need advice

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-17-2009
need advice
3
Sun, 10-11-2009 - 3:37pm

Last week was horrible and I'm paying for it this week. I just got a ticket for an expired car registration ticket and change of address.Times are real hard for us. Were barely making it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-05-2006
In reply to: strongmom2009
Sun, 10-11-2009 - 8:17pm
I lived without cable and home phone for a year to save money. It wasn't easy. We only got one channel, but we made due. I called every single bill I had one week and checked for discounts or ways to lower them. I ended up saving $500 dollars a year by doing that. I lowered my cell phone bill, my car insurance, my electricity payment (I got on a payment plan to even out my monthly bills). It's really hard when you are going through this craziness of who to pay...stealing from Peter to pay paul (or however the saying goes), but you've really gotta start getting down to your minimum living expenses. That's why I dropped the cable and phone. I knew that I didn't need the TV to survive and although inconvenient, my cell phone could work as my primary phone. I wish I could give you more suggestions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2008
In reply to: strongmom2009
Mon, 10-12-2009 - 7:10pm

Hugs to you. That stinks.

Any kids clothes you can sell at a consignment shop? Anything you can do second hand jobwise to make money? Rake leaves? Dog sit for someone?

I'd just say that as crummy as it might be - buy the most bare boned groceries you can and pay what you can on the bills. Might stink to eat noodles for a week but you gotta do what you gotta do. So sorry this happened.

Hopefully when DH's overtime kicks in you guys can save a little for emergencies like this!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-14-2008
In reply to: strongmom2009
Tue, 10-13-2009 - 11:19am

I have not had a home phone for 3 years. I have a cell and don't miss the home phone. I haven't had cable for that amount of time either. I do watch certain shows but they are few and far between. I work too much to need those things. The kids have their video games, movies and books and homework to keep them busy. I really feel like my quality of life has not diminished because of these two things I don't have.

Is there anything you can sell quickly? I'm sure these tickets don't get paid on time all the time and don't mess with your car payment anymore. You guys need that work.

I have often thought and I do this occasionally.....when I get home from grocery shopping and have a hard time putting food away because the cabinet is full........did I really need to go shopping? Clean out that freezer and pantry. I bet you would be absolutely amazed at what you could make from what you already have!

Good luck!