Background: I'm a single mom with 2 children. I do receive child support of $280 a month plus 1 child gets SSI (i believe thats whats it called) from her dad because he is on disability of $512 a month. I have a work at home job and pay varies (I can make good money when I work)
I got out of a bad relationship 2 months ago where I was renting a house I couldn't afford, paying all bills, and my savings got drained to nothing, and my car was deliberately ruined (ex ruined the transmission on purpose)
My children and I have moved in with a friend who is helping me get back on my feet and become self sufficient again. I pay my friend $250 a month to stay here. This is a safe, peaceful environment for us.
Now: My car is now fixed. Both children are in school so I can work when they are there. My work requires a quiet background.
The only bills I have monthly is:
$63 cell phone- this has everything I need for work and personal, can't get it cheaper for what I need (due on the 6th)
$40 internet aircard- need this for work and is unlimited internet. (due on the 5th)
$68 car insurance- I have basic coverage and did shop around for the best price (due on the 6th)
$100 gas in car- it takes a tank of gas $60 a month for meeting my kids dads for visitation and the other $40 for running around, errands, etc. I do not do any unnecessary driving.
$10 misc- like shampoo, etc
I was spending about $400 a month on groceries.
I do receive food benefits of $320 a month which I start receiving this month and I do have access to a garden. My kids get free lunch at school.
I had school expenses for the kids like clothes,school supplies that I have already paid for.
My plan for self sufficiency is this:
I need to have my own place by February. Staying with my friend is temporary and he knows I am trying to get my own place by February.
To get a rental or apartment you need 3 months of bank statements to prove income since I am self employed. I have plenty of time.
I can work while my children is in school which is 8 hours a day but I figure I would definately be working 6 hours for sure.
Last 2 months I earned July $1349 and August $1492, working whenever I could and my kids were not here or busy
The bills i have, I pay on the 1st every month. My money from work is direct deposited on the 1st and 16th every month.
I have $120 in my savings account after spending $1500 on new transmission plus school items.
I don't know how to set up a budget. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice on my situation, thanks
I got out of a bad relationship 2 months ago where I was renting a house I couldn't afford, paying all bills, and my savings got drained to nothing, and my car was deliberately ruined (ex ruined the transmission on purpose)
My children and I have moved in with a friend who is helping me get back on my feet and become self sufficient again. I pay my friend $250 a month to stay here. This is a safe, peaceful environment for us.
Now: My car is now fixed. Both children are in school so I can work when they are there. My work requires a quiet background.
The only bills I have monthly is:
$63 cell phone- this has everything I need for work and personal, can't get it cheaper for what I need (due on the 6th)
$40 internet aircard- need this for work and is unlimited internet. (due on the 5th)
$68 car insurance- I have basic coverage and did shop around for the best price (due on the 6th)
$100 gas in car- it takes a tank of gas $60 a month for meeting my kids dads for visitation and the other $40 for running around, errands, etc. I do not do any unnecessary driving.
$10 misc- like shampoo, etc
I was spending about $400 a month on groceries.
I do receive food benefits of $320 a month which I start receiving this month and I do have access to a garden. My kids get free lunch at school.
I had school expenses for the kids like clothes,school supplies that I have already paid for.
My plan for self sufficiency is this:
I need to have my own place by February. Staying with my friend is temporary and he knows I am trying to get my own place by February.
To get a rental or apartment you need 3 months of bank statements to prove income since I am self employed. I have plenty of time.
I can work while my children is in school which is 8 hours a day but I figure I would definately be working 6 hours for sure.
Last 2 months I earned July $1349 and August $1492, working whenever I could and my kids were not here or busy
The bills i have, I pay on the 1st every month. My money from work is direct deposited on the 1st and 16th every month.
I have $120 in my savings account after spending $1500 on new transmission plus school items.
I don't know how to set up a budget. I would appreciate any thoughts or advice on my situation, thanks