The No Budget Woes.....

[z28snksknr]

So I'm currently grounded from spending money for projects - be it home, garage, landscaping, anything. It feels wierd since I'm so used to always having something to work on, progress, start, or finish.

Why? Partly because we have a newborn and need to increase our savings to handle life's suprises (like $1500 in hospital bills / dr's visits). And Partly because my wife's maternity leave checks are on a 4 week lag from her not getting a paycheck from her job (thanks to my procrastinating wife).

So, how do you guys occupy yourselves when there is no budget? Or perhaps a better way to ask is: what do you guys do around the house / garage that's free- requiring no supplies, new tools (the horror!!), or other expenses? I ask this because sitting on the couch waiting for hte baby to cry next is giving me cabin fever.

All work and no play makes z28snksknr a miserable *******.

 

[Intel]

I do all of the work like cleaning/organizing etc that I hate doing when I have a project I can be working on. Plus might get you on the better side with the other half

 

[OccupantRJ]

When I have been in that situation, I do the things that are the most labor intensive, which cost the least. Things such as sorting and organizing hardware, sanding and painting some item, etc. Normally these are the things I needed to do anyway, just would not previously slow down to do them.

 

[hetkind]

Money doesn't have to be a problem...time to tackle all those low cost, but time intensive tasks...but having a new baby should keep you busy, cooking, cleaning, shopping, taking care of the wife AND the baby...

Howard

 

[matty d]

clean...

 

[rieferman]

I actually have two "to-do" lists. One is the "free" list and one is the "need budget" list. As a single income household, the budget freezes happen frequently, so I move to the list of projects that can be completed from scrap materials and fasteners on hand. I also try to do non-work hobbies once in awhile

 

[ratdoggy]

Time to paint the inside of the house. That's pretty cheap.

 

[bczygan]

Organize the shop and make storage items from scrap materials. Make an automatic rocking baby cradle operated by some shop equipment so you can keep the baby in the shop with you!

 

[LocoCoco]

A cheap project I may begin soon is too organize the bags and containers of random nuts, bolts and fasteners I have spread out in every corner.

Just last night I picked up 16 small bins (4"x6" or so) from Home Depot and another 5 larger ones from the buck store to finally get things organized. An even cheaper solution would be to just use old margarine containers or whatever you find laying around.

Now I have enough bins but when will I actually do it?.....




LC.

 

[motoguy]

Make your "projects" into money-makers. Get rid of a few things around the house you don't need. Scour Craiglist for things that are undervalued, or things which you have the ability to repair and resell. This can turn into quite an enjoyable challenge, it'll satisfy your "tinkeritis", and it's also adding some $$ to the general fund.

That's what I've done in the past, anyway. Some have even turned into quite the profit-making ventures.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Use the time to take care of your wife and newborn child. You'll score some serious points for future projects for yourself.

 

[Scotto]

Use the time to take care of your wife and newborn child. You'll score some serious points for future projects for yourself.

x2. I just had a son 4 months ago and have been doing a lot of that.

I still do take some time for myself though, like at night or a couple hours on the weekend. I've polished and washed all the car, even in this cold *** weather we've had. That's something that occupies a lot of time but doesn't cost much at all. Also been busy making a will and doing taxes - fun stuff right there, lol.

 

[Rosco]

Use the time to take care of your wife and newborn child. You'll score some serious points for future projects for yourself.

we have a winner! you will never get this time back, and lack of funds is the perfect opportunity. There will be times to have a sanity break, so save the zero cost projects for that. Spending time with the wife and child will give you payback that no funds could ever buy.

BTW, congratulations!

 

[swharris]

Um, go to work?

 

[5lima30]

Clean out your garage/ shop and maybe post some items that you don't need on Craigslist. Also check the barter section of Craigslist not only for items but services as well. I've bartered many items over the years and got some great deals. I know a local attorney who has taken payment in loads of firewood for example. +1 on also spending more time with your family while you can.

 

[jonny o]

Build/laminate list of doctors and hospitals near home and family homes, groceries for lovely bride, baby. Hide in diaper bag and house.

Make/Hide spare keys for house, cars - easy to lose when juggling diaper bag, baby and groceries.

