchen full of fancy cabinets, and living room drapes which should last at least another 50 years and they look new and are of such fabulous fabric that I doubt you can even buy anywhere, unless perhas you are the Queen. SO my lady friend is soon to have a "new" VERY nice kitchen too. If you know anyone who is into helping with remodeling jobs for the rich, mention what you need and perhaps they will give you a deal you cannot refuse. (Around here the rich don't cook that much anyway, so whatever they have has not been overly used!!) Just a thought...

Blessings, Elizabeth

Vee said...

Very good practical ideas and a number that I'd not thought of. I like the idea of purchasing a gift card for one's future or anticipated needs with extra funds. So true that one will go bonkers without any disposable income to just purchase a hamburger or a cup of coffee or a plate for a quarter at a yard sale.

Anonymous said...

Have we seen pictures of your Johnson Brothers china? If so, I don't recall and I would like to see the pattern.

Friend Debra

Anonymous said...

About the free stove given to the man. Another thought...if you know someone who works remodeling or renovating a new home they have to take out the old stove and such and maybe instead of having to get rid of it themselfs they would give it away? They can find out from the owners of the home if the stove is in good working order. Many just want the latest model or a larger one. I know people that with permission cart off the odds and ends of wood and such from jobs. They get free wood and the company does not have to pay the dump fees.