Although someone had posted earlier that this might not be such a great thread, I think it’s fantastic for 2 reasons. 1)Those of us that struggle to get by could possibly glean some good advice on how to stretch a dollar. 2) I think that a frank discussion on the costs of being frum and what can be done about it is long past due.
Some background… Bought a house “out of town”. While the price was cheap, the taxes are not! Combined income: $165,000, 2 used cars, nothing newer than a 2003. 4 kids. Both parents working, spouse is part time, I took on an additional part time job. All kids in yeshiva. Small retirement IRA with no contributions since 2000. Kids go to day camp only. Last tuition bill: $36,000. Maybe we will get some of that knocked down.
Recently while doing our taxes we decided to see what our monthlys were. We barely break even. We have not been able to squirrel away a single dime. In one hand and out the other. Now, I don’t mind working like a dog. I would do anything for my family. But doesn’t it strike you as tragic that it takes so much to be a frum Jew? Is there nothing that can be done about this? The scapegoat is always the “yeshiva”. As if the teachers don’t need a living wage too.
Well, as a result of the above we have learned to stretch our dollars as far as we can. Sometimes its by smart buying, sometimes its by smart saving.
Smart buy: powdered laundry detergent.
Smart save: Juices are cut with water (the kids don’t notice).
Smart buy: frozen pizza.
Smart save: All shabbos food is home made.
Yet even with all the saving and cost cutting, we still just break even. I can’t figure it out. My colleagues at work wonder why they are driving the latest cars and trucks and I come to work in a 1998 Hyundai.
Then I see Boro Park (Ir HaKodesh) and I am dumbfounded as to how they do it. Did someone not tell me the tricks of the trade? I didn’t get my fat bankbook when I came of age.