Lost job, how can we still go?

[Luvchefmic]

thank you so much for all your replies, we are still thinking on it

So much wonderful advice not to mention hugs and good wishes.

And it is nice to know that we are not alone

Here's what I have to offer, the 1100 reward money should pay for the tickets, do as another poster said & get the cheapest rental car possible, yes budget for the parking everyday, hit the Wal~Mart or BJs when you get here if you are a member, Make all your meals at the condo, eat breakfast there, carry backpacks with ice blocks (those blu things) and wrap your cold drinks in foil to keep them extra cold, pack sandwiches & snax & carry in with you or forego the cold drinks, get some powdered drink mix, individual size & add to the free cup of ice water you can get at any counter. Have DH apply for unemployment as soon as he is eligible if you have a laptop computer he can check in with them weekly as required & look for jobs everyday for a little while.....he won't be breaking any rules, in this economy no one is going to interview him that fast & if anyone wants to he can call them & make an appt for when you return......you both need the "mental health" break..and most importantly the plane fare is already paid for ! I say go & have fun!

 

[grandmadebby]

Which airlines do this? I've only looked into changing our plans after airfare was booked once, but what I found was that they'd give us a credit for the amount of the airfare minus a $150 per person change fee. Since our airfare was less than $200 per person total, the tickets may as well have been non-refundable; we would have had something like $80 in airline credit left to use.

Last year we had a trip planned and shortly before the trip my now ex-son- in -law decided he was in love with his old girl friend and not his wife (my daughter). We had paid for the air fare on our credit card and this year in April scheduled Air transportation for my husband using last years credit in July. My husbands flight this year cost him $4.01. They credited him the full amount minus $75.00 for something. To top it off my sons GF got sick and could not go so we also had her credit which we booked for my grandson and his flight was also $4.01. I don't know what the policy is now but that is how it was when we cancelled last year. I have only flown AirTran and don't know how other companies do it.

I am just the type that could not enjoy myself if I had a bad financial situation at home. Hope the OP can have a great time if they decide to go I just better ways to spend the money.

 

[twinklebug]

This trip was going to be a dream and now it feels like a nightmare. I would appreciate any help, anyone can give.

I just want to send a hug A vacation should never feel like a nightmare.

Write everything down. Make a spreadsheet of your expenses for the month to figure out what's going on... columns, charts.. every visual you can just to absorb and process what's happening. Forecast your financial situation, and be prepared for the worst. Then make an educated decision from there and you'll be much happier if you do decide to go knowing that you've got a plan.

BTW - there's nothing wrong with postponing a trip until a better time. Disney's not going away

 

[TinkerBess_SnowTori]

We will be sitting down over the weekend and making our final decsions.

I am in the go camp, it would be so hard for my dh to tell the girls that we weren't going. We will just be very very frugal, very frugal.

As for how we are set, we have over 6 months in savings plus some stock that we could look at liquidating. I have a job and while it was just part time, I did talk to my boss and I will be able to pick up more hours at least through summer.

Unemployment, well he has started picking up information but hasn't file for it yet as far as I know. He has applied at several places and is running numbers as to how much a pizza driving, construction worker job would have to pay to be better than trying to live on what unemployment pays per month.

Thank you to everyone, the thoughts, advice, PM's, well wishing, understanding and even the things that were a little hard to hear. No one has been rude or cruel and that is appreciated.

Please keep it coming, the more informed choice we can make the better.

Beaches and things like that are free right, we could just hang out on one all day, and are there free sights to see, museums etc?

Thanks again

 

[twinklebug]

I am in the go camp, it would be so hard for my dh to tell the girls that we weren't going. We will just be very very frugal, very frugal.

As for how we are set, we have over 6 months in savings plus some stock that we could look at liquidating. I have a job and while it was just part time, I did talk to my boss and I will be able to pick up more hours at least through summer.

