Big kick in the you-know-what

**momof2joys** · 04-16-2008, 07:14 PM

Hey everyone, hubby and I were just going over our finances and came to see that we are extremely over drawn. We still haven't paid ANY bills for this month and we still have to fill my daughters RX in the next few days!! I am so stress and just want to cry!! SO, right now I am really trying to figure out ways to cut back. I know that things like this will take time, but I am trying to fix things now!! This site is a wonderful tool. Thanks to everyone for the fantastic ideas, and keep them coming!! If anyone has anymore great ideas please share, all are welcome!!:surprise:

**larabelle** · 04-16-2008, 07:22 PM

Well, I do not have any wonderful tips to share as I have not earned my "black belt" in frugality like many of the wonderful women on this website. I also have learned ALOT from the tips here. I am just sending you a hug.

**LuvMyHubby** · 04-16-2008, 07:39 PM

Yeah, I am sending you hugs too.

Will your pharmacy let you make a couple of installments in the script?

**dianne9106** · 04-16-2008, 07:58 PM

Perhaps put some stuff on Craigslist or eBay or even try the classifieds for quick cash. Do you have any savings? Could you possibly call up the utility company and delay a payment there? Some one else suggested making installments on the prescription. If that doesn't work, go to the doctor's office, politely explain your situation and ask if they have samples they could give you until you got on your feet better? If not then ask if they have an associate in the area that might. For the future, contact the company that makes it and ask for vouchers or samples - it's worth a try. For food, try any local food banks - every little helps there. Check with the local churches for other assistance and maybe they could also help you with you prescription. Big hugs and hang in there - and be diligent in checking these boards for more ideas for the long term.

Dianne

**TheRootedNomad** · 04-16-2008, 08:09 PM

If you are open to the idea you may want to post your bills and income (budget in the making) or your budget on a seperate thread so that people could make suggestions. Some here have learned by experience where to cut deepest when its necessary, what CAN be lived without, and which bills (companies) are easiest to "deal" with. (Just like the sample idea for the medication)

In the mean time lots of big

's

Your not alone in your struggles.

**Lady_V** · 04-16-2008, 08:16 PM

*hugs* to you... most of us have been in the stressful spot you are in now, and all have lived to tell the tales... you have a lot of support here.

I don't know if you are near a WalMart/Sam's Club or not (and yes, I know it's not some peoples favorite place to shop) they have a $4 RX plan, if her med is listed, call the Doctor's office to have it switched over.

Wal-Mart/SAM’S CLUB $4 Generic Prescription Program

**MomK** · 04-16-2008, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Lady_V

*hugs* to you... most of us have been in the stressful spot you are in now, and all have lived to tell the tales... you have a lot of support here.

I don't know if you are near a WalMart/Sam's Club or not (and yes, I know it's not some peoples favorite place to shop) they have a $4 RX plan, if her med is listed, call the Doctor's office to have it switched over.

Wal-Mart/SAM’S CLUB $4 Generic Prescription Program

Kroger now has $4 prescriptions, as does USA Drug.

**momof2joys** · 04-16-2008, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the ideas!! I never thought about the samples from a doctor! I work in a hospital, so HELLO just ask the doctors!! See this is the reason that people on this site are so well connected, everyone has ideas and tips on how to get through things like this!! I did do a double check of personal items (body wash, shampoo, etc) in my stockpile, I should be okay on those for a few months, possibily six months if I control things right!! So that should help with a few of the cash flow problems. Other than that, we'll have to check out some of the other ideas!! THANKS again, and if anyone has anymore ideas please let me know!!

**forHISglory** · 04-16-2008, 10:36 PM

Yes, I also thought of doctor's samples. I'm sure that this isn't the only thing that is a problem for you right now, but every little bit helps. You might talk in person with your utility companies to let them know that you are a real person and that you are coming in good faith about putting your bill on installments. Stay in touch.

**FrugalMomof3** · 04-16-2008, 10:56 PM

Doesnt Walmart also have $4 prescriptions? either way, that's a good idea to ask the Dr. for samples. I know how it is to be tight, coming here so long ago has helped me tremendously, now it's easy and believe me you will be a frugal fanatic in no time!

