Guess I just have to blow off some steam. I have wanted to be an RN for many years, and I finally am, 2 yrs now. I love it. However, what has me irritated is that, although I didn't choose nursing for financial reasons, I find that I still work as hard as I ever have, to this day, to make it from paycheck to paycheck. Still have 2 kids in the home, and a wife. Spent the day applying to staffing agency's, and per diem positions because I just can't afford to work 3 shifts per week. I have nothing fancy. No fancy car, no "toys", no cottage on the lake, no rentals... I live a very meager existence. And although I really do not need much, I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck! It would be nice someday treat my kids with something, instead of explaining how we don't have any money for anything extra. At times I don't know how I am any better off these days compared to my early marriage years when we lived in a double wide, had one vehicle, life was simple, and worked at some menial job where I didn't have someone life in my hands, like at work. I am not bitter, just really wondering what in the h*#l is going on...
And then, add to this the fact that there are so many of my peers that have all kinds of "stuff." What have I done wrong? Or are my suspicions that " most of these deer folks are living on credit" accurate??? I don't know...good thing I like working because I will never know anything else.
Make a budget with your partner that you can both live with, and stick to it.
Write out a detailed account of all your fixed and variable expenses. Include savings and emergency funds in your plan, even if it is small to begin with.
Many people have no idea where their money goes or how to budget. Making lists, keeping track of receipts and having a plan is the first step.
I have two children and basically live paycheck to paycheck as well. I do save a meager $50 per check towards retirement. It's not much but right now it's a start (and I'm 40 something). I carry the health insurance and my sig other owns his own electrical business. It's up and down in this economy. After orientation, it should get better for you because you will be able to pick up. In my job it's feast or famine and just depends on pt loads. You are not alone!
Dave Ramsey changed the way my husband and I think about/deal with finances and our financial situation is in such a better state now than before taking the class... just wanted to give another recommendation. Of course a class won't fix your life but it can be a good motivator to make changes in areas that warrant it.
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joanna73, BSN, RN
4,767 Posts
Make a budget with your partner that you can both live with, and stick to it.
Write out a detailed account of all your fixed and variable expenses. Include savings and emergency funds in your plan, even if it is small to begin with.
Many people have no idea where their money goes or how to budget. Making lists, keeping track of receipts and having a plan is the first step.