How do I make a budget when my husband is a realtor and has a commissioned-based job?
820227
It's not easy is it?  Can have a great couple of months followed by a real dry period.  The way I work it is take my highest four months of expenses including my quarterly taxes.  On my good months I stock away four months of expenses.  So when I do get into a low selling period I'm good to go.  Keep a serperate account for the fun things in life and don't touch that other account unless no money is coming in to the house hold.
123435
Assuming you'd like to start off working with a good Realtor who will take care of your real estate needs now and in the future, I suggest finding a Realtor who works for and by referral. They will not be spending time on door knocking etc and keep in touch with their past clients. This way, they'll have more time to work with you during the transaction.\n\nI'm a Realtor but not in your area. However, I have met other Realtors in person who are in your area and run their business in the same way I run mine. If you'd like a Referral to one who's professional and runs their business like I run mine, go to http://www.ReferredPro.com and submit your request. I'll forward your request onto a qualified Realtor local to you. Most of the Realtors I network with, I have met in person. I won't give your information out without your approval. So no worries there!
852563
If you did not sign a representation agreement that states specific time frames.  All you have to do is tell the Realtor you are going to work with someone else.  If you have a signed Real Estate Contract, the Realtor will be due the commission regardless.  \n\nI suggest speaking first to the Realtor's Broker or Manager and asking them to take over the day to day dealings.
583445
I am a CPA working with realtors.\nYou can deduct auto expenses (per mile or actual expenses, but not both), fees paid to broker, advertising, office supplies, meals with clients (at 50%), telephone, internet, depreciation of office equipment and furniture, professional licensing fees, continuing education fees, insurance (not health), contract labor and / or salaries paid to employees, interest on business credit cards or loans, legal / accounting fees, office expenses, rent or lease payments for office or equipment, repairs and maintenence of business assets, supplies, taxes paid (personal property or other business taxes), travel, utilites paid, postage.\nThe list could be endless.  If you are really unsure of how to proceed, contact a professional who could make it a lot less painful.  The state you reside in is also a factor.
839951
Budget, Budget, Budget.  You need to sit down and write up a budget.  If it ain't on the list and isn't absolutely required then it ain't gettin' done.  As you get used to this each pay period you'll get better at listing everything and estimating bills.  As you go through the month you'll be surprised at how much you'll be tempted to spend on non-requirements.  Make sure you factor in entertainment and food into your budget.  Budget is not a dirty word.  After you do it a few times you'll see it's not a burden.  BTW, get rid of that car or pay if off ASAP.  Alot of people retire poor because they always have a car payment.
332380
That can be tough.  I believe when you are married property should be joint but that seems to be a problem in your situation.  I think you need to sit down and ask him how he feels about it.  Whether you're paying rent or paying on bills depends on your accounts. You just don't want to pay a lot for a home you have no ownership over if something does happen someday. See if you can come to an agreement after a few years or have something declared in a prenup that helps cover you. We all plan for forever but unfortunately it doesn't always happen.  Good luck in your marriage!! Have a great wedding!
893061
It's a little late for this year, but a strategy I've found to be effective is by doing my shopping a little at a time, beginning, if you must, in January.\n \nHowever, this solution still doesn't deal with the underlying problem.  It sounds as if you and your husband have very different attitudes toward money--a situation that's not all that uncommon.  I know this from firsthand experience because it exists in my own home (though it's not nearly to the extreme you describe)--my situation for years was one of having to watch every penny and make choices between a cup of coffee and putting gas in my old jalopy, while my other half was used to thinking that money was something that, if he ran out, he could always get from his father.  Over the years he's learned to rein in his spending, but he never will be the penny pincher that I am (by the same token, I've become a little less prone to making a dime do the work of a dollar).  \n\nYou refer to your spouse as the "major breadwinner"--does he have the attitude of "it's MY money, I work for it, and I should get to spend it as I like?"  If so, I think that, as a couple, you would benefit from talking with a neutral third party--a clergyperson or a counselor--who can help you.  \n\nNow, for this year, a lot depends on the ages of your children.  If they're still fairly small, dollar stores will provide some gifts that will brighten the holiday for them.  You might also use this as an opportunity to teach your children about giving by donating some of their outgrown clothing and toys to a charity or a drive for such things in your area.  Stimulate their creativity, too, by making decorations with them.\n\nHope this gives some ideas, but until you and your other half deal with the problem of his spening habits, it's just going to be the same old thing year after year.
