Debt Dumpers - 2016

[Eureka]

Eureka, I wanted to let you know that you need to keep your head up. I was where you are back in 2011. Laid off and in emergency mode and feeling down about myself. The time off gave me the opportunity to make positive changes I had been putting off and as such, I lost 40 pounds, began learning a second language and spent quality time with my kiddos. I suggest you do the same.
You will land on your feet again, I promise. Use this time to do something positive for yourself that you had been putting off because of being busy at work.
You are cutting expenses which is very wise. In terms of controlling food costs, the best investment I made in that area was buying a chest freezer. I think it was less than $200.00 at Best Buy but it has saved us so much money because we can buy food(especially meat) in bulk when it is on sale. I freeze meats, fruits and veggies and leftovers. Pull it out and make meals during the week. It has cut down grocery shopping significantly. I buy food every other week because I have a "stash" of basics in my freezer. Before, I was buying food multiple times a week, not to mention purchasing outside meals because I never had any leftovers. I strongly suggest you look into purchasing one.
Can your sons pick up part time jobs? I don't know their ages, but any little bit will help. I don't know your timetable for getting back into the workforce, but networking is key. Reach out to all of your contacts and let them know you are looking. Someone will know a company who is hiring.
Good luck, we are all rooting for you.

Thanks for your pep talk, @Ngwira I'm sure I will settle into a routine...it's only been a week. I volunteered for this swim team job before I was laid off but it will be good for me to throw myself into it. I am hoping to have a new job when school starts again or soon after...I will be looking this summer but I doubt that it will be that quick. Plus, as you know from the other thread we've been posting on we have travel plans.

We have an old fridge in the garage that we use for the freezer (and sometimes even the fridge freezes food, that's why we replaced it, lol) so I do shop meat sales (and frozen pizzas). My boys are 13 and 15 so not really old enough for real jobs, but the older one works at the pool snack bar so he does pay for his own entertainment. We are not in dire straits that we need them to help support us.

The company I worked for is a startup and there has been a huge turnover in the last 2.5 years either from people just going elsewhere or from layoffs, so the network of former employees is very strong. I am hopeful that that will help me as well as the usual other channels.

I appreciate all the support. Today was a pretty bad day after having a good, productive day yesterday. I guess I need to expect that. I want to put the feeling bad behind me and start to enjoy the summer soon.

 

[bcwife76]

@Eureka hang in there, you are doing everything you can/all the right things. I don't have much to add as others have already weighed in with some great ideas.

I have to go to the dentists' office tomorrow as they overcharged us last weekend when both my girls had their check ups. We have VERY good insurance through my husbands' work. The end bill for their two cleanings was $179 (would've been a bit higher but my youngest freaked out on the hygenist when she tried to do the flouride treatment so they struck that from the bill). We were billed $25 directly from the dentist. Excellent, right? Got the statement in the mail today from Manulife (5 days after treatment, how fast is that?!!) and every single treatment was billed at 100%. So now I have to get our $25 back. It's not the money it's the fact that I have to follow up with every little thing because no one does their darn job properly! They made the same mistake 6 months ago though I didn't realize it at the time - they were about to charge me $25 then at the last moment the receptionist said "oh nope, your bill is zero." I didn't remember that until I this all came to light today. Wonder how many other people are getting overcharged but don't realize it?

 

[Gena001]

Long post...thanks for reading...sigh.

I just transferred 25% of our emergency fund/nest egg to our checking account to be able to pay off our credit cards to free up cash flow while I'm out of work. I know that is what it's there for, but ugh. DH wants to be able to put it back, but it's a sizable amount and will take awhile once I'm working again (because then we will need to start back up with the college savings and retirement). I haven't gotten my severance yet (it's coming next week) and therefore it will be a couple weeks before I'll get unemployment to see how this is all going to go. Hopefully with the severance I can pay the rest of the month's bills, maybe with the exception of the mortgage.

At DH's request, I made a list of everything else for our end-of-summer vacation that we still need to pay (hotels, passes, etc) not counting food (which will not be insignificant) and it's a lot. Will probably end up using the CC again for that, although I have money set aside from when I got a bonus this spring that we can use for some of it. But we have already bought a lot of tickets etc, (not to mention passports) so we are not cancelling.

I've cut back to just the Sunday paper (plus unlimited digital access every day) for a fraction of what we were paying for every day. DH and the kids don't care, but I liked the paper-paper. Had to keep Sunday for the coupons and supplements. Called the cable company because our current promo is expiring in a month so needed options anyway. We will see how things go before I cut channels because it's not as much savings as I thought per month, so it may not help much.

