Smtypnts
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You will be ok..you are not alone and more people will face this issue in the coming months.
It sounds like you have written out all your expenses and made plans on where to cut back or reallocate funds. Next steps is really take a hard look at your funds, expenses and location and job. If you need to make more money to survive I recommend looking for a higher paying job or start selling or creating a company to gain more money. or moving to an area where the employment may match the living standards you need. Economically one can eat for a $1.40 a day in food. granted the list of items allowable to eat for that do not make the most appetizing dinners, it is possible. lastly look at short term debt if you do not have much, get a personal loan or amount that will give you a cushion to build savings and investments. |
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bud68
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If you can't make it paying only $350/mo rent, then either something else in your spending is way out of line or you simply need to find a better-paying job. |
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Stanley Y
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why dont you ask your parents or sibilings for help. and find a better job and make less phone calls. also go on welfare since you cant afford to feed your self. and when you buy food buy stuff thats cheap and on sale. like 40 bags of chips for like 1 dollar |
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starshine
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If rent for $350 is too much, try adding a roomie for help. I also think if you work for a nice hotel, you should have enough money. When I was at Sheraton Park Central in Dallas (it is no longer there) we were all able to pay that sort of rent and have cars and this was in 1982!! Your salary at a "nice" hotel should be enough for that in this day as well... so I suspect you are underpaid, but that is a guess. Perhaps you can take a job at a better hotel? With your experience it should be an easy move.
Do you have ANY talents? If you sew, I know of one lady who made raggedy ann dolls and sold them on ebay and she had so many sales! I knew another lady who made pet collars! I also know people who design greeting cards, webpages, graphics, patterns for woodworking/sewing, etc.. that sell on etsy or ebay and make money. From time to time I sew kids clothes and sell them on etsy and yes, they did sell! Do you knit? Crochet? Do you hit the goodwill stores often? There are people who get really good items from there and sell them for higher prices (again) on auction sites. Look into aceo art and sell it on ebay.. if you are an artist.. the ideas are endless. Start small, invest in more items and sell! Do you like Mary Kay or Avon? I was always able to sell Avon and make money when I needed it, but you have to be willing to sell and there is an investment in the catalogs and sales materials. I wish you the best. Put on your thinking cap and see if there isn't something that is perfect for you! Oh.. one of my old roomates used to go door to door in Washington DC and offer to detail cars! My ex husband was a window washer for extra cash.. I just can't stop thinking.. Best to you! God Bless! |
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Shoomp
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*hug* |
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roxy
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Would it be cheaper for you to rent a room from someone? Is there anyway you can cut down on your phone bill? Is there public transportation available? You really need to sit down with a piece of paper and make yourself a budget. Good luck and don't give up....hugs!! |
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Deborah M
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Try not to worry. You may have to get a second job. Also, it sounds gross but shop for food at the dollar store and look for discount grocery stores in your area. If you have car insurance see if you can raise your deductable or change insurance carriers to lower rates. Pack your lunch when you go to work, clip coupons-you can get free ones on line. Call your cell phone provider and ask if you can change your plan, explain your situation. And you can go to school, with a low income you will qualify for financial loans and maybe even some grants (and grants you don't have to pay back). If you have a car payment contact the dealer and see if you can trade the car in for a lesser car with lower payments or if you can rework your loan to lower payments but extend the life of your loan. Join freecycle in your area and get things for free from people in your community. Also surf craiglist for jobs and other free items. Hope this helps |
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teresathegreat
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First, calm down. Take a deep breath.
Next, look at the problem objectively. Track all your income and spending over the past year. What have you been spending money on?
Then create a new budget. What are real needs and what are helpful but non-critical things you can cut out?
If the budget still isn't balanced, then you have to choose between earning more or spending less. Can you share housing with someone else to reduce your cost? Can you take public transit? Can you ask for a promotion or apply for another job that pays more?
Don't despair, and don't wring your hands telling yourself you can't do any of this. Don't make excuses - just make it happen. Devote your energy to making positive changes. |
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Mercer Devil
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Look for a better job or trim back some of your other expenses. Paying $60-$100 for a phone bill sounds kind of high to me, maybe you could look for a better plan. (I actually don't have a cell phone. My land-line plan only runs $30-$35 a month.) Perhaps you could limit your recreational and shopping expenses.
Honestly, I find it a little difficult to believe that someone with a 'decent job' and only paying $350 per month in rent would have so much difficulty paying for the necessities of life, without blowing a substantial amount on unnecessary things. |
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G-P
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first off, get rid of the phone, or change it to a contract with inclusive minutes / texts etc
secondly, get extra hours (if they are avilable) or a second job that pays more per hour and reduce your current hours
if you work 35 hours per week (the average of 30-40), this is 151 hours a month (based on 4.33 weeks) - and if you are struggling after paying out $450 - what exactly do you get paid? This is something in the order of $3 per hour? Im no expert on US economy - but surely thats lower than the minimum wage??? |
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Crazydaisy
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I have worked at a hotel you have to be at least getting paid about 10.00 hr or more.
