Drowning In Debt

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2005
Drowning In Debt
2
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 1:34pm

My husband and I need some help.

We had somehow let our debt spiral out of control. We have recently entered a Debt Management program (we start July 4th) and thought that in 5 years and 3 months we'd have our act together and be on the road ro recovery.

Well, all plans are shot to hell! I just found out I am pregnant and can feel the debt mounting over my head again. I work for a company that doesn't offer Maternity leave and the thought of not having both of our incomes for 6 weeks is making me ill.

We are barely making it as it is...and now with a baby and 6 weeks unpaid leave of absense...I don't know what to do. Does anyone have ANY advice? I need all of the help I can get!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 2:27pm

Congrats on your pregnancy. I wish you the very best on this.

As for your job, be assured that you will have it since the Family Leave Act allows you to stay with your child.

The money flow will be tough but it can be done.

If you haven't already. please make a list of your expenses. Sit down with hubby to see what can be trimmed down so that you can start saving to make up for your lost of income while you're out. It will all add up.

Cut back on going out to eat, cut back on gift giving (a card sometimes mean a lot more), cut back on cell phones, extra on your land phone like caller ID or long distance, cut back on cable, clothes, shopping trips.

When you're home with your baby, consider taking in anotoer child or two to babysit. Of course you have to be very organize.

Again, I wish you the best of luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-20-2004
Fri, 06-10-2005 - 3:36pm
Congratulations on your pregnancy. You didn't say what your income level is, but you should look into WIC and your state's Medical Assistance program, oth of which are income based. You have quite a few months to plan..i know it may not be ideal, but you will make it! Maybe you can have a garage sale this summer?? When they give you the book "What to Expect when you're expecting" at the dr.s office, don't believe everything it says, especially when it says what you need for your baby. Nobody needs five crib sheets, really!!!! Put your feet up for an hour and allow yourself the opportunity to brainstorm peacefully, without panic. You will get through this!!!