Food is the big area to play with - not going out and cutting back on/out the expensive snacks I'd been buying bc we had the money so why not. But I have teenage boys that eat a ton so can only do so much. One isn't a big pasta fan so there is only so much of it I can "make" him eat. And they are both athletes that need protein. Sigh.

Signed up with the fed job listing service, have been working on my resume this week, and still my IBS and GERD are in full swing (tmi I'm sure, but this is what happens to me when I am stressed). So far, I am not enjoying my "time off" much. Although my volunteer job for swim team is keeping me busy as we head into time trials this weekend, that's a good distraction.

When will I not feel so down and nervous? I know it's only been a week...but I'm already over feeling like this.

Sending you hugs! @Eureka

 

[dayvewc]

Thanks for your pep talk, @Ngwira I'm sure I will settle into a routine...it's only been a week. I volunteered for this swim team job before I was laid off but it will be good for me to throw myself into it. I am hoping to have a new job when school starts again or soon after...I will be looking this summer but I doubt that it will be that quick. Plus, as you know from the other thread we've been posting on we have travel plans.

We have an old fridge in the garage that we use for the freezer (and sometimes even the fridge freezes food, that's why we replaced it, lol) so I do shop meat sales (and frozen pizzas). My boys are 13 and 15 so not really old enough for real jobs, but the older one works at the pool snack bar so he does pay for his own entertainment. We are not in dire straits that we need them to help support us.

The company I worked for is a startup and there has been a huge turnover in the last 2.5 years either from people just going elsewhere or from layoffs, so the network of former employees is very strong. I am hopeful that that will help me as well as the usual other channels.

I appreciate all the support. Today was a pretty bad day after having a good, productive day yesterday. I guess I need to expect that. I want to put the feeling bad behind me and start to enjoy the summer soon.

I don't remember where you live, or if you would be interested, but the company my year-round part time job is with is almost always hiring. There are limits, as it is a part-time job only, so you cannot work more than 20 hours a week. But ... even as part time we get a prescription benefit card, a no cost medical benefit (in 47 states - Arkansas is not one of them), and a 401k retirement benefit. I think you have to be with them for at least 6 months before the benefits kick in, but for a part-time job it is really good. And they tend to start at higher than minimum wage pay (I started at $11/hour when minimum wage was $7.25). If you think you might be interested, let me know and I'll tell you more about it. Like I said, it is restricted to part-time only, but it does help out with bills and is a pretty easy job to do.

Past that, hugs to you and know I'm rooting for you!!

@Eureka hang in there, you are doing everything you can/all the right things. I don't have much to add as others have already weighed in with some great ideas.

I have to go to the dentists' office tomorrow as they overcharged us last weekend when both my girls had their check ups. We have VERY good insurance through my husbands' work. The end bill for their two cleanings was $179 (would've been a bit higher but my youngest freaked out on the hygenist when she tried to do the flouride treatment so they struck that from the bill). We were billed $25 directly from the dentist. Excellent, right? Got the statement in the mail today from Manulife (5 days after treatment, how fast is that?!!) and every single treatment was billed at 100%. So now I have to get our $25 back. It's not the money it's the fact that I have to follow up with every little thing because no one does their darn job properly! They made the same mistake 6 months ago though I didn't realize it at the time - they were about to charge me $25 then at the last moment the receptionist said "oh nope, your bill is zero." I didn't remember that until I this all came to light today. Wonder how many other people are getting overcharged but don't realize it?

That has happened to me. I was charged, and paid, the estimated amount for the dental work, but then my insurance paid more than the dental office expected. So, for about a year I just had a credit with the office and never had to pay anything when I went in for check-ups, and eventually they sent me a check for the remainder. I think it had something to do with their accounting that they couldn't carry a credit over 12 months, but I could be wrong. BUT, if you never have to pay anything anyway, that wouldn't work for you. ;-)

 

[bcwife76]

Oh and a bit more news. Regarding my dad's estate: The administrators of my dad's estate got his house on the market this week and it's priced higher than I thought they would go (about $400,000 higher than I thought they would ask!) It's a hot market and houses are selling quickly and for over asking in most cases....but still, if a house is very overpriced (there is one for sale on my street right now that is getting NO action) then it will sit there. Of course I have a vested interest so I want it to sell for top dollar. I also don't want it to sit on the market for 9 months. Cross you fingers for a quick sale (and for asking price!)

 

[Eureka]

@dayvewc I live in the metro DC area....nowhere close to Arkansas. But thanks anyway.

