We knew it was coming...

**wanderinggrandma** · 07-24-2008, 02:10 PM

So so sorry you are going thru this. This is starting to feel like the early 80's in Oregon with all the lay-offs and closures. You've been given great advice and are already on top of things, but it sure is scary when you are facing it.

My only suggestion is to have a family meeting and let the kids know what is happening and see what you can do without as a group. It may surprise you what they come up with and it is better to keep them in the loop.

**momof42003** · 07-24-2008, 02:31 PM

Thank you all for the ideas and support.

Couple of things..

I intend to shop second hand for the boys clothes and possibly for my DD, and clearance at stores. I have absolutely no problem with doing that.

I will more than likely go to the local food bank. But with so many getting laid off, I don't know if the food banks can even handle all of us, food is low for the county food banks. I also plan to go to the canned food stores, and checking out our one and only Sav a lot.

I would love to eat more pasta and less meat meals, but I am type 2 diabetic and my oldest son has type 1 diabetes. So for us to eat pasta all the time is not too constructive. Good idea though.

The Corvette will be such a big deal with DH.... I know that he knows how much it would save us, but when it comes to the Corvette, it is not my decision...

Thanks again for all the ideas and support..

**frugalandsimple** · 07-24-2008, 02:37 PM

Check to see if there an organization in your area that donates free food and clothing. There's one where I live in a nearby town that donates free food, clothing, and other things to needy families in that area if they meet the requirements.

**xtena** · 07-24-2008, 03:00 PM

There is no shame in using 'welfare' to keep your family fed and clothed in the face of unemployment and you should definitely go for the free or reduced price lunch options at school (do they accommodate the diabetic diet???)

Yet I, myself, would be reluctant to apply for any benefits if my husband was making payments on a Corvette, and if I had additional reliable transportation such as an older paid off car (do you?). A lot of people are going to 'judge' you (or him) if you drive up to a food bank or benefits office in a Corvette. I sincerely hope he does the 'right thing' and gives up his toy in order to provide for his family.

I also sincerely hope I don't offend you by this post.

**leezza** · 07-24-2008, 03:55 PM

Bonnie,

Have you thought about calling your:
Electric Company
Gas Company
Phone Company
You need to get signed up for the low income service before winter comes.......let them know that the bread winner in your family is being laid off.

Sounds to me like you have been doing a lot of organizing.

Could the older kids get some little part time jobs to bring in a little extra for the clothes??? maybe, babysit for some of the neighbors......do some lawnwork, have a small garage sale????

Take care of yourself,
leezza

**PurpleSnowflake** · 07-24-2008, 09:22 PM

Actually you probably will not qualify for "welfare" if you have the Corvette or severance.

They have guidelines on how much money you can have and how much your vehicles are worth.

You should be able to get WIC though.

Flat out tell hubby that his "baby" is NOT going to take food from your kids mouths... if he does not listen ask him if he would listen better alone and on his own.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Can he get unemployment? with a layoff that big all the similar jobs are going to be flooded.

**Drgnfly423** · 07-25-2008, 12:37 AM

I'm so sorry that you are going through this. We're neighbors (I live in Springfield) So I've been hearing a lot about this in the news. I think you have a good plan in place for reducing your expenses. There are also a couple of Canned Food Outlets in our area. One on River Road and one in Springfield on 14th and Main. They have some good deals on a lot of items.

**momof42003** · 07-25-2008, 03:26 AM

The kids would be covered with the insurance because of my son being diabetic. This exact thing happened seven years ago (except DH got his job back after almost 5 months of layoff), and we did qualify for unemployment, and my kids for insuance because of my DS being diabetic, they just put all the kids through.. We do have another vehicle that is paid off in full... I won't quailify for WIC, I don't think... My daughter is already five and I know that my sister doesn't get WIC for her son who is also 5... Thanks again.....

On the subject of the kids working... My two sons are not old enough (I mean mature enough), to have a job just yet... My DD is doing volunteer work for high school... She will have a full time job next year... She has some money saved. I think I can get her and the boys clothed well enough... Grandma is paying for school supplies for all of them. That is about 50.00-75.00 I won't have to pay....

**Buckeye5** · 07-25-2008, 10:32 AM

So sorry you are going thru this but it does sound like you are preparing as much as possible. Maybe have a garage sale soon, and put away that $$. It looks like your debt isn't out of control by your siggy, which is great. I would definitely do the majority of the cutbacks now. I do believe your Dh may change his mind about the car down the road, unless is receives employment again somewhere else. That is a chunk of change for a car, if you are not working, and have children that need to be fed, and clothed. Also, just wanted to say about the kids to be careful with how much you want them to know, it is stressful for them already knowing about the job loss, and they may anxious and a bit scared, and worried. Maybe reassure them about their lives a bit to give them some comfort. Good luck to you and also maybe go back thru the threads to find cheaper meals, I dilute my cleaners and this helps.