About You #3


108 Comments
Hello, My name is Beowulf

Every month or so, we suspend our blah-ging to learn more about you. And with a whole crew of new and old faces, it’s that time again. So let’s get started, shall we:

    1. What grade would you give your current finances?
    2. What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now?
    3. What budget category are you struggling with most?
    4. Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future?
    5. How did you find/hear about OFB?

We’ll go first.

Johnny

    1. B. Not awesome. Not bad. Slightly better than mediocre with lots of room for improvement.
    2. The Head and the Heart – Down in the Valley
    3. Freaking food. I’ve fallen off the bring-your-lunch-to-work train as a result of our little girl, but we’re aiming to fix that in May.
    4. Two quotes to answer this easy question: “It’s our time down here” and “Heyyyy yyooouuu gguuuyyysss.” Make these a little harder, question writer!
    5. I didn’t. OFB found me. Hmm… that kinda sounds like I contracted an STD. Which I didn’t. Nothing to see here, move along.

Joanna

    1. ย B+. There are a few things in the works (Roth IRA, 529 plan) that we probably should have gotten on a few months ago.
    2. White noise. Baby Girl got her 4-month vaccines so I’ve been playing this a lot to calm her fussiness.
    3. Personal spending. I’ve been wanting to pamper myself with clothes/makeup/etc. post-baby, and I’m having to be patient with the little personal spending budget each month.
    4. Back to the Future since the first time I saw Goonies was when Johnny showed it to me a few years ago. He’s never been so ashamed.
    5. The little voice in my head. ๐Ÿ™‚

Alright, your turn. Ready…GO!

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108 Comments

  • Reply Laurie @thefrugalfarmer May 8, 2013 at 7:46 am

    Super fun stuff – thanks!

    1. D+, and that’s only because we’re improving
    2. What’s an iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player? ๐Ÿ™‚
    3. I’d love to get our grocery bill under $350 a month
    4. Back to the future, fur sure!
    5. Not sure how I found OFB, but I’m glad I did. Always brings me a laugh. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 3:43 pm

      I like the + on that D. Life/budgets/etc. are meant for improving, so it’s fun to have ample room to grow. And by the looks of the meal calendar on your blog, you should be able to hit #3 in no time.

  • Reply Sabrina May 8, 2013 at 8:17 am

    1. What grade would you give your current finances?
    ~That’s tough, but I think I need to agree with Laurie @thefrugalfarmer. D+ We have recently set up a budget for us that’s a lot tighter for us but will allow us to pay off a few big bills by the end of the year, so that we can begin to save for a move.

    2.What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now?
    ~ Jillian Michaels podcast. I listened to it in the car yesterday.

    3.What budget category are you struggling with most?
    ~Our grocery bill. I feel like we spend way too much on groceries

    4.Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future?
    ~I have to go with JoAnna on this one: Back to the Future. I have never seen The Goonies (and yes, I am well aware that most of the readers, and probably Johnny will be in shock and then be embaressed for my husband). My husband was in disbelief when I told him and thinks I’m a bit weird. LOL!

    5 How did you find/hear about OFB?
    ~It was from two blogs. I honestly wish I could tell you which two they were but for the life of me I can’t remember. I will say that I am SO glad they mentioned you guys. I LOVE your blog!!!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 3:45 pm

      Your only task this weekend is to watch Goonies. Cancel dinner appointments, don’t water your plants. Just. watch. Goonies. If anyone gives you beef about you not doing your normal tasks, just tell them I said it was OK. ๐Ÿ™‚ Cool.

      • Reply Sabrina May 8, 2013 at 4:07 pm

        HAHA!!!! I will do that and being that it’s Mother’s Day, they already can’t give me beef as it is, and I can make my son watch it with me. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • Reply Brian May 8, 2013 at 8:17 am

    1. A-, I don’t want to be cockey but we are doing pretty ok
    2. Sublime – Badfish, 20 years later and this song is still amazing… Bradley Nowell you left us too early
    3. Dining out… we enjoy eating out too much
    4. Back to the Future
    5. No Idea

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 3:49 pm

      Man, Sublime is my favorite band. I started listening to them when I was like 10, and just before Brad passed on. They were almost all I listened to through high school. What a band. Terrible waste of talent gone young.

  • Reply Roo // NEON FRESH May 8, 2013 at 8:44 am

    1. C- We just added an unexpected asthma-induced emergency bill to the mix. D’oh.
    2. Shoulder Lean by Young Dro. What?
    3. Food/groceries, for sure.
    4. Back to the Future.
    5. “We’re thinking about starting a blog.” ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:02 pm

      Those six fateful words… look at what you’ve done!!

  • Reply Joshua May 8, 2013 at 8:59 am

    1. Probably a B+. We’re doing pretty well considering we’ve been on one income, while paying for grad school tuition and paying off debt at the same time!

    2. Haha, I like that you have MiniDisc in there. I used to be a big fan of those things! Current jam for me is Phoenix – 1901.

    3. Definitely can shore up our grocery/food budget as well.

    4. Ohhhhh yeah, Back To The Future for shizzle. You know the saying that history usually repeats itself? Well my favorite parts of the trilogy is Biff’s recurrent encounters with the manure pile!

    5. I think it was a recommended follow on twitter…

    By the way, thanks to you guys, I ventured on over to Roo’s blog, and I won an IPad Mini because of her! It’s all about connections! Woot woot!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:04 pm

      I think I’ve still got my MiniDisc player in my closet somewhere. And that’s freaking awesome about the iPad mini! I think part of the small print for her contest was that the winner must give half of prize to the referring site, so just shoot me an email and I’ll tell you where to send the sawed bottom half of the iPad. Cool, thanks.

