Hey there...

[momof42003]

I am just going to jump right in here....

I have been around here and there, but not at all like I used to... Now because of DH being layed off yet again and going back to get his degree (all on the governments dime), we are making it month to month barely and I really need this board again. I was going to say paycheck to paycheck, but that is not entirely true... Bills are about 50.00-100.00 short each month, unless we get a little boost here and there. DH is approved for financial aid, and so every few months we will be getting a small influx of cash. Then there are a few dollars each month that just show up like the 250.00 stimulus from the government for disabled Veterans, and when we get the new washer (see below), we will get money off our electric...

What we have done:
Lowered all bills as far as we could-
We got a cut on cable for six months and then we will get another six month break on internet too.. That is saving us 360.00 for the year.
We were able to take advantage of a 200.00 break in our electric, (for being unemployed) and we are due for another one in October.
Checked on insurance and adjusted both house and car insurances and saved about 100.00 for each six month installment.
We have decided to keep the cell phones and actually added one to our plan since our diabetic son has decided that since he is 13, he can just not come home after school. It only costed 10.00 and DD doesn't have Vcast so that saved 15.00, so in actuality we saved about 5.00 a month.

Things that cannot change (or won't)-
House payment can't be lowered unless we refinance and repay all 10 years of interest all over again. Yes, we have checked on any stimulus kinds of plans, and our mortgage company said that those would come in to effect only if we go behind in our payments by three months or more. We are actually caught up and current on the house for the first time in a long time, so we don't want to mess that up. So savings of 0.00
Here is the "won't" change, DH's Corvette and payment. It is 660.00 a month. If we were about to be destitute then he would try to sell it.. UM hello?? No one will be buying a Vette in our area. Any how that is a mute point. He will not budge. So I just live with it....

Home savings-
Put in a garden, and hopefully will be canning. I also plan on going to friends house who have berries to mini orchards that they do not use and pick and use those..
Lights, heat/AC are all at a minimum. Not much else to do, except to put in the new CLF light bulbs.
Will start drying my clothes on the drying rack out side.
Stay home more.
Cook from scratch more.
Get a good pantry going.
We are on food stamps and the kids are on state health care.
DH and I are trying to make sure our prescriptions (which are very very few) are at the generic rock bottom prices.
Son's camp will only cost 30.00 instead of 350.00

Unexpected things--
Washer went out need to get a new one.
Vette needs new tires (NOT CHEAP)
Both cars need servicing including brakes.
Kids need misc clothes and shoes.

Planning on but not yet done--
Get the pantry stocked.
Change the light bulbs.
Utilize all the free events happening in and around our neighborhood. There is a free camp out night at the Rec Center, community celebration, free swim days, and of course the library and their summer programs.
Watch every penny being spent.
Learn to say NO to the kids.
Learning to can, and preserve.
Shop yard sales and second hand stores for the kids clothes.

Any how, I am kind of in a pickle. I am actively looking for work, but so are hundreds of others too. My kids are driving me nuts, and think we are "poor" and that never helps any. Any other advice, and I will be on here alot more, some to review past posts, and to keep current with everyone here.

[Radish4ever]

Well welcome back! It looks like you've done a good job listing out the good, the bad, and the ugly and I'm sure that just by taking the bull by the horns, you'll be able to add more to that "good" category soon enough!!

[Sassyclass]

Welcome back. Well you haven't given up so that's a plus. Do the older kids earn money in any way? Maybe your daughter can babysit, and your son mow lawns. If they have some money of their own they may be less likely to feel "poor", and it would teach them the value of money while making them feel valued. The less guilt thrown your way the better. Saying a prayer for you.

Cat

[momof42003]

Actually my oldest will hopefully be getting her full time job with the city that she had been almost hand selected for a couple of years ago. She wouldn't start until the end of June, so we haven't heard anything yet. My youngest son has already earned 46.00 with another 30-40 due in the next two weeks by doing yardwork and mowing lawns. He is a real go getter. My oldest son on the other hand thinks it is ok to just steal the money us instead of working for it. My youngest has even asked when her brother goes on his "jobs" if they have something for her to do. I don't think they will have a problem getting some odd pocket change of sorts. But thanks for reminding me .

[frugalfranny]

Welcome back......coming from a newbie......

The question I would have.......do you really need the cable? the hubby could be studying.....and the rest could be reading, playing board games or some other 'time together' period.....when other things aren't going on in the neighborhood.

I wouldn't worry about changing the light bulbs....until the money things improves...they aren't cheap.....just make sure the lights are OFF when you leave a room and instill this in the kids.

Can the kids babysit? Or too young? Lots of that is needed in the summer........maybe print out a flyer and take it to some of the neighbors with children.

[wwe11]

Welcome back!

[momof42003]

About keeping the cable/internet.... Since we rarely go out for entertainment, this is our splurge. It is bundled together, so if I want internet (which we need for online job applications, and anything to do with college), we are keeping them both. As said before three of my kids do and are trying to do jobs... Thanks for the encouragement.

[MommyBliss]

Welcome back, it looks like you have a good beginning.

[Michelle68]

You said your DH will not compromise on the Corvette, but a payment of $660? Holy moly! That's a lot of money that could be freed up to go toward food, bills, etc. Have you sat down with him and showed him how much it affects your budget, especially now that he's not working and trying to get through school?

Other than that, I think you're really on the right track and doing what you need to do toward getting your finances back in order. Good luck!