On the upside I get my w-2 tomorrow and I can file my taxes, i'm expecting a big refund that will get me out of this mess

Winter time is horrible for me, the gas bill and electric bill is at least $250 a month compared to maybe $70 in nicer months. I pay my rent first and juggle my bills. The bill juggling is going to catch up very soon.

Last few months I struggled with grocery money even though I do get $220 in food benefits. I was sick last week for 4 days and could not work, that hurt me money wise really bad.

I work hard but I can't get caught up.

All I can do is file taxes tomorrow and wait for the refund and work hard until that comes in and try to hold everything together. I will make it, I just hate winter because of the bills.

I am sooo sorry. I am sending you loads of good vibes!! Is there a way that you can get on a heating/electric bill plan year round? I know you have to run everything at a certain temp for the girls, so cutting back further is not always an option. Can you pay up ahead on your electric/gas bill? that way if you always stay paid up with a credit and it won't be so hard on you next winter and should you move you will get the money back. I feel for you and your situation. Just keep on keeping on!
Dianne :tubby3:

I have the same problem. I had to set up a payment plan (not a budget cause its more) with the utility companies. This worked out pretty good forme. They figured out a base amount and then add whatever your payment would be. My gas bill usually runs 200+ in the winter. My budget amount was 170. a month. With the payment plan I pay 96 dollars. The same with the electric. I pay 72 dollars per month. This helps since then I know how much I have to pay and its cheaper than the budget. Don't know if your companies would do this or not. You can pay it off in full anytime also.

I'm sorry. Have you checked to see if you qualify for some heating or electric bill assistance?

I am very sorry. I suggest you doing the same as these ladies have suggested. We seem to always be catching up on bills around here. Seems like that something always comes up and we get further behind. Big hugs, and prayers!!

I have to be at $0 balance in order to go on budget billing. I will do that when I catch up.

I know other people are in the same boat as me. It's frustrating at times when you are working as much as you can and it seems like you are going nowhere but further behind.

Is there a food pantry you can go to to help with food? I'm sorry it's so hard right now :(

Seending you HUGSSSSSSS...

You should qualify for the HEAP program for your heating bill. You call your utility company and they will tell you how to apply.

:hugz: Hang in there!! I hope you're able to get ahead soon.

Hang in there. I know it gets frustrating. It is the same with me out of this pay period #10 days total. I have had to call in sick #5 of them!!! AUGH...so I sympathize with you. Just keep on trying and definitely try some of the tips which the other women/gents in this thread suggested.

I remember once asking for a different billing date for my electric. Only paid electric then. Anyway this made it easier for me to pay since it fell on a payday. So I paid it right away.

Do check out the utility programs for assistance. You may just qualify and it may make it easier for you to catch up and get on that payment plan.

Good luck with it. I am sure you will be able to make things work out.

mmy, I've seen you post on the WPLH board before. I remember the adorable picture of your girls :) I work for W and I also live in MI (UP actually). I am happy we are getting our W-2s tomorrow :) The line I work was actually shut down for the two weeks during christmas and new years so we've had to go without pay for that amount of time. I didn't realize how much it would affect us and put us in a bit of a bind. I really hope that you get the money you need and that everything works out for you and yours!

Thank you

I feel so negative and pitying myself right now. I have enough lines that I can work 24/7 if I was able to.

Just little things like being sick for 4 days almost ruined me. I've worked while having fever/chills and throwing up in between calls so not to work I have to be extremely sick.

I need to stop feeling sorry for myself and throw myself into work and really enjoying quality time with my children.

I think i'm going to ask a friend for a loan to get me through until I can get a tax refund back. I'm usually a happy person no matter what but i'm starting to not like myself lately.

:hugz: Hang in there!!

Hey... Everyone gets down every once in a while.

:hugz: Hope your refund comes thru super-fast!

I appreciate all the ideas here.

I'm sick of feeling sorry for myself right now. I'm going to be productive and just take it a day at a time.

First off let me tell you that I find you very inspiring.Many women in your situation would choose to give up and let the government support them. You are working and providing for your girls.You should be very proud of yourself. Do anything to get through this spot. Check out the food banks, apply for heating funds, , use your frugal knowledge. You can do this.Keep your chin up.

Oh hon, I'm sorry you are going through this. You will come out stronger. Your girls are beautiful if that is any consolation!:cheerup:

Please don't get down on yourself. I've been reading your blog and you work so hard for your kids. You're a great mom. Hang in there and take care of yourself. I hope you're able to get that loan from your friend. :hugz:


--Michelle

I did get that loan from a friend which I have to pay back by the of February but my tax refund will take care of that.

So I did get the important stuff caught up so I don't have to stress now.

My friend gave me extra money for groceries and my local store has a good buy 1 get 1 free sale going on so I got plenty of groceries.

An emergency fund would have saved me so that is something I need to get started.

I fell 100% better now :)

I agree that you should be eligible for the LIHEAP program and I am sending good thoughts and hugs your way.

I am going to look into that Monday

Glad to hear you got that loan. :)


--Michelle

Glad you got that loan. A friend in need is a friend indeed!

Hang in there. Hugs to you....

sending hugs and good vibes-

Patty

Thinking of you and sending prayers for you. From what I've read in the past, you're a terrific selfless mother and your girls are fortunate to have you. This will pass like everything else. The rough spots really stink, though, huh? Don't be down on yourself - you're one strong woman! Be blessed!

Thank you

Things are fine for now. I just need to learn to make better money decisions which i'm learning here at FV.

I think we have all felt that we just can't get ahead. I know I am feeling that way.
I hope things get better soon.