SUM180 | Veronica Combs | Activity https://community.sum180.com/members/veronica-combs/activity/ Activity feed for Veronica Combs. Fri, 19 Jul 2024 11:53:52 -0800 https://buddypress.org/?v=5.1.2 en-US 30 hourly 2 2a888e7ec7468ffcc4ea361413433f8a Veronica Combs's profile was updated https://community.sum180.com/activity/p/471/ Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:20:40 -0800 0 d795a75be4c12026c6ceb6e2f9d28d6d Veronica Combs started the topic How I shifted my strategy on monthly recurring bills in the forum Manage your debt http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-i-shifted-my-strategy-on-monthly-recurring-bills/ Tue, 03 Nov 2015 18:56:23 -0800 Everyone has those expenses that are the same each month – a YMCA membership, a Netflix bill, the cable bill. Reviewing how you are paying these bills can give you some ideas about where you can save money.

When I was working through my SUM 180 interview, I made a list of all my recurring bills. I had set some up to pay on a credit card, some…[Read more]

]]> f282fa1622345733709b7fba7e613260 Veronica Combs started the topic Feeling comfortable in a judgement free zone in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/feeling-comfortable-in-a-judgement-free-zone/ Thu, 29 Oct 2015 23:47:26 -0800 When I first heard about SUM 180, I was intrigued. The basic idea was great – get a financial check up and talk with an adviser. I certainly needed to tidy up my retirement accounts and tune up my daily spending habits. That part was a no-brainer.

What really got me to create an account and discuss my finances with a stranger was the fact that…[Read more]

]]> 4072cfabbaab2070893797c1e8490f38 Veronica Combs's profile was updated https://community.sum180.com/activity/p/435/ Mon, 26 Oct 2015 20:22:50 -0800 0 28624b12153f0f93a230e3687a9ae61f Veronica Combs replied to the topic Tiny House: How small would you downsize to live mortgage-free? in the forum Buy a house http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/tiny-house-how-small-would-you-downsize-to-live-mortgage-free/#post-1287 Mon, 26 Oct 2015 20:09:59 -0800 My kids are still in elementary school, but my husband and I are already thinking about how we are going to downsize. I think the biggest problem for most people is thinking about stuff. How do you get rid of enough of it to be happy and have all your stuff fit in a much smaller space?

For me, location is more important than size. I want to live…[Read more]

]]> 1f6900ef2be0bf2fccbb1b01101e3fcf Veronica Combs replied to the topic Calmer drivers save on gas in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/calmer-drivers-save-on-gas-2/#post-1286 Mon, 26 Oct 2015 20:09:00 -0800 I have to say this is one motivation I use to slow down on the freeway. I am always running late (another challenge I need to work on), so I am always rushing.

I remind myself that my blood pressure and my gas mileage will both be better off if I slow down and take deep breaths, instead of mashing on the gas and complaining about the other…[Read more]

]]> a6dd11090a4a7f2e5f60c6ee2d632719 Veronica Combs replied to the topic How to take control of "miscellaneous" expenses in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-to-take-control-of-miscellaneous-expenses-2/#post-1285 Mon, 26 Oct 2015 20:05:24 -0800 This is actually my least favorite part of budgeting. I do tend to lump too many expenses into “misc” which makes the category meaningless.

When I try to be more specific, I end up with way too many categories.

Still looking for the right spot in the middle between the two extremes.

]]> ffb1cd102eb5e6b5d4cba7704f06cedd Veronica Combs started the topic How to make your SUM 180 interview stress free in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-to-make-your-sum-180-interview-stress-free/ Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:09:51 -0800 I am the paperwork person in my house. I let my husband take care of the taxes one year, and we paid way too much to a preparer because he wouldn’t do it himself.
Since then (we’ve been married 13 years), I have taken over all the bills and investments. That said, I am not the most organized person in the world. I keep the bills paid on time, but…[Read more]

]]> 5e81620d47339432af52337c481d0fc0 Veronica Combs replied to the topic Finding money in new and interesting ways in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/finding-money-in-new-and-interesting-ways-2/#post-1142 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:43:22 -0800 Verizon called me recently and actually offered me a good deal in changing my cell phone plan. I am always skeptical of offers from big companies like that, but the sales rep cut my monthly bill down by $30. Again, not much, but I’ll take it.