Toddler-proof the house or at least outline needs/budget.

Make a "code blue emergency" kit for each car. Spare diapers, bottle and other essentials.

Search web for ideas on documenting baby experience - picture a day type stuff.

Build a "cap" to go over a door frame, or freestanding wall-mount fixture in your house to mark kids height over the years so you can take it with you if you ever move.

Scrap pvc wire tie holders.
Funnel drain/rack.
Check yard/hand equipment for paint, loose handle attachment.
Rotate vehicle tires.
Change vehicle fluids.
Organize fasteners.
Label all those storage tubs in your loft.

Edit: You are in NJ. Make sure you have the survival basics in the vehicles: 9 hour candle, shovel, blanket, triangles, good spare and tools, flashlight. Maybe an old, no service cell for a 911 call.

 

[Groovy]

Do odd jobs for $.

Use the internet and learn something new that you can teach the youngins later down the line.

Free books here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Make stuff out of the stuff people put out on the curb or look on freecycle.com fix up some old furniture, lawn mowers, whatever people give away. I got a free hot tub from there 3 dollor PVC part made it not leak and I sold it for 3 hundred bucks. I would love free time.

 

[lowbucktruck]

we have a winner! you will never get this time back, and lack of funds is the perfect opportunity. There will be times to have a sanity break, so save the zero cost projects for that. Spending time with the wife and child will give you payback that no funds could ever buy.

BTW, congratulations!

Congrats! And listen to this advice. Your wife will need all of your help and support. Just picking up the slack and doing all of the household chores that she was doing before pregnancy will go a long way.

I spent any of my "free" time when my daughter was born doing just that. I also built furniture for the new nursery.

 

[minhster]

Sitting around and drinking beer isn't free but can be cheap if you buy the cheap stuff (Bud Light). It's what I do when I have nothing to work on.

 

[6768rogues]

Use the time to take care of your wife and newborn child. You'll score some serious points for future projects for yourself.

I completely agree with Jack. My kids are grown and out of the house. One is a very successful contractor and lives nearby, we see him often. The other is a lawyer in NYC and we see her a couple of times a year. I miss having small kids in the house. I recommend puttering around the house and enjoying it because it will be over too soon.

 

[rickairmedic]

I come here " STAY OUT OF THE TOOL FORUM " it wont help without any toy money .


Rick

 

[IMCA38]

Scrap metal prices are stupid high right now.
Scour the shop, garage, storage shed, basement, attic, back yard, etc for stuff that you don't need any more. Take it to the local scrap dealer and get some $$ to finance your projects. I took a pickup load of stuff in last fall and netted almost $150 with minimal effort.
I've already got my eyes on stuff in the attic of my shop that hasn't moved for years and there is no real reason to keep it (example- a garage door opener that crapped out several years ago). I also have an old battery charger that doesn't work anymore. I'm sure that thing has a gob of copper in it!. Come spring, that stuff is going bye bye...
By doing this, you accomplish several things: freeing up space, making money and helping the environment.
Good luck!

 

[NUTTSGT]

I go out the garage and look around. There is almost always some little project that needs done at minimal cost.

If that doesn't work, check out the Garage Gallery section, that'll kill a couple of hours.

 

[MadMechMaster]

I went through it with our first, and now with my 10 month old. Like others have said, spend the bulk of the time with the baby. It goes fast.

Use the garage as a place to get some peace. Remember, it takes 20 minutes to grab a screwdriver to change batteries in toys. For me, after about a year, when you can count on the baby sleeping, I get out there for bigger projects.

I usually walk out of Menards with parts for several projects, but sometimes can only get to doing the one that I went there for. This is a good time to knock those out.

 

[christopizza]

I use those times to plan the next big project!!!

When I built my pizza oven, I used the first couple months to plan and scrounge materials. I saved a ton of money that way.

Chris

 

[ambenz]

If the weather was a little better I'd say, have a garage sale!!!!
Collect all the junk you know you probley won't use in the next couple of years.
Tag and bag or put it all in boxes so when better weather comes around, you will be ready!!!
Gosh, I should get off the computer and do this myself!!!!

