Financial Challenges Support Group
This community is for people who are struggling to meet financial obligations of any kind. Financial challenges include everything from the day-to-day challenges of making ends meet to managing credit card debt to bankruptcy. Get support from others who are going through similar obstacles on the road back to financial stability.
Hi everyone-I'm hoping maybe someone will have some ideas for me. I'm a single mom-both kids are on their own-my son lives in Spain (who's unemployment is 25%, and he isn't working at the present), and my daughter is starting work on her Masters degree in archeology. I lost my job last May (2008) and haven't been able to get another job. I also have lupus, fibromyalgia, and breast cancer, and recently suffered a brain injury from a fall. But I can't get disability. I am so lost, money wise, and don't know what to do. I own my house, but haven't been able to pay my taxes from 2008 ($6000). I wasn't able to pay my oil bill, so they stopped my delivery and closed my account-I've had no oil since March so no hot water-I during the winter I didn't let my house get any warmer than 55 degrees, trying to save oil, even though it wasn't so good for my medical issues. I get unemployment, which will end in 2 months, but $536 of that goes to COBRA each month, because of my medical issues. COBRA ends in November. I haven't been able to find any other insurance for a single person here in NY which would cover my needs. I pay $150 a month for prescriptions, and that is just copayments. I am behind in all my bills, and am being charged late fees for everything. I tried talking to my credit card company, who raised my rate to 29.99, and they said they couldn't make any adjustments because I was late with my payments. They lowered my limit to what I owed, so I cant even charge emergency bills. I was told because I am getting unemployment, I don't qualify for food stamps or other help. The same for help from the oil company-no oil until I pay the $1900 I own them-it keeps going up, even though I try to send them $100 a month. I try to give everyone something as often as I can, but no one wants to work with me. I've cut my budget as much as I can, I get food from our church pantry, and don't know how to cut anything else. I have applied for numerous jobs, but no luck there so far. Does anyone have any other ideas that might help me? Thanks, in advance, and God Bless and look after all of you. Kathy
Sorry to hear about your finances. I really hate how the economy is these days it's just so terrible everywhere.. I was wondering if there was a non-profit debt consolidation program in your are that could help you w/ managing your bills and trying to help pay down your debt?
Also, I really hate to suggest declaring bankruptcy since you could lose your home, but would talking to a bankruptcy lawyer help in any way?
If not, the the only other suggestions I can think of is trying Dave Ramsey's snowball approach to overcoming debt. The library should have a few copies. The Tight wad Gazette is also really good.
Also, could your local 211 or United Way help you? Is there an Angel Food Ministries (angelfoodministries.com) in your area that could also help w/ food. I'm not sure but I think there boxes are now $30. Can lupusny.org help you in any way? Or a local fibromyalgia group in your area?
As for getting quick cash, is there anything that you can sell, or recycle. Or if you have free time could you sign up w/ companies and do on-line surveys. They don't pay much between $10-250 depending on survey and pay but at least it could help you with food or a special treat if you want to take a break and do something special for yourself. Sites like Opinionoutpost.com, surveyspot.com mysurvey.com mypoints.com kraftfirsttaste.com, lightspeedpanel, your2cents.com, and surveysavvy.com I hear are pretty good. Some even pay by check or via Paypal or via points for gift cards
Surveypolice.com also has an expansive list of more survey sites and feedback about many sites.
Lastly, is there a way that you could "green" your home like switching to energy saving bulbs or appliances or product down your home like cutting your soap bars in half and buy kid versions of products if its cheaper? Also is there a Dollar Store in your area that you can use to stock up on supplies? The ones here have fresh fruits and fresh vegetables.
Well, I hope this helps GOOD LUCK!! :D
Please check with your social security office to apply.
Sweetpea has some awesome suggestions. For a while, I picked up a food box from our local church.. but most of the stuff was not food I would eat - unless I was hungry. The food wasn't bad - it was just no stuff I ate. Like beans and popsicles, fruit juice. The Angel Food Ministries boxes are awesome and a great bargain. I also shop at the 99Cent store for most things and then go with a friend to Costco and split stuff we buy there.
Good Luck. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I live in Canada but was watching a tv program that mentioned you only have to pay 35% of your Cobra...it said something about sixty days to apply and it covers you for between nine to eighteen months...not too sure about this...it was on OPrah and the woman was Suze Orman with advice for people in financial crisis...What about programs to help make your home more energy efficient...we have programs here that help and encourage home-owners to go GREEN...Since being laid off my job and dealing with health issues I have used our Food Banks and I am struggling but hanging in there.
Most days I go to a Community Lunch Program to get lunch for both my ds and myself...it offers both breakfast and lunch four days a week which helps a lot when you are trying to stretch your budget.
People here can also buy good food boxes to help with the cost of groceries.
Hope this helps a little bit.
~hugs~
Kathy
Hugs and prayers...