Yardies, at home and a farrin'

[Yaads 0]

Ok Ladies I have been thinking about this a lot...I know most people won't be comfortable coming out and saying how much they make per year but I am SOOOOO curious because in my mind I make very little but I don't know how that really compares to people around the US. Plus with all the talk of buying houses and such it makes me think you all are rich Even if Andre and I went on a "Squitto" plan we wouldn't have the money to buy a house for about 20 years or so it seems...

Anyways to get to the point...I set up a yahoo poll about finances...that way it is anonymous. If y'all don't mind I would love for you to vote.

Thanks

[BelwinMills 0]

wow the house looks great! I am so in... when I win the lotto.

Well.....I just want to pop in this afternoon and respond........Joanna...it does take a lot of courage to dig deep down inside your heart/gut and make this decision. You could have pretended for the sake of everyone else and in the long run it would have been HARDER for both you and Adrian. I know that you are not intentionally hurting Adrian and I do know that this was not an easy decision. WE ALL pray that Adrian can get his job back and will be able to get stronger. Maybe this time away will help sort everything out......for you and Adrian.

I also want to say a few words regarding Nanny's post. In my heart, I truly believe that she did not mean anything hurtful by her post. I believe she was thinking out-loud about Adrian and feeling overly empathtic to his situation/feelings. No matter what the situation, this is an awful thing for Adrian and his life has been turned completely upside down. However, I know for a FACT that Joanna NEVER intentionally meant to hurt Adrian. This is a VERY hard time for both of them. I also do not think Nanny was suggesting that Joanna go ahead and get married........I believe she was venting her emotions and empathy for Adrian. However it may be...this is hard for both people affected (Joanna and Adrian) and we should all feel very compassionate towards both of them.

As Jonesie said, each person is entitled to their own opinion whether it is accepted by the majority or not. Either way, I feel we should not condemn Joanna or Nanny for their decisions/opinions.

<<<<Joanna>>>>You do not need to explain yourself to anyone.......this decision was hard

and I know you meant absolutely NO bad intentions towards Adrian......

BUT....for the rest of us still going through the process...let this be a HUGE lesson learned.......REALLY TRULY get to know your Fiancee and make sure you understand EVERYTHING before you take that next step. Moving someone away from their job, life and family is huge. Do NOT do it if you have second thoughts !!!!! It has made me really sit down and analyze my own situation. I have NO second thoughts...otherwise, I would slow it down based on this lesson learned.

So...I hope we can move forward because I think we all should care and respect each other. This process is hard enough on it's own......

That was very well said. I respect Nanny for speaking her mind as well

Let's all continue to post, chat, share, and encourage one another. I am so thankful for this thread - Lord knows the hell we went through to keep it when Squitto first started it last year :lol:

Ya'll remember that?

You know I remember. I went toe to toe with the moderators and almost got myself banned I love this thread!!

Everyone will have their own opinion on things just like any family. My family at home always gives me their 2 cents on what they want me to do, but I do what is best for me.

I love this thread and think its awsome. I have learned so much and gained wonderful friends.

One luv to all

[kimlbs 0]

Ok Ladies I have been thinking about this a lot...I know most people won't be comfortable coming out and saying how much they make per year but I am SOOOOO curious because in my mind I make very little but I don't know how that really compares to people around the US. Plus with all the talk of buying houses and such it makes me think you all are rich Even if Andre and I went on a "Squitto" plan we wouldn't have the money to buy a house for about 20 years or so it seems...

Anyways to get to the point...I set up a yahoo poll about finances...that way it is anonymous. If y'all don't mind I would love for you to vote.

Thanks

You know Jamie...I think it is all relative in where you live. I live in California and the median income is $94,000 a year. However, house prices where I live are $650,000 for a 2 bedroom fixer-upper. 2 bedroom apartment costs $1700 a month to rent. So...even if I follow the Squitto plan....I will be standing next to you in 20 years!!!!

So...stay in school...keep working and keep your head up...you are doing GREATTTTTTT!!!

[Elizabethnhenry 0]

Aunt Flo is here! Dang!! Well, maybe u should put me on the bottom of the preggers list....

I think I have to get PHD in ovulation science. LOL

Still cracking up over Ms. Squito's skittles. LOL

Edited May 24, 2006 by Elizabethnhenry

[rhondapayter 0]

You know Jamie...I think it is all relative in where you live. I live in California and the median income is $94,000 a year. However, house prices where I live are $650,000 for a 2 bedroom fixer-upper. 2 bedroom apartment costs $1700 a month to rent. So...even if I follow the Squitto plan....I will be standing next to you in 20 years!!!!

So...stay in school...keep working and keep your head up...you are doing GREATTTTTTT!!!

