We've nearly sunk, but now I'm back...

**MandaRenee** · 12-26-2009, 07:55 PM

I haven't been around on the forums for a while but its time to get back on board. We've been sinking and its time to refocus and get back out of this hole we are in. I know I'm going to need help, guidance, and understanding along the way.

Dh lost his job and was out of work for several months and we were not prepared for it. I know we should have been better prepared but things weren't that good with his job in the time leading up to that so we weren't able to stock away much.

We found out about the job loss the week after finding out we were pregnant with our second child. We also have a 2 year old. I was diagnosed with Hyperemesis Gravidarum and have been so sick that I could barely function but am now finally beginning to feel almost normal most days. It's time to get back on top.

My husband is working again thankfully, but it is once again driving a truck. Anyone in that line of work understands that it is an expensive line of work to be in. Especially since we are responsible for our own fuel expenses. He is still looking for other jobs and putting in lots of applications but no hits yet. We are beginning to wonder if it has to do with how his credit must look as of late. We're hoping thats not the case.

Now that I am starting to be able to function I have been looking for ways to bring in extra income. I haven't been able to find full time work that pays well enough to cover the expense of driving and childcare. We are in a pretty rural area so that makes it hard. I've managed to do a few "part-time" one time jobs but nothing major.

We've sold everything that is of value and lowered our bills as much as we possible could so far. We've lost one truck (repo) but that's freed up some money to take care of other things so we are not sinking any further.

Right now we are in a bit of a stale mate I'm afraid with the winter weather. We're hoping that when the weather improves a bit dh or I will be able to find and do some additional work. I've sold some handmade items and am planning on opening my Etsy shop in the next month or two. Hopefully that might help some. We're also planning a yard sale when the weather warms up a bit. I know those aren't long term solutions but every litlte bit helps at this point.

I'm looking into more things I can do from home and hopefully some of them will pan out. I was babysitting but had to stop once I became so sick. Hopefully I'll be able to find something again now that I'm feeling better.

We're trying to work with our creidtors and thankfully most of them are being quite reasonable. I'm paying a little any chance I can and they are (for the most part) willing to work with me while we get this sorted out. Most are getting around $20 or so a month. More of a good faith payment than anything, but I'm trying to show that we are trying to fix things.

I'm just trying to stay focused and positive about the situation. Things are bad for us, but we are still more fortunate than many others. I must remember that. Thanks for letting me get this out and I look forward to meeting you all again and getting familiar with the board again. Time to start the New Year right.

**kimmy4433** · 12-26-2009, 08:04 PM

Welcome back!! Keep your head up and stay focused and 2010 will be your year!

**hotprincesscm** · 12-26-2009, 08:07 PM

Well Glad to see you back! Wishing you luck and lots of prayers! We are all here to help as much as we can!

**NikoSan999** · 12-26-2009, 08:07 PM

Hi from Florida. There are alot of us here in varying degrees of financial problems. So don't feel alone and please jump in the threads or start your own. Welcome and you'll find many friends waiting to meet you

**frugalwarrior2** · 12-26-2009, 08:09 PM

Hi from Mich. Glad to have you back. New year. New hopes.Right?

**MandaRenee** · 12-26-2009, 08:13 PM

Thank you all so much for the warm welcomes. It really means a lot to know I'm not alone in all of this. Yes, 2009 was the year from hell for so many reasons and I will be glad to have it behind us.