I have been managing our household on one income for over 3 years; due to my hubby's hours and pay getting cut a few weeks ago, I am starting to feel like a failure. I mean, I have trimmed out all the "extras" and am trying to watch every penny. Just don't quite know what to do right now and am sure someone can relate.
It just seems like everytime this whole year that I was able to put some money aside for emergencies... that was when an emergency would happen. I just made $82.00 last weekend selling stuff on Craigslist but now we got the revised rates for our sons health insurance and it is going up $74.00 per month (which means effective with our December biling) so that takes away almost all the "found money" ugh!
I am trying to find creative ways to save money but am running out of ideas; I have been applying for full time work but not even getting interviews; hubby has been trying so hard to find a new job before the end of the year when his boss is closing shop but no luck yet ... sigh... thanks for listening!!!
What do you do when you loose sleep and then worry every waking hour? 1|1|Shel do not feel like a failure what is important is that you made the money to pay that bill (M)|teener|teenerzacsneenee@yahoo.com|11:44:44|11/19/2009|
I have a seperate account for my "rainy day funds"and when I get some saved where I see light at the end of the tunnel where I maybe able to purchase something extra something comes up but we handle it and my savings starts again keep the faith T 2|2|Thanks teener :) I need to remember to be grateful|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|11:50:00|11/19/2009|
that we even have a income right now ... even though the pay is sucking. My hubby had off yesterday and told me "no grown man should be sitting around the house watching cartoons with his kids on a weekday" and I had to leave the room because I was in tears. He is not taking this well; he did rake all the leaves on our 1/2 acre and spent the rest of the daylight hours burning them.
He is trying to find side work (auto tech) and I am trying to get some babysitting gigs, hoping parents will use me while they go holiday shopping. 3|3|Auto tech huh? Has he tried the dealers?|teener|teenerzacsneenee@yahoo.com|11:52:27|11/19/2009|
>Posted on Nov-19-09 at 11:50 AM (Eastern)
>by 68.80.182.56that we even have a
>income right now ... even though
>the pay is sucking. My
>hubby had off yesterday and told
>me "no grown man should be
>sitting around the house watching cartoons
>with his kids on a weekday"
>and I had to leave the
>room because I was in tears.
> He is not taking this
>well; he did rake all the
>leaves on our 1/2 acre and
>spent the rest of the daylight
>hours burning them.
>He is trying to find side work
>(auto tech) and I am trying
>to get some babysitting gigs, hoping
>parents will use me while they
>go holiday shopping.
4|4|Think unconventional too the roofing companies down here all have their own auto guy who works at the shop... maybe something like that|Kristy|mi3zons1@yahoo.com|12:06:37|11/19/2009|
"Women should not have children after 35. Thirty-five children are enough." - anonymous (Only 28 to GO!) 5|5|True garys co has their own mech|teener|teenerzacsneenee@yahoo.com|12:11:45|11/19/2009|
>Posted on Nov-19-09 at 12:06 PM (Eastern)
>by 74.103.80.220"Women should not have children
>after 35. Thirty-five children are enough."
>- anonymous (Only 28 to GO!)
>
6|1|inside|CJDJ112366|Lintaos@optonline.net|12:12:35|11/19/2009|
How about babysitting?
Sime things you can check into....
Home heating/electrical programs to help offset some bills. I don't know how old your son is but the Salvation Army always runs a free toy drive for Christmas
Welfare/food stamps/unemployment
swap mamas - maybe you can swap for some things you need
Toys R Us/Walmart - holiday jobs
a paper route
7|2|Thanks, we are always looking for new options :)|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|13:31:39|11/19/2009|
I work weekends and when I am not working my hubby does side work at our house (oil changes and brakes and stuff) for people (mostly family); I have been trying to find a child or two to babysit during the weekdays, however, there are so many people out of work and also in home daycares that are also advertising to do childcare that are registered etc.
We don't qualify for any assistance right now because hubby still has his job at a decent rate... if he cannot find another job before the end of the year he will be eligible for some unemployment pay I imagine. We just don't want to let it get that far. He has applied at several dealerships in Maryland (where he works now) and actually broke down and applied near our home as well (the pay would be about 1/3 of his normal salary but it would be more than not having a job).... just looking like places are not hiring right now.
He does the fleet maintenance already for my cousin's towing company but thinking I might be able to market him to one more local place before winter (busy season for them) or he actually has towing experience too if my cousin gets busy enough to call him for weekend work.
