where does money go?

[nguzman1]

Geez that sucks, but yea I always wonder where money goes cause i get SSI and my checks finishes right away.

[queenofnines]

If you have little to no money leftover after being paid, chances are you are spending it on a lot of things you don't need to.

[hensleyll]

true but it figures couldnt sell encyclopedias in high school and couldnt sell avon in my twenties guess dont know how to embellish something

[diala84]

I've noticed that too. I have been taking money out for specific expenses like $250 for groceries/household items for the month and $100 just for me spending money. It seems to help me think about whether I really need to buy something or if I am just buying more than needed. It also seems I am wasting less food. I also keep a running total with my husband so we can make sure we split expenses since we both have separate bank accounts. 

[Flackle]

well craiglists was  bust couldnt sell anything

It usually takes a while to sell something on craigslist. It seems a good portion of what I had listed sold months after I made the listing. The only way to make the money faster is to sell way below what others are selling. Did you make sure to see what others are selling so that your price matches or is a bit lower? Did you include pictures, a thorough description, and easy access to contact you via phone and email? Have you considered eBay for smaller items? How long did you even try craigslist before you gave up? The turnover is a lot faster.

[Flackle]

true but it figures couldnt sell encyclopedias in high school and couldnt sell avon in my twenties guess dont know how to embellish something

The reason you never sold anything is because the failure of these products has more to do with simple economics than does your ability to sell. Why would someone buy encyclopedias from you when they could have gotten a set from a used bookstore for possibly half of what you where selling? Why would the average person buy avon from you when they probably already buy drug store makeup that works just as well? Add on to the fact that so many people sold avon that the supply wasn't exactly limited in any sense and anyone who wanted avon could find it pretty much everywhere.

I would recommend looking into finding sources for products on your own instead of just one company handed them too you and tell you to go out and "find someone willing to actually pay 10 dollars for an item that would be difficult to sell for 5". Look for items that are more unique, that doesn't have a huge supply in your area. If you can find a source few people have, that just gives you a bigger advantage. Its easy to get into selling stuff when a company like avon just hands you the products to sell and gives you a bunch of motivational talk and success stories, but its hard to actually be successful in selling this way because a lot of other people was already doing it. Look for demand before you even look for something to buy. You can't sell sand at the beach.

Sourcing is just as, if not more important that actually selling an item. Its easy to sell if you find a good deal.

[PGS28]

I do this too.  Once I saw how much I was spending on eating out I cut down tremendously and have been able to save money.  It's all about properly categorizing needs and wants.

I was curious about that myself so tried to keep a Journal of every single thing I buy and how much I spent every day

[ladysurvivor]

I have noticed that most of my money goes for food and gas and medical bills. Being a single mom of 2 boys is hard when they eat so much. This year I have vowed to keep more money in the bank than goes out by couponing, cooking more and buying less. I'm tired of being broke all the time. 

[ghunter]

It goes toward just living.  If you have a job (gas), you have to eat (food), you need clothes to wear to work not only clothes you need shoes, underwear.  You need somewhere to lay your head (house or just rent) not to mention (heat, water, etc.)  I can go on and on.... so just living.

[sarabtrayior]

THIN AIR... that's the only answer I have, also to food, gas, electricity, housing, and all those pesky necessary things of life...

[Beckys0528]

I live on my SSDI check and it no sooner gets here and it's gone with paying the bills and buying necessities, can't even pay the medical bills I have left over after medicare pays the 80% it's a crying shame but it is what it is just praying it will get better even when I worked I had no extra money, never was one that could save never had enough.

[Flackle]

It goes toward just living.  If you have a job (gas), you have to eat (food), you need clothes to wear to work not only clothes you need shoes, underwear.  You need somewhere to lay your head (house or just rent) not to mention (heat, water, etc.)  I can go on and on.... so just living.

All of these things could easily be supplied by a part-time minimum wage job if:

You buy all your clothes from thrift stores. There's nothing wrong with buying used clothes as long as you wash them. A lot of the time when you buy clothes from store they can be returned which means they where already worn once. Also use thrift stores to buy anything you may need or enjoy using (like books).

You ride a bike to work (it helps if you live close)

You eat frugally (Beans, rice, and pasta go a long way and are cheap). Eat vegetables that are abundant and in season. Eat only small amounts of meat. Eat left overs and don't waste any food. Always buy on sale and use coupons only on things you are going to buy anyway. Do not eat out. If you don't want a lot of dishes, don't eat messy foods. If you have the space and a few tools, try starting a small garden.

Try these tips:

For shelter try sharing rent with others. Get a room mate. Not owning a house eliminates a ton of expenses (taxes, repairs and other maintenance like lawn care, and insurance).

Bills can be small if you're careful. Sharing rent can also mean sharing heat. Minimize the time you spend in the shower. Hang clothes when you can instead of using the dryer (which saves a lot of electricity). Sharing the internet with roommates can also mean splitting the internet bill. Use a prepaid phone and use minutes for stuff that's important (or get a headset and try skype, for a few bucks a month you can call anywhere in the US through your internet.)

Be careful with toiletries. Don't buy a lot of cleaning products you never use. For toilets and sinks, bleach and water in a spray bottle usually can do the trick. For tubs, take some used towels and lay them down in a water and bleach mixture you made in your tub. Be sure once you mix the allow it to air out before re-entering to avoid fumes. Use paper towels for wiping your mouth and use regular used dishtowels to wipe off messes.

[Flackle]

I've noticed that too. I have been taking money out for specific expenses like $250 for groceries/household items for the month and $100 just for me spending money. It seems to help me think about whether I really need to buy something or if I am just buying more than needed. It also seems I am wasting less food. I also keep a running total with my husband so we can make sure we split expenses since we both have separate bank accounts. 

Are you also making sure you're paying yourself? There no such thing as spending money on yourself since you're actually just giving that money to other people. If you wanna spend money on yourself, actually do it by saving if for yourself.

[Flackle]

THIN AIR... that's the only answer I have, also to food, gas, electricity, housing, and all those pesky necessary things of life...

You will always find something to spend money on, even if you have any left other. Save money first, then figure out how to live on the rest. Someone out there is probably living on less than you do and they're still alive. So I know it wont kill you.

[captainfearless]

All forms of money eventually go back to where they come from Eventually the paper currency of the US will return to thin air