 

[Ngwira]

Received a few checks that will cover our pocket money for our trip to Canada in two weeks. It won't cover the escrow check I had to send out to the bank, but I don't have to take money out of checking for pocket money.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Hello all! Haven't checked in all week since I've been busy with the new job! I am LOVING it already! Such a great office and really enjoying my work so far. Whenever I tell someone in our field that I'm working here, they always tell me what a great office it is, so that makes me feel good. The office is very laid back, muuuuch less formal than my previous office. I'm really excited about my long-term prospects here. I have a wonderful mentor and she's really emphasized to me that I am sort of my own boss and have the final word on what I put out. She's happy to review anything I want to make sure I'm doing ok, but I won't have the intense oversight and nitpickiness like I had at my old job. Really excited!

@Eureka , I'm so sorry about everything with your job It sounds like maybe you're feeling a little better though, and I'm sure once you really get into a routine at home you'll feel much better! Thinking of you and hoping you find something, and some relief, soon!

 

[Dentam]

Paid off a cc today. Since my car is running great after I replaced the part, I decided to continue debt dumping to try to reduce my debt to income ratio as much as I can before getting a new vehicle.

@Eureka - I'm sorry again to hear about your job. I think @dayvewc was saying that the place he works part time is a chain that can be found in most every state. Might be worth checking into!

 

[DnA2010]

Oh and a bit more news. Regarding my dad's estate: The administrators of my dad's estate got his house on the market this week and it's priced higher than I thought they would go (about $400,000 higher than I thought they would ask!) It's a hot market and houses are selling quickly and for over asking in most cases....but still, if a house is very overpriced (there is one for sale on my street right now that is getting NO action) then it will sit there. Of course I have a vested interest so I want it to sell for top dollar. I also don't want it to sit on the market for 9 months. Cross you fingers for a quick sale (and for asking price!)

I thought everything was settled now, whoops! I didn't realize the house was still to go! Is it in Van I'm guessing - my new boss just sold as moving up here, his house in North Van sold in 3 hours- in a bidding war- pretty sure he bought his fancy new house up here with cash and is still walking with a pile of dough. Anyways, positive vibes that it sells quick!

 

[stayhomemom77]

I thought everything was settled now, whoops! I didn't realize the house was still to go! Is it in Van I'm guessing - my new boss just sold as moving up here, his house in North Van sold in 3 hours- in a bidding war- pretty sure he bought his fancy new house up here with cash and is still walking with a pile of dough. Anyways, positive vibes that it sells quick!

Yeah, the market out there is INSANE! I'm sure it will go quick and for a hefty price! Fingers crossed you get this all behind you soon.

 

[Ngwira]

Hello all! Haven't checked in all week since I've been busy with the new job! I am LOVING it already! Such a great office and really enjoying my work so far. Whenever I tell someone in our field that I'm working here, they always tell me what a great office it is, so that makes me feel good. The office is very laid back, muuuuch less formal than my previous office. I'm really excited about my long-term prospects here. I have a wonderful mentor and she's really emphasized to me that I am sort of my own boss and have the final word on what I put out. She's happy to review anything I want to make sure I'm doing ok, but I won't have the intense oversight and nitpickiness like I had at my old job. Really excited!

@Eureka , I'm so sorry about everything with your job It sounds like maybe you're feeling a little better though, and I'm sure once you really get into a routine at home you'll feel much better! Thinking of you and hoping you find something, and some relief, soon!

I was going to ask how the new job was going. You read my mind. So happy for you. Sounds like my current job.

 

[Ngwira]

Thanks for your pep talk, @Ngwira I'm sure I will settle into a routine...it's only been a week. I volunteered for this swim team job before I was laid off but it will be good for me to throw myself into it. I am hoping to have a new job when school starts again or soon after...I will be looking this summer but I doubt that it will be that quick. Plus, as you know from the other thread we've been posting on we have travel plans.

We have an old fridge in the garage that we use for the freezer (and sometimes even the fridge freezes food, that's why we replaced it, lol) so I do shop meat sales (and frozen pizzas). My boys are 13 and 15 so not really old enough for real jobs, but the older one works at the pool snack bar so he does pay for his own entertainment. We are not in dire straits that we need them to help support us.

The company I worked for is a startup and there has been a huge turnover in the last 2.5 years either from people just going elsewhere or from layoffs, so the network of former employees is very strong. I am hopeful that that will help me as well as the usual other channels.

I appreciate all the support. Today was a pretty bad day after having a good, productive day yesterday. I guess I need to expect that. I want to put the feeling bad behind me and start to enjoy the summer soon.

