I can't fall off the Frugal Wagon now

**bee9984** · 03-13-2008, 10:36 AM

I have no choice. Dh quit his job on Feb 29th. He has not had a paycheque in a total of 3 weeks now.His boss just won't give him his last pay,vaction pay,overtime and his commission money due to him, he keeps telling him to call back in a couple of days before hanging up on him. We do have his military pension and my part-time job as income so we are not in total distress, not yet. Dh also just started his own sub-contracting business but it can take up to a couple of months before we see any income from that and the hours are few right now.

Anyhow, his ex boss/owner of the business made it impossible for dh to keep working there. Dh hasn't even been able to receive his seperation papers from this man.

I feel a peace inside for this decission though as does dh.

I had been falling off the frugal wagon and getting back on however, just prior to dh quitting his job I wasn't actually being as totally frugal as I had in the past so we weren't prepared.

Last night I baked 70 chocolate chip cookies and made up some jello for the kids lunches. Today I will be baking a banana bread and some sugar cookies to put in the freezer for next weeks lunches along with some homemade rolls/soup. We have enough food to last us for 2 or 3 weeks but next week on my payday I will take $40 and stock up on a couple of sales if I can find some good ones for baking.

Our entertainment this weekend will be to pop some popcorn (air pop), drink some juice and watch some old disney movies we havn't watched in years since the kids were little...along with playing a couple of board games.

Easter will soon be upon us and I already have our Turkey in the freezer which I had purchased onsale at Christmas time. I am going to take the time and make a nice Easter cake and maybe take a peice of cardboard box and decorate it saying Happy Easter and colour on it some easter eggs to hang in our kitchen.

St Patricks day I have a couple of ham slices in the freezer along with 1/2 a head of cabbage, carrots and potato. I will make a baked ham and cabbage dinner. We don't usually do anything for this paticular day but maybe I can find some Irish music to play while we have our dinner.

I just feel like this happened for a reason and I am going to embrace this opportunity and I am so thankful that we are not in complete dire straights

**changed4life** · 03-13-2008, 11:02 AM

You can do it! Keep up the positive attitude and stay on that wagon, girl!

**leezza** · 03-13-2008, 11:06 AM

Bee,

Hope things will get back on track for you very soon.

I am not familiar with canadian labor laws but doesn't his old employer have to give him his money within a certain amount of time like here in the USA????

Best wishes,
leezza

**Samigirl** · 03-13-2008, 11:43 AM

I like your positive attitude. It sounds as though you've come up with a great plan. Best wishes.

**XplatinumXpixeyX** · 03-13-2008, 12:23 PM

I have to agree, your positive attitude is going to get you through all of this. I think it's great that you have your plans set of how your are going to deal with every situation. You will survive keep us posted on how things are going for you.

**Ali Lee** · 03-13-2008, 12:32 PM

Does Canada have a Better Business Bureau or Government (look under government in your phone book) Wage & Board? I don't see how he can hold your checks! Would you be able to picket in front of the business? or send a certified letter requesting payment? (that way employer must sign for letter & you would get a receipt proving he got it). Keep record of all attempts (date, time, who you spoke with) re: payment. Make soup! Use only 1/2 ham and use mix in with eggs or potatoes & onions fried. There is nothing wrong with pancakes for supper. Cut back...One glass of milk per child per meal, the 2nd would be water, etc. Watch your p's & q's, read frugal sites, hang in there and GOOD LUCK. I have a name for that employer...but I won't print it!!

**Cricketlegs** · 03-13-2008, 12:50 PM

Sounds like you and your dh have a plan in place.

Also, I think it sounds great and frankly we can all learn from it too.

Best wishes.

**Darlene** · 03-13-2008, 12:55 PM

Wishing you both my best. That positive attitude will take you far.

**peanut** · 03-13-2008, 03:09 PM

As a Canadian...the situation with your DH's ex-employer sounds real fishy. I'd contact the union, if your DH worked for one. If not, Labour Canada would be very interested in this situation...as would a lawyer. What he's doing is highly illegal. In fact, the Human Rights Commission might take some issues with this as well.

It's a good thing you have done what you have frugally in the past. And that you know what needs to be done now. It will carry you a long way. When DH was fired from his job, we were able to make 9 months pay (severance and EI) last 18 months, thanks to frugal tactics. I know you can do this!

Best of luck in your new endeavour!

Jean

**Mom23boys** · 03-13-2008, 05:50 PM

I love your positive attitude!! I wish your family the best!

**FrugalMomof3** · 03-13-2008, 06:16 PM

You can do it, just stay on the wagon, you will get through this

**carlitasway** · 03-13-2008, 06:32 PM

I'm in the same boat. I can't spend more than 200.00 a month on food for my family of four because things are so tight. Thank goodness for the free things in life like parks, libraries, games and movies we already have!

**mombottoo** · 03-13-2008, 07:06 PM

Your hubby's ex-boss sounds like a real piece of work!!! I don't live in Canada, but from some of the posts it sounds like what the boss is doing is illegal in your country...perhaps filing a complaint will help the boss remember to pay up!!!

Best of luck with all you are going through, when one door closes another opens and it sounds like your hubby's door is already opening!!!

**DixieJ** · 03-13-2008, 07:23 PM

Sounds like you've got a plan in place. I'm sure you'll be just fine..wishing you the best!

**Michelle68** · 03-13-2008, 07:33 PM

I hope everything works out with your DH's pay. You have a wonderful attitude and a plan in place and that is going to be a great help while he's temporarily out of work.

--Michelle