]]> 09d4c86ee550ab45f5f128c59a313ec0 Veronica Combs replied to the topic A tip for saving on furniture or major appliances in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/a-tip-for-saving-on-furniture-or-major-appliances-2/#post-1141 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:35:09 -0800 Whenever someone asks about the small dent on my refrigerator door, I say, “Floor model discount! We got an excellent deal!”

]]> c89155f4a3fbc36d09009e4c6a9f6731 Veronica Combs replied to the topic How much money can you save if you quit smoking? in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-much-money-can-you-save-if-you-quit-smoking/#post-1140 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:33:07 -0800 Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, many more health insurance plans are covering or helping to cover programs that help people quit.
You can read more here:

http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/tobacco-control-advocacy/reports-resources/2014/helping-smokers-quit-required.pdf

Check with your insurance plan and see if you can get help to quit.

]]> 38e2be11d9abca53570e4cb99ecf2e2a Veronica Combs replied to the topic Extra life insurance? in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/extra-life-insurance/#post-1136 Mon, 28 Sep 2015 20:32:26 -0800 I think it depends on your current situation. Do you have kids or a spouse? My husband and I got term life insurance when we had kids. If something happens to one of us, the kids’ education and other expenses will be covered. The policies expire when the kids are in their 20s – hopefully they will be paying their own way by then!

In my exp…[Read more]

]]> 642f4add5e2ff950e83086c6720636db Veronica Combs changed their profile picture https://community.sum180.com/activity/p/342/ Fri, 25 Sep 2015 15:51:14 -0800 0 94087d217f68cb46422208df72dc13f5 Veronica Combs replied to the topic Audit your beauty expenses: 5 ways to spend less in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/audit-your-beauty-expenses-5-ways-to-spend-less/#post-1010 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:41:12 -0800 I have read that “wash your hair every other day” advice many times. I think that one is definitely falls in the “works for you, but not for me” category.

I have definitely cut back on highlights to save money and I only get pedicures for special occasions. I go without otherwise, because I don’t have the skill or the patience to DIY.

But…[Read more]

]]> 6acd7694244670103fe339a86257a976 Veronica Combs replied to the topic Save on your clothing bill by buying clothes that last: 5 tips in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/save-on-your-clothing-bill-by-buying-clothes-that-last-5-tips/#post-1009 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:39:49 -0800 I would add Boden to the high-quality list. They are a British company and a bit pricier than some other companies, but the clothing is well made and lasts through many washings.
They have a unique style too – I always get compliments on my Boden dresses and skirts.

Karina Dresses is another good one. The dresses are well made, feature gorgeous p…[Read more]

]]> 7c8fb6ca37236ffaf880a270d98fa481 Veronica Combs replied to the topic Grow your own food, cut your grocery bill: 4 tips in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/grow-your-own-food-cut-your-grocery-bill-4-tips/#post-1008 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:38:14 -0800 An herb garden is a good choice also. Some plants will come back every year. Cilantro reseeds itself each year, so if you get a start from a friend, there is no need to buy another plant next year.

We have a small collection of herbs, and the oregano comes back every year, and the sage does too.

We buy a basil plant or two every spring. It’s e…[Read more]

]]> b7545fff9d1ff2ce64172df1872cf858 Veronica Combs posted a new activity comment https://community.sum180.com/activity/p/275/#acomment-327 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:37:18 -0800 It’s so true. When I realized how much time I was spending fretting over bills, I was shocked at what a waste of energy that was. I made a decision NOT to feel that way. Then, when I was tempted to buy a new dress that I didn’t really need or put a weekend getaway on my credit card, I used that decision as motivation to make different fin…[Read more]

In reply to - Cordi Powell – Financial Coach wrote a new post, We Are Emotional About Our Money Helping people change their finances and their lives has always been a balancing act of delivering great advice and the human […] ]]> 41b57b6d2e8bfcd5efbe2c0a1a5b400c Veronica Combs replied to the topic Finding cash in unexpected places in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/finding-cash-in-unexpected-places-2/#post-1004 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:26:15 -0800 I had heard about Tradesy but was a little skeptical. I do love my local consignment shop, but it does require an appointment and a trip to the store. Including an envelop is a genius move – very persuasive!
Thanks for the tip – your experience has convinced me to try it!