**Ceashels** · 04-17-2008, 07:56 AM

Is there a coworker that you can share a ride to save on gas? In lieu of gas money how about a baked good in exchange? Take an extra home made baked good to work and auction it off to the highest bidder. (You probably couldn't get away with that everyday.... but LOL).

Does your job have an employee emergency fund where you can borrow off of a future check? I wouldn't recommend doing it for a lot, but it might tide you over for a week or two until other savings are in place.

Blessings

**PrairieRose** · 04-17-2008, 08:23 AM

You'll need to sit down and write down each red cent you spend monthly on bills. Be completely honest and also include what you spend on non essential items too. Add up your income and then you've got to somehow make the two match (in th long run with the income outweighing the outgo). If you control things like your late fees, overdraft fees, interest paid, you can make a big difference in what you have in your accounts. The hardest thing to do is just sit down and go over everything with your spouse. That way you can get on the same page and take control of your life. (right now you're letting money control you....) Somebody has to be in charge of the money...paying the bills on time, doing the banking, etc..... . No excuses. Time to be a financial grown up. (Get one of Dave Ramsey's books at the library) Hang in there, lots of us have had to crawl out of that hole.

**Dancing Lotus** · 04-17-2008, 09:55 AM

I am sorry , I have been there done that. RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF OF IT NOW! The only bill I have paid this month is the power. Next week will be morgage and the week after that everything else.
I had to put a total freeze on any spending but gas for the car and food. And the food is minimal at best. This week its only going to be milk and bread. Im fortunate to have a big stockpile.

you said you have at least a six month stockpile .HOw about you decide what you need for maybe the next too months and have a yard sale with the rest. I'm sure you could raise enough to pay for the medicine.

Have something of value , pawn it or ebay or craigslist. We needed 400 to pay dh's tuition and put his trailer on craisgslist for 400 , it sold in two days. Now we have our spare fridge for sale.

I have sold a lot of things over the last year that I was holding on to for whatever reason. Honestly I don't miss any of it.

Good luck.

**momof2joys** · 04-17-2008, 11:03 AM

I have done some checking and the script for daughters meds is only $4.00!!, so that's good, I only live 4 1/2 blocks from work, so instead of me taking the kids to daycare in the morning, husband is going to, even though that means he has to drive an extra mile out of his way. But saving gas and money too!! Plus, our daycare is right next door to my inlaws, so they are going to pick up the kids early, if they are home. Just to help with costs. The other day my FIL came home at lunch and picked up my kids and just spent a few hours with them, then he dropped them off at my house and went back to work!!! Saved me almost 3 hours worth of daycare!! I am currently trying to write out all expenses we have, and then I am going to start on figuring the budget!

Wish me Luck!!
I am also looking into the craigslist thing. We have sold items on E-bay before, so now I am looking for more things. My husband is also going to go through the garage and shed for parts. He is really into snowmoblies, so we have a TON of extra parts lying around. I'll let you know how things go!!!

**momof2joys** · 04-17-2008, 12:15 PM

I have done some checking and the script for daughters meds is only $4.00!!, so that's good, I only live 4 1/2 blocks from work, so instead of me taking the kids to daycare in the morning, husband is going to, even though that means he has to drive an extra mile out of his way. But saving gas and money too!! Plus, our daycare is right next door to my inlaws, so they are going to pick up the kids early, if they are home. Just to help with costs. The other day my FIL came home at lunch and picked up my kids and just spent a few hours with them, then he dropped them off at my house and went back to work!!! Saved me almost 3 hours worth of daycare!! I am currently trying to write out all expenses we have, and then I am going to start on figuring the budget!

Wish me Luck!!
I am also looking into the craigslist thing. We have sold items on E-bay before, so now I am looking for more things. My husband is also going to go through the garage and shed for parts. He is really into snowmoblies, so we have a TON of extra parts lying around. I'll let you know how things go!!!