If you know you can't pay bills...

**hwmabire3** · 07-21-2008, 05:25 PM

...do you call or e-mail the companies to give them a "heads up", or do you just not pay them? Here's my list of what I can't pay:

Electric: $300
Satellite: $75
Phone/Internet: $75
Water/Sewage: $50
Car insurance: $95

The first 4 bills are due August 5th, the car insurance bill is due August 23rd.

We have had no income at all for two months now. Our EF and any savings are all gone. So, I have absolutely NO money to pay any of this. My husband has been contacted about a couple of jobs, but the one that sounds most likely to hire him said a position won't be available for TWO WEEKS, which means it will be at least ONE MONTH before we see any paycheck. Can you hear me screaming?

Needless to say this is really stressing me out. I've never been unable to pay bills before, this is totally new to me. I want to do the right thing. So, should I contact these companies and tell them that I can't pay them right now, or should I just wait it out and let them contact me?

**itsahumanzoo** · 07-21-2008, 05:30 PM

I would definitely call them and let them know. In the mean time, look for odd jobs, things to sell, or anything to make a few bucks so you can at least pay a small payment in good faith. If you belong to a church, they sometimes have programs for people who fall into hard times and can't pay the bills. Hope your hubby finds a job soon!

**fernykins** · 07-21-2008, 05:34 PM

Can you get yourself on aid for the 6 week that you won't have any money.......... I would contact the electric, car Insurance... and phone. They might work with you.
Fern

**ladykemma2** · 07-21-2008, 06:10 PM

kill the satellite. contact the others and they will work with you.

**FrugalMomof3** · 07-21-2008, 06:14 PM

Cancel any services you dont need, contact the companies and explain your situation and apply for food stamps and cash assistance ASAP.

**annymoll** · 07-21-2008, 06:17 PM

I would let the phone and cable go.Maybe try to work with the other utilities, but in summer months I don't know what they will do for you. Can YOU work... maybe DH can watch the kids. McDonalds ard other fast food places are always hiring. Better to get on it now, before you fall further behind.I disagree with seeking cash assistance. It seems unethical if you are able to work.

**hwmabire3** · 07-21-2008, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by annymoll

Can YOU work... maybe DH can watch the kids. McDonalds ard other fast food places are always hiring. Better to get on it now, before you fall further behind.I disagree with seeking cash assistance. It seems unethical if you are able to work.

I am not able to work....long and EXTREMELY personal story. But the answer is no, I cannot work.

**ladykemma2** · 07-21-2008, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by annymoll

I would let the phone and cable go.Maybe try to work with the other utilities, but in summer months I don't know what they will do for you. Can YOU work... maybe DH can watch the kids. McDonalds ard other fast food places are always hiring. Better to get on it now, before you fall further behind.I disagree with seeking cash assistance. It seems unethical if you are able to work.

...but he needs the phone to look for work...

**Jamauk** · 07-21-2008, 06:47 PM

From working in the call center at the phone company before ~ if you've been a good customer over the years and you call them and let them know what's going on, they will probably be recptive.

What they will probably do is note your account, then you start paying again when you can. You'll pay your monthly bill + a little extra each month until you're caught up.

I would definately contact the car insurance as a lot of times if you are late they just cancel your policy. With a phone call they may be able to work with you.

Since you can't work, could you hubby do some handy work or something like that (cut grass, etc...) until you know for sure about this new job? How about your church? Any other places that might be able to help out a bit?

Good luck. This, too, shall pass!

**IntlMom** · 07-21-2008, 06:52 PM

have you contacted the companies yet? what are they telling you? definitely kill the sateliite.......see what you have to sell....get assistance, WIC (I;ve done three short stints on WIC), your local food bank, church..........

**Greebo** · 07-21-2008, 07:22 PM

Yep call them.

Kill the satellite.

Hubby should be looking for ANY work at this point - labor, lawn mowing, whatever. Money is money.

**BlessedMomof2** · 07-21-2008, 07:25 PM

I would cancel the satelite. And I would also call the other companies and explain to them your situation, they might be wiling to make arrangements with you. I would also look into food stamps, and other kinds of assistance through FIA and I would call about WIC too.

Good Luck, I hope everything works out for you guys!

**kmsinsa** · 07-22-2008, 05:05 AM

I would cancel the satelite. I would definitely call the other companies and explain to them your situation, typically they are willing to make arrangements with you. Check into WIC, local food banks, etc. Have you thought about providing babysitting,petsitting or housecleaning services?

**Lora88** · 07-22-2008, 06:32 AM

You must pay the car insurance or they will cancel you make that the top priority. can you borrow from a relative keep the phone they will work with you and he does need it to get a job . seek out any local aid agencys in your town or state and sell anything you dont need good luck this to shall pass HUGS

**Starlight9803** · 07-22-2008, 01:44 PM

I would definately call the companies and talk with them. Especially if you've always kept up on bills before, they will typically work with you. Also cutting out non-necessities will help. I know you may need the phone for DH's job search, but knock it back to ultra-basic service, drop internet (you can always use the library if needed) etc at least until things improve.