managing?

[happymommy]

Hi all,

Big whine ahead.
I am feeling our money is out of our control. We have so many monthly expences that are adding up...up.........

We still haven't started retirement savings. I always say next month, next???

Our biggest expenses other than mortgage are:

Health insurance/no prescrition coverage $1235.00, up 10% from last year.
No dental coverage
oldest daughter on acutane $400 a month plus copays
looks like second daughter will need to see a dermatoligist next!
our dog has cancer we were paying $250 a week for her to get fluid drained
now our dr. has reduced it to $150 a week, a blessing for us. We've been doing this since November, not including the two thousand we have paid for test etc.
Dog medication about $150 a month
This summer we spent $1800 on car repairs.

Next, recital costume $50, shoes $50
Taxes done $250 aprox.

I feel like we are being pushed to the edge. Not to mention oil, gas, and food prices.

Our kids are also getting out of contol with their spending, also adding to my stress, where did I go wrong?
I feel like I talk about money every day.
I'm sure their is many more I could add, going blank.

Starting FPU next week.
I'm looking for tips to try and manage all the expected and UNEXPECTED. I feel I'm in a loosing battle.

Anyone one else relate?
I am sorry, I needed to vent. I know people have it much worse than us.
Just feel stuck and want to get out with a plan. Thank you.

[DAAC3DEC]

Sorry............I think we all feel like this occasionally, life is hard!!! You just have to keep thinking that you are a lot better off than a lot of people and to keep trudging ahead, every little bit helps.....it will all work out.

[LisaInND]

I'm sorry things are tough right now.

Here is one small suggestion. I don't know whether this has been mentioned on the Forum previously, and maybe you are already aware of it, but there is a website http://www.freedrugcard.us/ that is run by a nonprofit organization. You can obtain a card that you can take to participating pharmacies who have agreed to offer discounts on various prescription medications. Anyone can use the cards, and the amount of dicount varies. The websites are really very good, and allow you to check the actual cost of the drugs at individual pharmacies.

I hope this helps.

Lisa in ND

[mikandmari]

There are a few organizations that might provide assistance with your dog's care. If you search the internet, I think it was called IMOM (?). But, your financial situation may be too good for any help... like usual, right? That is what happened to me when I took in a stray a few years ago. Being middle class, we don't make enough to afford anything... but make too much for any assistance.

Hang in there. Things will get better!

[FrugalMomof3]

I am sooo sorry you are feeling drained, believe me, I 've been there. There has got to be some agencies out there that can help with the dog situation.

for the recital costume is it one you can make up yourself or purchase on ebay or even the thrift store? Shoes I am sure you can find pretty cheap at PayLess or something or the thrift store too.

I hope things turn around for you but be sure to check around for resources to help you out, sometimes you may not think your qualified but it never hurts to find out.

[tbs727]

I think that you will feel encouraged and empowered after you start FPU, that is a great decision that you made! You might also consider getting FPU for children for your kids. Good luck and hugs to you!

[C@rol]

Sorry you are feeling overwhelmed.
You will find lots of very good advice
offered here. I see you say "taxes=$250.
Is this something your and your dh
could try doing?
Things in time work themselves out.
Wishing you the best.

[nodmicks]

I really don't have any advice but I am so sorry you are so stressed!

[mom2matty]

FPU is a great step in the right direction.........good luck with it and I hope things start looking much better for you all very soon!

[Buckeye5]

I have been and still am where you are at, but mu tight $$ is due to lots of medical bills for DH and DD. Anywaty, learn to say NO to your children. Try not to feel guilty when you do either. Also, is your dog terminal? I know you love your pet, but wow that is a chunk of change out of a budget that is already rip roaring tight. Please don't flame me, just asking, and trying to be realiistic.

[my4littlebuffaloes]

I am sorry you are feeling overwhelmed, but it is understandable, you have some huge monthly expenses! Do your dd's have to have acutane? I consider this to be a semi-want. Could they fork over some money for it? Having to pay for some things themselves would help them be more responsible with money and help your budget.

Is there anything you can do about the insurance coverage? Have you researched all your options to see if this is your only one/best bet? Can you find a plan that will cover the acutane?

Also, the dog. I know this is hard. Our dog had cancer, it started in her thyroid and spread to her heart. We did everything we could until we found out it had spread to her heart. We couldn't let her suffer like that. Your dog is obviously very very sick and I am sure is suffering. Is this something that will be cured soon? It has been 3-4 months already, has the dog made progress? It might be time to end the procedures and do the humane thing and put the dog to sleep. I know it is hard, it was the hardest decision we have ever made, however we know it was the right thing for our dog, she could hardly even breathe.

Somehow, someway you have to cut some of your monthly expenses. Good luck!

[changed4life]

Gosh...I'm so sorry things are the way they are.
Your biggest expenses right now seem to be your darling little pet and your daughter's Acutane. Putting her to sleep is an individual choice (I know they become like part of the family). So sorry about that.

Have you tried something like Proactive or another product that's similar for your daughter? Wow. Between the dog and your daughter's medicine you're spending about 1,500 per month. No wonder you're feeling the squeeze.

I hope things get under control and you can forge through the tough time.
Things will turn around. Keep positive.

[momtoadiva]

Aww don't be hard on yourself these are expenses that are not luxuries I know it's hard but you have to keep your chin up. I personally know how you feel at this very moment. Hang in there with me, we'll get thru it.

[Bethany]

Have you tried Freecycle.com at all? It's a great website where you can get stuff FREE! If your kids need clothes, you can post WANTED: size 6 girls clothes. And, if someone has some, they'll give em to you! I get a ton (and give a ton) on Freecycle.

[Dutchie]

I'm sorry that you are going through this.
Everyone has offered good advice.
(((HUGS))))