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.
Now that I've gotten things in a basic order after my separation, I've been working on getting myself financially stable. My job at the credit union is amazing, paying decently and is irreplacable as far as my benefits go. I've cut back on everything I feel I can cut back on... I pack lunches and drive pretty much to and from work only... I've even gotten a small DC loan to take care of closing cards that I don't want anything to do with anymore, am attempting to sell some jewelry to pay off the ones I want to keep. I sell my crochet on the side for extra income but it isn't enough for me to be comfortable.
So I've decided since I live alone I can invest in securing a second job after my banking hours to bank up the extra I'm missing in. Problem is... most of the places I've talked to aren't willing to work around those hours. I plan to keep an eye out for more work opportunity. Not sure if this will end up working in the long run, but I can't sit here and pretend that the problem doesn't exist. At this point I'm budgeting down to every dollar, to the point where I can't even save to make sure I pay things as I can.
It's stressful but there is only so far down I can go.... right?
So I've decided since I live alone I can invest in securing a second job after my banking hours to bank up the extra I'm missing in. Problem is... most of the places I've talked to aren't willing to work around those hours. I plan to keep an eye out for more work opportunity. Not sure if this will end up working in the long run, but I can't sit here and pretend that the problem doesn't exist. At this point I'm budgeting down to every dollar, to the point where I can't even save to make sure I pay things as I can.
It's stressful but there is only so far down I can go.... right?
I constantly look for ways to cut expenses. My grocery list was one of my last big expenses and since the beginning of the year I have cut out $100 a month from it and would like to try and cut out another $25-$30.
Things that I cut from my expenses that helped increase my income without getting a second job.
- I moved. I went from $585 a month mortgage payment to $260 a month rent.
- sin expenses - quit smoking. Saving me $80 a month.
- shut off cable TV, another $80 a month savings. I watch all my TV over the internet. There are a lot of free sites to do this without spending a penny.
- I walk to work and walk everywhere. My total car expense for 2013, including insurance and taxes was under $200.
- I quit using a clothes dryer. A massive waste of electrical energy. I got a drying rack and clothes line to dry my clothes.
As far as buying things, I always use the 72 hour rule. Usually within that time frame I can see if I really need something or if it is just an impulse purchase.
I applaud your efforts and wish you luck with the search for a second job... I'm just saying never quit looking for ways to cut expenses....
Even though it is easier to get something on-line, looking at it for three straight days, usually turns me off to buying it...
I just don't find any enjoyment or thrill in "buying things" just to have them...