So happy you have the swim team job. Distractions are necessary in times like these! So are vacations. You have BOTH to look forward to in the future. You will have bad days, but that's what makes you appreciate the good ones.

Are you on linked in? If not, I suggest you create a profile. Lots of legitimate job postings, not to mention people who are hiring managers searching for talent. Oftentimes, an HR person will email you on linked in and advise of an open position based on your linked in resume/profile.

The other advice I will give you is if for some reason, you are not back to work by the fall, volunteer! Not only will it get you up and out of the house each day, but you will be in contact with people and practicing those networking skills. Plus studies show that doing good for others banishes depression and sad feelings. Win/Win. I hope this is all theoretical as you will have a new job by September.

 

[dayvewc]

@dayvewc I live in the metro DC area....nowhere close to Arkansas. But thanks anyway.

Paid off a cc today. Since my car is running great after I replaced the part, I decided to continue debt dumping to try to reduce my debt to income ratio as much as I can before getting a new vehicle.

@Eureka - I'm sorry again to hear about your job. I think @dayvewc was saying that the place he works part time is a chain that can be found in most every state. Might be worth checking into!

@Eureka, @Dentam has it right. My part time job is with a national pet food manufacturer. You have probably seen their commercials, but they are named for a color of bison.

Anyway, as long as there is a Petco or Petsmart, they have nutritional experts in the stores to assist pet parents in finding the best possible food for the fur babies.

Officially, the job is titled "Pet Detective", which always cracks me up. The head of the in store demo program used to be Steve, and we got these little blue notebooks that we were supposed to write down the clues we discovered about how the parents felt about their pets. So every time we do a training session, I break out with the "We're all looking for Blues Clues" song.

Like I said earlier, if you might be interested let me know and I can recommend you.

 

[Eureka]

So happy you have the swim team job. Distractions are necessary in times like these! So are vacations. You have BOTH to look forward to in the future. You will have bad days, but that's what makes you appreciate the good ones.

Are you on linked in? If not, I suggest you create a profile. Lots of legitimate job postings, not to mention people who are hiring managers searching for talent. Oftentimes, an HR person will email you on linked in and advise of an open position based on your linked in resume/profile.

The other advice I will give you is if for some reason, you are not back to work by the fall, volunteer! Not only will it get you up and out of the house each day, but you will be in contact with people and practicing those networking skills. Plus studies show that doing good for others banishes depression and sad feelings. Win/Win. I hope this is all theoretical as you will have a new job by September.

Yes, I am on LinkedIn...need to update it. And yes to volunteering. When I freelanced, I volunteered in the kids' schools for years.

 

[bcwife76]

@DnA2010 yes the house is in North Van. Turns out it's a very small world. So I posted on my FB the link to the mls listing. A friend of mine from highschool emailed me,he knows the realtor selling the house (the sale has nothing to do with me, I just get a % of the proceeds) they are best friends! lol

 

[dayvewc]

So, this is the day I both love and dread every summer.

I got paid my summer checks from the school. It is actually 10 days early, as the normal payday is the 20th of the month. But, I'm not upset with getting paid early except ....

We got our checks for both June and July, so I have to make sure I ration the funds in my account to last until the next payday on August 20th. Blech. Not fun. And not easy, there are so many bills I could pay off with what I have in my account right now, but then I wouldn't be able to pay the recurring bills over the next 10 weeks. I'm not whining, this is a character building process. I just think I'd rather not go through this as I'm enough of a character already.

 

[Ngwira]

So, this is the day I both love and dread every summer.

I got paid my summer checks from the school. It is actually 10 days early, as the normal payday is the 20th of the month. But, I'm not upset with getting paid early except ....

We got our checks for both June and July, so I have to make sure I ration the funds in my account to last until the next payday on August 20th. Blech. Not fun. And not easy, there are so many bills I could pay off with what I have in my account right now, but then I wouldn't be able to pay the recurring bills over the next 10 weeks. I'm not whining, this is a character building process. I just think I'd rather not go through this as I'm enough of a character already.

How's your new car faring? Do you love it?

 

[dayvewc]

How's your new car faring? Do you love it?

It's great. I am loving it. I haven't found anything i don't like about it yet.

 

[bcwife76]

Mea Culpa! Mea Culpa!

So I went to the dentist office this morning to get my $25 overcharge back. Yeah....turns out it was our yearly deductable. My dh mentioned something about the deductible when the statement came in the mail on Thursday and I brushed him off. Who knew he'd be right? Well that's his yearly allotment of being right! At least I didn't make a show of myself and be totally rude - I was very pleasant to the receptionist