Unemployment, well he has started picking up information but hasn't file for it yet as far as I know. He has applied at several places and is running numbers as to how much a pizza driving, construction worker job would have to pay to be better than trying to live on what unemployment pays per month.

Thank you to everyone, the thoughts, advice, PM's, well wishing, understanding and even the things that were a little hard to hear. No one has been rude or cruel and that is appreciated.

Please keep it coming, the more informed choice we can make the better.

Beaches and things like that are free right, we could just hang out on one all day, and are there free sights to see, museums etc?

Good to hear he has is running shoes on - what a great guy! Tell his he's doing the right thing, but the sooner he applies for unemployment the better. Let the DET make the decision as to when he's eligible, he may be able to start collecting immediately, or he might have to wait for his severance period to pass... either way he'll be in the system and ready to go.

He should also be allowed to pick up work on the side in addition to unemployment. I don't know what state you're in but here in MA I believe we're allowed up to 1/3 of the unemployment check weekly before it cuts into the check. This means if you're a fortunate one who's getting $600 weekly on unemployment you can make an additional $200 on the side (reported of course) before they take the difference out. NOte that even if they take money out of the check it's still kept in your account for extended benefits, you don't loose it.

Also look into applying for Cobra if you have your health and dental through his workplace. If you qualify there is an assistance program that helps to pay the premiums so you don't loose coverage. Never loose that insurance!

 

[buckler]

Here are some ideas (this is a year old so double check that things are still available):
http://www.couponingtodisney.com/2009/08/04/experiencing-disney-without-paying-admission/

 

[Luv Bunnies]

He should also be allowed to pick up work on the side in addition to unemployment. I don't know what state you're in but here in MA I believe we're allowed up to 1/3 of the unemployment check weekly before it cuts into the check. This means if you're a fortunate one who's getting $600 weekly on unemployment you can make an additional $200 on the side (reported of course) before they take the difference out. NOte that even if they take money out of the check it's still kept in your account for extended benefits, you don't loose it.

Check into this carefully before taking on any side jobs. In California, taking on a one-day temp job can cause you to lose your unemployment benefits and it's very difficult to restart them. My DH makes $300 a month directing a chorus and it affects his payments. They don't deduct the entire $300 but he does get less each month than he would if he didn't earn it.

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

The previous posters have provided a lot of good answers and discussions, so...

If you go and if you have a laptop or netbook, take it. Or borrow one, if possible. Your DH can apply for jobs online early in the morning and/or late in the evening and check email, and have calls directed to his cell phone. He doesn't have to keep it on, just with him so he can check messages a couple of times daily. Most employers take their good old time these days to respond to resume/application submissions (other than a confirmation), so he may not hear anything at all if you are out of town for a few days.

If you go, be sure everyone is on the same page about the budget. And enjoy yourselves--it doesn't require a lot of money to have a lot of family fun!

And if you don't go, do something special with your family at home. Some of my best childhood memories are family times at home!

You and your DH will make the best decision for your family.

I've been unemployed for almost 10 months. It's been a long 10 months. I was laid off three months and one day before my wedding. We proceeded with the wedding (there was never a choice that we wouldn't) and two weeks after the wedding my grandfather died. It was at that point that I finally started to mourn my job loss. I went into a full blown depression. It was horrible and I felt horrible for my new husband.

I have applied for several jobs over the last couple of months - out of all of those positions ONE employer got back to me to let me know I didn't get an interview. It takes a long time to get back to you, heck even if they get back to you at all.

I am in the boat that the OP should just go. Unless you have been laid off, you don't know how it feels. Go and have a wonderful time with your children.

 

[twinklebug]

Check into this carefully before taking on any side jobs. In California, taking on a one-day temp job can cause you to lose your unemployment benefits and it's very difficult to restart them. My DH makes $300 a month directing a chorus and it affects his payments. They don't deduct the entire $300 but he does get less each month than he would if he didn't earn it.