We have three sets of grandparents so we don't really worry about Christmas that much... my sons (twins) are 3 1/2 yrs and we are lucky because they don't care if they get clothing for holiday/birthday gifts :) In fact, my mom and I went shopping for winter coats last month, found a wonderful deal at JCPenney and she gave them to them to wear already... we are pretty much set on shoes, clothing and toys for them. And hubby and I don't need anything to open.
We all know what it is like to stretch a penny, I know I am not alone :) Thank you all!!
8|3|(((shel))) we all feel that way sometimes...|shellysmsmo|jpksms@sbcglobal.net|13:53:07|11/19/2009|
But you know that you are trying.. don't give up...I think everyone has a bad look on life right now....we just have
to fight thru it.....Hang in there!!! You are not a failure...got it???
9|1|Shel - I write content online at a few sites. It is fairly easy to do with little ones running around. If you are interested in learning more, plz email me. I have built up about 400 pieces of content on one site and earn about 50 bucks a month just on residuals from people viewing it. That doesn't count upfront payments. |Sara_s_Mom|IClipCoupons@gmail.com|13:58:50|11/19/2009|
Earn swag bucks toward Amazon codes and more! It's super easy! Ask me for more info if interested. Please use this link to join, or email me for an invitation. http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=58333
Also: Mysearchbonus.com - earn points for searching, redeem for gift cards. Lots to choose from! I just learned about a new search engine where you get 1 point per search (natural searching....) and once you hit 1,000 points, you can cash out for a $10 gift card. Just another great money making opportunity for searching the internet!
Here's my referral link if you are interested:
http://www.mysearchbonus.com/?p=join&rid=c878cb22180e1c72ec3acff2d421688c
*************************************
Check out my blog - Making Ends Meet: Living On One Income - for posts on money saving tips! http://livingononeincome.blogspot.com/
Money woes? Associated Content pays writers for content. Curious about what kind of articles AC will pay for? Take a look at my articles at the link below. If I can do it, so can you! Please email me with questions, I'll be glad to help! http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/72250/carly_hart.html
10|2|I did write for them in the past...|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|14:07:09|11/19/2009|
Going to check them out again :) Thanks for the reminder. I also have a small Amazon balance from my Swagbucks.
I also just got a "backup" notice for a mystery shop for Saturday... $15 will go a long way here!
11|3|Shel - if you submit as D.O. (which means no upfront) or Non-E (where you can ask for upfront) be sure to check out Bukisa to dump what you wrote for reprints. Often just tweaking the title and perhaps a bit of text is a good idea. You can only do this with non-Exclusive stuff though :( You can email me if you have any questions on what I do. But I submit almost everything Non-E, then stick it on Bukisa for extra hits.|Sara_s_Mom|IClipCoupons@gmail.com|14:29:23|11/19/2009|
Earn swag bucks toward Amazon codes and more! It's super easy! Ask me for more info if interested. Please use this link to join, or email me for an invitation. http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=58333
Also: Mysearchbonus.com - earn points for searching, redeem for gift cards. Lots to choose from! I just learned about a new search engine where you get 1 point per search (natural searching....) and once you hit 1,000 points, you can cash out for a $10 gift card. Just another great money making opportunity for searching the internet!
Here's my referral link if you are interested:
http://www.mysearchbonus.com/?p=join&rid=c878cb22180e1c72ec3acff2d421688c
*************************************
Check out my blog - Making Ends Meet: Living On One Income - for posts on money saving tips! http://livingononeincome.blogspot.com/
Money woes? Associated Content pays writers for content. Curious about what kind of articles AC will pay for? Take a look at my articles at the link below. If I can do it, so can you! Please email me with questions, I'll be glad to help! http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/72250/carly_hart.html
12|4|I think at some point in life we all feel like were failing~|HONEY11|HONEY1@AMERITECH.NET|17:40:00|11/19/2009|
Posted on Nov-19-09 at 05:40 PM (Eastern) by 76.217.60.42
I have family members that are struggling and I try my best with what little money I have to help them get things they need like food and hba items, sometimes I feel like I am failing them, I try to give as much as I can and feel like I'm failing them as I only have so much money to stretch and it is never enough, I should be making more money. Also wish I could help others in need more, so many people in need of food and I haven't been able to donate to strangers in need, sometimes I feel like I failed them too. When I get down I remind myself that a failure doesn't try...they give up so that helps me get through the bumps in the road as I do try, and keep trying.
