What to do?

[arielsleepingbeauty]

I agree to pay rent and your car insurance first of all. I would talk to your landlord about paying half owed now and the rest when you get it. Usually if you make an effort, they will give you a break. Eviction process takes a long time so you would probably be back on your feet and caught up if it came to that anyway.
If your daughter is buying breakfast and lunch at school, she is at least able to get milk, juice, fruits and some veggie products. I am a single mom too and pasta is a savior. You can get it 3 for $1.00 and buy store brand pasta sauce. I buy a loaf of bread under $1.00, peanut butter under $2.00, eggs under $2.00 and a pancake mix under $2.00 that is complete with all the ingredients, Raman noodles soup 10 for $1.00, Macaroni and cheese under $1.00 . So it may cost you less than $20.00 for groceries to get by. Also try your local food bank. Sometimes you just have to do it.
Just a word of caution about Craigslist, i think it is great if you could get a cushion, but please be safe when selling. You never know what can happen. If it is a small item, can i suggest that you meet the buyer in a well lit, out in the open spot and not your apartment. And don't do it alone or with your daughter. Some people cannot be trusted.
Best wishes!!!

 

[HS3kids]

I didnt read all the responses so if I repeat, I apologize. My suggestions:

Groceries:Angel Food Ministries- its open to anyone, you dont have to be a member of the church or anything. You can get a huge box of food for very little money.

Cash for Gold- I made a good deal of money on a few necklaces and rings

Check around the house and in the car for loose change- you might be surprised by how much you can find

I agree, talk to the landlord, pay your car insurance, get gas, get only a $10 phone card (if they have them)

And build that savings any way you can. Even $10 a week direct deposit is something...

Hang in there, this too shall pass

 

[Temporaryname]

I agree to pay rent and your car insurance first of all. I would talk to your landlord about paying half owed now and the rest when you get it. Usually if you make an effort, they will give you a break. Eviction process takes a long time so you would probably be back on your feet and caught up if it came to that anyway.
If your daughter is buying breakfast and lunch at school, she is at least able to get milk, juice, fruits and some veggie products. I am a single mom too and pasta is a savior. You can get it 3 for $1.00 and buy store brand pasta sauce. I buy a loaf of bread under $1.00, peanut butter under $2.00, eggs under $2.00 and a pancake mix under $2.00 that is complete with all the ingredients, Raman noodles soup 10 for $1.00, Macaroni and cheese under $1.00 . So it may cost you less than $20.00 for groceries to get by. Also try your local food bank. Sometimes you just have to do it.
Just a word of caution about Craigslist, i think it is great if you could get a cushion, but please be safe when selling. You never know what can happen. If it is a small item, can i suggest that you meet the buyer in a well lit, out in the open spot and not your apartment. And don't do it alone or with your daughter. Some people cannot be trusted.
Best wishes!!!

I was thinking to offer to meet at the local Barnes and Noble cafe. Very crowded most days. Does that seem like a sensible location?

Also, I just realized that one of the items, which is a Dyson vacuum, might be sold at Target. I happen to know it didn't come from Target, because I know the person who gave it to me doesn't shop there, but I'm wondering if I could return it for store credit there and buy groceries.

Is that ethical? Would it work?

 

[HS3kids]

oh and with what you have on hand for groceries- egg sandwiches or veggie omelets can be eaten for any meal

 

[gigi1313]

I was thinking to offer to meet at the local Barnes and Noble cafe. Very crowded most days. Does that seem like a sensible location?

Also, I just realized that one of the items, which is a Dyson vacuum, might be sold at Target. I happen to know it didn't come from Target, because I know the person who gave it to me doesn't shop there, but I'm wondering if I could return it for store credit there and buy groceries.

Is that ethical? Would it work?

if target would take it back, it's totally worth it (and ethical in my book)... can you buy the phone card there too?

 

[Temporaryname]

I just looked up the vacuum and it's not at Target, but it's $250! It's just a little handheld one so I thought it would be maybe $50. I am very glad I never opened the box.

Maybe Walmart? There's not one nearby, but it might be worth the drive. What's their return policy? I should add that it was bought at Best Buy, but $250 of Best Buy credit won't do me much good.

 

[SunnieRN]

The issue isn't really that I don't make enough money. My salary is decent. It's that the process of separating/moving/etc . . ate up any cushion in regular savings (ironically, my kid has things like a college fund, but they're tied up so I can't touch them), and I thought I'd be able to rebuild easily. However, before that happened, this unexpected expense that is my ex's fault came up, and suddenly I'm stuck for this one month. Once March hits I can start saving and things will be OK. I'm convinced of it.

So, I don't feel good taking things like utilities assistance when there are families who need that money long term. I work in social services and can see how this is a temporary crisis, not the long term grinding poverty that many of the families I help face.

