I normally wouldn't post things like this online, but I am in a situation, that I am hoping someone could give me advice with because maybe they have been in this same situation or have known others that have been here. Ok here it goes, our 2 income household has been cut into just one income, mine My boyfriend's job laid a lot of people off in November and he was collecting unemployment and has been trying to find a job, but has had no luck; however, we got a letter yesterday that his benefits have ended and he was not eligible for that extension program. So now everything falls on my income. I tried running numbers to budget everything and I am coming up short $275 per month, my credit was runined when I got divorced and I am just starting to get back on track and now this happends So far I have cancelled out the cell phones (I was able to suspend the lines through verizon until I can afford them again, this way I don't have to pay the early termination fees or continue to get billed) cancelled the cable package we had they gave me a smaller package for $50 a month so we could still have a house phone and internet so he could job search, if it comes to this though I can cancel that but I would still be short; lowered the food budget to just $75 per month (I can probably do this on $50, but put $75 because I am not use to the coupon policies where I live now and am still getting use to them) I am going to let them sell my storage unit because they also would not work with me, it just has stuff that has sentimental memories but at this time, a place to live is more important. I called the finance company for my car but that was no help at all, the woman was quite nasty and said "well we don't repo until your accout is 45 days late" I asked instead of making 1 large payment, if I could split my payment into 2 per month, and she said no, I asked about deferring 1 or 2 payments till the end of the loan and she again said no, but did offer to send a guy to get the car if I wanted to surrender it as a repo now. If i had money to get a used car that would get me back and fourth to work, I would have told her to come get it. I have no credit cards (Thank God) but does anyone have any advice of what to say to the utility companies, anything that I could say to maybe change their minds at the finance company? also if anyone is an accountant / financial advisor and wants the numbers I am dealing with to try and show me more cuts that I can make please feel free to PM me TIA

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

When I lost my job the year before last I called DirectTV to cancel. I told them I lost my job and they credited a year of what the cost was to my account to keep me. I cried because I honestly did not want to cancel but was going to have to.
I don't have any suggestions I'm sorry I just wanted to say I know how it feels and don't worry he WILL find something and you will get back on your feet. If you rent maybe you can get something smaller/cheaper?
I am sorry the people you talked to in some cases were not helpful. It seems like in an economy like this they would be more understanding. Maybe you can get a side job. I have a second job as a caregiver through a firm that matches caregivers with clients. My place is local but my sister does it through a nationwide company called Visiting Angels.

Senior Home Care, Elder Care, Senior Care, In HomeCare & Assisted Living Facilities by Visiting Angels


Maybe your bf can get something through them until he lands a job. It's good work and if you have a clean criminal record and are compassionate and like people it's a fun job.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

I know when my folks were in a tough spot, my Mom always paid each of the utilities *something* every month and she said that kept them satisfied until they got back on their feet. Don't know if it would work now, but worth a shot?

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If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we have to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that He commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it.

- Stephen Colbert.

Hi Anna We do rent, i don't think I am going to find a place cheaper than I am paying now ($500) we moved from NJ to PA in Feb to be closer to my family, and the rents were cheaper and we figured that if this situation were to happen (who knew I'd predict the future) that we would be safe rent wise. At our last apt, rent was $1000 and was going to go up to $1150 in March. I have also tried getting a second job for weekends only, but all i have been told is they need someone for during the weeknights as well, and with my job now I am gone from 6am-7-730pm, so my weeknight availablity is not there. Do you know if the senior care agencies hire for weekends only? I am going to look into them and also have my boyfriend apply. Thank you for the info on them

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

The care agencies match you up with clients you fit with. You can find someone who needs care at the times you are available. I'm sure there are people who need weekend respite such as family members being cared for by other family members who need a break on weekends. It's actually quite common.

ETA: I don't do seniors I do the Developmentally Disabled population. With a DD client there is often lots of community integration which means going out and doing fun things. I have one client that is very high functioning and very low maintenance. I basically get paid for taking her walking and helping her with nutrition, cooking, and grocery shopping. (She is morbidly obese as well as DD). You might call a local agency that serves DD like the ARC and ask if there are any agencies like this in your area. Often the state office (here it's called Senior & Disabled Services) also facilitates clients finding caregivers and handles the pay & admin stuff.

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The political system is broke and it's a joke.

The "in" thing used to be keeping up with the Jones family. Now, it's crying poor whether the person has money or not. I think company reps have people calling more than ever trying to get out of making payments by crying poor, job loss, etc. They are being lied to and while it was harsh to you, I think they have to be harsh to the people lying to them.

Three weeks ago I had a woman apply for county assistance to pay for our services. She failed to list on the form she had just been given well over $1000 cash upon her boyfriend's death - the day prior to applying. She continued to cry poor, no money, etc and yet she couldn't be honest and disclose all of her assets. She really felt the money was hers and had no level of responsibility in her obligation.

