What would you do if you found this out?

**homesteadmamma** · 11-02-2004, 10:28 AM

We will have NO paychecks in January. Even my paycheck from cleaning the post office will not arrive until Feb. 1st.

So what would you do if you just found out you would have no paycheck in 2 months? Share your thoughts and how you would make it through the coldest month and right after Christmas. I need all the ideas I can get.

**PrairieRose** · 11-02-2004, 10:36 AM

Welllllll......after I had my little crying fit,

I would start looking at my savings if I had any. I'd start looking around at what I had that I could sell (craft wise or in the way of extras that I don't necessarily need or use) and I'd be looking at my pantry and wondering how far she'd stretch. I'd also be looking to see what I could skim off of this month's expenses and out of the money to have for that time. I'm sure you've already thought of all of these things though Ceej, cuz you're way ahead of me on the frugality thing.

If it makes you feel any better we only get paid about 3 times per year. We have to work hard to make it stretch for the year. There have been times that we've had to borrow money to make it through to the next check, which I HATE because then it becomes a vicious cycle. I hope you can come up with some great ideas Cj. You're so resourceful, I'm sure you will.

**Michelle** · 11-02-2004, 10:46 AM

My plan of attack would be determined in part by the reasoning why I wouldn't be getting any paychecks for a month. Why is that happening? Is it a self-employed thing or a company's decision? If it were the latter, I'd be seeking legal recourse.

I guess I need more information to reply in more detail.

**Tootsiebella** · 11-02-2004, 11:13 AM

I echo everything that Lisa said in her post- I am facing a similar situation in just a few months, when we will be moving to the US. We will have no income until DH or I find work. To fund this, we are selling our house, but I would defintely come up with an "emergency budget," anc start living on it as early as possible. Not easy with Christmas coming I know- but as you are a FV alumni, I have a feeling that you will find a way to make it!
Blessings,
Christine

**Sara Noel** · 11-02-2004, 11:13 AM

I'd be selling things in my home. If I knew I could catch up later, I'd put some bills on hold for a month. Priority being food/shelter for my family. I'd see what meals I could make that were the cheapest too. I'd also see if it was at all possible to borrow from family. It's a last resort, but something I would consider during extreme times.

**homesteadmamma** · 11-02-2004, 11:30 AM

Originally posted by Michelle
My plan of attack would be determined in part by the reasoning why I wouldn't be getting any paychecks for a month. Why is that happening? Is it a self-employed thing or a company's decision? If it were the latter, I'd be seeking legal recourse.

I guess I need more information to reply in more detail.

Chelle its a decision we had to make. It is not a company decision. It is only for the month of January.

**Jerseygirl** · 11-02-2004, 12:01 PM

I think I would start stocking up on the basics and necessities now, try really hard to keep additional holiday spending to a minimum and start cutting corners( I know there are few corners left) now so bills for december and january are lower-ie lower the heat , lights etc, even further, have an extra can of gas stored in case you totally can't buy and have a plan for keeping busy without spending. Good luck, I don't know how I would do in this situation.

**kimmee** · 11-02-2004, 12:07 PM

With most car loans - if you are in good standing they will let you skip a month or two and tack them on at the end. In my times of need I have sold clothes to the resale shops, sold plasma (thats some good money!!), had a garage sale in the dead of winter!! (lots of people go looking after Christmas). I think Salvation Army still does a program where they will pay your utility bill if you have a designated need. Your money crunch will be temporary (fortunately) so there should be alot of options and pinches to keep you from digging a hole.

(CJ let me know if you need ANYTHING!! I am happy to help.)

**dolphin** · 11-02-2004, 12:08 PM

Are you still going to have to come up with payments for utilities and van payment?

Do you and dh have time to (work your butts off) and make a bunch of Christmas Ornaments and things to sell at Bazarrs and Craft Shows in Nov. and Dec? I remember you did well at that last year and you could just earmark all that money for the month of Jan. You could also maybe make a bunch of quited potholders and small things like that.

What about selling some quited wall hangings on ebay?

Now you want to know what I would do? FREAK! We have had many months recently when we had barely enough to pay to mortage (sometimes not even that) and maybe the electric bill. We actually had to pawn guns and dh's tools to get by. We also went to charities and got food as we both lost our jobs at the same time and it was not planned so we didn't have anything prepared.

I wish you good luck in what ever you can do to get ready for it and I will pray for you.

