ugh- in sooo much trouble

**Newsnerd68** · 10-05-2006, 11:27 PM

Hello all,
I haven't been here in months and once again, I'm in financial trouble.

I'm behind on my house payment, carpayments, utilities- you name it, it's behind.

Car problems, unexpected expenses and bad planning got me into this and I don't know how to get out. I have even overdrawn my bank account this week, costing me $90 that I couldn't really afford to lose.

It's ridiculous that I'm in this shape. Our son is grown and lives on his own, we make good money (not great, but ok). It just seems like we never have enough. And I don't spend on clothes, haircuts, anything extra, really. Occasionally I might buy some candles or something, but never spend more than $20.

ugh. Where do you start when you already see there isn't going to be enough?

**Darlene** · 10-06-2006, 07:09 AM

Sorry your in this position. I'd start by calling everyone you owe & clueing them in on you going thru a rough patch. They are much more willing to work with you when they know you care and don't ignore them. Next I'd cancel any extra services you really don't need like cable and things like callwaiting on your phone.
Pick up a part time job. You can save alot more money too by getting even more bare boned with your grocery bill.
I know the other ladies will have more thoughts. I wish you well, you can make it through this.

**FrugalMomof3** · 10-06-2006, 07:46 AM

I agree, call whomever you owe money too and explain your situation and to let them know you will get caught up. Until your caught up and to cut down costs live frugally, meaning turning off lights when not in use, cut down on washing laundry and the dryer, turn off cable, cut off phone features that you pay extra for, etc... in the long run these will add up and save you a bunch of $$ and you never know ... if after this rutt you might be able to live without them.

I know the other ladies here will have better advice but I wish you the best.

**bee9984** · 10-06-2006, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Newsnerd68

we make good money (not great, but ok). It just seems like we never have enough. And I don't spend on clothes, haircuts, anything extra, really. Occasionally I might buy some candles or something, but never spend more than $20.

ugh. Where do you start when you already see there isn't going to be enough?

I also agree that you should make phone calls to the ones you owe and explain to them that you will be getting caught up.

I would also sit down and go over your budget to see if you can find any leaks.Maybe there is an area which you should have but don't have in your budget like Miscellaneous etc....or maybe you didn't budget enough for certain areas?

I have to go over mine today too.

Let us know how you do

**Jos** · 10-06-2006, 11:21 AM

Write down everything you spend. Write down on a calender when standing orders and direct debits are coming out, try if you can to make all these the same date each month, we have ours to come out the day after pay day that way we have the money and there are no bank charges. Cancel all non-essentials, sell any unwanted items on ebay etc. Sort out a budget you know you can stick to, priortise debt e.g. house payments up-to-date before paying extra off CC's. Hope some of this helps.

**tigo** · 10-06-2006, 12:41 PM

I know what you mean by wondering how to get started when you can tell it isn't going to make much progress right off the bat. You just have to get the momentum started going your way (bad luck seems to be really good at snowballing tons of stuff together at one time). In addition to the things the others mention don't forget your mental state of mind on this. Celebrate the little victories and they will become big ones. The only real victory I had last month was the phone bill (wiped out by the electric bill) but it was a start. I am sure if you look can see something you do well and build on it.

**Telephus44** · 10-06-2006, 01:06 PM

A few of the things I do when I know that there's going to be a shortfall are mostly about raising a little bit of money fast - yard sales, eBay/Half.com, "selling" coupons/BTFE/etc., selling CDs/DVDs to local music stores that will take them, and consignment shops for clothing.

**Newsnerd68** · 10-08-2006, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I've just decided to do what I can with what I've got and put every extra cent toward getting things right. And if things still don't work out, it won't be the end of the world. We've been through hard times before and are still here.

Got a lot of groceries for not much money this weekend- a new discount/salvage grocery opened near me (that makes 2) and they had some great deals.
It's been cool here, so no need for AC or heat, which saves a ton on the ol' electric bill.

**kabin63** · 10-08-2006, 10:02 PM

I am sorry to hear you are in this trouble. I find that I like Dave Ramsey's way of handeling things like this the best. First call everyone, then get past due bills caught up. Then, before you start to pay off other things, get an emergency fund. That way, when Murphey visits you have something to fall back on. Then, after the EF is set you go about the business of paying off your debt. We all have hard times, and I am glad that when I feel I have screwed up I know I can come here and get support, as well as ideas to get back on track. Welcome back!