1028443
first off, be honest with him. the more you keep trying to hide this from your husband, the more excuses and trails you'll have to cover. however you paid for the bills they will leave a paper trail somewhere and if this keeps up, eventually your husband will follow that trail and then you'll have to answer for the shady activity. Since you only used it to pay for essentials like food and gas, then it shouldn't be that big a concern. whatever the outstanding bills were then that might produce a problem. Trust me, just suck it up and let him know about the bills and such and just deal with it then. Better now than several months down the road and you slip up on how you spent x amount of dollars on something. Just suck it up and ride it out. the longer the paper trail you leave the hotter the flame will be when it catches up to you.
845983
Insist you be paid. Call your clients yourself and explain without too much details and without being catty. If you let it slide, he will keep on doing what he is doing and do it to someone else in the future as well
798503
Start with an attorney.  You're going to be making some legal promises that can last thirty years, you need someone that knows what they're doing who is on YOUR side, and no one else's. \n\nYou need to talk to mortgage brokers, figure out what price range you're looking in. \n\nThen you need to find the house you want. Realtors are great for that, but if you don't use one, you still need to know what price range to shop for. \n\nWhen you find it, you sign a contract. It says "On or about a date two months from now, I'm going to pay you X and you will give me a deed to the house, free and clear of all liens.  This contract is void if the house is inspected and found to be in horrible structural condition."   It'll run about five pages. \n\nYou get the house inspected to be sure the roof is solid, not just painted on, that kind of thing.  \n\nIt gets appraised to be sure you didn't get conned on the value. Lenders don't like lending twice what the house is worth. \n\nA date to Close is set, something agreeable to all parties and lawyers. \n\nThe lender sends your loan papers and the money to your lawyer. \n\nYour lawyer explains what you're signing;  pay attention to the Note, which is your promise to repay the loan, and the mortgage which says if you don't, they take the house, and even while you are paying you keep it insured and in decent shape, and pay the taxes, etc.  Then he hands everyone their checks and it's your house. \n\nYou also will go through the "hud 1" or "settlement statement".  That's where you see all the money in and out on the transaction.  Closing costs are basically anything that has to be paid by you or the seller that isn't the price.  Loan fees, attorney fees, conveyance taxes, appraisals, filing fees, final water bills.... anything.   \n\nNow, having said all that... you also need to have an iron clad contract with the boyfriend detailing what happens to the house and the payment if you split up.   The courts won't be interested in helping you without a written contract.
334819
1. don't get in over your head.  know exactly how much you are going to put into the house and what it's for.  calculate everything you need before you make the purchase.\n\n2. paint and new carpet is where you'll get the most for your money.  use neutral colors and get a carpet that looks decent even if it costs a little more.  upgrade light fixtures and faucets. \n\n3. if possible, get the yard landscaped.  at the very least cut the lawn and plant some flowers.\n\n4. put in appliances. go with the cheapest stainless steel ones you can find.  \n\n5. remember to advertise any improvements...  beautifully renovated 3br/2ba home.  fresh paint and new carpet.  landscaped yard.  updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances included... \n\nlastly, get a realtor to help you find properties.  you won't have to pay him or her anything because the seller pays their commission.  good luck!
715027
Total up all your costs on paper and divide it by 2. Highlight the amount an leave it for him so that he can see what you are talking about. You are not the only person who lives in your home - you both do. You both are responsible for the household. If you feel strongly about it, let him know that if he doesn't pull his share, he can do it all on his own - as a single man.
506621
A fee-only financial planner is probably your best bet.  Although you pay up-front you should get unbiased advice, because the planner will not earn commissions on what you buy.