It sounds like you are actually in pretty good shape and KNOW you need to start budgeting to save $$$ and get an emergency fund built up again.

Someone mentioned Hillbilly Housewife, there are thousands of good tips and cheap recipes there!

I am not trying to sound bossy, by any stretch of the imagination, but figure out what you HAVE to pay:

Instance. $75. Mandatory in my mind
Cell phone. $25. Just as important in my book
Gas. $10. Make sure you can get the places you HAVE to go

Put the rest of the money on your rent. It will be much harder for the next few days, but will make March MUCH easier!

You sound very responsible and really love and care about your daughter!
. You have a nice roof over your heads, you can get enough gas and groceries to see you through!

As for the utilities, there is nothing wrong or bad about getting assistance for these. The programs, as I am sure you know, are there to help. There so your utilities will NOT be turned off. Otherwise, call the companies. They are usually VERY understanding about delaying payments for a week or two!

You can and are doing a great job! One day at a time, developing a plan, sticking to a budget, will get you even further!!

OK,

You guys have given me some next steps. Tell me how this sounds:

1) I'll drop off a check for $1,000 at the landlord today, and call Tuesday when the office opens to see if I can wait until March 1 for the other $785.

2) I'll call the insurance company and see if I can delay payment by a few days.

3) I'll go buy some cheap groceries, looking at other threads here for ideas.

4) I'll see about listing the items on craigslist. Both are new, but one has been opened but never turned on (It's a kindle), how can I assure people that they're working well? Any ideas?

Does that sound good?

 

[Temporaryname]

Just checked Walmart and they carry it online but list it as out of stock. Do you think I could return it there?

If I had that money, and could buy a phone card there, and lots of food. If I could convince my insurance company to wait I could then make it until the first and pay my entire rent.

I should note, someone commented on the possibility of a rent late fee. That's included in the figure I gave.

 

[SunnieRN]

I was thinking to offer to meet at the local Barnes and Noble cafe. Very crowded most days. Does that seem like a sensible location?

Also, I just realized that one of the items, which is a Dyson vacuum, might be sold at Target. I happen to know it didn't come from Target, because I know the person who gave it to me doesn't shop there, but I'm wondering if I could return it for store credit there and buy groceries.

Is that ethical? Would it work?

It was a gift, correct? Make sure Target still has the correct model and this would be a great way to take care of most of your immediate problems!! They can re sell at the same price. It is not like you are trying to return a used/broken item that can not be resold!

My grandson got THREE Dancestar Mickeys for Christmas. Target had no problem taking the extra two back, and we were honest about the fact that we were not sure where they were purchased. (relatives from CA)

 

[Temporaryname]

Thanks everyone, again.

As far as utilities. I just pay the two phones, and electric. I just paid my phone and the electric before the situation came, which was right at the beginning of Feb. So, I figure that even if I am a little late on the March bills and pay it in March, I should be OK. I can pay for a $25 plan for my phone on the first, and then go back to my regular plan and pay the electric bill on the 15th.

 

[SunnieRN]

Or Walmart as you listed above!

 

[Temporaryname]

It was a gift, correct? Make sure Target still has the correct model and this would be a great way to take care of most of your immediate problems!! They can re sell at the same price. It is not like you are trying to return a used/broken item that can not be resold!

My grandson got THREE Dancestar Mickeys for Christmas. Target had no problem taking the extra two back, and we were honest about the fact that we were not sure where they were purchased. (relatives from CA)

Is Walmart the same way? Target doesn't carry it but Walmart does. I've never actually been to Walmart, but there's one with a grocery store about 30 miles away.

 

[Jax1023]

For returning the vaccuum, bed bath and beyond is usually willing to take returns without a receipt. I think they will give you cash, but only under 100 dollars.

Did you buy it in cash or on a card?

If you bought it on a credit card, it would be like credit, so you could just use that credit card for the insurance and some groceries

 

[HelenePA]

walmart has a wonderful return policy. Just bring your licence with you. I think you can return 2 items every 6 months with no reciept. They will give you a walmart gift card and not cash.

ETA seriously try walmart first... you'd be set if you can return it there

ETA again.. I got a car seat from there that was only sold online but did not fit in my car. I was able to return it no problems in store for store credit.

 

[sk!mom]

Dave Ramsey!!!!!

Not very helpful whan the OP needs help to get to payday.

OP, Craig's List is very easy to use. Log on today and list anything that you could live without. Even a few hundred dollars could keep you with gas and food until payday. I'd never used it until last Summer, logged on one Saturday and sold our old fridge in two hours.

Talk with your landlord Monday and see if they'll except a partial payment. It's likely that they will if it comes with a clearcut plan for getting caught up. Eviction is something a Landlord also wants to avoid- it takes time and usually means that they will end up not recovering the rent for that time.

Once you're through this time, continue to sell things and keep to a barebones budget until you're able to build a significant emergency fund.