      • Reply Joshua May 8, 2013 at 10:36 pm

        That sounds somewhat reminiscent of King Solomon, from the Bible, splitting that baby in half for the 2 feuding mothers (not sure if you know the story). I’m unwilling to give up the bottom half of my ipad, but how bout I read Our Freaking Budget off of it? Deal? Deal.

  • Reply Crystal Pistol May 8, 2013 at 9:20 am

    1. B- because we’re doing better than the average American but we think it could be tons better.
    2. Wagonwheel–cover by Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish fame
    3. Food-we struggle in all aspects: spending wisely at the grocery store (we throw away too much food due to spoilage), limiting eating out, eating healthy
    4. Definitely Goonies. Remember in the original movie, during the scene where they find the pirate ship, they have a close call with a ginormous squid/octopus? I have gotten 5 different DVDs trying to find that scene that they deleted. So if anyone knows of a copy with deleted scenes, let me know!
    5. I don’t remember-your title definitely drew me in.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:07 pm

      Woahhh! I totally forgot about the octopus scene until you mentioned it! Why in the world did they delete that? I’m sure you’ve already found it on YouTube, but I’ll point to it in the event others are interested in a trip down memory lane: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35AUFYzvUXI

  • Reply Jodi T. May 8, 2013 at 9:23 am

    1. C — Not too bad, but I need to SAVE SAVE SAVE
    2. Miranda Lambert – Mama’s Broken Heart
    3. Probably the lunch thing. I buy nearly every day and there’s just not any sense in that.
    4. GOONIES!!! My husband had not seen it until a few years back… HOW DO YOU GROW UP IN THE 80’s/ 90’s and not see the GOONIES??! It’s a crying shame.
    5. Roo via Neon Fressssshhhhhh ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:13 pm

      4. I stand behind this statement 110%.
      5. I think that’s the right phonetic reading of Roo’s blog. The “shh” definitely needs to be drawn out.

  • Reply Miranda May 8, 2013 at 9:28 am

    1. I’m terrible at assigning letter grades to things. So I’ll just say, “Eh, but we’re gettin’ there”. We are almost done with our debt snowball. And we’re working on our spending. We need to hurry up with the debt because it’s time to start investing for retirement. Also, I want a Jet Ski and my husband wants a Kegerator.
    2. Can’t Hold Us- Macklemore
    3. FOOD! I just used Mint to tally up our shopping habits. I thought we were struggling with random shopping purchases until I discovered we were spending more than our mortgage payment on groceries/restaurants/fast food/gas station purchases/coffee. I almost fell out of my freaking chair. I knew the money was going somewhere but it just felt more real to see it on the screen.
    4. “But the worst thing I ever done – I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa – and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life.” Classic.
    5. NEON FRESH, Son!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:16 pm

      Hahaha. I just read the entire #4 out loud in Chunk’s voice. At work. Also, congrats on nearing the finish line with your debt snowball! That’s freaking fantastic.

  • Reply Jennifer May 8, 2013 at 9:29 am

    1. Probably a C. Not getting into more debt but big things keep popping up that are making it hard to get rid of my student loan debt.
    2. Stronger
    3. Eating out, it feels like nothing sounds good at home but the minute I leave 6 different things sound stupid pregnancy cravings.
    4.I have never seen either of these movies.
    5. I believe through the blog Making Sense of Cents.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:18 pm

      Joanna was the same way with #3. But usually it was just one thing: McDonald’s cheeseburgers. In all of our marriage, I don’t think we ever went to McDonald’s once. Come pregger craving time, we were going once or twice a week. Not awesome.

  • Reply Michelle May 8, 2013 at 9:31 am

    1. Hmmm maybe a B+
    2. Nothing surprisingly. I’m all for Pandora ๐Ÿ™‚
    3. FOOD!
    4. This shouldn’t even be a question. BACK TO THE FUTURE without a doubt. ๐Ÿ™‚
    5. I think through comments. You are one of my faves!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:30 pm

      Based on answer #4, our blog friendship might have to come to an end. I guess you and Joanna can still be friends, but this is very disheartening for me.

  • Reply Emory May 8, 2013 at 9:37 am

    1. B-. Our current finances are better off than six months ago, and since we started out with a decent level of savings it didn’t hurt us to not be on top of things for a while. Now however, we really need to buckle down again and continue to stick to our budget and plug away at building that savings.
    2. Wagon Wheel – Darius Rucker
    3. Eating Out – unfortunately I am easily overwhelmed in the kitchen so if work is tough we end up grabbing something to go. Whoops!
    4. Back to the Future!
    5. I believe I found a link to your blog on Pinterest a couple of months ago. I read through your stuff, liked it, and here I am. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:35 pm

      We’re in a similar boat with your #1 and #3. Some buckling down is necessary in the OFB household and we’ve got to stop relying on takeout to soothe our “we-have-no-time!!!” woes.

  • Reply Elvin @ Journey To Millions May 8, 2013 at 9:39 am

    1. Hmmm. I’m not good with grading but we’re doing okay with our finances. We’re hitting our targets for the month although we’re still haunted by the debts of the past. So I guess B?

    2. Decisive audiobook by Chip and Dan Heath.

    3. Food and Fun Funds. It’s hard to optimized these two categories.

    4. Back To The Future of course! I am a fan of Dr. Emmette Brown and Marty McFly. Aside from that, this movie was shown on the year I was born.