**guest2** · 11-02-2004, 12:33 PM

First of all

I think you have already got some great suggestions. If it were me I'd be taking an inventory of my pantry and freezer to see what it is that we would need to get us through a month without income and hitting the baking sales and such now to stock up. I'd also be coming up with a bare bones menu for that time period. I'd also make sure I had any vitamins or supplements and meds we needed to get through the month. I can't remember if you heat with wood or not...if not make sure that you will have enough money set aside to pay your heating bill and if needed apply for assistance to help with it. Are there any rooms in your house that you can close off and not heat for awhile? Another thing I would do is I would not be sending out Christmas cards since the postage adds up quickly. Instead I'd be sending Christmas E-cards or I'd send a Easter letter when finances are not as tight. I'd also be scaling back Christmas big time. Instead of going to the traditional Christmas movie (we do this each year unless finances are really tight), borrow a Christmas video from the library. Instead of a big Christmas ham and all the trimmings I'd be making a big pot of potato cheese soup or another family favorite and serving it with hot piping rolls. We'd go sledding or build a snowman and snowforts (that is an all time favorite around here).

Is there anyway you can sell more crafts? Maybe have an open house in your home and send out invites? There is a group of ladies that do that in a town near me and I go every year. They have handpainted stationary, cards, quilts, placemats, napkins and tableclothes, ornaments, wall hangings and gift mixes in a jar. They bring in an average of about $600 for the one day. I usually buy the boys their ornaments for each year there.

How about selling specialty baked goods? Everyone loves to get homemade breads and cookies but lots of people do not have time to make them. You could make and sell those and I'll bet you would do really well. I have had people offer to buy my cranberry orange bread before and my banana bread. You could even sell those at your open house.

Is there any way to prepay the mortgage? Maybe you can get it deferred for a month and just tacked on at the end. Our bank offers this to all their customers each year.

I know that you and your family will do great CJ. I'll bet you will find even more ways to save money and stretch what you do have and then you can tell all of us!

Love you to bits!!!!

**Darlene** · 11-02-2004, 01:08 PM

Sorry your being forced to get even more creative than usual.

I just know things will happen to make things alright. Hang in and hang on.

**Michelle** · 11-02-2004, 01:11 PM

Originally posted by homesteadmamma
Chelle its a decision we had to make. It is not a company decision. It is only for the month of January.

Then I would do what Sara suggested.

**ymay** · 11-02-2004, 01:41 PM

Like others have said, we all know you are way ahead of us in the creative frugal dept.

I would do like many have suggested as far as trying to scale back to the bare bones over the next 2 months.

Could you take out a line of credit just for emergencies. You have a home so the interest rate would be fairly low. That way you would have some insurance or even use it to draw for only the basic necessities.

Also, in your situation.......as would be mine, I would know in my heart that I have always worked hard and done everything possible to provide for my family.

Therefore, I would register for the Salvation ARmy Christmas basket, and/or Adopt a Family Program for Christmas.

As someone who formerly administered this program, I would know in my heart that the people who contribute to this program do this out of love, and would feel blessed to know they have helped a family like mine!

The food hampers and Christmas programs often provide family with gifts for under the tree, and the hampers may provide many items that will help shore up your pantry.

Also, I would use the food bank. I give on a continual basis to our local food bank with thoughts and prayers for those in need. I feel blessed that I can do my small part to thank God for my blessings. Again, I know that those who donate would feel happy to know that they are blessing someone with their kindness and generosity.

Can you call all your utility providers. I used to do this for my clients. Muskoka could be hit with terrible winters, and really blindside our clients. Their heating bills could be horrible, and even with planning, and budgeting they still were left short.

I would call and explain the situation and they may defer, or work out a payment plan for you. They often did this for clients. They were happy that they would be paid, and that they were told upfront.

I know you have already thought of all the ways to pinch pennies, and stretch your pantry.

I will keep thinking.

**Shell** · 11-02-2004, 01:45 PM

I was sick one year and didn't have a lot of money to live on. First thing I did was go through my pantry very carefully. I was so happy to find lots of tp, toothpaste, pasta, etc to get by on. Next, I cut back on all the extras which, I am sure you already do. Finally, I sold books and clothes for some cash to pay my bills and even did a little babysitting. Have you thought about babysitting for a little extra cash? I know you are very wise and will get by.

**paelthom** · 11-02-2004, 01:46 PM

CJ,
Do you have items ready to sell for Christmas? If so, please let me know and I think you should list them here on FV so that we have the opportunity to buy them.

I purchased ornaments from CJ last year and everyone that saw them absolutely loved them. I'd be happy to buy some more to give as gifts.

Sending you an extra hug for this tough time.