Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Thursday 13


13 expenses I need to figure out how I'm going to pay on a single income with no child support.

1. a place to live, whether rent or mortgage
2. electricity
3. natural gas and water usage
4. phone
5. Internet (can't live without it!)
6. Cable or dish service
7. car
8. car insurance
9. gasoline
10. health insurance and monthly health costs
11. groceries
12. education expenses for the kids (supplies, music, etc.)
13. entertainment, clothing, or necesities.

What am I forgetting? Anyone know a part time job a mom with two kids and a full time job could get that would actually be worthwhile?

Visit Thursday-13 here!
And, no, I'm not moving out right now. But I've been considering it for almost a year, so I'm starting to realize it's inevitable, so I better make some plans. It's hard!

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24 comments:

  1. somebody should be paying child support

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  2. Been there, done that. The best advice I can offer is to pick and chose. Cut coupons, opt out of fancy cable or dish packages and just do the basics, dollar store all the supplies you can, skip a land line for actual phone and just use your cell, put an on/off switch on the shower so the water is off while you're actually soaping up... just some of the things I did.

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  3. I feel so bad to hear this. I hope everything goes well, especially for the kids!!

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  4. Sorry to hear this sweetie, it seems that there is a million and one things that you have to cover.

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  5. My daughter got out of a bad marriage a couple of years ago, she got a part time job and is now going to get a degree to become a minister. She has two boys at home. If she can do it, you can!!!! Have heart.

    My 13 is posted. What I see on the back of a cereal box...it's a fun 13 this week...come join me if you find time.

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  6. You are in my prayers this day.

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  7. Welcome to my world. It was hard, but I had to give up the car and insurance and gas. It was either that or groceries. lol Public transportation isn't so bad when you get used to it.
    It will all work out, somehow. Best of luck to you!
    Happy T13!

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  8. Whew, that's a tough one. Substitute teaching possibly? Waiting tables can be really flexible and has the advantage of not having to wait for a paycheck.

    I've been laid off since Jan., and this is the third round of really hard times I've had in the last ten years. The thing I can't seem to get across to folks not in the same situation, is that things really do become more expensive when you don't have money. All the fees when you get behind, the tickets when you literally don't have any change but you have to go into a building for five minutes and hope someone doesn't read the meter, the extra cost of having to buy things piecemeal instead of in bulk like some folks can.

    Sending positive thoughts, and good luck.

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  9. That's a tough one. There sure are a lot of necessities. Good luck

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  10. You and your family will remain in my prayers.
    Hugs and blessings,

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  11. Why no child support? That's a huge pet peeve of mine since I come from a "dead-beat" dad.

    I'm glad you are starting the planning stage. You can do it. It won't be easy, you know that. But, if you & the kids are happier, it's worth it. Misery is not healthy.

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  12. I hope the child support situation changes. In the meantime if your part time hours are available during school see if your state is hiring teaching assistants or cafeteria help. It's part time, comes with insurance usually and other perks depedning on the school system.

    Good luck.

    ~X

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  13. Moving out with kids is a very brave thing. I did it once and made a deal with GOD that I couldn't do it without Him and with that commitment, we made it. Our needs were met and sure things were tough, but better than staying.

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  14. Ugh...it's hard indeed. Somedays I hate being a grown up:P

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  15. I know what you are going through. Times are tough right now. My advice is to look into as many government assistance programs and charitable organizations that you can. Find what ever you can to help your family out. Apply for anything you can get. Hopefully things will turn around soon. My family is struggling financially right now so I totally understand. Just hang in there and keep your chin up. Things should get better soon.

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  16. Cancel you cable TV and use the gov. coupons for digital (antenna) TV. We get 52 channels out here in a canyon where it's hard to get reception. Sure it's not 200+ channels, but it saves $40-100+ dollars a month depending on which company/plan you are currently using.

    Check into food banks for the working poor. You pay only a fraction of what it would cost you at the grocery store. Beware of scams, and some are better than others so you'll have to do your homework.

    Check with local churches/synagogues. They often help out families and the working poor even if you are not a member/parishioner.

    Contact the Salvation Army. We refer many of our parishioners to them. They provide either help or resources.

    For children under 5, contact WIC. They provide milk, protein, cereals.

    Wishing you blessings. Never give up, your children need you.

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  17. Will you be able to qualify for government assistance? If so then you can get on a waiting list for subsidized housing. The waiting lists are VERY long.. but I've lived in them before and you only pay 1/3 of your income, no matter what it is.

    Please email me anytime ANYTIME you need or want to talk. I care about you, you know.

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  18. I hear UPS is good to work for. They have flexible shifts. I'm sorry you are having to figure this out. I've been there and I know it's not fun at all.

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  19. internet, oh i can't live without it either!!!

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  20. shop around.. I just got my insurance co to cut my payment by $45 because I went to them with a better quote from another company. I also got my phone bill cut in 1/2 because I went to vonage (computer phone line) . There are lots fo ways to cut cost.. good luck

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    ReplyDelete

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