    5. As far as I can remember – Google

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:39 pm

      You know what other movie was released the year of your birth. GOONIES!!! Now you have no excuses for your poor choice. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Reply Richard May 8, 2013 at 9:42 am

    1. I would say B+. We have done a good job setting up retirement funds, 529 plans, while having some fun.
    2. With our 3 year-old, its Disney Classics Radio on Pandora. He loves it and mom and dad get to sing along!! Win-Win.
    3. Wedding Season! The Prof and I are in 3 weddings this summer and invited to 3 more. The costs of gifts, tuxes, and travel has strained our budget a bit.
    4. Back to the Future. “Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!!”
    5. I don’t remember specifically. I believe it was posted on a blog roll of another PF blog. However, once I read about you guys – I was hooked. You are both in a similar family situation as my wife and I, and I liked that you take time to reply to your posters.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:46 pm

      I’m sure we’ll be very well acquainted with #2 soon. Our girl loves music. I always have to have Pandora on in the car to keep her from fussing, but right now she’s cool with all of our grown up music.

      Thanks for the comment and good luck with the wedding marathon!

  • Reply Melissa May 8, 2013 at 9:52 am

    1.What grade would you give your current finances?
    – C-, I have a budget in theory, but am terrible at tracking my expenses. I’ve been better over the last month, since I received a raise. And my condo is currently on the market. If I sell at my listing price or within 8K below listing price, I’ll clear enough to pay off ALL of my debt and still have some cushion in the bank.

    2.What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now?
    – Get Lucky by Daft Punk and Pharrell

    3.What budget category are you struggling with most?
    – Eating out. With a lot of showings happening after work, I’ve been forced to eat out a lot. I’ve compensated by doing less in groceries, but it’s still stupid how much I’m eating out right now.

    4.Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future?
    – Goonies!! And it’s okay, Im 26 and I just saw it for the first time 2 weeks ago.

    5.How did you find/hear about OFB?
    – I don’t even remember!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:49 pm

      Fingers crossed your condo sale will wipe out your debt! That’s great that you’re so close.

      Goonies is one of the few movies I loved loved loved as a kid that I rewatch now and still think it’s just as awesome, if not more. Most the others fall flat.

  • Reply carleigh May 8, 2013 at 9:56 am

    1. Grade: C+, because I’ve got budgeting down, but saving/retirement/long term planning need some work and help.
    2. iPod: Anything by Eric Church – big country music fan ๐Ÿ™‚
    3. Budget Category: Struggling with groceries, I like grocery shopping, but for 2 people, we can be anywhere from $300-$650 a month. We like to BBQ for our friends and family and I imagine that’s where the $$ goes.
    4. Back to the Future
    5. A commenting link from another PF blog

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      BBQ’ing for the fam seems like a pretty good reason to go over budget. But I’m sure that can be taxing after a few months of going over. I’ve seen friends do BYOM(eat) parties before. Maybe you could swing something like that to keep your budget in check?

  • Reply debtperception May 8, 2013 at 10:00 am

    1. D-is for Debt! I have too much of it!
    2. Pandora has “Live Your Life” by T.I. playing.
    3. My husband’s spending ๐Ÿ™‚ Otherwise with my fun money category…have a difficult time spending money on myself.
    4. Love them both but I have to go with Back to the Future out of the two.
    5. Some other PF blog, I don’t remember which one.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:54 pm

      I know #1 isn’t very funny, but it made me chuckle. I feel like our B is for Blah. Hope to see that grade of yours (and ours) moving its way up over the next few months!

  • Reply Maria S May 8, 2013 at 10:07 am

    1. D! Both student loan and CC debt. BUT, I’m following a plan now and am in a better place than five months ago. So, not an F at least ๐Ÿ˜‰
    2. Justin Timberlake “Mirrors.” I’m not proud… but it’s so good!
    3. Debt. And also long term planning/savings/investing, woof.
    4. Back to the Future… never seen Goonies! I’m a terrible 80s baby.
    5. I was linked to your blog by Nice Girl Notes (before she changed the name obviously).

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:58 pm

      1. That’s the spirit!
      2. Embrace the JT.
      4. I weep for you.

  • Reply Shay May 8, 2013 at 10:12 am

    1. C – need to save more. Debt is paid off, but long term savings still is eluding us. Life keeps getting in the way.
    2. Cups with Anna Kendrick
    3. Taxes! Pretty happy with my budget categories right now.
    4. Back to the Future! Anyone who knows me well knows this is my favorite movie!
    5. Blog referral. Not sure who.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 4:59 pm

      Seriously, life has a way of always getting in the way. No respect. Awesome to hear you’re feeling good about the budget categories. That’s no easy feat.

  • Reply Catherine May 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    1. ”C” I guess, we’ve come a long way in the last year but still have areas that need working on (getting out of debt, beefing up an ER fund, paying into pension).
    2. I mainly listen to satellite radio but I’m loving the new Carrie Underwood, Lady A and Michael Buble releases.
    3. Either food or personal: I don’t think we give ourselves enough money each month and subsequently end up going over and readjusting. This is changing next month with my return to work.
    4. I’m from Canada: BACK TO THE FUTURE. Love me some MJF. Though growing up my best friend would make me watch Goonies at LEASE once per weekend.
    5.I started following you after your very first post! Michelle from See Debt Run put a very threatening tweet on Twitter about ”Absolutely needing to follow you/check you out…or else…” ๐Ÿ™‚ I love you guys!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:02 pm

      I forgot MJF is a hometown hero for our northern neighbors. I guess you’re given a pass then for choosing incorrectly. And your best friend sounds like an awesome, smart person. ๐Ÿ™‚

      You’ve had our back from the get-go! We appreciate it.