263941
I sort of agree with Big Ed...but you got some complications in this situation.\n\nAre you in agreement that all income is "Ours"?  Or is it that he puts in only a portion into the pot.  This is not good!\n\nI've shown people how to create a budget on a worksheet.  You can project into the future what your finances will be, and can budget your "play" money accordingly.  You are nervous because you don't really have a clue what is coming up.  By budgeting, it should help you out.\n\nDo a search on the internet for "budgeting" and get some ideas.  If you are still stumped send me an email and I'll show you how it's done.  \n\nThe fact that you now own your home indicated you are off to a good start.  Don't stumble now!
1172195
Hello - \n\nThe good news is that their are numerous lenders that will allow you to utilize your good credit scores and still include your husbands monthly income.\n\nIn regards to Stated loans, there are two major types. What we call a SIVA (Stated Income Verified Assets) or a SISA (Stated Income Stated Assets) The lower monthly payment would be on a SIVA loan. On this loan you would have bank statements to verify your monthly income.\n\nMonthly payments could be as low as $600 per month. However, you also will want to look at how long you wish to borrow the money, and at what point do you want to reach the freedom point of owning your home.\n\nThere are a few important questions you need to make sure you ask your mortgage company.\n\nQuestion 1: Is your mortgage portable? In some cases, your mortgage may be 'portable', which means you can carry it with you when you buy your next home and avoid having to obtain a new mortgage. NOTE - These types of loans are not available in all cases.\n\nQuestion 2: Is your mortgage assumable? The term 'assumable mortgage' means that when you sell your house to a buyer sometime down the road, that the buyer can 'assume' your mortgage, instead of having to apply and receive their own mortgage. This is very attractive to some buyers and may help you during negotiations.\n\nQuestion 3: Is there any 'pre-payment penalty' if I decide to sell or refinance my home before I have paid off my existing loan? This is a very important question, since you might be forced to a penalty if you pay off certain types of loans before they are due.\n\nDid you know that with certain loan types, you can shave off years of payments and thousands of dollars in interest? It all depends on what payment schedule you pick. Using additional payments and/or 'bi-weekly' payment programs can save you enormous amounts of money and time. For example, with a bi-weekly payment plan, you could save up to $46,701.00 on a $125,000 loan. Or if you have money trapped in an IRA or 401K plan, we could show you how to get that money out TAX FREE, by utilizing a different strategy.\n\nIn some areas, a seller may not even deal with you until they can verify that you can actually afford to purchase their home. To them, a pre-appon lineroved buyer is essential. But even in cases where pre-approval is not mandatory, it is still wise to consult with a reputable mortgage company and receive a pre-approval. Especially considering that the pre-approval process is fast and easy.not to mention AT NO-COST TO YOU!\n\nOnce you are pre-approved, you can embark upon your home buying journey with confidence, knowing that once you find your dream home, obtaining the money to buy it will be the easy part!\n\nMy company provides this as a free service at :\n\nwww.victorylenders.net \n\n-How to get the best rate and payment on your next loan\n-How to get started with a bi-weekly payment program\n-How to pick a payment amount that fits your needs and lifestyle\n\nPlease let me know if you have any further questions.
81660
well first off u need to figure out what are ur priority expenses. when u get paid u need to set aside the money u need to pay whatever bills need to be paid.. then whatever is left is your money.. take 60% of what u have left and that is for u and the other 40% u need to bank it and never touch it... and u do that every pay week.. if u stay steady to it u will have no problem in saving money. secondly, u need to knwo when to say no. if your a type of person who loves to spend money then u ned to tell yourslef No . spend only what u need and buy only what is needed.... if u need anything else i am here for you
303243
Look at your past expenses.  Ideally you have records from the past few months.  You will probably have some money you spent that you can not account for.\n\nFigure out what expenses are required and what are discretionary.  If you are spending too much try to limit your discretionary spending.  You may also have to determine what of your required expenses are actually necessary.\n\nA budget is like a diet, you need to build some fun in or it will not work.  You have to give yourself some money to spend beyond the minimum.  While having a limit may seem like a pain at first, it can also make you be creative with how can I enjoy this $20 I can spend on fun to have the most fun.