How do you deal with inconsistent paychecks?

**kettlecorn** · 09-11-2008, 08:27 PM

I just don't know what to do. Things were on the right track for awhile. Money was tight but things were okay. We were all caught up on everything. Now DH is getting paid inconsistently. Even though he has a lot of jobs, people just arent paying. And I understand because times are so tough but we have bills to pay too. For awhile the paycheck was a couple days late, then a week late. Then they decided to do every week, which worked out better. Now it's basically whenever they can. Payday is tomorrow and he said a large payment is suppossed to come in but who knows. This has put us behind so much. My paycheck is the only consistent one coming in. I just don't know what to do. I am trying to work on payment plans but still it's hard because they want to know when I can pay and I am like, "uh I don't know". It's so frustrating. What little savings I had we tapped out. I know once he gets paid it will be okay. Both of our paychecks are enough to cover the expenses. It just puts us back on paying off debt even more. Then DH's crown broke off today and there is no way we can afford for it be fixed so I don't know what to do. It just sucks. I just wish things would start to look up. They do sometimes and then it goes downhill again. Sorry to vent to everyone. I feel like that's all I do. Having no money makes you like that. DH and I are both so depressed. We have no money to go anywhere or do anything. We can't take DS out anywhere, even to the park cause it costs gas money. I just hate it for him. Then he got diagnosed with a developmental delay yesterday and now I can't imagine what we are going to have to pay for therapy, hopefully not but we have a crappy HMO. So I cant take much more, I am just totally spent. Thanks for listening.

**khaski** · 09-11-2008, 08:50 PM

I don't have much advice for you but hang in there, and take care of the basics first. I don't know your details, but is it possible for you, or your hubby, to pick up a second job for a bit? it would be a pain but might put your wallet at ease until things settle down. Things will get better- this too shall pass

Sending friendly thoughts of comfort hoping you will remember this is just a phase and all you can do is come out as best you can to the other side of it.

**debmar** · 09-12-2008, 12:39 AM

A couple of things -
- Check out some of Dave Ramsey's books. He has a budget process for inconsistent paychecks.
- With the pay issue and your son's new diagnosis you have a lot on your plate. Remember to take some time to take care of yourself.

**santoria** · 09-12-2008, 01:02 PM

dh's pay started getting bigger and bigger, then would drop off a lot for the slow season.

What we started doing is use those SMALLER cheques as the normal and budget as if that is all the pay we'll get (even if we know its going to be higher) if you use the small pay amount as your budget you won't be in a mad scramble.

When we have a bigger pay period we put the whole cheque in savings, and transfer the bills, and a bit to the regular account for bills etc. then let the rest sit in the savings account.

**FrugalMomof3** · 09-12-2008, 01:25 PM

I am sorry you are having such issues these days and your right, money does make you grumpy. The only advice I can think of is to get a 2nd part-time job to cover expenses and maybe try for medical assistance to help with your DS.

Hugs and prayers being sent your way

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-12-2008, 01:31 PM

What is the problem with your DS if you don't mind me asking?

When my DS was 12 mos the doctor said she thought he might be developmentally delayed. They actually referred me to a program that was free, and was designed to help out families with autistic kids, but also help with early childhood development.

But anyway, they came to evaluate him, and then I never had to continue because at 18 months he started walking, and his not-walking was the reason the doctor wanted him evaluated.

**Greebo** · 09-12-2008, 01:49 PM

Not getting paid on time is a sales problem. He needs to not service those clients who haven't paid, and make it clear to them and especially NEW clients as they come on that he can't operate on credit.

**Marie78** · 09-12-2008, 02:00 PM

I second the idea of creating a budget with the least amount of money you expect each pay period, then if more money comes in it can go towards savings or to pay for things you would have put off until next month.

My fiance and I both receive regular paychecks from our full time jobs, he has started tutoring in the evening and that will be extra pay that we won't count on when we set up the budget (since we never know how many tutoring jobs he will have in a pay period). We will put the extra into savings though. I hope to have a part time job soon too (no more than 8 hours a week), we will put that money in savings too, since I don't think that amount will be the same each pay check either.

**Monroe on a Budget** · 09-14-2008, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by kettlecorn

We can't take DS out anywhere, even to the park cause it costs gas money. I just hate it for him. Then he got diagnosed with a developmental delay yesterday and now I can't imagine what we are going to have to pay for therapy, hopefully not but we have a crappy HMO.

On the kid issue, call your public school district superintendent's office to ask about special education services.

If your child qualifies and spots are available, you may get free support services that are intended to help him succeed in school.