What Can You Live Without?

[Sundown]

If you have no money why do you belong to Netflix?

We had the one per week plan but it's run out now. I didn't renew it once we got into trouble. And no, I'm not a troll. I've been on this board for a long time under another name. I was to ashamed to post under the name I used to have for fear of being attacked...

 

[C.Ann]

We had the one per week plan but it's run out now. I didn't renew it once we got into trouble. And no, I'm not a troll. I've been on this board for a long time under another name. I was to ashamed to post under the name I used to have for fear of being attacked...

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Well if this is truly the case (and I would like to believe it is rather than automatically assume it isn't), if you could give us some additional info, we might be able to come up with some additional ideas..

Do you have children?

Are either of you eligible for unemployment - and if not, why not?

What "general" area of the country do you live in?

What type of work did you and your DH do prior to losing your jobs?

 

[SplshMtn99]

Looking over my budget sheet, here's the things I can live without of the items we currently have.

Cell phone or landline. One or the other. Not both. That goes for call waiting, caller ID, texting, data & whatever else you have tacked on that you don't need that costs extra. Review those "package" plans too. Sometimes buying only what you need al a carte is cheaper.

Cable. I don't watch tv or rent movies much anyway. DH would have a harder time, but he would adjust.

Movie rentals & all forms of entertainment outside the home that cost money.

DSL / internet. Do they still have the free internet providers that you just have to put up with ads for a bit? I can get my news online or on the radio. There is always the library for internet too.

Newspapers & magazines.
Coffee shops.
Cigarettes & alcohol. Again, DH will have to adjust.

Tolls. DH would have to take the other way to work & skip the toll roads. ( oh wait, I forgot, he wouldn't be working. duh me.)

Only essentials at grocery store & Walmart.
No takeout or eating out.
No gifts or cards unless homemade from the countless crafts supplies I have around.

Haircuts. DH already buzzes his own. I go to a very cheap place already for my cuts. Coloring I would have to do at home or just go grey.


Stuff we already don't do that many people do that could be dropped:
Nails.
Makeup & all the frilly girly stuff. I'm not a products girl.
Look to changing meds to generic.

I'm sure there are more but we already run on a pretty boring no extras type budget compared to many people.

 

[Sundown]

So then if you still can't find work you not only have no job but no home also? You aren't the first person to suggest using the house for money but isn't that exactly the reason so many people are in trouble now? I just don't get it

BTW I'm only commenting on this strategy, as for the OP I'm with the group that believes it's trolling.

No I'm not trolling. Why are some people so suspicious? I come here asking for help and I get mud slung at me. Like my life doesn't suck enough as it is. Thanks.

So far as no employment, I've applied at KMart, Target, Walmart, gas stations, temp agencies (have a test to take Monday for that so I still have a modicum of hope) and anywhere and everywhere that posts that they're hiring something I am qualified for. Husband's applied for Sheriff's Deputy, Kmart, ToysRUs (me too), and for the field in which he's highly trained. They won't even give him an interview. I don't know what the hell is going on. He DID get a job changing oil, but they said they can't actually hire him til someone else quits....so we play the waiting game...it's ridiculous.

I have MSN dialup free for 3 months because I called them and told them I had to cancel it because of the job loss and they said we could have it for 3 months free. The newspaper here doesn't post their jobs in the actual paper anymore...well a FEW posts in the paper. One day I bought a paper and there were a total of 3 posts in it for jobs. All healthcare or trucking related, neither of which I qualify for. Their posts are now all online through Monster.com which I think is totally stupid. I search the state job database daily and indeed.com.

My normal job is a niche job that just isn't hiring. I was probably one of maybe 3 people in my town that was doing that kind of job. My husband got fired from his job because ONE PERSON called up and complained/lied about something he didn't do. The job was a "contract" job that some stupid way won't let us apply for Unemployment. I don't understand it.

I've tried selling things that were of any value that I own and some people looked interested and then just wouldn't buy it. I don't know why. My sister was able to buy a piece of furniture that my Grandfather had made for me before he died so we had gas to job hunt.