Exactly - every state has different rules, check carefully and never assume anything. I was quoting what I have read about MA unemployment.

I've been unemployed for almost 10 months. It's been a long 10 months. I was laid off three months and one day before my wedding. We proceeded with the wedding (there was never a choice that we wouldn't) and two weeks after the wedding my grandfather died. It was at that point that I finally started to mourn my job loss. I went into a full blown depression. It was horrible and I felt horrible for my new husband.
....

I am in the boat that the OP should just go. Unless you have been laid off, you don't know how it feels. Go and have a wonderful time with your children.

Sorry to hear about your grandfather. Sounds like your stress levels were maxed out with everything going haywire. I hope you're feeling better.

I too am on the unemployed list. My FT job is finding a new FT job... I know there's a great company deserving of me, and me of them out there. Same goes for you!

 

[MousekaMaddi]

go,relax, have fun, enjoy your family......no one knows whats around the corner for ANY of us....GO.
We go twice every year and are super frugal, we NEVER buy any type of souvenier, and never miss em! Share counter services and pack snacks...water is free........pack crystal light drink packets.....but GO!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Sorry to hear about your grandfather. Sounds like your stress levels were maxed out with everything going haywire. I hope you're feeling better.

I too am on the unemployed list. My FT job is finding a new FT job... I know there's a great company deserving of me, and me of them out there. Same goes for you!

Thank you - it was a tough couple of weeks. I'm still mourning the loss of my job. I usually take things personally and this is no different.

I'm hoping to find something soon...I hope you do too.

 

[Carl Fredricksen]

We bought this two years ago:

http://www.expotv.com/IGLOO-Maxcold-Max-Pack-Cooler/29-S5a

We never go into the parks without it anymore. It holds a full lunch and snacks and 7 water bottles. We put a can of pringles on the side pocket.

Dawn

That's a really nice cooler. Thanks for the link! Going to head to Target tomorrow to see if they have one.

 

[Halbleib1]

I've been unemployed for almost 10 months. It's been a long 10 months. I was laid off three months and one day before my wedding. We proceeded with the wedding (there was never a choice that we wouldn't) and two weeks after the wedding my grandfather died. It was at that point that I finally started to mourn my job loss. I went into a full blown depression. It was horrible and I felt horrible for my new husband.

I have applied for several jobs over the last couple of months - out of all of those positions ONE employer got back to me to let me know I didn't get an interview. It takes a long time to get back to you, heck even if they get back to you at all.

I am in the boat that the OP should just go. Unless you have been laid off, you don't know how it feels. Go and have a wonderful time with your children.

My husband has been laid off many many times over the last 11 years and I agree it is a very difficult situation to be in. He has currently been laid off since last August with very few job interviews. This is the longest he has ever been without work. He has gotten emails saying sorry we hired someone else. It is a tough market out there right now. Articles I have read say that most people are going to be laid off for about 2 years before they find something unless they get lucky. Going on a vacation if you truely can not afford it is not going to make the situation any easier it will only make it harder in the long run. A roof over my head and food on the table is much more important than a vacation. Yes it might relieve the stress in the short term but what good is that if it is going to cause more stress in the long term? I so would love a vacation right about now but it is just not in the budget at the moment. In situations like this you have to prioritize and every family has to do that for themselves. Outsiders do not know the whole situation and therefore can not tell you 100% what to do. There is no easy answer in these situations.

Only the OP knows what they can and can not afford. I wish them and everyone else in this situation the best and hopefully things improve for everyone shortly.

OP: if you do decide to go try to make it a great trip no matter what and enjoy the time with your family. It may be your last family vacation for awhile. If you are not able to go try to find some free or affordable things to do close to home. Good luck.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I would be doing what I could to mitigate out of pocket expenses if not, not go at all.

If you have an emergency fund set up, you should be fine--but his new job should be finding a job and not hanging out at MK.

