Financial Challenges Support Group

Hi Jmay,

Welcome to the board :D

Not sure what state you live in, but in my state if your dad goes to jail unfortunately your mom wouldn't get child support because its based on income, not to mention some jails that do pay inmates for labor pay way less than minimum wage, so there wouldn't be enough money to send to the child support office..

Also, not sure if it would help but could your mom look in to getting government assistance like food stamps or a medical card, which could help out until she get's back on her feet? If she doesn't qualify for food stamps, maybe she could look into local food pantries for help or organizations like Angel Food Ministries, the Salvation Army or St. Vincent.

Out here the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent's offer financial assistance to help people and families w/ rent and utilities, holiday assistance and even bus tokens to get to work. The best time to call these orgs is usually around the 1st of the month since a lot of their funds can go fast. If your area has a United Way or a 211 number your mom could try that too.

In addition, are you able to qualify for the free lunch or reduced lunch program at school? From what I remember, when I was in HS there were only one two forms your parents had to fill out and turn in. I could be wrong but I think they send you a notice in the mail stating which program you qualify for. .

Also, I know these next ideas might not help, but I thought I'd give them a go any way :D

If you need quick cash, are there any DVDs, video games, clothes, handbags or jewelry that you or your mom could take to a pawnshop or consignment store? They don't pay much depending on the place, but at least it could help a little w/ gas or food.

Also, if you have access to the internet there's also on-line surveys. For some sites you have to be 18 and over and some you don't. On-line surveys don't pay much, for example, you might make between $50-300 in something like a month depending on survey(s) how many companies you sign up w/ and the amount each survey pays and the amount of points you need to cash out, but at least it could help if you need something important like lunch money or school supplies.

I know a lot of people who have had luck w/ sites like OpinionOutpost.com, Toluna.com Surveyspot.com Surveysavvy.com, Lightspeedpanel.com Opinion-square.com, mypoints.com, harrispoll.com, mysurvey.com, partnership-plus.com and Globaltestmarket.com just to name a few. It can take a while to rack up points but it can be worth it when the check comes in the mail or via Paypal. There's also Surveypolice.com that gives feedback about each site.

Also, out here some people are still having yardsales before the weather gets too bad. There's also eBay if you or your mom have a Paypal account and Amazon.

If you have a car, you could check to see if you have enough cash back reward points from your credit card, debit card or gas station rewards program (like Speedway Speedy Rewards) to get a gas gift card.

If you like to shop on line you could try websites like shopathome.com, ebates.com cashbaq.com, bondrewards.com, mrrebates.com, freeshipping.org, or couponcabin.com to save money.

Creating a "change train" (saving spare change in jars) also helps saves money too, especially since the banks out here provide free coin wrappers. The spare quarters are also great if you have to go to the laundromat or feed a parking meter.

Lastly, don't forget about the Dollar Stores, like Dollar Tree, Dollar General and Family Dollar. The Dollar Tree doesn't take coupons, but Family Dollar and Dollar General do. . Depending on what you are looking for sometimes they are cheaper than stores like Wal-mart or Target.


Finally, if you are able to stay in your apartment, is there a way that your mom could "green" it to help cut costs. For example, would she be willing to out fit the whole house w/ energy efficient light bulbs, or use Smart Strips, which cut off energy currents to devices that are turned off when not in use like the computer, the t.v. the iron etc.

There's also, energy efficient curtains that keep out the draft in the winter and block out excessive heat and sunlight in the summer. Off hand, I know that the JC Penney in my area sells these types of curtains.

If you consume soda or have a lot of paper goods would recycling help? Out here it doesn't pay much, unless you have something like copper wiring or steel, so most people use what money they get for gas money to try to get to work.

If recycling doesn't help, your mom could look to see if your state offers a heating assistance program like HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) which provides one time annual assistance to families in need in either the summer or the winter. In my county, the info and application for HEAP usually comes w/ the utility bill, but if people lose their application, they can check w/ the library, the Job and Family Services Dept. on the floor where people apply for gov. assistance, or they can Google search it for an application since this state has a HEAP website.

I hope things turn around for you and your mom soon. Good Luck! :D

i live in Ohio, and here, if child support isn't paid, they not only take money (some or all) out of paychecks, but they also garnish any tax returns and are able to take your license away, put liens on property, etc. do you know if there's a child support enforcement agency where you live? it's hard to get this stuff taken care of alone, but with the help of an agency, they can essentially take care of most of it - including having your dad's boss sign the paper so his wages are garnished. i'd google it or look it up in the phone book. your department of child and family services would also probably know.

in the meantime, check out the phone book or even the library (and you can also look it up online) to see what types of agencies are in your area to assist with rent, utilities, etc.

good luck! and definitely check to see if there's a child support enforcement agency or department in your state - you likely won't get too far without some type of help. also looking up some free legal aid would be beneficial - they can help bring a case up against your dad and it wouldn't cost you anything.

dial 211 and ask them for suggestions.

Hi. I'm a mom going through the same thing. First of all, this will be ok in the end. Your family will be there for you. As a student contact your school counselor and ask for help with the stress of dealing with this.

My teen is also dealing with this, he wants to work, but at 15 I have said no, not yet.

The school counselor can help with free breakfast and lunches for you and if you can put some of the extra stuff in your packpack for a snack later do it.

the court system will finally get your father to pay and with INTEREST - but it may not be for awhile.

the best thing and I know this is hard for you to hear as a young woman, is do your best at school, get the best grades you can, stay away from drugs and drinking. And tell you Mom and family and you love them everyday.

I grew up in a large family where there was not enough food and clothing, we made it through it - right now it seems like the whole thing is a real mess (and it is) BUT - - with your family around you and letting everyone know that they are love, INCLUDING YOU! because you are LOVED!

this time will pass and your dad will be going through his own hell for his choices.

have your mom try some support here or on other websites and there are free programs for her, have your mom call 211

you are sweet and lovely girl and this WILL get better.