Is it getting harder financially or is it just me?

[kewp]

I remember hearing at some point that you are legally allowed to receive unencrypted signals broadcast onto your property. Now, to actually use the internet, you have to uplink your queries, but I’m curious how receive-only works.

California computer crime legislation is still relatively new and hasn’t exactly been tested all that well.

Feel free to read up on it:

http://calwater.ca.gov/cpc502.shtml

Especially (7) Knowingly and without permission accesses or causes to be accessed any computer, computer system, or computer network.

It might actually be a misdemeanor, not a felony however.

[Reality]

The OP is doing nothing wrong in using an unencrypted wireless network. The neighbor may be wrong in sharing it, but that’s between him and the ISP.

For all you holier than thou folks who think the OP is “stealing internet access”, how many of you have been to Youtube? Much of the content is copyrighted and on the site without authorization. I guess you have been stealing it.

[Reality]

The OP is doing nothing wrong in using an unencrypted wireless network. The neighbor may be wrong in sharing it, but that’s between him and the ISP.

For all you holier than thou folks who think the OP is “stealing internet access”, how many of you have been to Youtube? Much of the content is copyrighted and on the site without authorization. I guess you have been stealing it.

[Raybyrnes]

As stated by other posters your expenses seem high.
For groceries the Sunday paper coupon section provides savings of over 150 a week in coupons for 15 to 20 minutes of readiing time.

For your car insurance you may wnat to check out Wawanesa if you and your wife have good driving records. I pay less than 1000 a year for 2 automobiles with comp and collision and 100/300/100 limmitis of liability.

The 600$ student loan payment makes sense if they were private student loans but if they wer the Federal Stafford loasn you made a mistake not consolidating the loasn and making the minimum payment you could coming out of school. That would have reduce your payment on 35K were of debt down to around 150 amonth. You could have easily earned more than 3% that the governemtn charges and withy your incomes you still qualify for the tax deducion.

100 a month on life insurance seems high for a young guy. Look into a term policy for yourself and your wife. Should save you 50$ a month.

I am Catholic so I am unfamilial with a tithe. Sounds like it is charity so unlike other posters I ahve a hard time saying that you will not benefit from the good you do fof otheres.

[Raybyrnes]

As stated by other posters your expenses seem high.
For groceries the Sunday paper coupon section provides savings of over 150 a week in coupons for 15 to 20 minutes of readiing time.

For your car insurance you may wnat to check out Wawanesa if you and your wife have good driving records. I pay less than 1000 a year for 2 automobiles with comp and collision and 100/300/100 limmitis of liability.

The 600$ student loan payment makes sense if they were private student loans but if they wer the Federal Stafford loasn you made a mistake not consolidating the loasn and making the minimum payment you could coming out of school. That would have reduce your payment on 35K were of debt down to around 150 amonth. You could have easily earned more than 3% that the governemtn charges and withy your incomes you still qualify for the tax deducion.

100 a month on life insurance seems high for a young guy. Look into a term policy for yourself and your wife. Should save you 50$ a month.

I am Catholic so I am unfamilial with a tithe. Sounds like it is charity so unlike other posters I ahve a hard time saying that you will not benefit from the good you do fof otheres.

[nla]

According to sandag.org, 92127 zip code has a $74,570 median household income as of 2000 Census. Estimate for 2004 median household income is $80,001, 2010 is $85,092.

So to the original poster, you’re not making twice the median household for your area, you’re just making the median income and yes, you’re living beyond your means. $90,000 per annum is not that much in San Diego.

[nla]

According to sandag.org, 92127 zip code has a $74,570 median household income as of 2000 Census. Estimate for 2004 median household income is $80,001, 2010 is $85,092.

So to the original poster, you’re not making twice the median household for your area, you’re just making the median income and yes, you’re living beyond your means. $90,000 per annum is not that much in San Diego.

[temeculaguy]

“For all you holier than thou folks” I find it ironic that you would use that phrase. I was one of the people that started it and I was only drawing attention to what I thought was a contradiction to self taxing oneself 10% to church or charity while dodging what most people consider basic utilities. Both behaviors exist in the population but I found it odd to exist in the same person, PETA members rarely eat dogs, cattle farmers rarely eat soy burgers and priests rarely molest young boys (ugh, ok strike the third one).

Sure you can get away with it and nobody is going to storm your house with a swat team over free HBO, but if you are going to make a huge financial sacrifice because of the spritual satisfaction you get from being a good person (and I believe the OP is an incredible person) go all the way and do the right thing even when nobody is looking and you know you won’t get caught.

[temeculaguy]

“For all you holier than thou folks” I find it ironic that you would use that phrase. I was one of the people that started it and I was only drawing attention to what I thought was a contradiction to self taxing oneself 10% to church or charity while dodging what most people consider basic utilities. Both behaviors exist in the population but I found it odd to exist in the same person, PETA members rarely eat dogs, cattle farmers rarely eat soy burgers and priests rarely molest young boys (ugh, ok strike the third one).