My DH was laid off and we had a near free trip to Cali--we cancelled it b/c as I said--he had a job to find, not a vacation to take. As it turned out--he did start his new job--out of state, and he would not have been able to make the trip anyway.

Sometimes--postponing plans is the best option if all is not right on the job front.

 

[kawing123]

I would call the airline and perhaps with proof of unemployment they would refund the tickets. Otherwise, I would add up exactly how much my out of pocket expenses would be including baggage fees, airport parking, food, disney parking, and include at least two hundred dollars for unexpected expenses. If you feel like you could use that money more wisely six months down the road when your dh might still be unemployed then I would not go. Airline tickets are paid for, but any further money spent could be money needed for basic necessities. Choose your option wisely but start with the airlines.

 

[hsmamato2]

again,I'm with Op here- the airline money is spent,the disney rewards isn't really money unless you're in Disney and convert it into $$$- most of us can't find 11.00 worth of stuff to buy at a disney store,much less 1100.00...
so the extra expense for you would be a rental car. Op has plans to be VERY frugal,which means walmart for groceries and meals type of thing- which you need food anyway,so that's no different-
there is SO MUCH to do at Disney in the area for free.....spend time checking out the disney hotels/gift shops,etc....they are so cool and themed,and my kids love the various places to hang out,browse gift shops,play on playgrounds.etc
- ride monrorail and boat systems just for the fun of it, visit Fort wilderness for the walking trails,the beaches to hang out on the lake,the free campfire movies- I believe a lot of the resorts have free movie nights now too.....We love visiting hotels NEAR the parks,enjoying the views,imagining a stay there......I personally love the boat rides everywhere,even downtown disney for just hanging out together,they have boat rides back to some of the resorts,you can go visit and then boat back to DTD later.....
take a ride out to cocoa beach area,google all the free and cheap stuff in Orlando area........couple that with your park tix you'll buy with your rewards,and your days will be packed with fun!
Once you're in a park, bring your lunch and plan to stay till it closes! Sure,it costs to get in, but once you're in, you're entertained for the day!
Plus, you likely have a pool where you're staying.......

 

[AndreaDM]

If airline tix are paid for, I would go. Some folks mentioned postponing, but even if the airline gives you credit, it might only be good for a year and chances are, once your DH starts working again he may not get vacation time for at least a year. This same thing happened to me about 10 years ago, I had a trip to Vegas planned with some friends, it was all paid for, package deal and about 2 weeks before we left I lost my job. I went, had a blast even while watching every penny I spent, did a lot of free/cheap things, then came home and buckled down and had another job with the month.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[PEANUT1]

no hesitation from me..GO
I would buy the cheapest tickets possible..don't get hopppers...bring food/drinks into the parks. If you do all of this, you could have minimal expenses. If you bring your own food it is just like being at home..you have to eat right? The only expenses would be rental car, parking and odds and ends and since you have 6 months in savings..it is a no brainer...at least to me

 

[DebMcDonald]

Don't go, Don't go, Don't go. We had a tripped planned for Myrtle Beach a year ago and my husband got laid off in February, part of me wanted to keep the trip as we were driving, so not really any expense there, the hotel was free as we had points, but we easily would have still dropped $1000-$1500 on eating and everything else and we canceled it, it was a hard decision to make but for us a very responsible decision financially. I felt like it was the best move on our part. My husband was laid off for 8.5 months and financially we survived, but not knowing how long it could have lasted any money saved is serious money.
When you lose a job you start accounting for each and every penny, in this economy it's sometimes hard to find a job and harder even to find a job for the same salary you were making.

on the job loss, you will get though.

 

[crisi]

Sounds like you guys are in a "relatively" good position. My condolences on the job loss.

Honestly, I could go either way on taking the trip - most of your costs are sunk - its food and the rental car that will come out of pocket. Food, if you grocery shop and eat out of the condo, is pretty much a wash - so you get down to the rental car.

Do check the unemployment rules before you decide though.