When does it work out?????

**Rhiamon** · 02-09-2009, 10:39 AM

So DH was laid off last year got a new job and took a pay cut. So I took part time job. no problem right. Six months later he was laid off again from that job. he worked in the trucking industry. So he was unemployed for seven months. We were living off credit cards etc so we have no savings back up funds etc. I got a second part time job and was working 15 hour days 12 to 13 days straight. DH got a job making half of what he had before but he is happy loves it and is glad to be working outside again. Great I still had to work two jobs 15 hr days etc. Then job number 2 offered me full time hours with benefits. I was thrilled, I took the job gave my notice for my other job. I was working full time hours for 2 weeks training for the new position. MY last day at job number one was on a Friday. Monday I went to my new full time job and got called into the office. Well the full time position they offered me was no more that the company was getting rid of one full time position across the board I work for a major retail chain. I was in a panic. I called my other job back and tried to get my other job back. No such luck. So know I am dog sitting and taking any hours I can get from my job which is about 14 hrs a week. We have had to cut back on things, get rid of things, and cancel things. My in laws have been helping out by buying us things like bread and milk. So I am trying to find more work but with times as they are and little skills I have it has been very hard. I am going through frugal village trying to get ideas. Our new budget though leaves nothing left over. And our food budget is 150 a month, or less. We have talked about moving but the price of houses etc. And for what we pay for our house we live in a very small house. We are paying about average rent right now if that makes sense. So anyways I need help. Any thing that has worked for anyone any little thing. I just can't see a way out right now.

**rainbowgc** · 02-09-2009, 11:53 AM

Try: housecleaning, sitting with the elderly and childcare. Also try signing up for a temp agency.

**Contrary Housewife** · 02-09-2009, 12:35 PM

If you have not canceled cable tv, do it now. And downgrade the cell phones, if any. It is probably time to cancel the internet subscription and use the library, too.

$150 is not bad for food for two. Have you applied for food stamps yet? Are there any food pantries in your area you can use?

If you are not working can you drop insurance coverage on one vehicle?

Call your utility companies and ask about hardship programs.

**Momto2Boyz** · 02-09-2009, 01:07 PM

I know it sucks to have people say "Hang in there, and eventually things get better", but it's true.

DH and I were where you guys are a few years ago. We hung in there and eventually things got better. Dh went through several years where he'd get settled with one company only to get laid off and have to find something different (he also worked in trucking and then also in construction). He found about the only job he could with job security and applied. He was on their waiting list for interviews for 2 years, before he finally made it to the top. He ended up getting the job and things have worked out.

So hang in there and do what you can. I know, firsthand, just how much stress you've got going on, and I know you can't ignore the stress. But just try to remember, that if there is only so much money to go around...then there's only so much! Pay your priorities first to keep a roof over your head, your vehicles moving you to work, and your bellies fed, then after that, do what you can to pay the rest!

Cut out anything that you can, that isn't an absolute need. That's what we did. It really stunk...but you do what you have to do.

I hope things get better for you soon. Eventually, the silver lining will show..I just hope it's soon for you guys!

**Rhiamon** · 02-09-2009, 01:14 PM

We have canceled the cable and for our phone and net through cogeco pay 50. We live in Canada so there are no food stamps. We are using the good food box, and will use the food bank if we have to. I won't let our dd go with out food for sure. We only have one car and dh needs it to get to work. We have talked about getting rid of our life insurance but are pretty sure with dh having had a cardic event and me not having good health that it would be almost impossible to get again. I will talk to our utility company.

rainbowgc thank you I will try those.