 

[rwhite692]

I never, ever run into the problem of having nothing to work on...Aside from working on my own stuff, there is always a buddy with a daily driver or race car or boat or whatever, to spend time on.

When money is tight, I will look through the pile of (mostly car) stuff I have accumulated over the years, and put a few things up on Ebay to bring in some more play money. My wife does not care what I do with any extra money I make this way and it keeps the peace, LOL....

 

[rwhite692]

I use those times to plan the next big project!!!

When I built my pizza oven, I used the first couple months to plan and scrounge materials. I saved a ton of money that way.

Chris

Chris, NICE JOB on that outdoor kitchen / Pizza Oven!

 

[tjackson]

Spend time with the newborn and wife! Then when you get your budget back the wife might be a little better about you spending the coin.

Plus you will NEVER get this time back with your child as a newborn and when he/she grows up you will wish they were still newborn and you could hold them again.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[ddawg16]

Lots of good advice......

#1....as Jack said.....spend time with the wife and baby......you won't get it back....tag team.....when you get home from work....take over....let her take a nap....

#2....as Occupant said....go out and organize.....(when everyone is asleep)...I'm willing to bet that you have at least 3 boxes of junk that need to be sorted.....One of the most satisfying things to do in the garage is get stuff organized....it's usually the little things.....look around....what pile of stuff bugs you the most.....tackle that one first....then move on to the next....

Oh....BTW....congrats......but you have some catching up to do to my 5 kids.....

 

[z28snksknr]

Tons of good suggestions here!!! I do agree that spending time with mom and baby is #1 on my list and has been for the last 10 weeks, but this weekend she is going to a baby shower on Sunday (taking him to show off) and also attending a friend's birthday party on Saturday (again taking him to show off- I'm not a fan of the "birthday boy" so I'm not attending). I'm going to be home by myself for almost 2 whole days and I want to make the most of it.

Reading these responses reminded me of how much there is to do around the house that I've been putting off. I have to trim out a door, replace a few outlets, find and seal a leaky window in the bedroom, do some drywall repairs, and a few dozen other odds and ends that were mentioned here. I knew you guys would lead me towards the answer!!

 

[Daniel Dudley]

People first.

Then money.

Then things.

Why don't you start by thanking God for a healthy wife and child ? Take pictures of them with that digital camera of yours. Then, when you are looking at the pictures, notice in the background all those things in your house that could be organized, rearranged, etc., etc...

Then go on the forums you like, and post some pictures of your new baby. Look at all the pictures of other Dads's ''little helpers''. This is the greatest part of your life coming up, but you have to tune into the love, and make it grow.

Get yourself a copy of Dave Ramsey's ''Total Money Makeover''. Read it, and use this opportunity to become focused on your future, for yourself and your family. Stop living for today, and live for the future. In a few years you may not have to worry about where the money is coming from if you are willing to look to the future now.

This could be the Greatest Adventure of your life, or, you could make it the worst. It is a funny thing though. Many of the things we take for granted or consider a drag are the things we miss most bitterly when they are gone. Ironically, then the things we consider so very important Right Now often lose their charm. Don't ask me how I know that.

Now, how about that Baby Picture Thread ? Get those pictures now, because next week will be too late.

 

[brownbagg]

watch a lot of tv

 

[z28snksknr]

People first.

Then money.

Then things.

Why don't you start by thanking God for a healthy wife and child ? Take pictures of them with that digital camera of yours. Then, when you are looking at the pictures, notice in the background all those things in your house that could be organized, rearranged, etc., etc...

Then go on the forums you like, and post some pictures of your new baby. Look at all the pictures of other Dads's ''little helpers''. This is the greatest part of your life coming up, but you have to tune into the love, and make it grow.

Get yourself a copy of Dave Ramsey's ''Total Money Makeover''. Read it, and use this opportunity to become focused on your future, for yourself and your family. Stop living for today, and live for the future. In a few years you may not have to worry about where the money is coming from if you are willing to look to the future now.

This could be the Greatest Adventure of your life, or, you could make it the worst. It is a funny thing though. Many of the things we take for granted or consider a drag are the things we miss most bitterly when they are gone. Ironically, then the things we consider so very important Right Now often lose their charm. Don't ask me how I know that.