One other thought, would your child's father be willing to loan/give you some temporary help given that his child is facing going without food.

 

[KeriWDE]

Without a receipt, you will probably still be able to return it to Wal-mart but they might only give you a store giftcard. But that's ok, you will be able to buy a phone card and groceries there. Tell Wal-mart it was a gift.

That's money you won't have to take out of your checking account and can use for the rent and insurance.

Do you have renter's insurance? If so, then file a claim for the food that ruined when the power went off. You'll have a deductible to meet, but it might be worthwhile.

If you don't have renter's insurance, then as soon as you can afford it, get it! Imagine if the building burned, all your clothes and furniture and appliances would be gone. (I'm from an insurance adjuster family, btw.)

A church's food pantry is not bait to get you to attend or join. It is simply a way to help people who need it. Honey, you need help. Don't be too proud to accept help from a church that believes in a God you're unsure of. That's NOT hypocritical. It's survival.

Call the electric utilities and ask them to give you a rebate next month based on your food losses. It would help with this and with the insurance claim if you had a list of what you had to throw out. The insurance company will probably reimburse you as you replace. So, KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS!

Sell what you can. Meeting at a bookstore is a good idea. But don't be tempted to replace what you sell.

Pay what you can of the rent, then KEEP YOUR PROMISE to pay the rest ON TIME. Early, if possible.

(sorry, just realized I was yelling. Didn't mean to yell, just wanted to emphasize and hate clicking the Bold button.)

Have faith. Show your daughter that you can manage and come through tough times and succeed. You and she will be better off in the long run for sticking with it.

 

[Liberty Belle]

I agree to pay rent and your car insurance first of all. I would talk to your landlord about paying half owed now and the rest when you get it. Usually if you make an effort, they will give you a break. Eviction process takes a long time so you would probably be back on your feet and caught up if it came to that anyway.
If your daughter is buying breakfast and lunch at school, she is at least able to get milk, juice, fruits and some veggie products. I am a single mom too and pasta is a savior. You can get it 3 for $1.00 and buy store brand pasta sauce. I buy a loaf of bread under $1.00, peanut butter under $2.00, eggs under $2.00 and a pancake mix under $2.00 that is complete with all the ingredients, Raman noodles soup 10 for $1.00, Macaroni and cheese under $1.00 . So it may cost you less than $20.00 for groceries to get by. Also try your local food bank. Sometimes you just have to do it.
Just a word of caution about Craigslist, i think it is great if you could get a cushion, but please be safe when selling. You never know what can happen. If it is a small item, can i suggest that you meet the buyer in a well lit, out in the open spot and not your apartment. And don't do it alone or with your daughter. Some people cannot be trusted.
Best wishes!!!

Where do you get pasta 3 for a dollar?

OP, good luck. I think you should be able to eat pretty cheaply for just you and your daughter. Kraft Mac and Cheese with a little chicken or ham (you can buy just a slice or two at the deli) in it is delicious when baked. Eggs can be made into egg salad for sandwiches cheaply (unless you don't have mayo and mustard already), rice is cheap and filling, Kroger has kielbasa on sale right now for $2.50. I love that fried up with some sauerkraut (you can buy it canned for around .50).

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

*****

 

[jgates]

Is there a bakery type store around? You can get outdated bread there & pair that up with eggs for french toast. Have breakfast every night during the week - eggs & toast, pancakes & french toast & it will be cheap!

For yourself - this sounds silly but is there any chance you received the McD's mailer which had a couple of free oatmeal coupons in it? You could get yourself a nice warm breakfast on the way to work if you could.

Talk to your boss. See if you can get a short advance on your paycheck. If you are gov't employed (mentioned social work I believe), this may not be possible.

We have a food pantry type of set-up where WM takes it's expiring items. They are open 2x a week & are manned by the churches, but it's totally independent from them. The churches & other groups just provide the workers. At ours you do not have to provide any income proof - the richest person in town could go if they wanted. Just donate some cash to them when you are on your feet again (vs. donating food-they can buy so much more volume than we can at the store from their supply sources).

If you want to maintain your new identity (I don't blame you -things like this are hard to discuss), I would delete the previous post quickly. It appears you posted under your standard log-in.

 

[r1lissa]

Does your daughter have video games or books that she doesn't
want anymore?
Hastings (a video/music/book store) buys items and pays cash.
Game Stop and other video games stores also pay cash.
Half-Price Books buys books and music.
Plato's Closet buys used name brand clothes.

If you just got divorced, maybe you have some jewelry you want to get rid of. Go to a jewelry store to sell it first, but if they don't want it, go to a pawn shop.
Pawn shops will buy almost anything, you just won't get what it's really worth of course. Think past the obvious items: excercise equipment, small kitchen appliances, CD players, bicycles. Walk through your home and take inventory.

You can make it- this is only one month. So many people go through this month after month.