My turn has come.

**kimmy4433** · 11-05-2008, 02:22 PM

Well Friday I was effectively laid off. I received my cobra letter today $1277 a month I am not going to get that much from unemployment. DH is looking to see if he can get coverage through work, but they do not like it when employees have to take it. It is not great either, but it is better then not having anything.

Our house payment was due on the 1st, and we have not paid that yet, hopefully we will have enough money tomorrow to pay it. I am going to call them though to let them know what is going on. I have to write letters to all of our credit card companys, but that is going to open a can of worms there.

Besides paying our mortgage, utilities, and putting food on the table, what else do i do?

Michigan is so bad no one is hiring anywhere. I am afraid to get a part time job because of unemployment.

Does anyone (either in my position or has been there) have any suggestions? I have a house full of stuff I could sell, but i don't know where to start.

**Russ** · 11-05-2008, 02:32 PM

First, do not say no one is hiring, they are, you just have to be at the right place, right time. A defeatist attitude will not help. Go to all the websites and start applying. Monster, Careerbuilder, hot jobs, etc, etc. You may be surprised what you find.

Start listing expenses that can be cut to THE BONE!!! Make sure DH helps with this. He may have suggestions you have not thought about or considered. This is a TEAM effort.

Garage sale. Where to start..If it hasn't been used in a year, sell it.

**Russ** · 11-05-2008, 02:34 PM

oh, and looking for a job should almost be a full time job. Look and apply to jobs on those websites EVERYDAY not just when you feel like it.

BEST OF LUCK and sorry for the layoff.

**rowdy35** · 11-05-2008, 02:57 PM

I agree ! Start filling out applications and start sending out your resume today. Get online and put up some ads on Craigslist for things you can do ~ babysit, elder care, mow lawn, clean house, etc.

Then start selling what you can to scrape up the money for the house payment. Can you return the ring to Jared and get your money back? What else can you do to generate money? Can you rent a room out in your home ???? Think outside the box and come up with some solutions. We can help you brainstorm...

Definitely waste no time updating your resume and telling every single person you know that you need a job. ANY job will do since you have no emergency fund.

**Birdie** · 11-05-2008, 04:02 PM

Contact your current health insurance and ask about converting to an individual plan. It's MUCH cheaper.

Good luck.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 11-05-2008, 04:19 PM

If you can sell your stuff on ebay go that root vs a garage sale. So many folks are having them that you bearly get anything. Check out all the items you'd like to sell. I had some old paper hats from a 1950's cowboy show. Turned out there was a fan club still around and collectors of those items got a buck a piece plus postage for my paperhats. Couldn't get .10 a piece for them at a yard sale. Remeber the old saying "Act in haste repent at leisure."
I agree that you and DH should work together on the budget so your both on the same page when it comes to letting things go. When we decide together to skip a credit card payment and the phone calls start he's not near as grumpy as when I do it on my own.
Good Luck

Laurie in Bradenton

**HisDaisy** · 11-05-2008, 04:51 PM

I second looking for private health insurance. It is so much cheaper than cobra. My DH just changed jobs and his cobra was $500 for just him. His new employer does not offer insurance (it is a very small business). We shopped around and found insurance for the both of us for less than $300 a month. The deductible is a little higher than it was, but is still very doable.

**Michelle68** · 11-05-2008, 08:34 PM

Sending hugs

your way. Everyone else has given you some good advice.

**Dancing Lotus** · 11-05-2008, 08:52 PM

I cringe every time a see another one of us is down. Try not to panic yet just take it one day at a time. Start by slashing everything to the bone. I cut my cable the very same day dh got laid off. Now clean out your closet's and have a yard sale asap before the weather is too bad. Best wishes

**hmcart** · 11-05-2008, 09:52 PM

good luck! My husband will be out of work in another week or two. While he may have a new job lined up already we may not have insurance available. Everyone is giving great advice here!