So at first reading the replies I was feeling like this was going to be very helpful and I had finally found some people to reach out to because I am so isolated right now. But then, for whatever "I'm Nancy Drew on my Highhorse" reason, some people feel the need to fling the "troll" word out at me. What is wrong with you people that you just have to assume people have nefarious purposes to ask for advice? Things like this is why I normally won't show my true self on this board; why I feel the need to hide what's really going on in my life.

Anyway, to those of you with such helpful advice, I truly thank you. I will investigate your suggestions and try to make use of them.

 

[Sundown]

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

Well if this is truly the case (and I would like to believe it is rather than automatically assume it isn't), if you could give us some additional info, we might be able to come up with some additional ideas..

Do you have children?

Are either of you eligible for unemployment - and if not, why not?

What "general" area of the country do you live in?

What type of work did you and your DH do prior to losing your jobs?

I do have children.

We live in the South.

I would rather not say what jobs we did because it would instantly ID me.

 

[Sundown]

[snip]
Haircuts. DH already buzzes his own. I go to a very cheap place already for my cuts. Coloring I would have to do at home or just go grey.

Yeah, I've been cutting the family's hair for a long time now. I used to color my hair but I can't afford it now. I look pretty stupid with my roots growing out and gray in them

 

[C.Ann]

No I'm not trolling. Why are some people so suspicious? I come here asking for help and I get mud slung at me. Like my life doesn't suck enough as it is. Thanks..

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

Some people have been burnt in the past, so they are automatically suspicious of everyone..

Some people refuse to believe there are areas in this country right now that are not hiring- or only hiring for very specific high skilled jobs..

Some people don't understand the concept of living in a very rural area - making it extemely difficult to get back and forth to the nearest town to apply for the one job that 200 other people are applying for..

Some people will automatically assume you are here trying to run a scam - to get people to offer you money or whatever..

Some people just like to kick people when they're down - makes them feel good..

Some people only post here to be nasty- seriously.. Guess it must be how they deal with the misery in their own lives..

Some people are "cautious" - not necessarily a bad thing - but it can be done with kindness, not insults..
---------------

Having said all of that, I for one will take you at "face value" and I'm going to suggest something I didn't think about before.. Is there any way that you could rent out your home for enough money to get a very small apartment in town until you can get some other sort of income that will allow you to move back into your house?

If not, I strongly suggest that you make use of every single government assistance program that is available to you until you're back on your feet again.. (And just ignore the people that scream about you using "their" tax money because in the past, you and your DH have paid into those same taxes..) It's a bitter pill to swallow, but if you need it right now, you need it.. Don't be too proud to apply for it..

Oh - and about the help wanted in the newspapers? I agree with you.. Most employers don't even use the newspapers to advertise anymore and when they do, the only time you will see more than a few jobs is in the Sunday paper - which runs close to $3 now and of course entails using gas money to go and buy it..

Whatever you do, don't burn those trees in your woodstove.. It's green wood and could result in a chimney fire that would burn your house to the ground..

Good luck!

 

[JoiseyMom]

Try to appeal the unemployment denial.

 

[C.Ann]

I do have children.

We live in the South.

I would rather not say what jobs we did because it would instantly ID me.

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

Sorry, I missed this while I was typing out my other response.. If there are children involved, go to social services ASAP.. They will not allow your children to go without electric, a phone for emergencies, hot water to bathe in, clothing, etc.. Again - it's nothing to be ashamed of to ask for temporary assistance..

 

[Sundown]

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

Some people have been burnt in the past, so they are automatically suspicious of everyone..

Some people refuse to believe there are areas in this country right now that are not hiring- or only hiring for very specific high skilled jobs..

Some people don't understand the concept of living in a very rural area - making it extemely difficult to get back and forth to the nearest town to apply for the one job that 200 other people are applying for..

Some people will automatically assume you are here trying to run a scam - to get people to offer you money or whatever..

Some people just like to kick people when they're down - makes them feel good..

Some people only post here to be nasty- seriously.. Guess it must be how they deal with the misery in their own lives..

Some people are "cautious" - not necessarily a bad thing - but it can be done with kindness, not insults..
---------------

Having said all of that, I for one will take you at "face value" and I'm going to suggest something I didn't think about before.. Is there any way that you could rent out your home for enough money to get a very small apartment in town until you can get some other sort of income that will allow you to move back into your house?