Sure you can get away with it and nobody is going to storm your house with a swat team over free HBO, but if you are going to make a huge financial sacrifice because of the spritual satisfaction you get from being a good person (and I believe the OP is an incredible person) go all the way and do the right thing even when nobody is looking and you know you won’t get caught.

[avidsaver]

You are living above median spending $800/month on groceries at Whole foods, you comment on unsavory areas for $1500/month rent and hence choose Rancho Bernardo at $2000/month.

Amen to this. I believe that your tithing is a personal choice, and I don’t want to get into that debate. But goodness — $800 per month for groceries?!?! You’re asking our opinion about whether you’re doing something wrong. For me, I’d say emphatically that your living expenses are excessive. How far DO you live from work that you have to pay so much in gas?

I think that you need to look at what it is that you’re really trying to accomplish and set your priorities. If your priority is to shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, then do so, but that may mean that you sacrifice savings that could go toward a housing down payment. The good news is that time is on your side, but in the meantime, you could be saving a LOT more. You really have to look at what you can afford realistically. There are people who make $30K and have 5 kids. They have to feed their families. Whole Foods for them is not an option. And it may not be for you. It’s not an option for you at this point any more than the purchase of a million dollar home is. It’s your choice.

I also use http://www.thegrocerygame.com, and I spend less than $300/month on groceries (for a family of two – one parent and child). Honestly, the addition of a third person shouldn’t raise the grocery bill too much more because there are rarely small quantities sold for two people only. Also, look at how much you’re spending on things like laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, etc. Maybe you can save on those items, and still make the most important purchases (meats, produce, etc.) at Whole Foods.

Also, I’d agree with everyone that you need to check the auto insurance rates. You didn’t mention your ages, but I have a “new-ish” (2005) Toyota Highlander and pay about $800/year on auto insurance.

Finally, I hear you on renting a place in the right area, but again, it’s a matter of choice. I rent in a good school district, but I rent a two bedroom place at about $1,500. Would I “like” a third bedroom? Yes. Can I afford it? No.

For comparison’s sake, my base is a little less than yours (89K) plus a bonus. So we’re in the same range. You just need to think about what you want…

Remember… it’s your choice. The market will turn around, and your story — as a gainfully employed middle-class business owner who can’t afford to buy — is one illustration of why it will. You just need to make the right choices so that you’ll be ready when the next SHOE DROPS.

[avidsaver]

You are living above median spending $800/month on groceries at Whole foods, you comment on unsavory areas for $1500/month rent and hence choose Rancho Bernardo at $2000/month.

Amen to this. I believe that your tithing is a personal choice, and I don’t want to get into that debate. But goodness — $800 per month for groceries?!?! You’re asking our opinion about whether you’re doing something wrong. For me, I’d say emphatically that your living expenses are excessive. How far DO you live from work that you have to pay so much in gas?

I think that you need to look at what it is that you’re really trying to accomplish and set your priorities. If your priority is to shop at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, then do so, but that may mean that you sacrifice savings that could go toward a housing down payment. The good news is that time is on your side, but in the meantime, you could be saving a LOT more. You really have to look at what you can afford realistically. There are people who make $30K and have 5 kids. They have to feed their families. Whole Foods for them is not an option. And it may not be for you. It’s not an option for you at this point any more than the purchase of a million dollar home is. It’s your choice.

I also use http://www.thegrocerygame.com, and I spend less than $300/month on groceries (for a family of two – one parent and child). Honestly, the addition of a third person shouldn’t raise the grocery bill too much more because there are rarely small quantities sold for two people only. Also, look at how much you’re spending on things like laundry detergent, soap, shampoo, etc. Maybe you can save on those items, and still make the most important purchases (meats, produce, etc.) at Whole Foods.

Also, I’d agree with everyone that you need to check the auto insurance rates. You didn’t mention your ages, but I have a “new-ish” (2005) Toyota Highlander and pay about $800/year on auto insurance.

Finally, I hear you on renting a place in the right area, but again, it’s a matter of choice. I rent in a good school district, but I rent a two bedroom place at about $1,500. Would I “like” a third bedroom? Yes. Can I afford it? No.

For comparison’s sake, my base is a little less than yours (89K) plus a bonus. So we’re in the same range. You just need to think about what you want…

Remember… it’s your choice. The market will turn around, and your story — as a gainfully employed middle-class business owner who can’t afford to buy — is one illustration of why it will. You just need to make the right choices so that you’ll be ready when the next SHOE DROPS.

[North County Native]

I am married with 3 kids. Our grocery bill is $400- $500 a month and I buy most of our food at henry’s or sprouts. Farmers markets in the area also have some great deals on produce. We don’t drink any soda and the kids don’t drink expensive juices since they can have a whole fruit instead. We drink milk and water. We eat meat sparingly and usually get chicken or fish on sale.

For children’s clothing, you can find nice clothes at resale stores. Check out http://www.childrensorchard.com or http://www.ouac.com . Children’s Orchard and Once Upon a Child are great! La Costa Kids is also a nice place with some of the designer labels. I get my kids clothes at those places and nobody can tell – they don’t look like thrift store clothes.