  • Reply Courtney May 8, 2013 at 10:28 am

    1. I would give myself a B. I use Excel to meticulously track income and expenses, but I live in DC and pay a fortune in rent, so I’m really good about being extra careful on spending on other items and I contribute to my 401k. I have some grad school debt I’m paying off still and pay slightly over the minimum due each month but would like to do more.

    2. That song Cruise by Florida/Georgia Line with the Nelly remix – I love to run to it!

    3. Rent!! But I’m planning on moving cities when my lease is up so hopefully this wil lgo down a lot.

    4. Definitely Goonies.

    5. I am addicted to Young House Love and saw the link to this blog in the comments. The title of the blog brought me to it and after reading some of the posts I was hooked!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      We know big city rent allll too well. But that’s great that you’re sticking to a tracking system that’s working for you. Once your expenses go down (like rent) or income goes up, it will be fun to see the charts starting to work more in your favor.

    • Reply Meghan May 8, 2013 at 10:25 pm

      Courtney, I am moving to DC in a month or so. Do you have recommendations? I’m thinking NoVa plus a roommate, unless I can find a roommate and an apartment that doesn’t kill me in the District! I *can* pay $2000, but that wouldn’t leave me with much in savings. Any help is much appreciated!

      Meghan

      • Reply Courtney May 9, 2013 at 9:32 am

        Hi Meghan!

        I actually live right outside DC in Arlington, VA (most of the rent in Arlington is the same or worse as living in actual DC or in some areas of Arlington, worse i.e. Clarendon where I live). I think where you choose to live depends on where you will be working, not to scare you but traffic can be brutal here, so I chose to live close to work and pay a high rent then living farther outside the city in NoVA suburbs like Fairfax, Reston, etc. and live in my car commuting. Also, living in Arlinton is a really fun place to live, (lots of restaurants, etc. ) especially in the Clarendon, Courthouse, Ballston neighborhoods and metro-accessible. I have a one bedroom and pay a little over $2K which is nuts I know, but if you could find a roommate it would save a ton. I pay a lot in rent so I definitely cut back on eating out and fun stuff like that, but if you had a roommate or lived in suburbs further outside the city it would be cheaper and you could have more $ for fun stuff! Let me know if you have any other questions!

        • Reply Meghan May 9, 2013 at 1:54 pm

          I’ll be working at a building that’s basically connected to L’enfant, so any line but red is easy (lucky me!). Those are the areas in NoVa I am interested in, but I am going to keep looking. I have a lease with Equity that I can transfer to a pricey NoVa property, which would save me $1820 in break lease fees. It’s just a bummer, because initially I thought I could make up the cost by ditching my car, but now I want to be able to get out and see nature outside of the metro. Decisions, decisions! Thanks for the feedback!

  • Reply Halsy May 8, 2013 at 10:32 am

    1. B-We are doing well at staying out of new debt since baby girl was born about a year ago and we decided I would stay home and live off the husbands income. We have two paid for vehicles. I still have a pesky $4000 in student loan debt that husband and I can’t agree on paying off because he wants to save for bigger house when we have baby 2. Houses are ridicously small and expensive where we live. I just feel silly earning no income and having student loan debt! We need to set up baby girls 529 and I need to set up a spousal IRA.
    2. Wheels on the Bus by Raffi-it fixes all baby melt downs!
    3. I would say our budget needs readjusted. We haven’t reassessed since before baby girl was born! We are constantly over in our $100 baby budget category which is largely due to $60 on diapers and wipes and daughter has some medical issues which require daily prunes and juice which add up to $30 or more each month which was not expected! So this leaves no room for any other purchases. Also, grocery budget seems to be over $10ish each month thanks to all the organic food I buy mainly for baby girl. I just need to figure out how to cut $10 of unnecessary spending! Now to find the time to have a budget meeting!
    4. The Goonies even though it came out two years before I was born!
    5. I believe I found it through The Lean Green Bean.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      We’ve already started implementing #2 when we’re both getting ready in the morning. One of us will sing Wheels on the Bus to her while she’s in her bouncy chair while the other person gets ready.

      Since we didn’t really have a lot of new expenses with our girl the first few months, we’ve also neglected to look at our baby budget. So it sounds like it’s time for both of us to crack that whip!

  • Reply Felicia May 8, 2013 at 10:53 am

    1. B+ Still have a lot to learn about investing, home ownership, insurance, etc
    2. I don’t have IPod/Spotify/MiniDisc so whatever song playing in the radio I guess.
    3. Eating out since I don’t enjoy cooking.
    4. Back to the Future. I have never watched Goonies. Should I Netflix it?
    5. From another PF Blog that raved about how funny you guys are. I don’t remember which blog but that blogger is right. You guys are hilarious!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:13 pm

      Stop whatever you’re doing and Netflix Goonies right now. Right now. Don’t even keep reading this sentence. Go now. Why are you still reading this? You should be watching right now. Go go go!!!

  • Reply Grayson @ Debt Roundup May 8, 2013 at 11:01 am

    Love this. Here we go!