Cut back on cable your never home to watch it any how, coupons to help you buy food..sometimes churches have those monthly things where you can go there and they give you food for your family.
have only one phone Cell phones are insane, you can get a prepaid phone and use it only in emergency's,,I have one and put 20.00 and it last me for 3 months, if my friends need to call they call my home phone.
350 for rent is dirt cheap..
working a 30 hr shift is not going to cut it for you, you might have to get another job.
I know in hotels they will let you work in other departments try that to pick up a few extra hours.
or maybe get a room mate to help. |
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Beau.Gus
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Assuming you earn minimum wage, you are spending 42% of your income on somewhere to live...logic dictates that you should NEVER spend more than 25% on a home...so you either need cheaper accomodations, or you need to earn more money.
If you have the skills to work a "nice hotel" Front Desk (you can be nice to everybody, you are literate & numerate, and you don't look like the Hunchback of Notre-Dame), then you have the skills to work any number of better-paying jobs...
Go for it! |
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moddedmama
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Without all the details it's really hard to give specific advice, however, you need to sit down and work out what things you are spending money on, and where you can cut back. I don't know if you pay utilities as well as rent or if it's included. Do you live close enough to work that you can walk or ride a bike. Your phone bill seems kind of high, basic service for a landline around here is less the $20. Cell phones are NOT necessities, and neither is internet or cable. Those are some generic suggestions but without any other specifics it's all I got. |
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wullie010669
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for starters get rid of your phone and use the saved cash to eat. i'm on your side but there are lots of people in the same boat. think about living in a place where they need to hunt their own food and build their own homes. i sometimes wish i lived like that with no knowledge of the so called civilised world. |
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Melody
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It's gonna be okay. You'll be fine.
Non-drastic: Take a deep breath and just know that everything is gonna be okay. Pray. Ask your friends and family near you for help. Seek counsel from your local church.
Drastic: Apply for a college loan, sell your car (for extra cash that goes into an emergency fund and never gets touched unless it's a bonafide emergency) and then live in an apartment within walking distance of campus (or perhaps even as an RA in the dorms so you can get free (or discounted) room and board. Pursue your degree and then seek out employment later knowing that you'll be qualified enough to negotiate your own salary.
Middle of the road: Borrow money (take out a school loan) and go to night classes at a local college. Keep your car and your job....but pursue a higher education if you feel that's your calling.
Also---I only pay $60/month for my cell phone and I have two lines with 550 minutes shared between us. Call that darn cell phone company and ask for their retention department b/c you need a lower plan! And then don't' talk so much!! You'll have $50 extra bucks/month right there. |
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wandalk78
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If your place is big enough, you may want to get a roommate.
Apply for assistance like foodstamps......
Get a second part time job to get ahead.
Good luck and best wishes!!!!!!!!! |
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citcat
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i recamend eating romen nooddles they work out to b 11 cents a pack at walmart or mac n cheese its 50 cents a box |
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w0nd3r c00k13
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move... with the money you're making you obviously need the cheapest house you can find. *hug* |
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justme
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Find a room mate and get a second job. Find local food backs that can help you with the food situation. Find out if there are any discounts on public transportation. Times are tough right now and will probably get tougher but you can make it thousands of people are out there living on less.
Good Luck |
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There is no spoon
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No offense, but it doesnt sound like a decent job to me. If you cant pay your bills, I dont how that job is working for you. email me |
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ekouris25
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WHERE DO U LIVE? I PAY 850 FOR RENT, NOT INCL UTILITIES. IF U DONT HAVE KIDS THEN WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING? DO U MAKE 2 BUCKS AN HOUR? |
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Julie S
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I really feel for you. Times are tough for everyone it seems. Keep your head up it can only get better!
Is there anyway you can cut back on your phone bill? I wish you the best of luck! |
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Chunky Char
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if your not going to school..and only working 30-40 hrs a week..pick up more hours..sounds like you have nothing else going on..work more. If you have weeks where your only working 30 hours..of course your going to have money problems..i'm paying 1200/m in rent + utilties and car payments + phone...get a part time job |
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union de tvla, jalisco
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get rid of the cell phone and apply for a better job, or even a second job... |
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Snowskater
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Buy no-name food. And also what ever is left over from the last months money save it for things you really need like food. :( |
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Sully
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you should start strippin, they make good loot |
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