What Can You Live Without?

[Sundown]

My husband lost his job at the beginning of October. We both have been looking very hard for work and can't find even a gas station to work. Our utility bill came 2 days ago and we can't pay it. We are blessed in that we own our house and have no mortgage. We have one vehicle that, so far, still works. We have no savings beyond $40 in the bank. We used the rest of our savings up on last month's bills. We are already on Food Stamps so we will have food...no way to cook unless on the fire, but food at least. I have internet til the phone company shuts off my phone line for non-payment.

So my question is, how do I live without electricity? I think it may come to that point soon. December 12th to be precise. Fortunately, also, we have a wood burning fireplace. Unfortunately, we have maybe 2 trees in our yard and can't buy any more wood. We have no family who can/will help us.

So what can you live without? I know people in the world survive on FAR FAR less than just the lack of electricity. I just don't know how to do it yet.

At least we still have a roof over our heads. God bless those who don't

 

[PrincessKitty1]

My husband lost his job at the beginning of October. We both have been looking very hard for work and can't find even a gas station to work. Our utility bill came 2 days ago and we can't pay it. We are blessed in that we own our house and have no mortgage. We have one vehicle that, so far, still works. We have no savings beyond $40 in the bank. We used the rest of our savings up on last month's bills. We are already on Food Stamps so we will have food...no way to cook unless on the fire, but food at least. I have internet til the phone company shuts off my phone line for non-payment.

So my question is, how do I live without electricity? I think it may come to that point soon. December 12th to be precise. Fortunately, also, we have a wood burning fireplace. Unfortunately, we have maybe 2 trees in our yard and can't buy any more wood. We have no family who can/will help us.

So what can you live without? I know people in the world survive on FAR FAR less than just the lack of electricity. I just don't know how to do it yet.

At least we still have a roof over our heads. God bless those who don't

I'm sorry things are so tough for you now. I know words can't express what you are going through.

If you live in a cold area and count on electricity for heat, there may be a local ordinance that prevents the electric company from shutting off your electricity. No matter what, I would recommend calling the company to see what they might be able to do for you. I would also call United Way and see if there is any help available.

 

[C.Ann]

Do you live in a cold climate? If so, I would think that this is a case where you are going to have to swallow your pride, deal with the nastiness that some will throw your way, and apply for welfare - the whole nine yards.. I know in some states they will expect you to pay it back once the two of you are working again, but I would rather be in that position than freezing to death, having no way to cook, no hot water to bathe, no telephone for emergencies, and no health care.. Unless there is more than what you have stated here, I really can't see social services turning you away..

Wish I could say or do more to help..

 

[denisenh]

can you get some equity out of your home somehow....just a little to get you through?

 

[beckmrk04]

Do you have anything you can sell? Furniture, extra TVs, knick knacks that could fetch a little? Maybe have some sort of yard sale. Are you members of a church? Perhaps you could talk to the priest or pastor and ask for some advice. Put ads around town for housecleaning, pet sitting, dog walking, chores, handy work, car cleaning, or anything else you can think of that you could be of service doing.

Call each of your bill companies and explain the situation- see if you can work something out. Apply for welfare at your local office- this is why it's there.

I am so sorry things are so tough for you right now, but remember: this is the situation right now, not your entire future. You can make it through this.

 

[teacups]

If kids are involved (and I do not know if they are) I would sell the computer I was sitting at before I went without heat for my kids.

You hear some very frightening stories these days.
So sorry. Hugs to you.

 

[Gagirl69]

I'm sorry to hear you are going thru this. You need to do as C Ann said. Run, don't walk, and apply for assistance. They can help with utilities also. It's why those places are there. Don't be ashamed. Hold your head up high. This can happen to anybody. Times are tough right now for alot of people. I hope things get better for you soon. Please let us know what happens.

 

[tw1nsmom]

1) I would sell everything I possibly could sell (I'd sit on the floor if I had to). The computer would definitely go. If I had any special clothes that I could get a few dollars for, they would go too

2) I would shut off cable, cell phones, internet access (The computer's gone anyway), any memberships...I would keep a phone for emergency purposes and for incoming calls. I would just get the bare minimum plan. Turning off the electricity wouldn't be an option here. It gets too cold and even though we have gas heat, the system relies on electricity to pump the hot water through the radiators. I would curtail usage dramatically.

3) I would pursue any type of assistance I might qualify for.

4) I would find a way to make money. Assuming I couldn't get a job in my field or even a regular minimum wage position...I'd clean toilets, mow lawns, shovel driveways, babysit, clean poop out of people's yards, wash cars, deliver papers....anything legal. I have a masters, and if it meant keeping the lights on and food on the table, no job is beneath me.

 

[nannerbadnanner]

Check with your electric company to see if they have grants that you could apply for. In our area, they will pay the electric bill for one month in the summer and one month in the winter to qualified families. Good luck.

 

[tasha99]

If kids are involved (and I do not know if they are) I would sell the computer I was sitting at before I went without heat for my kids.

You hear some very frightening stories these days.
So sorry. Hugs to you.

The sad thing is a used computer is usually worth almost nothing unless its a newer laptop. However, that computer can earn money--I'd keep if to list other items for sale on craigslist and ebay.

to OP. I hope you can find an agency to give you some help on your electric bill.

