Money

[Coinneach]

Yes, Ali, this is scary. And you're not alone in what's happening. The difficulty, though, is that it's happening to your family. You and your husband and even your kids will come together and do what you need to do to get through this. It is possible to find the humor and have fun as you do this, too.

I've been working on one coast while my home is on the other. Last year, on one coast, I gave up the land line and the cable, keeping only the Internet, which I use for my job. Netflix and the network web sites are my TV here. I've also done more reading and walking (yeah, and more working). There are little things you can do to ease the way.

It occurred to me a number of years ago how tough it must have been for my parents. I recall additional work my mother did that must have been to pay bills. I don't recall being hungry and we always had a roof over our heads.

You and your husband know what the important things are. As Ken said, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

[Marshal Moroni]

Ali,

As the song says, "Put your shoulder to the wheel, push along, do your duty with a heart full of song."

As long as you keep doing the things that you know are right, all will come out well at the end of the day. As was said by another, let the extras go and spend the time together. Most of the really wonderful things I have done with my family have cost very little.

Troubled times can bring out the very best in people. Look to some of those from the WWII generation, still called the "Greatest Generation", there is much we can learn from them.

Hang in and keep you chin-up,

Marshal Moroni

[EagleJCS]

Sorry to hear of your difficulties. I'm sure you'll quickly learn the difference between a real need and a want. (People sometimes have difficulty with that concept.)

Be thankful he's still employed. Three years after being 'let go', and I'm still looking for work. (Long story. Anyone can PM me if you want details). I've been extremely frugal and am still afloat (but just barely now).

Hang in there. Things will eventually get better.

[CDNSushi]

I suppose that a pay cut is better than an outright layoff these days. On the plus side, looking for ways to be more frugal and to trim the monthly budget doesn't have to be painful. It can be fun. There are so many books and website resources for this kind of thing, it might be encouraging to look through some of the ideas to see which are feasible.

We live in one of the most expensive countries in the world (Japan). This is the land of $500 strawberries (don't ask). But not all strawberries cost $500 and a few years ago, a whole bunch of ex-pats got together and compiled a HUGE list of great ways to save money and ideas on how to make living in Japan more affordable.

Hey... That just gave me a new thread idea! :-)

[Bigkahuna]

Hi Ali. I too have been in your situation so I can relate. Try to break it down alittle bit .1500 sounds like alot of money but if you think about it as $350 a week it make it alittle less daunting. You will get through this OK.

[Jerry]

I know how you feel. I'm retired and I thought I was living on a fixed income, but within the last year, I turned 65. my medical insurance more than tripled and my life insurance doubled leaving my just over two hundred after that. Then I lost the tenants in two of my three rental houses, so in total, I'm down nearly $2000 from last year. And of course, there will be no cost of living increases in my social security for at least two years now. But things are improving slightly. I hope to have a new tenant in one of my houses next month. I sold the other one as a distressed house(It had been trashed)and it has helped having that cash. But I feel that you being young, your situation is worse. I don't have to go to work every day, so I can cut my costs by staying home much of the time and combining trips when I do have to go somewhere. My kids are also grown and living pretty much on their own, so I don't have to worry about them, like a younger couple such as you and your husband. Our one exception,though, today is my wife's birthday. She becomes an official senior citizen today, so we are going to splurge and go out for dinner and perhaps a movie.

[Tartan Shortbread Jock]

Hello Ali, how are you today.
I hope things get better for you.
It's the same all over, things will get better.
Give your family my kind wishes.

[Pleater]

My husband was out of work twice when the kids were younger - yet they have no real memory of it, though they were not babies then.

I spoke to my youngest only a few days ago about the last time, and how one day we had walked back from town rather than catch the bus because there was not enough money for the fares, and found that walk was a pleasant memory of being together on a lovely Summer's day.

Consider how you can live more cheaply, but don't give up on ideas which could bring in extra money - though anything speculative might be something to avoid, in the current situation.

I once taught a couple how to use a knitting machine, they'd had one for years and never used it, but the man had been made redundant and the wife wanted to try to make some money knitting things for sale. For the first lesson I used a hat as an example of what could be made. I never did a second lesson, as they were too busy making and selling hats. From being in danger of losing their home they made enough to pay the mortgage and run their car, and it tided them over the years until they got their pensions.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Dan R Porter]

Well, Dan, for some of us the expenses may be different. Try to find the sympathy.



Star

I was hoping a different perspective would be of some solace. Silly me.

[dfmacliam]

Ali, I understand how you feel... granted.. I still have a job, and there has been no pay cut... but I was working 6-7 days a week.. with $100.00 a day per diem.. now, things have slowed down, and I work 4-5 days a week.. I am doing a lot better than what I was doing a few years ago... but before the slow down.. I was able to help others better... I was sponsering three kids a month for martial arts lessons, with a good friends school in Arkansas.. they promote community service, education, and respect for their elders.. I had to cut back... I was helping my girlfriend support her kids, when their father wouldn't.. I had to cut back on what I could give them.. I was doing the same for my daughter and grandchildren.. and i had to cut back there..
I never really did much for myself, so I am not hurting, other than regreting I cannot do more for others..
We are told, we have plenty of work, its just not time for it yet.. so I will weather this slow time, the best I can... and when it gets better, I will probably help out again, where its needed.