Help ...The day to day stuff

[christina33]

I first joined the board about a year and a half ago. Hearing the stories and seeing how people turned was getting out from under their debts made me join CCCS and get my situation under control. Back then I had about $16000 in CC debts incurred from moving and grad school etc. Today, I owe have a balance of about 7000 left to pay. My problem really is the day to day living stuff have backfired somewhat or rather I feel like I am struggling.

When I started CCCS I had just moved to a new state for a new job. The town where I live is semi-country and I work at the nearby university. This helped me keep my expenses down because the local transit is free and the cost of living generally low although I am socially isolated. However, the rising cost of electricity and rent literally leaves me with nothing after bills every month.

Because my rent is due to increase (+80) in August, I started looking for a new apartment. I was able to find a place that offers free water and cable and has the alternate electric company ( there are two in the area and one is 50% cheaper than the other but renters have no choice in which company the apartment owners select). Should I declare to the rental agency that I am in CCCS before applying? I am definitely able to pay the rent since it is much cheaper than what I am currently paying and have been late only twice in the past two years in my current complex.

My car is giving me issues. I took it to a mechanic and says I need about $1000 dollars in repairs .. the dreaded 60,000 mile checkup, although I am actually at 56,000. I planned to spread these items over the next two months. I f anyone has advice on how to deal with this stuff please I am all ears. I need a transmission flush is the big ticket items and tires, the labor costs is almost the same cost as the materials etc.

My job requires very long hours because it is specialized training not a regular job so the option of overtime is not there. I plan to work one more year so I will have the qualifications to apply for a regular job in my field. But I think I am going to look for a stock person position at a local retail store or food store nonetheless.

My major issues is the lack of security and savings and trying to make myself happy in my current situation. And finding ways to improve my situation. While I try to remain level-headed about everything and not make rash decisions, the temptation is difficult to resist as each month goes by.

Should I just scratch my current job and move into a regular job in another field?
Get out of CCCS, the pros is the current interest rates on the debt means that paying them off is actually in sight , however, the cons is that my life is literally on a financial hold until these debts are paid off.

I am open to all and any advice.

If my post is long and rambling.. it is because I am stuck and just needed to let it all out.

[mombottoo]

It sounds like you are on your way to having your debt paid off and that is a good thing...congratulations on the progress you have made so far!!!

As to disclosing to the rental agent your involvement with CCCS, if they don't ask don't tell...it really isn't their business. Their concern should be how you pay your rent...

There really isn't any way to get around needing tires & a tranny flush...Sam's Club is a great place to get tires...cheap and maybe one of the lube places will be running a special in your area on a tranny flush...watch your local ads. I just had my tranny flushed not too long ago and it was a minimal part of the total cost. I wouldn't think 4 new tires & a tranny flush would cost much over $600.

Since you are making good progress through your CCCS program I think I'd stick with it until it's done. Could you get a part time job for 10-15 hours a week to help supplement your current income? When it comes to your job situation only you have the tools to make that call.

[Frugal Nurse]

Mombotto.. great advice!

Another offer... how about a room mate?
I'll bet you will find others in the same predicament.

Find someone to share the expenses with.
Keeping things in writing.

My 21 yo daughter chose to live off campus in year round housing. (far away from me )
But I showed her how to keep a ledger book of expenses that were to be shared- rent, cable, electric, heating. As the bills came in.. they were posted to the ledger and split 4 ways (it was a 4 br house).
Also created written contracts between the four of them that specifically described each person's financial responsibility and obligation of such- up to one month after departure (in the case of heating and electrical costs that are billed after they occur. I've watched too much Judge Judy).
Why did I go to such lengths? I had to sign for my daughter who was a student- and I didn't want to be stuck with the bills.

It's worked so far.

No need to mention the CCCS to any future landlords.
You're doing well paying off the debt. I think you've learned a very valuable life lesson there.

Something can be said about regular maintainance to your car. It's important to do.. to avoid the big she'bang. You are young, isolated- so finding another PT job might do you some good. Get you a head start in your emergency fund and get your car up to snuff.

You do what you have to.....


and you're doing great!!

[ladykemma2]

don't forget to change the car timing belt too.

[blitzen]

My major issues is the lack of security and savings and trying to make myself happy in my current situation. And finding ways to improve my situation. While I try to remain level-headed about everything and not make rash decisions, the temptation is difficult to resist as each month goes by.

Do you have an emergency fund? I would try to squirrel away some money each week so that when car repairs come up they don't bust your budget. If you have any stuff you can sell to help beef that up, do it. We don't have a huge emergency fund, but I feel better knowing we have that little bit to cover car repairs if DH's car need work (it's 18 years old, so I expect it will need some work!)

[larabelle]

I agree with everyone's input. I would also say in order to stay on task one of the best things mentally I have done is to post your goal and how you are attaining it in a prominent place which you can view daily. I posted mine on my pantry door which is directly inside my kitchen. I put it on bright yellow paper. I wrote down my present budget, present debt which I am focusing on and my past debts which are now paid off. It gives me a boost mentally and keeps me frugal.

[mommy4ever]

Way to go on paying off $9000 in debt!!! That is a HUGE accomplishment. Definitely something to be proud of

you can consider room-mates. It's not always the solution for people. It can be stressful especially if you don't get along. Different ideals, etc.

If you do decide to move, the CCCS is private, unless asked no worries.

I wouldn't change jobs right now, the economy is too shaky. At your current job you've been able to pay off a lot of debt, you have a little seniority, so that is good.

Since you are young and single, a second job doing something in retail might give you that little bit of socializing you need. I remember being lonely at home as a SAHM(started that at 20), so a part time job would give you the social aspect you're craving and a little bit more money to give you a little breathing room for some "fun" money and building an EF.

We all get that feeling, that things are so tight. The key to not going over the deep end and back into debt is allowing for a little bit of fun. Just allowing one night out for a movie(cheap night) or a lunch out on the weekend can go a LONG way in alleviating that feeling of being deprived.

Anyway, you've been doing great! Keep up the good work!!

[Jeanna]

The only suggestion I have is to take your car to get a second opinion. I am not saying that the first place is trying to take your money or anything but I would always get a second opinion before shelling out that kind of money. Also if you have a local tech. College they will do work for the price of the parts most of the time. Just some thoughts.