New and I'm a disaster

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2008
New and I'm a disaster
15
Thu, 05-28-2009 - 8:54am

Hello everyone,


I just need some help and advice - I'm at my wits end! I am a mom of 5 (still at home). I am about 600.00 minimum short on income every month before credit card payments. My hours have recently been cut from 52 a week to 40 and that translates to 1,000.00 less every month.


My fiancee is a full-time student in his last year of school (he went back before we met when construction jobs here dried up.) So I support all seven of us. He will be a dual-major teacher by next summer.


Credit card payments are becoming impossible because the minimums are about 700.00 per month and they won't put me on a program because my income isn't enough. My electric bill is overdue and I can't sleep from worry at this point. The only thing I ever pay on-time is my rent, $1500.00 per month. My X never pays child support so I can't count on that either.


I will work any extra hours I can get but they just don't have them consistently, so I can't count on them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just don't know where to start. I am not a good money manager and everytime I try to set a budget, some emergency comes up, like a car problem, and I have to take money allotted from one thing to pay the emergency. Then I'm late with something else.


Also, my credit is very messed up from my divorce, x left me with bills he never paid and a judgement of 1,600.00. The credit card debt we have now is in my fiancee's name. He had NO debt and excellent credit when we got together,

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2008
Wed, 06-03-2009 - 10:15am

Thank you for your suggestions. There is an angelfoodministries nearby and I am going to try it out. I will also look into the survey site. At this point, anything I can save will be a help!


I do not qualify for foodstamps but I do qualify for some utility help. (Don't know how much yet but I have an appointment to apply tomorrow. I am really worried about the electric right now.


I will let you know how I make out. Thanks so much!


-Beach_chic

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2008
Wed, 06-10-2009 - 8:44am

I've had another kick in the pants. Both my cars went down. One after the other. $266.00 for the one and at least 600.00 for the other. Unfortunately we need both because of my work/his schedule.

Also my electric is waaayyy behind. I'm not sure what to do. Has anyone gotten help for electric before? I live in south NJ. Every time I try to get my stuff together, something happens to throw me back.

I really dont have all the money I need. If I scrape together and pay the electric I wont be able to pay my rent or fix the car.

Any suggestions? I am hopeless at this!

-Beach_chic

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-10-2003
Wed, 06-10-2009 - 8:59am

I'm sorry you are going through this. You mentioned that you may qualify for utility help. Did that come through at all?


I know some others have mentioned an organization called modest needs that provide grants and loans for low income families. Perhaps you could try there for some assistance with your electric bill or car repair? I think its modestneeds.org?


The other option is paying something to the electric bill to show good faith, even if its small. Call them and let them know your situation.


Sorry I can't be of more assistance.


Rebecca


Bex -


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


Bex -

Avatar for sohappilyme
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 06-10-2009 - 9:51am
Hey there, and welcome! I'm also a mom of five and we operate in the red each month. Just based on regular paychecks, we're pretty short of making ends meet. I understand what you're going through all too well! (((Hugs)))!

Sarah


sahm, wahm, homeschooling mom to

Sarah
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2008
Wed, 06-10-2009 - 10:11am

Hi Sarah,
It's really tough huh? Especially when you can't give the kids everything they need. My daughter graduates from 8th grad next week and I don't even know how I'm gonna get her dress and shoes.

My gang is Briana 14, Sean 11, Frankie Jr. 9, Donovan 8, Tommy 7, and temp. living here my stepson Patrick 18. He graduates HS next week also. My oldest two are out on their own. Ryan 23, and Matthew 19-in the National Guard.
Always good to hear I'm not alone!

Thanx,
Beach_chic

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