If not, I strongly suggest that you make use of every single government assistance program that is available to you until you're back on your feet again.. (And just ignore the people that scream about you using "their" tax money because in the past, you and your DH have paid into those same taxes..) It's a bitter pill to swallow, but if you need it right now, you need it.. Don't be too proud to apply for it..

Oh - and about the help wanted in the newspapers? I agree with you.. Most employers don't even use the newspapers to advertise anymore and when they do, the only time you will see more than a few jobs is in the Sunday paper - which runs close to $3 now and of course entails using gas money to go and buy it..

Whatever you do, don't burn those trees in your woodstove.. It's green wood and could result in a chimney fire that would burn your house to the ground..

Good luck!

C.Ann I have been a fan of your kind heart for some time now. Bless you for all you're going through right now. I truly appreciate kindness these days.

Yes, gas is an issue. I used to live in a larger city than I do now. Now it is a 20 minute drive just to get to the grocery store. The nearest gas station is about 5 minutes away. Thank God the prices have come down so much.

Regarding the two trees in the yard, one's dead already and falling apart. It's not near the house so we don't care if it slowly comes to pieces. Just makes chopping it up easier.

Before I started job hunting here I would've thought it would be a piece of cake to find one. You wouldn't believe how very many people are showing up to interview for just the unskilled jobs. I really wish I could get some training in Excel.

 

[SplshMtn99]

NetZero still offers free internet on dialup. Only 10 hrs per month, but if its for job searching, its better than nothing. http://www.netzero.net/free

We used to have that installed on our old computers as a back up when our current provider was down, but we don't anymore. DH used to install it on people computers when they first got a computer & swore they wouldn't be using the internet & didn't want to pay. Then they got hooked & got a real provider.

Its better than nothing is what I'm saying. You could download it now & try it out so when MSN expires, you'll know if you hate it or not.

 

[minniecarousel]

Don't count out unemployment. If your DH's contract job was short-lived, they may go back to a previous regular workjob. (My DH was laid off on Jan. 1st, found contract employment for 6 months, but qualifies for unemployment based on the job he had at the end of 2007.)

Wish I could think of other things, but county and/or church outreach programs may be possible?

 

[Mish19]

Does your local public library have internet stations for your job search? Maybe you can borrow a book on Excel. I actually learned Excel by trial and error.

 

[MrsPete]

So far as no employment, I've applied at KMart, Target, Walmart, gas stations, temp agencies . . . Husband's applied for Sheriff's Deputy, Kmart, ToysRUs

Job: Fast food is ALWAYS hiring; I'm sure it isn't what you want, but they will hire you. A benefit is that you'll be fed during your shift. Another job that's ALWAYS available is substitute teaching. Put your name into each school system near you; as soon as you pass the criminal background check, they'll start calling you -- and with teachers in the South being in demand, good substitutes can work just about every single day. A couple negatives: It doesn't pay that much, no benefits, and you get paid once a month, so no check'll roll in the next week.

Food: Do you have churches or shelters that offer groceries? LOTS of places have canned food drives at this time of year, so there should be some stuff available for people in situations like yours. Another option is Dumpster Diving. Grocery stores throw away things that would surprise you. Again, it's not the thing most of us want to do, but you're talking about a crisis situation.

Electricity: Call the company. It may or may not help, but it won't make your situation any more dire than it already is. Since you have children, you need to talk to DSS; they can help you keep your electricity turned on. Lack of electricity or water (obviously on an ongoing basis -- not for a day or two) is something that can lead to removing children from the home, so DSS works with parents before things reach this level.

 

[Sundown]

Does your local public library have internet stations for your job search? Maybe you can borrow a book on Excel. I actually learned Excel by trial and error.

That is an excellent idea (no pun intended). I taught myself my last job. Surely I could learn Excel. I have a little bit of experience with it already.

Job: Fast food is ALWAYS hiring; I'm sure it isn't what you want, but they will hire you. A benefit is that you'll be fed during your shift. Another job that's ALWAYS available is substitute teaching. Put your name into each school system near you; as soon as you pass the criminal background check, they'll start calling you -- and with teachers in the South being in demand, good substitutes can work just about every single day. A couple negatives: It doesn't pay that much, no benefits, and you get paid once a month, so no check'll roll in the next week.