    1. B+: I have been working hard on increasing income and saving more money. I have more space to grow and learn.
    2. Whatever Pandora plays for me.
    3. Food is always a problem, but I am working on it.
    4. Freaking Back to the Future baby!
    5. I don’t remember, but I just loved the name when I saw it. I think it was a link roundup on another blog. I am glad I followed that one.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:16 pm

      I like the sound of #1! Awesome job, Grayson.

  • Reply Sarah May 8, 2013 at 11:08 am

    1. C+. We are actually doing pretty good paying down our debt monster. But we still need to beef up our savings and start contributing to our IRA again.
    2. My Sweet Escape by Run Kid Run
    3. Food. Specifically eating out. We spend entirely too much in this category every month.
    4. Back to the Future. **I don’t know what the Goonies is. Don’t hate me.**
    5. Through Neon Fresh. Woop woop!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:18 pm

      Sarah, I would never hate you. But every fiber in my being is sobbing for you. As I’ve instructed others, do your life a favor and give it a watch.

      Another NFer! So much Neon Freshness going on up in here.

      • Reply Sarah May 9, 2013 at 9:38 am

        Okay, I’ll add it to my list! A co-worker demanded that I watch Office Space the other day. He insisted my life will not be complete (nor will I understand why my job is so funny) until I watch that movie. So I suppose a movie day is in order!

  • Reply Tina @ My Shiny Pennies May 8, 2013 at 11:11 am

    1. B+, I can do better on the investment front.
    2. Hmm, something by The Beatles.
    3. Travel. Visiting my folks outside the country and the future in-laws in Seattle gets expensive fast.
    4. Back to the Future!
    5. From a mention on TeacHer Finance.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:22 pm

      Travel will be our budget struggle next month when we visit family. But we’re fortunate to do it all domestically. I’m sure the costs add up really fast with international travel to see the folks. But I’m sure it’s nice to get (really far) away for a bit.

  • Reply Stefanie May 8, 2013 at 11:11 am

    1. B+, we just got back from a vacation in Hawaii and we did pretty good at budgeting for that and we didn’t use a credit card at all this month, but we still had some room to cut back on that we didn’t take advantage of to put towards savings and our own debt monster.
    2. John Mayer – Comfortable, which I will probably skip.
    3. The “everything else” category. I think we give ourselves too much liberty there and I’m the worse culprit. We could trim it some without it hurting too badly. I’m working towards cutting back to part time work from a fulltime job so anything extra that we can stow away would be nice. Spending is a hard habit to break, especially my $1 diet coke obsession.
    4. I’m a recent Goonies convert! I can’t believe I waited until I was almost 30 to watch it.
    5. Roo!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:25 pm

      That’s the one tricky thing with the Everything Else category. It’s hard to know when it’s a little too bloated. Every few months, we’ll add all of the estimated Everything Else costs (home, laundry, pet supplies, medical, etc.) and see if it lines up with our current budget. Sometimes we trim it, other times we add a little to it. But definitely make it push you a bit.

      Wonderful to hear about your coming-to-Goonies moment. Amen and amen.

  • Reply Erin @ Red Debted Stepchild May 8, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    1. I have no idea how to answer this. I’m in a lot of debt, but I’m getting rid of it. I’m also saving up for a big move, which will all be paid for in cash. B+ for budgets and savings, and C- for debt because it’s big but I’m trying :).
    2. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen, my all time favorite song to rock out to at work!
    3. Food. It’s always food. We rarely eat out these days, but we spend quite a bit for good ingredients.
    4. I’ve never seen either. *hangs head in shame* I’m sorry…
    5. The PF gods spoke to me, “Behold this awesome personal finance blog with hilarious writers and a ridiculously cute baby!”

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:28 pm

      I simply don’t know how to address #4, so I’m just going to pretend like you forgot to answer it. ๐Ÿ™‚

      I hope the PF gods didn’t lead you astray. They’ve been known to do that on occasion. Also, your blog name = awesome. Kudos.

      • Reply Meghan May 8, 2013 at 10:31 pm

        I also thought that the blog name was cool, and then I was irritated at myself for not thinking of it!

  • Reply Kelsey May 8, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    1. D; I’m doing better now than a few years ago, but it is still a work in progress. I have lots of credit card debt to pay off.
    2. Justin Timberlake
    3. Food; eating out mostly, but sometimes I get wild with the groceries and end up with way more than my 1 person + dog household can eat before it goes bad.
    4. Back to the Future – all day, every day
    5. I can’t remember exactly, but possibly through Neon Fresh, or Pinterest. I have only been reading for a few weeks.

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:31 pm

      Keep chugging on #1. The more you can save and scrimp now means the quicker you can pay that debt monster off means the sooner you can take a deep breath. We’re rooting for ya!

      If your dog is anything like our cat, then he/she is responsible for the overconsumption in your household. We probably need to put Persie on a diet…

  • Reply Girl Meets Debt May 8, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    1. C – My finances were a big Fail before I started blogging and even though I have a long way to go, I think I still get an “A” for effort ๐Ÿ˜›
    2. Maroon 5 – Love Somebody, it’s on constant repeat on my Ipod shuffle!
    3. Food!
    4. Am I the only human being who hasn’t seen either movie???
    5. I can’t remember where I first heard about OFB but I’m sure glad I found you guys!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:34 pm

      Haha. Love the A for effort! I can’t believe that was something we were graded on. I remember trying to convince my parents I was doing good one year (with less than stellar grades) because I had straight E’s for Excellent effort. Hah.

      Erin (two above you) has also lived a life without joy (i.e., not seeing either movie). Do yourself a huuuge favor and get on those movies.