]]> 736f80c76f4c89680566684690d64366 Veronica Combs replied to the topic David Ramsey in the forum Manage your debt http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/david-ramsey-2/#post-1002 Fri, 25 Sep 2015 14:23:04 -0800 I think that credit card debt is such a big problem for so many people that anything that chips away at it is a good thing.
The envelope system wouldn’t work for me, and it would never work for my husband. He never has cash. We have joint accounts, so any system we use has to work for both of us.
I’ve found having a weekly spending target helps me…[Read more]

]]> 38c46097d699c72d9095c4b9a015655f Veronica Combs started the topic When I knew I needed a financial plan in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/when-i-knew-i-needed-a-financial-plan-2/ Thu, 24 Sep 2015 21:37:36 -0800 In 2000, I left the more traditional work world to join an Internet startup. Ever since then, my benefits package has been much more focused on stock options that 401k matches. After I went through my fourth acquisition and still willing to sign on with yet another new company, I knew I was hooked on the entrepreneurial approach to work. I wanted…[Read more]

]]> e6eae4d19c75e3d9dbcc03b436c00918 Veronica Combs's profile was updated https://community.sum180.com/activity/p/290/ Thu, 24 Sep 2015 21:17:18 -0800 0 a25b4db6b0311e019c8311b285ef6cd3 Veronica Combs started the topic How to save: Just don't go there in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-to-save-just-dont-go-there-2/ Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:43:11 -0800 As I was working to follow my SUM 180 advice about increasing my savings account, I realized I had to change my browsing habits. Too often a window shopping trip to a local shop turned into a buying trip.

It was easy for me to skip the mall – I have no patience for traffic and prefer to shop local anyway. However, I still regularly walk by…[Read more]

]]> 9b07968593eee94aa23f7303e91223f2 Veronica Combs started the topic How to save: Hit the unsubscribe button in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-to-save-hit-the-unsubscribe-button-2/ Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:41:23 -0800 One of the three steps in my SUM 180 plan was to increase my rainy day fund. I don’t think of myself as a shopper, but then I took a closer look at my bills. I reviewed my PayPal statement and saw a lot of Etsy purchases. I looked at my sewing table and noticed that I had enough fabric to fuel years of sewing projects.

I realized that there was…[Read more]

]]> 9b07968593eee94aa23f7303e91223f2 Veronica Combs started the topic How to save: Hit the unsubscribe button in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-to-save-hit-the-unsubscribe-button-2/ Thu, 27 Aug 2015 21:41:23 -0800 One of the three steps in my SUM 180 plan was to increase my rainy day fund. I don’t think of myself as a shopper, but then I took a closer look at my bills. I reviewed my PayPal statement and saw a lot of Etsy purchases. I looked at my sewing table and noticed that I had enough fabric to fuel years of sewing projects.

I realized that there was…[Read more]

]]> 41bdf710daab0d8af8e0e35424f99995 Veronica Combs started the topic How do you change bad spending habits? in the forum Grow your savings http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/how-do-you-change-bad-spending-habits/ Mon, 24 Aug 2015 21:39:57 -0800 One piece of financial advice that has stuck with me over the years is the idea that shopping can be entertainment. If you’re bored and want to get out for a few hours, why not hit the mall? If you’re working on something boring and want to browse Etsy or Talbots.com, why not?

I thought I went shopping when I needed something specific, but then…[Read more]

]]> 6c751afc5c65f818c350275088b0e7e5 Veronica Combs started the topic Learning to respect your own financial style in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/learning-to-respect-your-own-financial-style-2/ Thu, 20 Aug 2015 21:38:47 -0800 A friend of mine has an LL Bean credit card. She lives in Arizona but has family in Maine. She visits the flagship store when she visits family, but uses the credit card all the time – responsibly, of course. She is a frugal person, so don’t get the idea that she’s shopping all the time for the latest ombre, hi-low dress. She and her husband live…[Read more]

]]> aee986e250290c78fa2094383dd50e08 Veronica Combs started the topic When I knew I needed a financial plan in the forum My journey http://sum180.wpengine.com/forums/topic/when-i-knew-i-needed-a-financial-plan-2/ Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:37:36 -0800 In 2000, I left the more traditional work world to join an Internet startup. Ever since then, my benefits package has been much more focused on stock options that 401k matches. After I went through my fourth acquisition and still willing to sign on with yet another new company, I knew I was hooked on the entrepreneurial approach to work. I wanted…[Read more]

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