I was determined to stay home with my kids. When we had the first child my husband was making $9 an hour (full time) and going to college full time. It was a very hard time but we made it through it! Any chance we got to eat steak at our parents – we jumped at it! Of course $9 an hour was 7 years ago… I still stay home – I had thought about working part time but decided that my kids absolutely need me home instead of needing a yard (that is why we have wonderful parks to play at.)

My husband is 1 year out of college and heading back for his master’s in the fall. He is at the lowest earnings for his career and we are confident that his earnings will increase over time. He is getting a little under $50K now. Somehow I’ve learned how to make a dollar stretch. We also have a car payment, pay a full tithe , student loans and some credit card debt. The car and credit cards will be paid off in one year.

I would never ever cut out tithing. I truly believe that I’ve been blessed by paying a tithe. You have been blessed as well and will continue to be.

Also, many other churches besides Latter-Day Saints pay tithing (as others have posted). The comment someone else wrote about going back to Utah is silly. My husband and I were born and raised in San Diego and this is our home. Our own parents didn’t come from Utah either. If you observe your LDS friends and neighbors, you will see that most of us pay tithing and the women stay home with the children. There is a huge LDS presence in San Diego and we blend in with everyone else. If you met me in person, you’d see that I don’t have “Utah” written on my forehead and that I look like a normal mom.

Yes, I may have married young and had children young but I love my life. If I can figure out how to stay home and raise my children (while poor), I can do anything! My husband also always has made sure that wherever he has worked, we have had excellent health care benefits – we never applied for state insurance.

You can make your finances work. I went from being Daddy’s little girl ( I had everything I could want) to being dirt poor. I appreciate the small things. I don’t demand jewelry and roses from my husband, although they are nice surprises. My family is the most precious thing to me. See how much you can cut back. We also don’t have cable and don’t miss it.

Good luck!

[North County Native]

I am married with 3 kids. Our grocery bill is $400- $500 a month and I buy most of our food at henry’s or sprouts. Farmers markets in the area also have some great deals on produce. We don’t drink any soda and the kids don’t drink expensive juices since they can have a whole fruit instead. We drink milk and water. We eat meat sparingly and usually get chicken or fish on sale.

For children’s clothing, you can find nice clothes at resale stores. Check out http://www.childrensorchard.com or http://www.ouac.com . Children’s Orchard and Once Upon a Child are great! La Costa Kids is also a nice place with some of the designer labels. I get my kids clothes at those places and nobody can tell – they don’t look like thrift store clothes.

I was determined to stay home with my kids. When we had the first child my husband was making $9 an hour (full time) and going to college full time. It was a very hard time but we made it through it! Any chance we got to eat steak at our parents – we jumped at it! Of course $9 an hour was 7 years ago… I still stay home – I had thought about working part time but decided that my kids absolutely need me home instead of needing a yard (that is why we have wonderful parks to play at.)

My husband is 1 year out of college and heading back for his master’s in the fall. He is at the lowest earnings for his career and we are confident that his earnings will increase over time. He is getting a little under $50K now. Somehow I’ve learned how to make a dollar stretch. We also have a car payment, pay a full tithe , student loans and some credit card debt. The car and credit cards will be paid off in one year.

I would never ever cut out tithing. I truly believe that I’ve been blessed by paying a tithe. You have been blessed as well and will continue to be.

Also, many other churches besides Latter-Day Saints pay tithing (as others have posted). The comment someone else wrote about going back to Utah is silly. My husband and I were born and raised in San Diego and this is our home. Our own parents didn’t come from Utah either. If you observe your LDS friends and neighbors, you will see that most of us pay tithing and the women stay home with the children. There is a huge LDS presence in San Diego and we blend in with everyone else. If you met me in person, you’d see that I don’t have “Utah” written on my forehead and that I look like a normal mom.

Yes, I may have married young and had children young but I love my life. If I can figure out how to stay home and raise my children (while poor), I can do anything! My husband also always has made sure that wherever he has worked, we have had excellent health care benefits – we never applied for state insurance.

You can make your finances work. I went from being Daddy’s little girl ( I had everything I could want) to being dirt poor. I appreciate the small things. I don’t demand jewelry and roses from my husband, although they are nice surprises. My family is the most precious thing to me. See how much you can cut back. We also don’t have cable and don’t miss it.

Good luck!

[34f3f3f]

In Europe, where disposible income is generally lower that the US, this is the norm for many people. People just get on with their lives and somehow seem to cope. I wouldn’t say the quality of life is any worse as a result. It’s not until you break it down that it looks scary. I agree that cash is key, because you can only spend what you have. The Japanese success story was based on the fact that they decided on a price to sell at first, and then worked backwards to reduce costs.

[34f3f3f]

In Europe, where disposible income is generally lower that the US, this is the norm for many people. People just get on with their lives and somehow seem to cope. I wouldn’t say the quality of life is any worse as a result. It’s not until you break it down that it looks scary. I agree that cash is key, because you can only spend what you have. The Japanese success story was based on the fact that they decided on a price to sell at first, and then worked backwards to reduce costs.

[Author]

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