I am soooo poor

**Maisiedotes** · 07-09-2008, 02:25 PM

DH and I both work full-time. He is salaried and works all kinds of odd hours- usually 9:00am-10:00pm (that is 3 days a week- the other 2 days he works 1:00pm-10:00pm). We work at the same restaurant. We have an 8 month old DD and we cannot afford daycare, so DH and I work opposite shifts. I work doubles on his days off, he works doubles on my days off, and we work opposite shifts the other days. We are not making ends meet. I don't have health insurance. We don't qualify for ANYTHING because we make too much money (which is a joke because we are eating ramen noodles this week). Our debt is just too high. I was out of work when I had DD for 3 months, and the bills naturally kept coming in, so we had to pay with a credit card for food and gas. I am sooo stressed. We just have too much debt. We can't get ahead! We got a home equity loan to do some work on the house and pay off debt, but when I had DD, up went the cc balance.

Our rebate check went to a car repair. I don't know where we can cut back anymore! We don't go out to eat. We make our own babyfood and cloth diaper. We cancelled our cell phones and netflix. Can anyone offer suggestions? I could work more and put DD in daycare but I don't know that I make enough to make it worthwhile with gas being so high and work is 30 min away. DH can't get a second job because I work when he is home.

I am so stressed, I am not thinking clearly. I beg you all not to scold me. I learned my lesson. If I could make the bills and have a tiny bit extra, I would pay things down, but every time I turn around the tiny bit extra goes to a medical bill, car issue, food...

Why can't I just hit the lottery?

**Russ** · 07-09-2008, 02:32 PM

How long has it been since you cancelled cell phones and Netflix?
I think we are going to need mre info..income, bills, etc.

**itsahumanzoo** · 07-09-2008, 02:34 PM

Since at least one of you is always home, can you do paid surveys and things online? It's not much money, but every little bit helps.

Do you use coupons when grocery shopping? It's unbelievable how much money you can save?

What about selling things on ebay? Clothes your daughter has grown out of, knick knacks that you just don't need, etc.

Other than that I have no advice, just hugs, and I hope things look up soon.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 07-09-2008, 02:35 PM

Ok let's start out with the basics:

What do you make per payday?

What does DH make per payday?

What are all of the bills that you and DH pay into? This includes mortgage/rent, utilities (electricity, water, natural gas, sewer, trash, etc), etc.

How much do you and DH spend a week to get to work?

I would write down all of your cash inflow/outflow. Start with combining how much the two of you make per week (or per biweek if you get paid biweekly) and what set bills you guys have.

Then we can go from there.

**Michelle68** · 07-09-2008, 02:36 PM

Take a deep breath and calm down. There are lots of people here to help you. Why don't you post your bills on here and let others offer some suggestions? Sometimes it's hard to see the solution when you're surrounded by the problem.

--Michelle

**bclements514** · 07-09-2008, 02:36 PM

DO you have anything around the house that you can sell? If you have 2 cars can you cut back to one. Get rid of cable, hang clothes to dry. UMMM there are many other things this site can teach you.
I know where you are coming from we where there once too.

Also can you have family watch your little one while you picked up another shift?

**Iansmommy** · 07-09-2008, 02:37 PM

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I don't have any advice, just wanted to offer some

**Maisiedotes** · 07-09-2008, 02:53 PM

Thank you all. I am going to get my debt amounts together and I will be back. *sigh*

**Russ** · 07-09-2008, 02:59 PM

just be aware that this will not be an over night fix. It will take 2-3 months to just begin to see the crack of daylight. It will be pennies saved here and there just to start.

Nobody will scold you but be prepared to have tough choices to make.
on edit..

A quick way to save some money is your car insurance. If you and the dh are safe drivers up the deductible to $1000.

Call your CC company and tell them you want a better % rate...doesn't always work but it doesn't hurt to ask.

**Michelle** · 07-09-2008, 03:05 PM

Not much new to add (yet), but I am wondering if you can work closer to home? I don't know where you live, so maybe you're already working at the closest one. That should save on gas for you.

Do you have any relatives or friends who could help out with day care?

I'm sorry you're going through this. I've been there, so I know how you're feeling

**Greebo** · 07-09-2008, 03:25 PM

You absolutely need to get on a budget. Right now your money is out of control. A budget is how you tell your money how to sit up and behave.

You need to come up with a list that covers EVERY SINGLE THING you have spent money on over the last three months, to start.

Get that together, plus income, and list it here, and lets see what your options are.

Also list all your debts - what are they for, original balance, current balance, and monthly payment. For car(s), if you owe on them, list make and model as well.

**savvymom** · 07-09-2008, 04:18 PM

Are you close with any of your co-workers? Perhaps you could swap babysitting if not more than a couple of hours to allow you and your DH to reconnect and get organized. I know that doesn't help financially (at this point I'm in the same boat) but it might help you two communicate and work together better.

It seems the other members here will be able to help with the money suggestions part. They've given great suggestions so far!

Good luck, and HUGS!

**pecunierrant** · 07-09-2008, 04:55 PM

What about doing some work from home? Just going to toss out some ideas I've seen work with friends, etc.

Babysitting during the day or overnight.

Buy used stuff cheap (garage sales, flea markets, etc) to sell on craigslist/ebay. Clean out relatives attics/closets, they get a cleaner home and you get to keep & sell their unwanted items.

Dog or cat sitting if you're able can work too.

Are either of you good at preparing resumes, or typing up stuff for college kids. Any tutoring experience? High school & college kids always need help in various subjects.

I love craigslist for selling since it's free, sell anything that's not nailed down. Check the FREE section for items you need also.

If you have 2 cars I'd sell one.

Ask relatives for their coupons and do rebates when possible.
Try bartering for things when possible too.

Hope something here is helpful, wishing you good luck.

**prftstrngr** · 07-09-2008, 05:20 PM

Be positive! You can do this and everyone here and offered lots of help! Im looking forward to reading what they come up with...might just help me too!!

**larabelle** · 07-09-2008, 05:54 PM

I am not sure what to say. I agree with everyone related to your taking a deep breath and posting your bills and income for all of us to assist and offer you suggestions. There are several of us here who have been so poor until we could not even "pay" attention so I think if we all put our heads together we can help you. We will not scold you but I seriously doubt that you are going to win the lotto.