Dennise Williams, Staff Reporter 
I AM 36 years old, single, with two children ages 15 and 10 years of age. My situation is somewhat like the writer in your column of January 9, 2005.
I have two saving accounts and between them I don't have $1,000 at any one time. My salary goes to one account.
I am an administrative assistant living with my two children, mother and brother in a rented house. My mother pays for light and water, while my brother contributes one third towards the rent. Child support is when the father feels like it and that is $4,000 for both children.
My monthly basic pay is $63,190.66 (inclusive of a rent cheque of $15,000 which is not taxed). The breakdown is as follows:
Health Insurance $2,281.30
Pension $2,125.00
VMBS (Savings) $300.00
Churches CU $1,400.00
COK CU
(Savings & FIP) $1,000.00
Insurance
(10-yr-old & Me) $2,527.00
JMMB (Children) $500.00
Staff Bus
Transport Fee $520.00
Income Tax 9,244.59
NIS $1,041.67
NHT $1,003.62
Education Tax $940.29
TOTAL DEDUCTIONS 22,883.47
MY PERSONAL BUDGET
Tithe $5,700.00
Rent $10,000.00 (2/3 share)
Supermarket $4,000.00
Loan $3,125.00
Lunch Money
(Girls) $6,500.00
| Lunch Money |
| (Me) | $2,000.00 |
| (subsidised |
| by company) |
Telephone $2,500.00
Cable $1,000.00
Partner $7,500.00
Internet $1,000.00
I do not own a car and am desirous of purchasing one and pursuing further studies in September. I would also like to start a savings plan for the 15-year-old's university education. The items marked withare often times in arrears and food, in the long run, cost me more than what I budget for.
I sell products for an international cosmetic company but earnings do not materialise in real terms. I recently received an international credit card for the purpose of paying for the goods and do not want to use it for personal things because I fear I may not have the cash to pay the bill when it is due. I own shares in two companies. Entertainment and emergency money is unheard of. I need some advice, as I would like to see a positive turn around for 2005.
HELP!
Pat Campbell
Frustrated Mother
