I have a pretty hefty surplus in my nonprofit project budget this year, and I have been told to spend it all, because otherwise it would go back to the funder. We're talking about $20K. We did our work, we met our goals, we provided what we said we'd provide. It just took less money than anticipated. I feel dirty and guilty about blowing this much money on "stuff" that isn't what we said we'd spend it on. I have never had a budget at all before, much less a surplus, so I may be a little naive about how the (nonprofit?) world works. Can you please give me some thoughts about how to view this in a way that doesn't feel icky? Am I just being silly and this is normal practice? Bonus points if you have suggestions on what to spend it on.
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posted by anonymous
on May 20, 2013 -
30 answers
Two people -- both in 40ish-- are talking about the possibility of moving in together. We are in a loving and serious long-term relationship. There has been an initial talk about how we might handle finances and we came to conclusion that there are many ways we could handle them. I read a few posts about how couples handle finances, but am looking for some more viewpoints/options for us to consider and discuss. Details inside.
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posted by anonymous
on May 6, 2013 -
11 answers
How can I get an idea of what typical expenses and reserves are for a condo that has about 12 units and a few garage spaces are? Please help me figure out if my condo's assessment hikes are reasonable.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 15, 2012 -
5 answers
Newly married, and trying to figure out emergency savings vs. retirement vs. paying off debt vs. saving for a family. Please help me prioritize.
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 7, 2012 -
22 answers
My boyfriend and I have been living together officially for about 4 months, and our relationship is only about 8 months old altogether. It's worked out fine for the most part, but now we're moving to a new place and I'm about to reach the end of my rapidly-fraying financial patience rope. (advance apologies for length)
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posted by anonymous
on Sep 18, 2010 -
25 answers
Can anyone recommend a good mental health professional or clinic in the Denver area that works on a sliding scale?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 23, 2010 -
4 answers
I'm looking for a financial coach, someone who can help me develop better financial habits. Does such a thing exist?
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posted by anonymous
on Aug 12, 2009 -
12 answers
Seeking techniques for aiding/supporting/educating a financially irresponsible spouse who talks the talk but won't walk the walk.
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 3, 2009 -
27 answers
Is is possible to live in NYC on a $1000 a month living stipend without incuring lots of debt?
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posted by anonymous
on May 18, 2009 -
34 answers
I was born in the US, lived in Canada for ten years, and moved back to the States last year. While I was in Canada, I built up a solid credit rating- I had two credit cards, an unsecured line of credit with low interest (7%) and overdraft protection on my checking account up to $3,500. At one point when I was underemployed I built up some credit card debt, but I payed it off. Last year, when I moved back to the US for grad school, I got into a bad pattern of leaning on my credit cards and low-interest line of credit to pay for moving and start up expenses. This June, the world financial collapse coincided with one of my own- I was employed super part time, was making around $750 a month and was struggling to pay rent and buy $20 worth of groceries a week. I just couldn't pay my debt, and I paid very minimally, then not at all. I know I probably should have called the bank and tried to work something out, but what can I say- I panicked and froze. Currently, my total debt load is $14,000 on the line of credit, $3,700 on the overdraft and $1,400 on my Visa.
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 13, 2009 -
6 answers
How should I use my copious amounts of free time while being poor in a country where nobody understands me?
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posted by anonymous
on Nov 26, 2008 -
34 answers
Total financial ruin filter: I am terrible at managing my very small amount of money. How did you learn to manage your money better than me?
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posted by anonymous
on Jul 8, 2008 -
38 answers
I have managed to run my once-great credit into the ground. What now? How screwed am I, and for how long?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 30, 2008 -
10 answers
Look, I truly do get the “know your income, know your expenses” bit about budgeting. And I’m pretty frugal in my habits. My problem is this, as the financial head of this family, I have to decide what we will spend our inadequate resources on. So in general, how to prioritise discretionary spending in a fair and efficient manner?
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posted by anonymous
on Jan 12, 2008 -
25 answers
How can I convince my wife that we need her income and that as much as we'd like to have our son at home with her instead of in Day Care, we have to face reality or severely cut back our lifestyle.
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posted by anonymous
on May 8, 2007 -
28 answers