  • Reply Anna M. May 8, 2013 at 1:44 pm

    1. My current finances totally get a D. However – my husband and I have recently started using You Need a Budget and for the first time in my life I am actually following through on a budget plan. Yay us! Boo debt.
    2. I am toally rocking Hanson’s newest release, Get the Girl Back. Yes, Mmmbop Hanson. They are going on tour this summer and my 26 year old self will totally be in attendance, probably acting like my 12 year old self did the last time I saw them.
    3. We are definitely struggling the most with restaurants and take out food, although we are much better off than even a month ago.
    4. Back to the Future FTW! (actually, I’ve never seen the Goonies all the way through)
    5. From your guest post on Neon Fresh

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:38 pm

      Yay you, indeed! That’s awesome.

      I definitely thought the middle Hanson dude was a girl when Mmmbop first came out. And I definitely remember thinking, “Hey, she’s not half-bad looking for a tom-boy grungy girl.” And then I found out. And then I felt shame. I will never forgive you, Hanson.

  • Reply Kim @ Racing Bananas May 8, 2013 at 2:17 pm

    What grade would you give your current finances?
    Probably a C. I have monthly expenses allotted for in my budget, but student loan repayments are killing me. It accounts for just under 25% of my monthly take-home pay, and with a 20 year repayment plan, don’t know how I’ll ever get ahead of it!

    What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now?
    Cruise by Florida Georgia Line feat. Nelly. I’m basically dreaming of summer!

    What budget category are you struggling with most?
    Student loan repayment – it leaves me virtually no “play money” – I have to skimp on oil changes, hair cuts, etc because I just can’t afford them.

    Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future?
    Back to the Future!!

    How did you find/hear about OFB?
    Honestly, I don’t remember, but I’m so glad I did! I look forward to reading OFB every morning at work with a cup of coffee!

    • Reply Johnny May 8, 2013 at 5:42 pm

      Student loan repayment is rough. Just keep at it and keep your eye on the prize of being debt free. And hopefully over time your income will go up, your expenses will stay the same and you’ll be able to tackle that Debt Monster a little bit easier.

      Nothing’s wrong in the world when you’ve got a good summer playlist blaring.

  • Reply Olena May 8, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    1. I’d probably give my finances a C. Those pesky student loans are ruining everything. Haha.
    2. Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap. I could listen to that song for hours on end and not get sick of it. ๐Ÿ™‚
    3. Student loan repayment. I want to put as much as possible so I never have enough for everything else.
    4. Definitely Back to the Future.
    5. I don’t remember which blog referred me to this one. It could have been Johnny Moneyseed, Girl Meets Debt or a completely different one. In either case, I’m glad I stumbled on it ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Reply Joanna May 8, 2013 at 4:33 pm

      When we were paying back our student loans, I’d get frustrated with not having money for other stuff, too! Make sure to treat yourself sometimes, even if it means paying your loans back a month later than planned!

      Just played Sweet Disposition for Baby Girl and she approves :).

  • Reply Chaney May 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

    1. B+. We’re saving a ton right now, and we’re debt free. Yippee! But I have a harder time with everyday stuff. I have constantly play the “do you really need this?” game with myself.
    2. Thompson Square – If I Didn’t Have You
    3. The little things that quickly add up to big things :).
    4. I’ve never seen the Goonies (I know, I know…), so I’d have to go with Back to the Future.
    5. I can’t remember, but I was hooked after one post. It’s on my must reads list now!

    • Reply Joanna May 8, 2013 at 4:26 pm

      Way to go on debt freedom, Chaney. I think we all struggle with the little things. As of late my “little things” have been e-books. Whoops!

      And Johnny sat me down and forced me to watch Goonies. So you must, too!

  • Reply Susan K May 8, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    1. C. We can always do better. I have been through a few debt/no debt cycles in my life,but now that I have little ones I think differently. I want them to be able to answer A+ to this question because of what I teach them.
    2. Kraftwerk The Model. I’m in an electronika phase.
    3. I’m with everyone else on food! Too much eating out, and not enough planning.
    4. Back to the Future all the way (never saw Goonies either!) How can you do better than old school Michael J Fox?
    5. I saw a comment on YHL last week and was intrigued by the name of OFB.

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 3:52 pm

      I love your #1. As much as we’re trying to manage our budget and finances for ourselves, I sometimes forget that the real value in all of this is hopefully passing down those principles to our kids so that they can avoid our mistakes. Awesome answer.

  • Reply Kelly May 8, 2013 at 5:31 pm

    1. C+, I have a few things on my “Get rid of debt” check off list. Hopefully will be closer to a “B” by the end of summer!
    2. “Pieces” by Gary Allen
    3. Eating out and road trips to visit the BF… long distance relationships are not good for the bank account!
    4. I will have to go with Back to the Future, I also have never seen the entire Goonies movie!
    5. Your guest post on Roo’s blog, I’m so glad to have found this blog, makes the whole paying off debt/saving money seem a lot less scary!

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 3:54 pm

      A “B” by end of summer would be quite the speedy improvement. That’s awesome.

      Joanna and I never had to do long-distance, but I imagine that’s one cost that’s worthy of the investment. Sure, there are always ways to make things cheaper, but I think that’s a valid expense to go over on occasionally.

      • Reply Kelly May 9, 2013 at 5:17 pm

        My goal is to get my grade to a B by the end of summer, might be speedy but I hope i can accomplish it. I started a part time job serving again and make an extra $200- 300 a week so that’s helping a lot!

