Our savings had a $200 balance yesterday, but it and our bank account are $0 today. Because of being behind on rent, the surprise magazine debt, and paying back the bank debt, we have $35 to live on this week. Gasoline, groceries, milk, diapers. I just don't even know how we are going to do this. I *think* we have enough food, even if we have to eat nothing but home made bread sticks. It's really how we are going to balance the rest.
$7 diapers (cheapest possible)
$6.50 2 half gallons of soy milk
That leaves $21.50 for gasoline and no other groceries. We have just over half a tank right now, but my husband has an hour commute each way, so I really hope that is enough. That also means there is no money for laundry this week ($3 a load and my daughter is out of clean socks....). I'm going to have to experiment with doing laundry in the tub this week. Even if I can't get them clean, at least maybe they won't smell bad.
Sighhhhh. Back to square one.
I don't remember how I stumbled on to your blog but I will say I do enjoy reading it. I really do hope that you find a way out of poverty. It's easy for people to assume all poor people are lazy and unmotivated but reading your blog reminds me that some people are just dealt bad hands in life. I grew up poor until I was in my teens so I do remember what it was like to not have a lot though my mom never told me how bad it truly was until I was in my 20's. I look forward to your future posts and I hope things starting looking brighter for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kasey, I know that it's not interesting ALL the time, but i'm glad you're enjoying it. I will take any suggestions on how to improve it or write about things that will help others.
DeleteYes as mothers we try to keep the dire nature of situations from our children. Buut one of my goals is to also give my children the tools and willpower to get out of this situation if they ever find themselves in it when they are older. Thank you for commenting!
Anonymous in mass here,
ReplyDeleteI think I recall you were applying for some SNAP benefits.....has there been an progress there?
I'm thinking you are eligible for WIC as well if the other benefits don't come through. Your life right now sounds like exactly what these benefits are made for. They can help make your family feel less on edge until things are running more smoothly.
I have applied for SNAP and it looked like we might get it, but our lanlord took too long to send in a copy of our lease an we were denied due to lack of paperwork. I will be getting a rent receipt today or tomorrow and am going to use that to restart our case. I have not applied for WIC yet because my youngest needs a rx for soy milk for them and her appt. is on the 5th. As soon as I have that I'm going to make the trip (as long as we have the gas money!).
DeleteYou're exactly right. Our situation and many others like ours is what the benefits are there for. If we ever succeed and have any disposable income, I have plans to start a few more. I can think of a few more situations where we could use some help, so I know others could too.
Thanks so much for your comment!
Hi Trisha,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog. I'm 61 & can identify with so much of it. Things have gotten better, but I have washed lots of clothes in the tub & even outdoors. Always felt better if I could at least keep plenty of oats and potatoes on hand:) I wish you the best & will continue reading. My best advice is don't beat yourself up over past "bad decisions"....we all make them, no matter what some people project. Hold your head up and enjoy every moment with your family; that will be their best lesson in life. You CAN do this, and I really admire you for sharing your journey.
Thank you so much for your comment, it really touched me. It's such a struggle sometimes, but having people (even those I don't know) share an encouraging word really helps. Thank you.
Deletetrisha is so right...it takes time but keep on keeping on and it does get better...we had five kids and lived nickle to dime for years now at 62 we ahve 12 grandchildern and everyone is getting along ....give you husband an extra thank you and keep hugging those childern....check with a locla food bank as well or maybe a local church they sometimes can help take care ....ronald j.
ReplyDeleteHi again Ronald. Thank you so much for reading & commenting. I usually have faith that it will improve, and when I lose that faith it's nice to see that others in our position have overcome it. We will keep on keepin on. :)
DeletePlease check out Dave Ramsey online or library. He has some really good info on what bills you have to pay etc. This magazine thing strikes me as a total rip off. There are companies that just try and get ridiculous amounts of money out of people.. even when it is illegal. They don't care about the rules. Also, check out how your husband paid them. If he gave them all the info for the checking account debit they make take more then agreed. Don't deposit his paycheck! Get this figured out first so they don't take it. Please, please, please do this. As for getting thru the week, check out local food pantries. Some even have diapers. The kind of situation you are in is just why they exist. ;)
ReplyDeleteI will look into it! The magazine thing did seem a little shady to me at first too, but they said they had a recording of him agreeing to the order, and he did remember getting the magazines & paying the bill for a while, so he truly believes it is his debt. I will keep looking into it however, because really, even if we had to pay it, if we could have a little bit more time that would improve our situation a bit. Thanks for the heads up!
DeleteWe live in a small town and I just used the food pantry last week (allowed once a month) but I will call them back and see if perhaps they have diapers or know of another church or program that I am not aware of that might have some. We go through so many! I can't wait to potty train. :) Thanks so much for reading & commenting!
T
ReplyDeleterisha; Do you have vinegar for the socks ? I have been reading your blog today. I think you are a good writer. You can make $20 - $40 per post as a guest blogger / ghost writer. singlemomsincome is a great site ... Alexa has been doing this posting and the income is making a difference.
Thank you so much, I will look into it today!
DeleteAs for the vinegar, I have some apple cider vinegar, will that work? I didn't think about that!
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for all the comments and support!
ReplyDelete