Food: Do you have churches or shelters that offer groceries? LOTS of places have canned food drives at this time of year, so there should be some stuff available for people in situations like yours. Another option is Dumpster Diving. Grocery stores throw away things that would surprise you. Again, it's not the thing most of us want to do, but you're talking about a crisis situation.

Electricity: Call the company. It may or may not help, but it won't make your situation any more dire than it already is. Since you have children, you need to talk to DSS; they can help you keep your electricity turned on. Lack of electricity or water (obviously on an ongoing basis -- not for a day or two) is something that can lead to removing children from the home, so DSS works with parents before things reach this level.

Regarding food, fortunately we have Food Stamps so that's taken care of. I hate having to go on public assistance but you do what you have to do.

I will call or visit DHR on Monday after my job skills test. Thanks ya'll.

 

[mumom95]

J Another job that's ALWAYS available is substitute teaching. .

In Ohio you have to have a substitute teaching license to be a substitute (takes about 6 weeks to get). The license starting this year costs more than $100 to get and you have to have a college degree (doesn't have to be in education, just a 4 year degree in something). So, it isn't something anyone can just get. I don't know what state the OP lives in, so I don't know what her states requirements are.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Okay, I don't want to sound mean. And I understand that the economy is rough right now and everyone is stuggling in one way or another. And I am so sorry to hear that you are having a rough time. Really, I am.

But I have to say...there are jobs out there. I don't know where you live..but Target is hiring pretty much everywhere ( i travel for work and visit my share of target's) So is Walmart and Kohls. There are MANY things you can do for a few extra dollars. You just have to look in the right places.

Not only that:

But if you don't have enough money to possiably heat your house...get off the internet and cancel that $30 plus month bill.
Cancel your phone service.
I don't know, i can't even phathom. I have NEVER been RICH, I have NEVER been well off. In fact, we have always just gotten by. Sometimes on min. wage jobs. But for some reason, I just don't believe that you can't find a job. Often, it is just that you WON't take certain jobs or you are too picky about the jobs that are hiring. Be available whenever. You will find something.
Sorry to be so blunt.
Good Luck!

 

[SplshMtn99]

Fill out apps everywhere. Indicate available any hours, any day. If you are limiting your hours to mom hours, that might be why you aren't being hired. Good luck.

If you are down to absolutely no income, utilities about to be turned off, no money in the bank, and ready to start burning your trees for heat, then you aren't in a position to be picky about any type of job or when you'll work.

Good luck.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Fill out apps everywhere. Indicate available any hours, any day. If you are limiting your hours to mom hours, that might be why you aren't being hired. Good luck.

If you are down to absolutely no income, utilities about to be turned off, no money in the bank, and ready to start burning your trees for heat, then you aren't in a position to be picky about any type of job or when you'll work.

Good luck.

I agree. that is a good point as well. You have to be open for anything. Good point.

 

[golfgal]

Job: Fast food is ALWAYS hiring; I'm sure it isn't what you want, but they will hire you. A benefit is that you'll be fed during your shift. Another job that's ALWAYS available is substitute teaching. Put your name into each school system near you; as soon as you pass the criminal background check, they'll start calling you -- and with teachers in the South being in demand, good substitutes can work just about every single day. A couple negatives: It doesn't pay that much, no benefits, and you get paid once a month, so no check'll roll in the next week.

Food: Do you have churches or shelters that offer groceries? LOTS of places have canned food drives at this time of year, so there should be some stuff available for people in situations like yours. Another option is Dumpster Diving. Grocery stores throw away things that would surprise you. Again, it's not the thing most of us want to do, but you're talking about a crisis situation.

Electricity: Call the company. It may or may not help, but it won't make your situation any more dire than it already is. Since you have children, you need to talk to DSS; they can help you keep your electricity turned on. Lack of electricity or water (obviously on an ongoing basis -- not for a day or two) is something that can lead to removing children from the home, so DSS works with parents before things reach this level.

I have to go against the substitute teacher route--maybe it will work for the OP but in our state you have to have a teaching degree and be licensed to substitute teach. Some private schools will hire you with just a college degree but not many. Just throwing that out there.