 

[C.Ann]

The sad thing is a used computer is usually worth almost nothing unless its a newer laptop. However, that computer can earn money--I'd keep if to list other items for sale on craigslist and ebay.

to OP. I hope you can find an agency to give you some help on your electric bill.

-----------------------------

I agree.. The computer the poster is using could be an old desk top with Windows 95 on it.. You can't even GIVE those things away - let alone sell them..

If there is a way to make money off of it; search for jobs; etc. - and you can get assistance for your utilities, it might actually be beneficial to keep it..

 

[Nancy]

I agree with those that have recommended getting assistance.I know it's usually the last thing most want to do but sometimes you need to just till you get back on your feet. Plus call the utilities, see if they will hold the bill or make lower payment arrangements till you get back on your feet. Let them know the situation and see what they can do for you.

My sister just lost her job it is a tough thing to go through

 

[Keira1387]

I am so sorry!!! I would call the electric company.

 

[tw1nsmom]

Honestly? If the poster's serious about cutting down the two trees that they have in their yard to burn in the fireplace and that's going to be their only source of heat this winter, then sell the computer. If you're cold, in the dark, and you don't have money to put gas in the car to go to work, then the $12 you can get recycling the metal parts will buy you a couple of rides into town looking for work.

If they sell all their belongings and get pennies on the dollar, that's still money they didn't have. It takes a few months to get to the point where they're going to turn the utilities off. Not to be cruel, but if the OP had the knowledge/skills to make money using the computer I would hope they would have pursued it prior to this.

Pursue every area of assistance that's available to you.

I'm also going to say something that won't be popular. If it's a matter of freezing and starving they may need to consider selling the house. Even if it's at a really low price and an incredible loss they'll still have some capital to use to get back on their feet (they said the house was paid in full).

Use the money to move to an area with slightly better employment, or at least a warmer climate where you don't have to worry about freezing. Use the money to buy a cheap camper and live in that if need be.

Sometimes you have to do things to survive that would be bad choices under different circumstances.

 

[RNMOM]

I'm so sorry things are so bad for you right now. Unfortunately with all the other people out there loosing jobs and having tough financial times, there aren't a lot of people who can even buy things you might be able to sell. It is so stressful right now no matter who I am talking with.

I don't have any idea which part of the country you live in but we are always getting pamphlets in our bills about heap. I believe it is possible to apply for assistance with these bills. I would suggest as well you contact them to see if there is a program which can help. Getting rid of the computer might interfere with your job searches. At least you can check the job listings and don't have to buy a bunch of papers and the like.

I am sure you have gone through all your expenses and have cut back as much as you can. We are lucky that DH's job seems okay so far but over the past year we have eliminated our newspapers, cell phone have gone to tracfone and little things like that. It makes me feel better but if he looses his job, I don't know what else can go at this point.

Keep looking for jobs, keep working with the utility companies and keep the faith. We are here for you to vent to. Don't pay too much attention to negative people. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[disykat]

then the $12 you can get recycling the metal parts .

I would love more info about this. I've had to pay to dump old computers.

 

[Michelle67]

I'm so sorry. Use the community resources, they are there to help you. If you go to church, turn to your church. If you don't, you can still ask for some help from your neighborhood church. Many have some kind of small food closet or something going on, and many have very good lists of available resources in the area, both publicly and privately funded.

Where I live, if you have a child under 5 they cannot shut off your power. Others have mentioned laws relating to cold climates (we don't really have that issue here...). Find out what applies to you.

By all means get down to DSHS, and also apply for unemployment right away. There is a waiting period, and it doesn't start until you apply.

Apply for anything, anywhere. Christmas tree stands are opening soon, wreath stands, etc. It's a little late to apply for holiday help most places, BUT almost every place ends up with at least a couple of temps that don't work out and get fired early on. Apply! Be ready to take those spots! Scour local bulletin boards for anybody looking for child care help, etc.

As for what you can do without...you can do without a whole lot. I'd keep the phone because you need a contact number if you are applying for jobs. But if you have a cell phone and a home phone, shut off the house phone (cell phones cost you money to get out of contracts, usually). Cable goes. Internet access is debateable...a lot of employment is found that way, but you can also access the internet at the public library.

You can't really live very well in winter without power if you can't burn that woodstove (the two trees are useless anyhow, they are green). However, in case it really does come down to that, keep your eye out because there are a lot of places you can find free wood left for people to take. Pallets at certain kinds of businesses, scrap at building sites, etc. But what you are allowed to take is marked for people to take. Don't take anything that isn't specifically marked for people to take or you'll wind up in jail. Where there is at least power and food...but not your best resource.

Best wishes, and prayers. I hope things work out for you and your husband very soon.

 

[GothTink]

Have you thought about taking out a mortgage on the house?

 

[Michelle67]

A mortgage or home equity loan may be a good idea if the bank is willing, but selling wouldn't be very practical IMO. Besides the sorry state of home values, how fast do you see houses moving in your area? Last one to sell in my area took a year.

 

[Keira1387]

Have you thought about taking out a mortgage on the house?

I think a home equity loan would be a smart idea!