  • Reply Chris May 8, 2013 at 5:35 pm

    What grade would you give your current finances?
    C+. We know what we spend, but just can’t seem to get the budgeting strategy in place.

    What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now?
    Queens of the Stone Age – The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret

    What budget category are you struggling with most?
    Ugh. Grocery bill is our Achilles heel. Can’t seem to contain it.

    Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future?
    Back to the Future – Can’t go wrong with a soundtrack backed by Huey Lewis and the News (actually, maybe you can)

    How did you find/hear about OFB?
    You did a guest post for another blog…but can’t remember the name of that other blog now. Errr – I’m sure that’s not what’s supposed to happen. I enjoy reading your content though. Cheers!

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 3:56 pm

      As far as #1 goes, you might consider trying the cash envelope system. This really helped us get a grip on what budgeting actually meant. And when you actually have physical cash to deal with and an empty envelope, it really starts making more sense.

  • Reply Cat May 8, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    1.What grade would you give your current finances? Pretty solid A. We are on track, nothing ugly under the surface and way ahead of the game on retirement savings.
    2.What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now? Dave Ramset archives. Listening to yesterday’s show.
    3.What budget category are you struggling with most? Groceries! I’m having to learn vegan and gluten-free cooking right now due to baby allergies and I can’t seem to do it with the same amount we spent before.
    4.Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future? Both! But Gooines since I grew up close to where it was filmed.
    5.How did you find/hear about OFB? Not sure. I think I just clicked through one day.

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 3:58 pm

      1. Awesome!
      2. I used to love geeking out and listening to his old shows at work.
      4. Good choice. And you lived near a pretty beautiful place.

  • Reply Julie May 8, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    1) B+. Minimal debt, lots of retirements savings. We’re good at keeping track of our cash outflow and we’re earmarking our savings well, but I tend to run a bit behind on our record-keeping and I’m sure we could be more efficient in our spending.
    2) Couldn’t tell you. I haven’t used my iPod in a while. I’m definitely a radio/Pandora girl right now, so it’s always a surprise what’s coming next!
    3) Probably groceries, since we’re buying more organic meat and produce and natural/eco-friendly products.
    4) Back to the Future. Though I’m a bona fide child of the 80s, I think I’ve only seen Goonies once.
    5) Through your guest post on the former Nice Girl Notes, which I found through Young House Love. You guys remind me of the financial version of John and Sherry. You’ve become one of my favorite blogs!

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 4:02 pm

      That B+ sounds and looks great. Awesome work, especially while juggling your new grocery/food budget. And we’re huge YHL fans, so #5 is a really nice, undeserving thing to say. Thanks.

  • Reply Meghan May 8, 2013 at 9:44 pm

    1. B.I have no Credit card debt but do have a car loan and student loan. I have $4k in savings.
    2. Trouble by Ray LaMontagne
    3. Eating out or vet bills
    4. Back to the Future – like Johanna, I hadn’t seen Goonies until recently. Shameful
    5. Did I find you through GRS?

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 4:04 pm

      Ugh, vet bills are the worst. They’re expensive AND it usually means a pet isn’t doing so hot, which sucks. Pet illness/injury/death is the worst. Hope all the animals in your house are doing alright.

  • Reply Kaylyn May 9, 2013 at 11:40 am

    1. B-. Had some unexpected expenses the past few months ๐Ÿ™
    2. The whole “Rebel Transmission” album by NewWorldSon and anything by the Tedeschi Trucks Band
    3. Relationship! My boyfriend and I are long distance, so there’s travel costs, plus wanting to do special things when we are together – which mostly involve food.
    4. Back to the Future is one of my top 3 favorite movies. Soooo…easy decision ๐Ÿ™‚
    5. Guest blog at neonfresh.com!

    • Reply Johnny May 9, 2013 at 4:15 pm

      I have not a clue who Tedeschi Trucks Band is, but that name alone is definitely going to get a google from me.

      • Reply Kaylyn May 9, 2013 at 4:24 pm

        Amazing blues duo! Derek Trucks used to have his own band and was a part of the Allman Bros for a while. Susan Tedeschi is also an amazing artist. They got married, then formed this group a few years ago.

  • Reply Chris May 9, 2013 at 5:25 pm

    1. B-. I’m still saving a substantial amount of money, but I have moments of weakness where I spend outside of my budget.
    2. My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist by Tarkio
    3. The dreaded miscellnaeous column.
    4. Back to the Future…I mean seriously who can say no to that hair.
    5. I think it was on PDITF or something.

    • Reply Johnny May 13, 2013 at 1:27 am

      Another song/band title that’s interesting enough that I have to look it up.

      Just looked it up and liked it. Sounded like The Decemberists. It is The Decemberists, before The Decemberists. Cool. I’ll give the rest of the early stuff a listen.

  • Reply Maya Symone May 9, 2013 at 8:10 pm

    1. I’m not good with grading, so I would say I’m doing okay right now.
    2. If I Die Young by The Band Perry
    3. Nothing is too out of control right now, but I would have to say, the Guilt Free category. I can buy the most random things sometimes, thankfully they aren’t expensive.
    4. I have never watched either *hides face*
    5. I have no idea, I just clicked through from some other blog and I’m glad I did

    • Reply Johnny May 13, 2013 at 1:32 am

      I wish you were my teacher in 7th grade so you could have handed me “Alright” and “Not that great” marks instead of those C’s and D’s during my rebellious year. Those stung.

