So :smooch: lost her job beginning on the month, doesn't qualify for EI. Then, on Tuesday night I lost my job. We have enough cash to pay the car loan and my student line of credit (both of which are joint with my dad, so they're always my priority). I had to buy groceries on my mastercard today. I think we'll make it to the new year on what we have. I have no idea what's up with my EI because I was on short term disability when I lost my job. (long story, tis a little more complicated that I care to explain). I don't want to tell my mom but I know I might have to. Oy vey. Right before Christmas too, I'll be lucky to get any calls before the new year. I have to go email my landlord and try and explain what's going on. And, of course when I lost my job, the health benefits go too. I'm in Canada thank god. However, my antidepressent meds will run out in a few weeks and they're like $80 a month. And going off them isn't an option. I guess I just needed to talk. I bought a ton of beans today, and got yeast so I can start making our bread again. I hadn't bought most of my presents yet either. Oh well. The cats are fed, we're fed. We're warm.
We called today and cancelled the cable and also our long distance plan on our phone. I'm going to call the power company (we have a double bill this month I was planning on paying it off with my "extra" cheque end of December) and explaining the situation. We have to keep the internet and can't go any lower than we already have because any slower and it times out before an email gets sent, making it hard to look for work.
AND I desperately need new glasses. I was planning on getting them on Wednesday because I finally had no balance on my CC, and it would have worked out that I got the money back from my benefits before the bill was due. I don't know where else we can cut...

*edit to add* my former company paid us as we went, meaning I would get paid on friday morning for the work I did THAT day and the previous two weeks. I have no accrued vacation. This means that the 1/2 it's usual size cheque I get tomorrow is the last money I get.

That's rough. I hope you both find work soon. What a bummer to have to spend the holidays worrying about stuff like this. You're in my thoughts.

im sorry, I hope you both find work quickly

I'm sorry! I hope it all works out for you both!

i know things are tough, trust me i understand. do you guys have a food bank?( i know we don't)
on short term disability do you quailfy for anything like food stamps? i know here they go by your last 3 months income

good luck and i will keep you in my thoughts.

Do you have an RGI office near you? If you do, they might be able to convert your rent to a geared to income rate, and so you would only owe your landlord a fraction of what you do now. They base it on your current situation, not what you were earning 2 weeks ago, so because you have been hit with such hard times, you may qualify for reduced rent over the next 6 months. Something to think about I guess.
If you need some quick cash, maybe you can try freelance deliveries? Christmas season is really busy for these companies, and basically you pay your own gas, and get to keep a certain percentage (for DH its 70%) of the money you make from the delivery charges. He usually makes 100 - 150 dollars on a Saturday, and burns about $15.00 in gas driving around to do it.
Whatever happens, I'll keep you in my thoughts. Just keep remembering, this too shall pass.

:hugz:I'm really sorry this is happening. I know it's extremely stressful but keep looking for work and I'll send up some good thoughts for you both.

I am so sorry. I do hope you both are able to find jobs soon.

There are places you can apply online to get your meds free if you cannot afford to pay. Do a Google search for "free medications". At Christmas time, people are more generous, there should be a lot of social service organizations you can appeal to for help.

From one canuk to another, Im so sorry prarie girl. I hope a job comes your way soon and Ill say aprayer. me and my family had to ask for help before when hubby would be waiting for EI. Dont feel bad, even if its for a little while to get you back on your feet.

hhuuggssss

Lotta love, those are a few really good ideas. I've already looked in to the freelance delivery thing. One of my friends who left the bank shortly before I did is doing this. :smooch: has some reiki stuff lined up so that's a little extra income. I've gotta email my landlord. I know we'll be ok to pay the rent as soon as I get my first unemployment cheque, so I'll probably just wait.
Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Oh, and for those that suggested the food bank. I'e spent the last few months in a panic to build my stockpile so we're very good there :D :D :D

I'm really sorry this happened. I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way. :cheerup:

So sorry to hear this. I hope that you both find work soon and I will say a prayer for you.

auntie

:hugz:
So sorry to hear about this!

Good thoughts wished for you and your sweetie. My bets on you both turning this around quick and getting back to your comfort zone soon. Take good care. :heartsm:

I am so sorry. :( I wish I had some advice.

If you need glasses, check into doing a mystery shop that will pay for your exam. Some of them even pay for a certain price for glasses. I know that the glasses shops are always out there.

So sorry you're going through this. Saying a prayer for you...

'Tis the season. Sorry everything hit at once. Does your area have any temp agencies? You can start almost immediately and the pay is weekly. If there are any retail stores nearby, they are always looking for extra Christmas help.

Dolores

I could do retail, but I don't want to risk taking some temp job that would mess up my unemployment insurance, as I really need to make close to what I was making to keep things paid. I've already applied at every office opening in the city though. We're actually doing well, focusing on the positive and enjoying the unexpected time together during christmas.

I'm sorry you're under so much stress right now. It may not be so any more, ior in your province, but does income assistance 'lend' you a cheque until your ei kicks in? I know in BC you can wait 2 months or more sometimes. Also in bc you can let medical know your status and have your med prices lowered substantially.

work for xtra money?..... you're right... don't do anythign to mess up your ei. Housecleaning under the table for a few bucks here and there maybe..... even then... you have to be careful.

good luck to you. This too shall pass.

I wish you and your SO the best, :hugz:

Google your prescription and see who the manufacturer is, they may offer a reduced (or free) price on it for you?

I'm so sorry. (((((HUGS))))) It really sounds like it's raining there. I pray you both can find something quick.

I just want to thank everyone for all your prayers. I must say they are working. We're doing well, not spending any money at all. Cooking at home and trying to plan ahead. I'm trying to more or less eat of the pantry until the new year, had to buy baking powder/soda, margarine and sugar today, but other than that doing really well. I'm also blessed with the fact that my parents supply us with unlimited free, organic beef. Caroline doesn't eat red meat though, so I baked a chicken last night and am leaving the leftovers for her (turned the dark meat into chicken pot pie today) and I'm eating the hamburger, so basically for free.
Just need to wait for the first cheque to come in so I can pay the rent. I even got a call from a recruiter today for a job with a bank here in the city. Yay!
I'm not telling my mom and dad I'm not working right now. They don't understand unemployment and I don't want to worry them. They aren't in a financial position to help us and it would just cause problems between us.
Again though. Thank you guys SO much. God seems to be working in our lives in mysterious ways, but we'll take it!

it won't let me edit, so I'm adding this here:
if this seems a little immature, I'm only 22, and my parents still see me as their little girl. I love them to death and they love me, but they're having difficulty accepting that I'm a fully grown married woman with a career, who's managing some rather complicated finances and a household, who has a chronically ill spouse and three perfect cats. I'm still the girl I was when I moved out of the house when I was 18 to them.

I'm sorry things are so rough for you at such a young age. I know what you mean about still being the same little girl to your parents. I'm 52 and my parents still think of me as their little girl, lol.

I'll keep you and your dh in my prayers and all good thoughts coming your way.

I hope you get that bank job. :)

I am so sorry to hear this, I hope things turn up soon. *hugs*

:hugz: I'll be thinking about you! :hugz:

Oh for heaven's sake...I just realized that this thread is a year old!

I am sorry to hear this and good things will come your way soon, just keep your head up. :hugz:

Good thoughts I am sending your way.. hopefully you will both get something soon..hang in there and keep us posted..

sending good thoughts

I am praying that you both pick up jobs soon as you don't need this stress.