Starting an Emergency Fund with a variable income

[wincrasher]

If you are going to spend money on "entertainment" then going to the gym with your husband is a great idea. Get's you out of the house and isn't too expensive - plus it's good for you. Entertains the kid too thru the daycare center - great.

Quitting smoking should also reduce your health insurance premium as well as the ability to shop insurance in the future. It's uncomfortable to quit, but so what? Suck it up and do what you have to do. You should immediately ban smoking from inside your house. Make him go outside if he's going to light up - the cold temps may help motivate him. Second hand smoke is not good for you or your child.

[MamaBird06]

the daycare is only for 2 hours a day max, while on the premises, so can't use it for other reasons.

My husband is going to try the nicorette gum for now, I just got a box at the drug store for him today, he has one pack of cigarettes left, so i hope that he doesn't have to buy any more packs.

[deedee421]

You may want to try YNAB 3 (You Need a Budget) and see if that helps. I personally have not tried it (I downloaded the free 7-day trial and just started reading thru the materials), but my sister loves it. It should help you to build an emergency fund, and since you are supposed to live off last month's income with the program, it would help you with your variable income. They have a free 7 day trial period so it won't hurt anything to check it out.

[snafu]

Can you offer PT daycare for someone in your neighbourhood to provide socialization for your son and income for your situation? DH needs to get onboard with the plan. Try renting movies from your local library to temporarily replace Netflixs so that he can contribute to the plan in a tangible way.

Smoking is a stinky, dirty, unhealthy habit. You might as well stand on the doorstep and burn $10. bills. DH needs to value himself, his health, his lungs and the wellbeing of his son and his wife. Clients don't like to smell cigarette odor on his clothes. He could likely improve his figures by stopping that disgusting habit. As mentioned it will reduce insurance premiums for life, car, house. $410. per month could be put to better use.