I think sometimes we are all too hard on our self we are doing the best we can. I've had jobs cleaning houses, resold items I bought at the resale shop and made profit on them selling on e-bay, make craft items and sell them. My dad use to mow lawns and rake leaves to make ends meet. Write down all the things you can do, and look for ways to make money using those strong points you have.
13|1|Shel, just remember, "There is only failure in never trying"....so you keep plugging away! It's difficult, I know, and discouraging sometimes....but you ARE trying and being creative in your efforts!|saint6811|waylan@comcast.net|17:42:44|11/19/2009|
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.
--Thomas Jefferson--
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.
~Abraham Lincoln
14|1|I feel for you!|sunriver|lithiasalt@cheerful.com|17:51:01|11/19/2009|
As hard as it is to sometimes look for the positives in financial woes, I have found that it helps a lot. I always try to find an opportunity in the low points and from what I have read in your posts I think you do too.
Sometimes I have to remind myself of the tiny good things over and over until they stick.
Tomorrow things will look better and in the meantime hang in there and hug those sweet boys of yours and they will help make you feel better. Vanessa 15|2|Thanks :)|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|17:57:02|11/19/2009|
Thank you for reminding me that if I am still trying, I am not failing :) Hugs to all!
Vanessa, you know it, it is alllll about my two little men :) Hubby and I have said so often over the past few weeks, we want to work as hard as we can to try to stay in our current home and not move unless it becomes very necessary ... we bought in a good school district, have a yard, etc. If it were just us, we would gladly sell the home and live in a mobile home (heck, even an RV, I think that would be a great and wonderful adventure!) but we are going to try to keep things as stable as possible for the boys.
I have a guilty confession... I took an hour long nap today with my kids! Along with the kind words here, I think it has truly helped my spirits! Thanks guys!!! 16|1|SHEL~*~|RebekkaVA|queen_vulture@msn.com|18:07:21|11/19/2009|
You're not a failure sweetie, sometimes things happen for a reason and even though at the times it feels like you've hit rock bottom, just remember better days are ahead. You've gotta keep the faith girlfriend...I've been in your shoes and felt the same way, but my faith in the LORD got us through plus all my dear family here at RS too. We lost our house, had to move into a campground and live in a travel trailer, but it wasn't as bad as we thought it would be and it actually taught us to appreciate what we do have. You're a good person and a wonderful Mother. Keep the Faith. Hugs, Rebekka
~*~REBEKKA~*~
a.k.a. "Queen Vulture"
Married to my Soul Mate William
"My husband has cancer, Please pray for him"
Mommy to:
Timothy 5/80
Matthew 10/92
Cheyenne 9/99
*EMAIL*: queen_vulture@msn.com
Feedback link: http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/796.html
17|1|i know how you feel|tarasdream|jumpwoman23@hotmail.com |18:26:51|11/19/2009|
i am disabled and live off off 674 a month the only way i could make it was with the little bit of money my daughter gave me. but she just moved out and took the money with her i have racked my brain to figure a way to make money but its not happening, everyone says oh you need to sacrifice more well how much more can you sacrifice. but keep your chin up because i know it will work out for you and i will be saying prayers for you and your family. this will be the first thanksgiving and christmas in almost 30 years that i cant afford to cook and it is killing me. 18|2|Shel....sending you a huge hug....|BusterBrown|srfreezerqueen@hotmail.com|18:49:51|11/19/2009|
You are an awesome parent and wife....you will get thru this....as mom used to say, what does not kill us makes us stronger....Email me if i can help.... 19|1|I totally understand where you are coming from!|jdlaurie|savethosepennies@aol.com|20:15:52|11/19/2009|
It's been the same here! Just when I think I'm going to get ahead. Here's just a sampling of my year. I know it could be worse, but I'm the primary bread winner in the family, so this hurts!
First it was announced no raises or bonuses, or employee match on the retirement plan this year at work! The electric bill and the water bill all had raises and I got none!
This year, we paid off the car... so no 2nd car payment.... no go.... we didn't even get to skip a months payment and the car was totalled by some jerk who wasn't paying attention and caused a pile up! My husband was in the front of the line... so now we have another car payment!
My insurance premiums, deductibles, co-pays,etc. have gone up. Some doubled! Both my son and I see a doctor monthly and between the two of us have 5 prescriptions to fill a month!
