Bundle up, money storm coming.

**Daisygirl** · 01-10-2008, 05:57 AM

At least this time I have a heads up. My company had a meeting last night and told us our department is operating at a loss. A HUGE loss. Two people's salary a year loss.

To keep our jobs for the short term. we have to volunteer to take 3 days off in two months without pay. For me that is $300. The way my money is budgeted, that won't really hurt too badly. Definitely better than being jobless.

The thing that makes me nervous is that I am the most recent hire. My sales are far higher than anyone else in the department, so I think I may still be safe. My boss said the cuts will not go by seniority but by value to the department.

I told the girls last night we have to start really socking money away. I was unemployed a couple of years ago and the $1000 I had in the bank is the only thing that kept us fed and in our house.

We are saving for a big vacation this summer and I am going to continue to put money aside for that. If the worst were to happen, I could still use that for neccessities, and if all goes well, we still get our vacation. I am going to continue with the basement renos, since half the money has already been spent on the supplies and I am only awaiting the guy coming to do it. Seems silly to let that stuff just sit there, and I know this will add value for us to have a room we can go and be artsy in and be messy without worrying how it looks when someone comes to the door.

All other home imporvements I had planned for this year are on indefinite hold. I can't manage to spend more money on our home right now, I think I'd be far better to start building that emergency fund and FAST! I have $500 earmarked from my next pay to start it.

Wish me luck and thanks for listening to me ramble. It really helps to get this plan written down.

**AmyBoz** · 01-10-2008, 06:23 AM

Wow...that really stinks! (Okay, that's an understatement)

It sounds like you've got some good planning under your belt already, and that's half the battle.

Good luck!

**Dutchie** · 01-10-2008, 06:55 AM

As you said - it always helps to write things down
and your plan sounds solid.
I hope that things work out for you.
I will keep you in my thoughts.

Jo · 01-10-2008, 06:59 AM

Oh Daisy Girl...I'm sorry!! I know from reading some of your previous posts, you've had a rough few years and are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I'm afraid this is going to be happening to more and more of us...I know in my field, we are taking a beating from the "managed care/insurance mafia", taking reduced fees from insurance cos., just cuz it's what you HAVE to do to stay in business today. Sadly, most often it's not the doctor who takes the hit.

**Lambie** · 01-10-2008, 07:03 AM

Wow, I'll be pulling for you!!!Things are so down all over anymore...I just couldn't imagine not being frugal minded in this day and age!!! You are doing a wonderful job and I know it will all work out!!!Take care, Katy

**TheRootedNomad** · 01-10-2008, 07:21 AM

I'm sorry that you're source of income may be shakey. I think it's wonderfull that you're planning ahead for it though. I think there are some of us that know enough now to keep some powdered milk on hand if the storm season is coming and others that rush to the store right as the storm hits to get milk only to find out that they're sold out. Being a "powdered milk" person aways ends up being less stressfull in the end. I hope it works out and you find out soon that you're jobs secure.

**PrairieRose** · 01-10-2008, 08:22 AM

It sounds as though you're planning ahead which always helps, no matter what happens. Good luck with it and let us know how it goes.

**Darlene** · 01-10-2008, 08:29 AM

Planning ahead is a smart move , those that don't will have a rude awakening.
Wishing you good things.

**coltsmama** · 01-10-2008, 08:36 AM

Thank God your planning ahead. I hope all goes well for you.

**elphaba** · 01-10-2008, 08:49 AM

I'm so sorry you have to deal with this.
You've got a good head on your shoulders...from reading your previous posts it seems like you're a smart woman with a plan of action. I wish you all the best with the situation you've been given.

**bclements514** · 01-10-2008, 08:50 AM

At least they let you know. It could have been worse. Hope everything turns out ok.

**jenloveschip2001** · 01-10-2008, 08:51 AM

This is so scary. This is happening more and more and it scares me. We have been going through a slump because there is no work so there is no overtime. I am counting down the days until tax returns to wipe out more debt to make it easier on us. My husband works on Bulldozers and with the houseing market at a standstill there is no new houses being built so no work and I forsee it getting worse before better. Hang in there. You will get through this and things will get better.

**ktsmama** · 01-10-2008, 09:03 AM

I am so glad you got a little bit of a notice. I know that you are smart and determined, so you can handle this!! I will be sending good vibes and saying a little prayer for you!!

Good Luck!

**mommy4ever** · 01-10-2008, 09:05 AM

Good for you for being pro-active!! $500 is a good jumpstart to building that fund!

Do you know how much labor is going to cost? Make sure you get a final total before he starts, sometimes these things get out of control.

I'm worried too, dh works in a company that does remanufacturing for the big machinery. Most of their contracts come from the US. With everything as it is, it's a matter of time before it really hits that company. We're figuring 2 years. So we're building that EF and paying off the debt as fast as we can. Or I can, dh doesn't like to deny himself or the kids, but at least it's not extravagent though.