Wow! I could never afford to live in California That is crazy expensive! How can anyone afford to buy a house? Of course, like you said, the median income is MUCH higher there too to compensate for it. So yes, Jamie, I think this is a good point regarding your question. Like I mentioned to Jonesie, I have a nice house (3 bedroom) and only paid $145,000. And it didn't need any work at all - just moved right in. I guess it all depends on what state/city/area you're in.

[Elizabethnhenry 0]

Ok Ladies I have been thinking about this a lot...I know most people won't be comfortable coming out and saying how much they make per year but I am SOOOOO curious because in my mind I make very little but I don't know how that really compares to people around the US. Plus with all the talk of buying houses and such it makes me think you all are rich Even if Andre and I went on a "Squitto" plan we wouldn't have the money to buy a house for about 20 years or so it seems...

Anyways to get to the point...I set up a yahoo poll about finances...that way it is anonymous. If y'all don't mind I would love for you to vote.

Thanks

You know Jamie...I think it is all relative in where you live. I live in California and the median income is $94,000 a year. However, house prices where I live are $650,000 for a 2 bedroom fixer-upper. 2 bedroom apartment costs $1700 a month to rent. So...even if I follow the Squitto plan....I will be standing next to you in 20 years!!!!

So...stay in school...keep working and keep your head up...you are doing GREATTTTTTT!!!

I agree. It's totally relative to where you are in the nation. I will take the survey/poll tomorrow.

But I find that my brother and sister who live outside the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) make a 1/3 of what I make and they owned their homes waaaaaay before I did. They also have kids and were pursuing graduate degrees and could still afford a house!!!! I was single and no kids and could barely afford to buy a coop in manhattan in 2001 (a one bedroom that cost 209,000) and now I cannot afford it at all, unless its a 400 sq ft studio ....prices are sky high. If I did not buy when I did, I would not be able to do it; I started small and humble and all my purchases were fixer uppers....when I decided to get a house - that needed work too. No way could I get something ready to move in without also having tenants to help with the mortgage. Ugh! Yeah you can earn a lot in big cities and still be paycheck to paycheck.

Another example of starting small, a girlfriend of mine bought a run down studio by the brooklyn bridge for about 90K in 2004 and she painted, put in floors (exterminated LOL) and now everybody thinks she is smart because that building has become VERY popular and her apartment is now worth about 175,000 should she decide to sell today.

So don't be afraid to start small and don't be afraid to buy something that no one really wants if it is sound and you can fix what ails it.

That's why you HAVE to pay yourself first. Even if its 5 bucks a paycheck, stock it away and if your company has a 401K, participate in it no matter how tough you think it will be. Do it. It really really adds up....especially if the employer matches your contribution. We are matched dollar for dollar and my sis is matched 25 cents for every dollar she contributes.

Edited May 24, 2006 by Elizabethnhenry

[rhondapayter 0]

Ok Ladies I have been thinking about this a lot...I know most people won't be comfortable coming out and saying how much they make per year but I am SOOOOO curious because in my mind I make very little but I don't know how that really compares to people around the US. Plus with all the talk of buying houses and such it makes me think you all are rich Even if Andre and I went on a "Squitto" plan we wouldn't have the money to buy a house for about 20 years or so it seems...

Anyways to get to the point...I set up a yahoo poll about finances...that way it is anonymous. If y'all don't mind I would love for you to vote.

Thanks

Jamie,

As long as you have a small sum of money saved for a down payment and you have decent credit, it's not that hard to buy a house. You figure the average mortgage is 30 years, so your payments would be broken up to 12 payments a year for 30 years. So generally the monthly payment isn't that high. And at least in the end, you have something to show for it. When you rent an apartment, it's like you're just throwing your money away. I think buying a house is a GREAT investment for anyone. Keep your head up - you can do it

[kimlbs 0]

Ok Ladies I have been thinking about this a lot...I know most people won't be comfortable coming out and saying how much they make per year but I am SOOOOO curious because in my mind I make very little but I don't know how that really compares to people around the US. Plus with all the talk of buying houses and such it makes me think you all are rich Even if Andre and I went on a "Squitto" plan we wouldn't have the money to buy a house for about 20 years or so it seems...

Anyways to get to the point...I set up a yahoo poll about finances...that way it is anonymous. If y'all don't mind I would love for you to vote.

Thanks

Jamie,

As long as you have a small sum of money saved for a down payment and you have decent credit, it's not that hard to buy a house. You figure the average mortgage is 30 years, so your payments would be broken up to 12 payments a year for 30 years. So generally the monthly payment isn't that high. And at least in the end, you have something to show for it. When you rent an apartment, it's like you're just throwing your money away. I think buying a house is a GREAT investment for anyone. Keep your head up - you can do it

Yes......both Rhonda and Elizabeth gave some great advice. I bought my 2 bedroom condo 7 years ago for about $249,000 and it recently appraised for $780,000. I still live paycheck to paycheck but it was the best investment I ever made. I can't wait for the day that I sell this place and buy a BIG house in Jamaica and some other property investments in other areas of the US. This condo is my future nest egg......I will never be able to buy a house in this area because house prices in the Bay Area are just ridiculous........My 10 year plan includes.....moving out of this area!!!! Damn gas is $3.65 a gallon and it just went down today to that price......