My daughter got sick, my husband got sick... then I got sick. 3 drs appts, 2 prescriptions and $236.00 gone in one night! Dr believes it was swine flu because of the severity and the length, but didn't test for it because that's another $350 each!
I got my homeowners insurance and it went up over $1200 a year! YIKES! Which means another $200 a month on the mortgage if we can't come up with the money, which we can't! And they took away my no claim status and deductions for multiple lines, they no longer offer the discounts!
The credit card companies (and sadly there are a lot of them) are raising my interest rates to 29.99% and I've never had a late payment! I guess I will now, because I won't be able to make them thanks to them!
I'm frustrated and stressed so bad these days! Things have to get better! If it wasn't for couponing (which I do alot) and refunding (which I do very little of) and ebay... I would be so much further in the hole!
I need about $500 more a month, just to pay the bills and not have any extra for anything else.
20|2|Laurie... $350 for a flu test ??? per person??|petunia1|sweetpea39@comcast.net|21:48:11|11/19/2009|
they whole test box for 50 tests is only $80 how can the doc charge $350 a person???
this is a nasal swab test and takes 10 mins to process. the CDC did say there was no sense testing because at that point (a few weeks ago) if it was suspected you had the flu it was swine because the regular flu season did not start yet.
does not make sense to me ?? did you mean $35 a person ?? still an overcharge but so much more reasonable 21|3|Swine Flu Test. Regular Flu Test is cheaper|jdlaurie|savethosepennies@aol.com|22:06:05|11/19/2009|
They said the results don't come back for many weeks and by then the flu is gone.. and swine is treated exactly like the regular flu.... so it's a waste of money! 22|4|Exactly, a total waste of money|petunia1|sweetpea39@comcast.net|22:20:05|11/19/2009|
if it is the swine flu the regular flu test comes back positive and it only takes 10 mins in the office. there really is no need to send out the expensive one. glad you were smart enough not to get it done. Good for you!!
23|2|Exactly, you try to get ahead and get smacked with something|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|05:37:40|11/20/2009|
That is what has been happening at our house too.... I actually started a parttime job two months ago hoping to prepare for the winter/holidays because our home heating bills get too high. So then hubby got his hours cut and then his pay per hour. SO we are not farther ahead at all . The good part on that was I already had the weekend job secured and almost through the first 90 days... after my probation period I get a raise of $1.50 per hour which is going to really help too.
Funny story, my hubby hates change.. he might spend the quarters in his truck if he must, but just brings the rest home. So last night he brings his lunchbox home and sits it on the counter (because of course he knows I will empty it, and restock for the next day). When I opened it, it was like 1/2 full of coins!!! My lucky day; we took bets because he said it was a lot of pennies and guessed $17.00; I guessed $35.00... did not get to finish rolling coins but when I stopped I was at $44.50 and a ton of pennies to go! He spends about $100.00 per week on gas, so I told him that I will finish this morning and he can stop at the bank to cash it all in on his way to the gas station for his $50.00 fill-up.
Felt like a treasure chest :) 24|3|I'm in the same boat |lauri|boysnlauri@aol.com|05:59:20|11/20/2009|
http://www.refundsweepers.com/dcforum/feedback/1265.html
and just keep going forward the best I can.
Liked your story about the pennies. My DH now stops a few times a week and looks for Winetags and coupons for me. Years ago he used to bring me home flowers and candy... now it's winetags and coupons. He's also great at finding coke points.
It's very tough but know you are not alone. 25|4|That is cute :) Hubby now saves me boxtops!|couponshelmd|couponshel@comcast.net|09:10:34|11/20/2009|
And we were at his parents over the Summer and he took one off of their cereal box in a pantry ha ha!
I love it when men can be supportive in small ways like this, I am sure you make better use of the coupons and winetags than flowers that wilt and candy that goes to your hips. Oh, that last part must have been about me :)
A ton of hugs to all my friends here today, you are each very special!!
Shel 26|5|mine comes home w coke codes & ink cartridges to recycle!|jdlaurie|savethosepennies@aol.com|19:52:07|11/20/2009|
I now have him conviced all my efforts are it! He's sees my $120 grocery bills down to $50, my recycled cartridges and rewards points on stuff we used just got us a $121 gift certificate this month (of course I have a $25 coupon to match it with!),my new prescription offers that give me just about as much in gift cards for groceries as I pay for prescriptions, etc!