  • Reply Michelle's Finance Journal May 10, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Hello, I just found your blog.
    1. I’d give myself a C since I have a lot of debt, but started on a budget and realized the kind of mess I’m in.
    2. I haven’t been listening to any music on my iphone. I’ve listening to a lot of podcasts.
    3. I think I’m struggling with gifts and misc things.
    4. I love Back to the future. I love Michael J Fox.
    5. I don’t remember which blog mentioned you, but I got your link from somebody’s blog.

    • Reply Johnny May 13, 2013 at 1:35 am

      1. First step is recognizing. And now you’re on your way. ๐Ÿ™‚
      2. I love podcasts, but I haven’t listened to them in a while. I’ve been really into this app called Umano that reads a curation of the most interesting news (mostly tech, business, finances) of the day. It’s great for my commute.

  • Reply Jason B May 11, 2013 at 2:26 pm

    1. C- Everything is at least up to date.
    2. Prince – Darling Nikki
    3. Debt
    4. Back to the Future ( Always wanted a hoverboard)
    5. Through another finance blog

    • Reply Johnny May 13, 2013 at 1:36 am

      As a Goonies fanatic, I’ll give you #4 for the reason you cited. A hoverboard would be freaking awesome. And it’s 2013…why hasn’t one happened yet?

  • Reply Michelle May 12, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    1.) C- because things are slowly looking up! Used to be a solid D+
    2.) The Great Gatsby Soundtrack/Get Free by Major Lazer/Sail by Awolnation
    3.) Saving and Accelerating bill repayment
    4.) The Goonies
    5.) I don’t remember. You’ve always existed for me.

    • Reply Johnny May 13, 2013 at 1:40 am

      1. I’ll take a C- over a D+ every day.
      2. Joanna and I listened through the Great Gatsby soundtrack a few nights ago. It’s fun.
      4. Good answer.

  • Reply Roger May 13, 2013 at 2:25 pm

    1. D+, I have a negative net-worth. Deep inside Student Loan debt, one of which I’ve been sued for. I’m on auto-savings and I’m replaying debt, slowly.
    2. Thrift Shop – Macklemore
    3. Dating. It’s not hard not to going on one or two inexpensive dates, but after setting her expectations of gifts, fancy dinners, and nights on the town… well, it’s hard resetting expectations.
    Also, paying down debt and saving for an engagement ring.
    4. Goonies, easy-peasy.
    5. From another PF blog, don’t remember which. I read ’em all.

    • Reply Johnny May 13, 2013 at 11:38 pm

      I remember the budgeting pains of dating and setting and resetting expectations. I think at some point, Joanna offered to start paying half of meals, which I happily accepted as I was working toward the same goal as you: an engagement ring.

      Hang in there with #1. Take one thing at a time and you’ll be in C and B territory in no time.

  • Reply Riany May 20, 2013 at 12:58 am

    1. What grade would you give your current finances?

    D+. I redeem some of my retirement savings for present consumptive spending, like restaurant bla bla bla. Read all and understand the basic foundation/knowledge about personal finance like budgeting, saving, getting out of debt, investing, make budget, so on but lack of control of myself. Sigh. I think it’s F. or anything said it’s FAILED. ๐Ÿ™

    2. What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now?
    Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley.

    3. What budget category are you struggling with most?
    Food! I love food, Eat-out and spending time with my precious family & friends in restaurant. I shall learn how to cook.

    4. Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future?
    Back to the Future.

    5. How did you find/hear about OFB?
    Recommended follow by twitter

    • Reply Johnny May 22, 2013 at 1:02 am

      Understanding personal finance principles is half the battle. Now it’s time to apply ’em. If Joanna and I could figure out how to make it work, anyone can. Just take one day at a time until you’ve conquered a day. Then try two days in a row. Then three. Then a week. Then a month. You can totally gain control.

      And awesome song choice. We sing that one to our baby girl to put her to sleep.

  • Reply Lauren May 22, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    What grade would you give your current finances? C-, Reasons: 1) Have a minimal amount of debt, 2) Spending is out of control, 3) My savings is low and I need savings goals, 4) I need to start investing
    What song is queued up on your iPod/Spotify/MiniDisc player right now? My worship playlist
    What budget category are you struggling with most? bahaha is there an internet shopping category?? in all seriousness food.
    Choose one: Goonies or Back to the Future? Back to the Future (never seen the goonies)
    How did you find/hear about OFB? another blog

    • Reply Johnny May 24, 2013 at 9:58 pm

      The awesome thing about not-so-awesome grades is it gives you lots of opportunities to grow. And it sounds like you already know what’s holding you back, so now it’s time to get strict with that budget and make it happen. Look forward to following your progress!

  • Reply Brenton H. May 27, 2013 at 12:17 am

    1.) C, because we are not in debt but definitely not saving enough. More or less living paycheck to paycheck… not good.
    2.) Michael Bublรฉ
    3.) Bad that I don’t know this — probably food.
    4.) “Rocky Road?” / “Sloth love Chunk.” (my wife has never seen this but I’m sure she would hate it like it appears most women do…)
    5.) I was searching “best budgeting app” and found yours a little down the page, first one that had 2013 and caught my eye. I was so confused when your picture came up and I knew you! I seriously thought it was a page using my facebook friends profile pictures or something to get me to stay… I was captivated reading your debt story. Great writing and fun. Looking forward to following you on here.

  • Reply I want to learn more about you! | Making Sense Of Cents January 2, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    […] I’m probably sleeping right now…ย  I was inspired by Johnny and Joanna and their About You series, and wanted to do this on my own blog! I want to know more about YOU. I talk about myself […]

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