So......save that $5.00 or invest in a 401k......and keep up that credit or work on fixing it if you have some past dings.......it will really go along way in getting you in a house........and think about a possible area that you can afford........I want to move to Rhonda's neck of the woods.........unless it snows where she lives....I am kinda spoiled with Cali weather....that is my only problem...thinking about Florida though......

Edited May 24, 2006 by kimlbs

[Minfay 0]

You know I remember. I went toe to toe with the moderators and almost got myself banned I love this thread!!

That was so much fun.....they learned their lesson to not mess with Mooma Squitto!!!

Regarding houses -- we have a three bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, two car garage....my problem is the built in pool in the backyard. I was the idiot who bought the house -- the people I bought it from took my first offer....why? Because of the pool and they were so happy to get the hell out of here. Roy and I have to decide what to do with it this summer. Either fill it in or pay to fix the problems -- the concrete needs to be replaced.....DON'T EVER BUY A HOUSE WITH A POOL!!!

I got lucky with my condo that I had in Chicago -- I bought it for nothing and sold it for almost double....that will never happen to me again in my life. Just dumb luck. I would love to move to San Diego to be closer to my sister and her kids -- but I don't think I could ever afford to live there. Even a one bedroom apartment is out of my range.....Living in Jamaica is cheaper

I got my heart!!!!

[Ms Squitto 0]

Good morning.

Squito and I know that we cannot afford to buy in NYC, nor do we want to. I'm so glad the Squito savings plan has caught on. If we stay dedicated to it, I know we'll reach our goal in no time!

I got my heart!!!!

Congratulations!!

Ok Ladies I have been thinking about this a lot...I know most people won't be comfortable coming out and saying how much they make per year but I am SOOOOO curious because in my mind I make very little but I don't know how that really compares to people around the US. Plus with all the talk of buying houses and such it makes me think you all are rich Even if Andre and I went on a "Squitto" plan we wouldn't have the money to buy a house for about 20 years or so it seems...

Anyways to get to the point...I set up a yahoo poll about finances...that way it is anonymous. If y'all don't mind I would love for you to vote.

Thanks

I voted in your poll Jme. If you keep your credit in good standing and save up for a decent downpayment, you can get a mortgage no problem. I've seen people with bad credit and good income buy homes. I've seen people with low income and good credit buy homes. I have a friend who makes $60K has terrible credit and she bought a home with $2500 down. Anything is possible. Just start saving, that's the first step!! Also, if you can get your hands on the latest issue of Essence Magazine (June 2006) They just started a 12 month homebuying campaign with tips and advice on owning your own home within the next year. Good luck Jamie

Aunt Flo is here! Dang!! Well, maybe u should put me on the bottom of the preggers list....

I think I have to get PHD in ovulation science. LOL

Still cracking up over Ms. Squito's skittles. LOL

Awww man, sorry to hear...it's just not time. It will happen sooner than later, don't move your name on the list

Everyday Squito's like "Yuh tek yuh tablet yet?" hahaha we have them placed on the nightstand so we can't forget

You know I remember. I went toe to toe with the moderators and almost got myself banned I love this thread!!

I remember they started calling you "Mama Squitto"!

aahh, the good ole days

[Minfay 0]

I got my heart!!!!

Okay, nevermind....I got my heart a long time ago.....just me hallucinating again!! That's what happens when I try to do something without having a pot of coffee first

What was that movie when everyday the person woke up they forgot everything that happened before....yeah, that's me!!

[nannygirl82 0]

I got my heart!!!!

Okay, nevermind....I got my heart a long time ago.....just me hallucinating again!! That's what happens when I try to do something without having a pot of coffee first

What was that movie when everyday the person woke up they forgot everything that happened before....yeah, that's me!!

i think that movie was groundhog's day

[tenika 0]

unless it snows where she lives....I am kinda spoiled with Cali weather....that is my only problem...thinking about Florida though......

..BUT..then you have to wory about the 10 hurricaines a year they get..

[phatmadame81 0]

Good morning Ladies,

hope everyone is doing great on this beautiful blessed day.

I just found out that my classmate from Jamaica was murdered in Jamaica a few weeks ago ( the guy that was killed for his cell phone- stupid razor phones).

Have a blessed day everyone.

[tenika 0]

I got my heart!!!!

CONGRATS