Uncertainty about working Monday

[Scrappy_Tink]

My husband is federal law enforcement. If there is a shutdown, he still has to go to work. He'll ultimately receive backpay, BUT, if he takes any leave during the shutdown while he's supposed to be at work, he will not receive the money.

Same here...though I don't think they are going to get paid during the furlough either. They are "Mission Essential", which means they have to show up, regardless, but they still aren't going to be paid. (untill, hopefully, later) I work Federal Law Enforcement too, but I guess I'm not important enough to be ME. I'm not sure about your DH though, I've heard that if some are already budgeted then they are okay. I don't think my DH is budgeted though.

I honestly don't think that it will last more than a week (hopefully!)

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Yes...almost all of my bills are due with the mid-month check. It will only be half of a paycheck. Any of the money we put aside for our car payment(so that the second half of the month is not so tight)will have to be used to live off of. We have kids to feed, school lunches to pay, EASTER BASKETS(I know they shouldn't be important) and other things to pay for.

Even though we will continue to "get paid" through this, not having the money at this time is really going to hurt us.

Hang in there Kiddo!! Do you have family that can help out some? You might want to call whoever you financed your car through and see if you can make arrangements to extend your financing for one month (i.e., you don't pay this month, but let's say in 2012 when it's to be paid off, you make the last payment in February, not January)...that way, you can use the money you saved for your car payment for more essentials, such as groceries. I agree about the Easter Baskets...kids that age have very low expectations, you can buy a bunch of stuff at the dollar store and they wouldn't know the difference

I work with a lot of soldiers (I'm one of the only civilians in the office!) who are in the same boat. One soldier is afraid because they take his child support payments out of his check before anything else...with only 1/2 a check, that will leave him with just about nothing. Of course, we are all helping those around us that we can....even if it's something as simple as dinner!

Sorry your DHs unit has such a small FRG....just band together with your friends and maybe you'all can find ways to help each other.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Also, I meant to add. If this happens, I'd also contact the school about school lunches. They provide help to lower-income families, I imagine if you explain the situation, you could fill out some type of form and your kids can pay only a portion of the lunch money, or maybe even get free lunch. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help....your soldier has helped keep freedom for the the american people. It's about time for the american people to help the soldiers that may be in need of assistance!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Hang in there Kiddo!! Do you have family that can help out some? You might want to call whoever you financed your car through and see if you can make arrangements to extend your financing for one month (i.e., you don't pay this month, but let's say in 2012 when it's to be paid off, you make the last payment in February, not January)...that way, you can use the money you saved for your car payment for more essentials, such as groceries. I agree about the Easter Baskets...kids that age have very low expectations, you can buy a bunch of stuff at the dollar store and they wouldn't know the difference

I work with a lot of soldiers (I'm one of the only civilians in the office!) who are in the same boat. One soldier is afraid because they take his child support payments out of his check before anything else...with only 1/2 a check, that will leave him with just about nothing. Of course, we are all helping those around us that we can....even if it's something as simple as dinner!

Sorry your DHs unit has such a small FRG....just band together with your friends and maybe you'all can find ways to help each other.

Thank you...Yeah, we'll have to call the finance company for sure. Food will def come first. If they get a bill passed by Tuesday we should still get our whole check. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Thank you...Yeah, we'll have to call the finance company for sure. Food will def come first. If they get a bill passed by Tuesday we should still get our whole check. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed

Mac & Cheese and Beanie-Weenies go a long way!! I know, I was a single mom for several years before I met my wonderful DH! Ironically, I barely made enough to make ends meet, but made too much for any type of assistance. A lot of people have no sympathy for the soldiers, because for some reason, they think they are rolling in money.....they don't realize how little the lower-ranked soldiers actually make, and how difficult it is for their spouses to get employement because "they will just move in a few years and we will have to hire someone else". Military spouses are some of the best budgeting, money-saving people I know! If you don't already, take advantage of the lower prices at the Commissary. I can't believe the price differences even at Walmart vs the Commissary!!

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Mac & Cheese and Beanie-Weenies go a long way!! I know, I was a single mom for several years before I met my wonderful DH! Ironically, I barely made enough to make ends meet, but made too much for any type of assistance. A lot of people have no sympathy for the soldiers, because for some reason, they think they are rolling in money.....they don't realize how little the lower-ranked soldiers actually make, and how difficult it is for their spouses to get employement because "they will just move in a few years and we will have to hire someone else". Military spouses are some of the best budgeting, money-saving people I know! If you don't already, take advantage of the lower prices at the Commissary. I can't believe the price differences even at Walmart vs the Commissary!!

I do most of my shopping there...but they will be closed in a shutdown...We'll be okay. We always are. It is just a lot going on at once.

I seemed to have focused all of my frustrations on this situation. But after sitting down with the DH and talking things out(MAAAAYBE a beer or 2 LOL) I am a lot more calm and realistic about things.

 

[monkeybug]

CNN is reporting that they have a deal and will put a stop gap in place to keep the government open until Thursday so that they have time to put the deal to paper!

HOORAY!!!!!