I think you have to understand what these companies are dealing with and how people connive to defraud. I see it and experience this. It's a downturn in our society for sure.

dl

Have your boyfriend substitute in a local school or in a local school cafeteria.
both have subs. He will have access to computers there in the libraries.

Also, driving a school bus if he has a special license might be a possibility.

Do not know if school is out there yet, but if not maybe this would help.

Some schools hire extra help in summers to do maintanance and extra janitorial work while students are out.

This is the website for the state of Pennsylvania that lists the available utility assistance programs, some of the qualifications, and contact numbers to apply for said programs.

Energy Assistance Programs

Some other options in PA:
Better Choice
A program created by the state Treasury Department and Pennsylvania Credit Union Association to help Pennsylvanians get away from payday lenders. It helps facilitate short term grants and loans from legitimate financial services. This aid program provides short term loans that are better options than payday lenders. Find additional short term loan options as well as ways to get out of debt. (717) 787-2465

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also known as Cash Assistance
The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is committed to helping low-income individuals and families that are living in Pennsylvania move to independence through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF will provide money and grants for dependent children and their relative or parents with whom they live, and for pregnant women if needed. Apply at your local county government office.

Parxpricefinder.com
A website where people in need for cheap prescription drugs in Pennsylvania can go to find the lowest prices for medicines in their area for prescription drugs. If a person types in his or her zip code, drug name, and the distance they are willing to drive, the site will find different pharmacies and retailers in the area that sell the drug at a cheap price and give the drug's price. Additional drug saving programs.

Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)
Are you or someone that you know in danger of being evicted from your home or apartment? Or maybe you have already lost your home or been evicted and are currently homeless and do not know where to go for help. The Pennsylvania Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) will help to assure that homelessness can be avoided, that anyone that is homeless can find needed refuge and care and that homeless and near homeless residents are assisted in moving toward self-sufficiency. Homeless assistance program services available include rental assistance, bridge housing, help paying rent, case management, and emergency shelter. Call your local county office.

Discounted Telephone Bills
The Lifeline program can provide you with a discount of up to $14 on your monthly telephone bill, and the Link Up program will help pay for the installation of a phone, or assist with the purchase of cellular phone.

Medical Assistance (MA)
Also can be sometimes referred to as Medicaid, can provide payment for health care services or medical bills on behalf of eligible low-income individuals that have limited income and high medical expenses. 1-800-274-3258

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I'm sorry that you are having problems. You are certainly not alone in this time time of financial upset. Has your boyfriend appealed his denial for unemployment? If not, then he should do so and quickly.

A fast food job for your boyfriend would pay enough to cover your shortfall each month.

Look on craigslist for odd jobs that might be a quick source of cash. There are scams on there, so be cautious. If he has access to a truck he might find there are people who would hire him to move things. There are also some people that need drivers to take them places. The blind, the disabled, the elderly, DUI offenders. Deliver pizza, drugstore delivery might be available for some pharmacies. The delivery jobs only work if they provide car and gas, or give a very generous gas allowance. Is he skilled in something that might be needed by people using craigslist? He can put an ad on there offering his services in whatever field he feels best suited for.

Yard work this time of year is a possibility also. Anything seasonal to tide you over. House painting, some plant nurseries are hiring now. Amusement parks, golf course, driving ranges all might be looking.

Don't forget to look at government job listings. When my son was out of work for over a year, he kept forgetting to looking at those sites.

Caretakers often are needed overnight. Usually those are just jobs helping the person get ready for bed and once they are down, the rest of the night is yours unless there is an emergency. And there is a demand for male assistants doing this work because a man will often prefer a male assistant.

Angel Ministries might be a help with your grocery bills. I've looked into them in the past and some of their packages seemed to be good deals. But I admit, I haven't checked them out in some time.

Does your library have internet access? If so then you could drop that at home. But with gas prices the way they are, if the library is not close it probably doesn't pay to do that.

Do you owe more on your car than you can sell it for? If not, and if you think you can find a used car for less than you can get for you current one, that might be an option. Is there a chance you can carpool to work with someone else? That would save on gas. You could take turns driving. If you pay your own utilities, make sure and turn off or adjust your heating and cooling when you are leaving apartment.

Good luck! I hope he finds something sooner rather than later.

Thank you all for the responses and Chelmo thank you for all that helpful information Wildwood, unfortunately I owe more on the car than I could get for it. I just got the car in Sept (after a woman had totaled my other car ) Deddlastt, I understand what you are saying, and I am sure that these credit people have heard all sorts of stories., however, I think they should take into consieration the economy and also the person's history with them. None of my payments have been late (since getting the loan) I was just trying to see what I can do in my case so I don't ruin that history with them because I know there may come a time if he doesn't find something soon that I may end up in a situation where my payment would end up being late. In the meantime, I am hoping something comes along for him soon and hoping for the best but also preparing for the worst.

