Mind if I join you??

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2004
Mind if I join you??
11
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 7:36am

Hi, my name is Lori, I am just going through a divorce (cheating, bipolar husband), and we were always broke when we were together. Now, I am on my own (with three kids still at home, one who is disabled), and it is tough. I am getting some child support, but I am waiting to go to court to get alimony, and get everything divided up. I feel I will be in a little better position then, but I have had a rough year though.

I am trying not to use my credit cards, and would like to cut all but one of them up (I have 4, two mastercards, one visa, and a sears card) I do not use my Sears card anymore, but did buy a washer after ex left this house, so there is still a balance on it. My two mastercards are pretty much at their limits, as is my visa. I guess the only way I ever use them now is if I make a payment on them and then use it. I am trying to start an emergency fund, but I really don't have much money to put in one at the moment. I could not even get another credit card or loan if I wanted to, I would be turned down, as my credit seems to be terrible.

I would love to join your group, and be accountable, and try and pay down my credit cards as fast as possible!

Thanks so much,
Lori

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Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 7:49am

Welcome, Lori.


I know the starting out is always a struggle.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 8:30am

Hi and welcome Lori!


I am so sorry to hear that you are going through rough times, but as Becky said, you have come to the right place. This is the place to come to share ideas, share good news and bad, or just vent about life if necessary.


You mentioned you would like an Efund but don't have any money to put in it. Several of us (myself included) were in that situation and have slowly built ours (mine is a work in progress, lol). If you have a change jar, this is a start. Collect your loose change at the end of the day, and after a few weeks, cash it in and start an efund.


You can round up your bills and put the difference in the efund. This is what I do. If my bill is $133, I count it as $135 and put the $2 in the efund. If I get any extra money (gifts, rebates, tax returns, etc) the first $10 goes to the efund. Many ladies here are fans of using coupons, and then sending whatever they saved to the efund.


You can do this, just keep your chin up!


Good luck to you!


Bex -


"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift -thats why its called the present."


Bex -

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 10:35am

Lori - welcome!


Hugs to you and all you have gone through. Once you feel up to it I think it would really benefit you to post some of your numbers here. Estimated costs of bills such as cell, cable, internet, entertainment, etc. The ladies here are awesome at finding leaks in the budget and thinking of ways to cut back and eliminate costs.


What ages are your kids? I have a 2 yo DD and a 5 yo DS. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2007
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 10:52am

Welcome

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 2:12pm

Welcome Lori,

I am divorced too, for two years now. It does get better. It takes time, but it does get better. I found once the dust settled then you really have a starting point. Because that is what you are doing, starting over. But you have to think of it as starting over for the better. Its about you and your kids now. Do what YOU want. Make it stable, make it calm, & do not drive yourself insane. Wait until things relax a bit, then start planning. I know I am not making a whole lot sense, LOL, but that was my experience. You can do this.



iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2008
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 2:31pm

Welcome Lori-


Well you took a step in a direction - much better than sitting there on the sidelines!




iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2004
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 4:50pm

Wow, thank you everyone for the warm welcome!! This is the first message board that I have had such a warm welcome, I have to say.

I am writing down everything I spend, and I have been doing that since the beginning of this month. I am behind on a few bills because my ex was without a job for six months, and he was not always paying me. I do feel that once I have been to court, and got everything divided up, I will be in a better position. It is so hard going from a middle class lifestyle, to feeling like we are living in poverty now. My kids are old enough to understand that we don't have money for extra things now, but I just hate to not be able to take them places etc.

I will get that jar started for the emergency fund!

Thanks again everyone,

Lori

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-24-2007
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 6:17pm

Hi Lori and welcome to the group!


Sorry to hear of your divorce, but the good news is that you are now in control of your money.

Kate


empty purse

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 9:38pm

Hello, Lori, and welcome to the group.


This is a wonderful place to find ideas and support; I hope you keep coming back.


Take care,


Robyn


Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 02-23-2009 - 10:16pm
Hello, Lori, and welcome! You'll find lots of inspiration here -- perfect for a fresh start!

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Goal #1 $UCCE$$!

Sarah

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