Anyone catch Dr. Phil today?
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| Mon, 01-03-2005 - 7:13pm |
It was about getting a handle on finances. One family refused to shop at Wal-Mart and the hubby wouldn't let his wife shop sale racks. Their children were dressed in Gap, Polo, etc. I was shocked that he didn't really see a problem. He was facing having his utlitites cut off, and had cable cut off while the film crew was in his house, but he had no problem dealing with debt!
The other family remodeled their house last year and when it was recommended they get rid of their big SUV for something more economical, the response was a used clunker wouldn't fit 4 car seats. I had to laugh when Dr. Phil responded with a 1980 Surburban would fit four car seats.
It was really a slap in the face for me, because of a discussion with DH over the weekend about getting a big SUV that could hold 3 car seats. I told DH about the show and he said he knew a 1980 Surburban could fit 4 car seats, because growing up his family always drove used older Surburbans. He one time told me they were great because he and his brothers didn't have problems getting their prom dates with the huge antebellum type dresses in them, like his friends with the small sports cars.
The show today was really a wake-up call and the biggest thing I took away was that nothing about finances is set in stone. You can sell your house and move to something cheaper, you can get cheaper cable, you can get a more economical car, you can send your kids to public school.
Just thought I'd pass it on.
Kellie
BTW DH and decided not to get a new SUV or a used one for that matter. We will keep the cars we have!

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my husband and I also agreed I wouldnt work either, but life has a tendency to throw you a curve when you dont expect it. I had to go back to work, after we got our son, not becuase i wanted to but had to , to keep the roof over our heads. I hope you have better luck! I do agree, I thought both couples were looking for Dr. Phil to pay off their debts, especially the second wife who started crying when doctor phil asked her how she would feel if she got the 19k back again. I think she had a rude awakening when she realized he wasnt giving it to her. Like I said if she was really serious she could get a job even if it was a small part time one at night to help out with the bills. she certainly developed an attitude when he said she should get rid of her new minivan
People seem to think debt should be eliminated without any sacrifice
mary anne
I agree, when your husband is in retail ( as mine is as well) if you have more than one child you cant work because of the schedule, I know, before and after school care really eats into my salary. Before my son started public school it took 50$ of my salary but i did it for the benefits
Retail people are way underpaid for the hours they have to put in. My husband is a store mgr so there is no overtime and he has to work 6-7 days most weeks
Mary Anne
I completely understand.
I actually did work full-time until my dd was
Becky
CL of 4th, 5th & 6th grade Scoliosis
Hi! I justw anted to mention something to the stay-at-home moms that are posting about kids' school schedules/working. I completely agree with you! My son is in kindergarten this year and between holidays, vacations and 1/2 days, plus the fact that they go to school from 8:45-3:00, I don't know how moms have "regular" jobs! I don't know how I would do it. I have worked fulltime mostly since my kids were born 6 and almost-4 years ago. But now that he is in school, I can't deal with it. Especially since the daycare he always went to can't take him during vacations, etc. because he just turned 6 and that's their cutoff. But my daughter goes there. She is almost 4 and has been there since she was JUST about 3 months old. So I don't want to switch her but I can't have two daycares! Mostly logistically, but also financially, as there is usually a "sibling" discount.
So anyway, my solution for now is that I am an ed. tech. (teacher's aid) I work part-time, 11:00-3:30. I do lunch duty/recess duty, office help and bus duty. I drop my son off at 8:45, spend almost 2 hours with DD and then bring her to daycare. I go to work, Isaac gets out at 3:00, takes the bus from his school to my school and then hangs out with me while I do bus duty. :) Then we pick DD up at daycare and are home by 4:15. :)
Granted, the pay isn't the best. I have a college degree and used to make $13/hour. I now make under $8/hour!!! It stinks, but the job is very low-stress, it has a GREAT schedule, all the same time off as it's the same school district my son is in, and I love everyone I work with. I am a single mom so obviously I absolutely NEED to work. Between what I make there, and child support, I am able to pay all our bills (only debt left is school loans!) and have SOME money left over. (No savings or emergency fund though!) If I worked fulltime, I wouldn't be making much more than I am now, since most of it would go to daycare for DS and increased daycare for DD. (I only have her go to daycare Wed-Fri, as my kiddos are at dad's house from Saturday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon, so she stays home with her stepmom on Mon-Tues, who is staying at home with her newborn right now)
So, just as a suggestion for those of you who do have kids in school and are looking for something just to help out a little with finances, really look into being a teacher's aide. Most schools require at least 2 years of college, but there are some who require less. I was certified as an Ed. Tech. III because I have a degree, but my school system pays poorly. Some other schools around here pay up to $14/hour for Ed. Tech. III's. (I's and II's make less)
Sorry for rambling, just thought I would contribute!
~Kiya
I am a SAHM. I don't work because DH is in the military and I would have to change jobs too often. Besides the only jobs I could get, wouldn't even pay for daycare. At the on military post day cares, what you pay is based on your combined income. DH is already in the top tier and for me to get a job, pay for daycare for two children (plus the third that is due next month) plus work clothes (which I haven't worn in six plus years) and eating out and extra gas, etc. It would be too expensive. I add eating out to that total because when I did work outside the home before DD, we ate out a lot because we were just too tired to cook. Maybe once #3 is in school I will look for a job or go back to school and get my teaching certification. That way, I have all the same holidays, the same daily schedule, etc as my kids. It will also be something I can change locations with fairly easily since we will move a lot.
If SAHMs with children already in school really want a job that won't conflict with school schedules, I would also suggest substitute teaching. School systems are normally desperate for subs. I was one for almost 4 years, loved it and that is why I want to go back and be certified to teach.
HTH.
Kellie
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