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

My, you are having a bad year aren't you. I certainly will keep my fingers crossed that everything works out for you.

maybe this site could help Home - Modest Needs®

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Books just wanna be FREE! See what I mean at:
http://bookcrossing.com

My other favorites
www.paperbackswap.com
www.wheresgeorge.com
www.geocaching.com

I know your car loan is recent but have you asked about refinancing the car? We were able to have them extend the life of the loan by an extra year to lower our payment. Granted this was in 2003 but still an option. Are you renting an apartment or house? How is the rental market there? If there are a lot of rentals they might be willing to work with you because a tenant is better than not. If you are willing to let go of the storage unit why not do a garage sale with those items? There are some electrical companies that do the round up program from customers for instances like this. Call and ask for assistance with bills. Hope if these don't help there is someone out there with good advice or links to help. God bless and know you are in my thoughts.

Well, I am very sorry for what you are going through now with the loss of income. Maybe I listen to Dave Ramsey too much, but could your boyfriend deliver pizzas or something to come up with an extra $300 a month? It seems like it would save you a bit of heart ache. It would be better than having to go through all this worry. Hope it gets better.

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I don't suffer from insanity, I enjoy every minute of it!

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but, I was going to suggest selling off some of your possessions. I think you may have begun that, as I see your yard sale pricing thread.

I think you need to go into "survival mode" and scale back everywhere. No take out, fast food, extras of any kind. Do not run the A/C at home. Hang clothes to dry. Rip dryer sheets in half, you name it.

good Luck. You seem very resourceful so I am sure you will do OK.

BTW, I second what Crittles has said ..... B/F can deliver pizzas or whatever to get some money coming in. Has he been to a temp. agency?

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

Valorian, thank you for that link. I am going to try it, and see what happends

Sheripie, I asked about refinancing, but since the loan is new, I was told it can't be done. I am going to try giving the finance company another call (and following up with a letter)and speaking the top supervisor (i have tried talking to the supervisor of the reps) and seeing if anything can be done. My main worry is the car being repoed (my ex-husband had our car repoed when we first got married, and i don't want to live through that again) I need the car to go to work, and since I moved, there is no way I can carpool since no one lives near me The boro we live in provides the electric (it's odd to me, but we get one bill that is our water, electric and garbage) I talked to them, they want just $40 this week, which is half the bill and noted the account and said from that point on if I can pay $15-20 a month for the next 6 months (I won't need it that long, just until things return to normal)that they wouldn't charge us the late fees. As for the stuff in my storage unit, they locked us out of it because the payment wasn't received by the 10th, I have offered to pay half in two weeks and the balance two weeks after that and vacate the unit so I can sell the stuff to make some money, but the guy said no, and it is scheduled to be sold this friday at 2. It is kinda bitter sweet to lose a lot that is in there, but at the same time it will be one less bill I have to worry about.

It is going to be a long hard road until he finds something, but I have been through worse and made it. I have started sending my resumes out to law offices near me, and applying all over for a part time weekend job. I love my job, but if I can find something with a shorter commute but making the same or close to what i am now, i could then look for a part time job with more than just weekend hours. Since there are a few warehouses in the area, I have also put up flyers and an ad on craigslist offering night time and weekend childcare in my house. What amazes me is his family. I went out of my way for his parents when they came here to visit, and put up with them stealing from me and insulting me and my family , I gave up holidays to run to NY because his grandmother was playing sick for attention, we take his brother's kids constantly and he asked them if they could help him with a small loan until he gets something and they told him no and said "Maryann is working, tell her to get a part time job if you can't find anything" then asked him to do favors for them. His brother actually got mad and said "oh I guess you won't be taking the kids for the summer. I am not telling them to upset them, you are going to have to do that." My family (all I have is my dad, step-mom and brother) has done a lot. My dad got me some gas cards so he knows I can get back and fourth to work, he has also done all the maintance work to my car, and sent money for groceries so I could use that money to put towards another bill, my brother has taken my boyfriend to his job to try and get him in there (we have our fingers crossed that they call soon) and because of the distance i travel to and from work, he paid my verizon bill for two months. And in the middle of all this, we just found out that my step-mother has breast cancer, and will be having surgery soon, and at my dad's last dr appointment they told him he has a spot on his kidney, which he has to go back for another test in three weeks. Thanks again everyone for all your responses I truly appreciate it

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~~~~**Maryann**~~~~

I just got a firm grip on reality....
Now I can strangle it

There are kids too aren't there? Have you thought about food stamps? Do you have an Aldi's nearby?

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I've never lied to you. I've always told you some version the of truth.