Friday, December 28, 2012

We are NOT made of money

I don't like surprises....I am a planner (gee, I am sure you are surprised....).

We put the kids in "winter vacation" camp for 2 days this week.  $80 for both kids ($20 per day per kid).  Not cheap, but less expensive than losing the pay at work.  They love camp (same program that they go to in the summer). Yesterday they played games, went swimming, painted a piggy bank.....

I was already having a bad day when I picked them up, and it just continued as I saw Bossy walking down the hall with a staff.  He lost his towel.  Terrific.....

Then I looked at Bossy....and the paint on the front of his shirt.  His new shirt that he got for Christmas.  TERRIFIC.

So we are down a towel (unless the person who brought it home brings it back).  And I am struggling to get the paint out of his shirt (my Google search has yielded the result that while the paint is labeled "washable"....it isn't.).  The kid doesn't have alot of shirts.....so I am really upset.

THEN, the staff tells me that they are going to the movies on Friday.  But since the movie theater changed management, they no longer get a "deal."  So the kids need money for snack.  Granted we don't HAVE to let them get snack, but since they typically do (see the aforementioned "deal" ) I think we have to this time....and then talk to them about this not being an everytime treat.  The staff recommended $10 a child (and sadly....that is for the "kid combo").

In the span of just a few minutes, we were out $40 for all of that stuff.  Good gravy.

Add in that school lunch prices are increasing (Sassy usually takes her lunch, and Bossy prefers to have hot lunch), dairy prices are expected to increase, gas and oil prices are going up.....and taxes are going up.....

It is going to be a rough year.


21 comments:

  1. Yikes! Yeah, I am completely freaked about the outlook for 2013 financially, so right there with you!

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  2. lesson learned? never send them to school, camp, or anywhere in clothes that matter, you could even remember in future to never dress children in clothes that matter. let them play, let them get messy xx love froogsxxxx

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    1. When my kids were younger, I used to send them places with their old "old play" clothing on.

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  3. Grab a scrap of material and applique a design over that paint mess. FMx

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    1. Striped shirt....10 year old boy....don't think that will work so well.

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  4. I heard acetone or rubbing alcohol was normally pretty good to get paint off... Somehow I remember the snacks from either somebody else, or a similiar situation of yours earlier this year. I guess providing them with snacks isnt an option? A lot of things are going up, yes, but you can definitely plan for it! I think your 'kid' budget should be a bit larger to account for all of these unexpectancies.

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    1. The movie theater actually checks for bringing food in. So can't send them with snack at the theater.

      My kid budget has increased. I just feel that camp should have 1) told us when we registered that a movie was part of the schedule, and 2) taken a few steps to make sure that kids return with everything they came with...in the same condition.

      He has lost several water bottles, lunch boxes, etc.

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  5. Look, I was just remembering the post about the gift cards. You said you didn't want to use the ones for the Gap and for department stores you don't usually visit. But those stores would definitely be able to replace a kid shirt or two and a towel, right? Think about using up the value in those cards, and then you won't feel so bad about the shirt/towel episode. I know money is tight, but there's some free stuff for you just waiting to be redeemed. And I wonder if you sold the Target card yet?...

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    1. The gift card purchase would cover the expense of a new t shirt and towel!! Free is just awesome no matter where the source!!

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    2. I should clarify about GAP. That card is gone. I was just pointing out that I had it for 4 years before I found a use for it.

      I have one dept gift card that would cover a shirt....but my point is that he got that shirt for Christmas (and in hindsight, I shouldn't have let him wear it), and in less than a day it was damaged.

      Still have the Target card. Will "exchange" it for grocery cash on Wednesday when it is is payday.

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  6. I have two high school kids so I know about the money drain. I would say shop at your local thrift store for clothes and towels for camp, that way if they lose or ruin something your only out a few bucks. I try to never let the kids take anything I value, lol. Also, whenever the kids are going somewhere I try to anticipate that there gonna need $$, not always happy, but I know its coming...if they don't need it, then bonus money for the budget. Unfortunately I have learned this the hard way after being a mom of 4 for 27 years.

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    1. I have tried our thrift store several times, and maybe it is just our area...but there isn't anything I would put on my kids. I read where others find great deals. I am not buying my kids clothes that have stains, are so wash worn that they really should be trashed, or I don't agree with the graphic on it.

      My kids don't get alot of clothes. We tend to buy what they need, and of decent quality (usually on the larger side, so they have some growth room). When I have bought less expensive items, within a few washings they have shrunk, faded, etc. So if something gets ruined, I get upset.

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    2. You have an answer for everything! Just buy some $3.99 Walmart shirts. They don't really shrink, fade, and fall apart. You put a Christmas shirt on your son and he wore it to camp and it got paint on it. Get some cheap Hanes-type T-shirts. They hold up great and don't unravel as soon as you get them! Then he can have a whole closet full of shirts.

      People have tried to help but you block every solution. It is hard to believe that the thrift stores have nothing wearable in them. Usually kids' clothes can be bought there for about 99 cents.

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    3. We did the Walmart/Kmart/Target route. And they seriously didn't hold up. I am not going to do it. They are fine for true "play" shirts, or with jammie bottoms, but they aren't good for school.

      I live in an area that has alot of lower socioeconomic population, and the thrift stores reflect that. The clothing that is there is just well worn Walmart stuff. Not going to pay $2 for a shirt that I can get new for $3, and it won't hold up.

      I have already said in hindsight I shouldn't have let him wear the shirt. What more do you want?

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  7. What size shirt does your son wear? My son is very picky about shirts and right now will only wear Under Armour brand ones. So we have drawers full of things he does not wear. I could send them to you.......I would rather see them go to someone who needs them rather than donate to Goodwill. (they get a bunch from me)

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  8. Try hairspray we managed to get paint of of my nieces shorts with it. Spray it really good and then wash.

    I know its rough when those small things pop up thats why I made it a small ef for kids stuff

    Good luck

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    1. We do have an EF for kid stuff. Unfortunately, we drained it to pay for camp!!! We were planning on taking the time off of work (which for me means no pay), but camp was actually cheaper than the loss pay.

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  9. The t shirt can be fixed, with a purchase \with the gift card. The old painted t shirt can be a "play" top" to be switched into when going somewhere that may no doubt be a place that accidents happen. The towel can be replaced, however, if money is tight, then I would just look into free cycle. If everyone has a towel for bathing, then in reality, that's all a family needs. I think it's time for a nap, some rest, and the problem will look much better when you wake up.

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    1. I am better about it all now....but still irked.

      We work hard for our money, and it is frustrating to really not be where we thought we would be. I just get upset when others don't respect our items, and just shrug it off.

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