Now, how about that Baby Picture Thread ? Get those pictures now, because next week will be too late.

Just to clarify my intent here.....I already have my priorities in place. I very much appreciate everyone's advice including your's and I agree 100% with it, but I have some rare free time coming this weekend and was looking for ideas to occupy myself during a period where hobby spending is a luxury I can't justify as the moment. Just take a look at my truck resto thread in my sig to see how all progress has stopped about 9 months ago.

I've got over 1500 pictures of our 10 week old baby, and that doesn't count the ones on family member's cameras where I'm on the other side of the lens or the proferssional ones we've paid for. My existence is solely dedicated to keeping that little dude happy and my wife reminds me almost daily that none of her friend's husbands do ANY of the things I do and she is amazed at how much I've changed and never expected me to get excited to change a diaper. I've done the 3 hour marathon gas pain crying sessions while the wife is sleeping upstairs, I'm currently averaging <4 hrs of sleep a night, I read articles on infant development at work, I check how he's doing 3-4 times a day via texts, I bathe him, I change him, I turn off the tv and pick him up when he cries. He usually spends more time in my arms than in my wife's.

As for the financial side of things, We've blown through $3k in the past 10 weeks in baby only expenses - doctors, pictures, hospital bills, baby supplies, oh and was in there too. Not having my wife's income for a month brings that up to almost $8k in 10 weeks that our savings has taken a hit. I'm 29 and just bought a house 2 years ago - you'd be hard pressed to find someone my age that still has a hobby buget after all that - priorities or not.

Again, I'm on your side as far as my time with my son. Just laying out some perspective so this doesn't digress into "well your problem is......." type of thread.

 

[Holedgr]

Well....now that you respond with all that...get off ur azz and start drawing up plans for the (choose one) playhouse, go cart, custom cool bed for when he's a little older, a tike, a bike, a cool wagon, omg...it's endless.....good luck figuring it out.

-T

 

[LocoCoco]

^ I was just about to say something about all the suggestions about spending time with your wife and kid...

Of course it's his top priority, and there isn't a doubt in my mind that he knows that and is a great father and husband. But part of being a great father and husband is keeping yourself sane for the sake of your wife and kid. Any councellor, doctor, therapist or happy old couple will tell you that. That's where this thread comes in. He's not looking for ways to avoid his family, he's looking for ways to maintain good mental health after everyone else is looked after in order to keep providing for his family. And on top of that, he's particularily focused on causing the least negative impact on his family by keeping costs to a minimum and staying right at home where he's readily available if needed. Sounds pretty awesome to me for baby, mom and dad.


That all said, I also have a few fun and largely pointless projects laying around that I'll get to when the time is right. One is I happen to have an old 12V cordless drill with an exhausted battery, and a pair of old booster cables with a missing clamp. Project is to hardwire the cables to the drill and have a portable 12V drill to use on the Jeep trail. Probably won't ever use it but it's an entertaining project that will cost me a few hot glue sticks and solder.

Also have a '60s-vintage Evinrude remote throttle that I've been wanting to somehow turn into a dimmer switch for some novelty lighting in the garage. (Throttle up makes it brighter.) Again, pretty pointless but after a long stressful day it'll be guaranteed to calm me down and go to bed and sleep well that night. Next morning will be nice and refreshed and ready to conquer the day.



LC.

 

[eborcim]

Don't be too hard on the wife...having a kid changes a lot in a woman.

 

[minhster]

I'm 29 and just bought a house 2 years ago - you'd be hard pressed to find someone my age that still has a hobby buget after all that - priorities or not.

I'm 27 and just bought my own single family home last year. Money is already starting to be tight. Sounds like I'm on the same path that you were on. Hopefully i'll be half the man you are!

 

[soo_smitty]

Sometimes I hafta double check if I somehow didn't end up on Dr Phil Journal.com

 

[fergus]

Hey man,

I know where you're coming from. Not because of kids, but grueling economic conditions really got me this year. I've made a list of free projects I can do with materials I already have. Just like everybody else has suggested. I've had a lot of time on my hands as of late since I haven't been working much. But my list really gave me some direction and motivation to get off my **** whenever I got down. Just getting out of the house was the biggest help really. And my one list lasted over a year!