Trying to save money for something you really want is so difficult, especially when you have so damn many bills. I'm going to need a new computer really soon, because my old PC is on its last proverbial legs. The thing is, I do not want another PC. I want a MAC. I promised myself that the next time I bought a new computer, it would be a MAC. However, the one I want costs $1300 and I'm figuring on spending around $1500 when I get it, counting the tax and protection plan. I'm slowly saving up money, but things keep happening where I need to spend that money, and it is so damn frustrating. Just when I think I'm getting closer to my goal, BAM something happens and I have to spend part of my savings. My car, for example - I just got a new car (used, but new to me) because my old car was dying slowly and I didn't want to get stranded. So I decided to spend some of the money I'd saved for the computer as part of the down payment so I wouldn't have SUPER MASSIVE RIDICULOUS payments that I couldn't afford. So I got the car and the payments are small enough and that's all good. But I'm still stuck with this dying PC that is so slow it makes me want to cry and I can't get it rebuilt/refurbished again because I've already done so twice. It's time I get my MAC. But moneeeeeeeeey. T_T

So yeah...commiserate with me about money. Because it sucks.

Trying to save money is ridiculous on a small income. I'm currently relying on the small bits my boyfriend earns while we live at his grandparents so that we can save for a place when our student loan money comes in. All the places around here that are hiring are either terrible work environments or just want to be choosy. Except that most of them are serving/host/hostess positions so really anyone can do them, but good luck getting an interview because the managers are NEVER there. I also need a new computer, which will likely end up coming out of future paychecks if I ever get hired. Plus car maintenance has to happen, as do vaccinations for the dog and cat. Both are behind, the dog by a month or so, and the cat has never had any. They both have to be up to date before we can move. Which will require more money to buy furniture and things. So much money.

I don't know where you live, but in NZ we have this thing called the consumer guarantees act and it means that if you buy anything there is a guarantee incase it breaks or needs repair within a year or more, and it basically renders the apple protection plan as useless. Things need to last "a reasonable amount of time", which can be disputed. My iPad stopped working a year and a half after I purchased it and the shop had to either repair, replace, or refund it, and they gave me a replacement. I would definitely look into consumer law for your area as you may save some money.

I'm having so much trouble with money at the moment too. I extended my thesis but my student loan isn't extendable, I'm unemployed, and my bf isn't helping - we split our bills 50/50 and he earns lots. I have an interview on Friday and I'm super nervous, I really need money!!

Right?! It seems like things just keep piling up like that. My two cats though, they come first. All their vaccines get updated and they get their food/etc. before I get myself anything. They're my kids, lol.

I'm in the US. We don't have anything like that here, as far as I know. My computer is over 5 years old though, so I doubt anyone would do anything for me. I hope your interview goes well!

Have you considered a used Mac? Where I live, people upgrade computers like they're free so the market's always flooded with relatively new Macs in good condition.

I was thinking about that, but I just don't want to take a chance. I want something new for once, lol.

Fair enough. Are you getting it through the education program? If you aren't, you can consider doing so through a friend who's eligible if you are because the savings can be quite substantial.

I completely understand the frustration of too little money, too many bills, and still trying to save for something XC

I'm trying to save up enough money for a trip to Florida this summer, but when you're only making an average of $320 a month and your bills and expenses are almost $310.... yeah...

Speaking as someone who's lucky right now to make $125 a paycheck and make that twice a month... I sympathize. This is the biggest reason I'm still at home - I literally cannot live on this.

I hear you so much. I have no idea how to save any money as my part time paycheck mostly goes towards bills and there's always something that comes up that takes up the extra. Like one month my microwave broke, then my dishwasher broke, then the dog had to do to the emergency vet...

I already duck out on so many plans with friends because I don't have spending money, I shop at the discount grocery store and lol no clothing stores I am almost forgetting what they look like.

I'm getting married this summer and even for a small wedding things can be so expensive! We recently decided to postpone our honeymoon until next year to save money up or else we'd have to just put the entire thing on the credit card and I'm not willing to do that. But if neither of us can get full time jobs by then I don't see how we'll save anything anyway D:

I started using Mint to track my spending (it's free) but I'm not sure how much it helps since my paychecks are so meager. But you can set a financial goal and it tells you how long it will take if you put in like $10/month or whatever. It's cool except for when it's just depressing haha.

But things have to get better eventually, right? This all has to be a learning opportunity at least...

Exactly - this has to be a learning opportunity, if nothing else. You seem to be intelligent with your money though...as I'm trying to be. I've been holding off on doing basically anything with friends (although I broke down last weekend and went to comicon, lol) and instead putting the $100 a month I have budgeted for 'funsies' into a fireproof safe box in my room as my savings account. As soon as I have $500 in there, I'll get an actual savings account at my bank since that's the lowest amount you have to keep in there to keep the account with no fees. Ugh. Being a responsible adult sucks some times. I hope your wedding goes beautifully though. I think it'll be easier to be co-responsible for money, to have another person there to talk money problems out with. Two heads, you know.

Thank you :) I'm not sure if the finances will be any different, as we've been living together for a few years already, but at least I always have someone to struggle/be miserable/occasionally panic with haha.

Well, even if you're broke, at least you have each other. To cling together and sob, lol.

I can relate to your computer troubles. When my old laptop gave way recently I knew I wanted a MAC. Ended up getting a used iMAC from ebay fully loaded with a bunch of programs I wouldn't otherwise be able to purchase for design and such. I can always look and see if the seller still has any left that's similar to the one I purchased, it runs fairly well and I haven't had any troubles aside from getting acquainted with the system itself. I paid around $400 for my MAC, fyi.

When you buy your mac, make sure you purchase the extra year or two of warranty. I didn't think I needed it, but I really should have. A couple months ago, I had to turn my macbook in for a new battery even though the cycle count was no where near the expected life. I had to churn out an extra ~$340 for the repair and replacement. -_-

I totally get the pain of trying to save money. I'm trying to save money for my trip to Cincinnati in August for a tennis tournament and it's just not happening haha. Good thing I have the plane tickets and tournament passes ready though.

I feel your pain! We are currently living on $400 a month with a toddler. It sucks because we can't afford personal care items, shoes for my son...it's really been a strain. Good luck to you on saving up. I hope you're able to get your dream MAC. They're wonderful.