I need to vent. Hate to do it, but I need to.

I am an extremely frugal person. I never spend unnecessary money. We are kinda poor. Not homeless or anything extreme, just barely get by....anyway! I don't expect nothing from you all, just want to vent about it, so here goes....

I recently started a new job and all is going good. However, I have been bombarded by bills and extra bills.

Something went haywire with our electric bill last month and our bill skyrocketed and it is $665.00 for part of last month and this month....I have no recourse other than to pay it....no extensions, no assistance, etc.... SO that is like a MAJOR problem for me.

3 weeks ago, my son had to get new eyeglasses because he was having difficulty seeing, so that was another $125 and within a week, my daughter broke hers and had to get new frames, so there's another $50......Then yesterday, my son comes home from school and his glasses broke in half! He had fallen down, so my only recourse is to replace them at MY own expense....looking at about another $100 AND he is blind as a bat, so he MUST have his glasses asap!!

I hit a deer with my car a few weeks ago, but was drivable but not at night as it knocked my headlights out. I managed for weeks. My inspection sticker was due for renewal and couldn't get it without repairing the headlights....You guessed it! That cost me $155 for the parts, hubby fixed it so I saved on labor, BUT had to pay $20 more for the cost of the inspection sticker.
BUT I have wires coming out of two of my tires, so I promised to inspector that I would get tires asap so, for safety purposes, I "need" to do that too! There's another $100+ that I need!

Tomorrow, two of the kids MUST go to the dentist.....and who knows what that will cost! One is for braces, so there's a financial burden in the making!

Real Estate & personal property taxes are coming up too, so I gotta pay those and that's another $200

And that's ALL IN ADDITION to the normal stuff that we have to have like groceries, gas, school stuff, lunches, etc and the normal living expenses.......

And let's not forget Christmas / Santa is coming up soon.

I do my normal full time job, plus any odd job that I can pick up on top of being extremely frugal. I coupon. I refund. And I just feel that there is no end in sight. I don't know what else to do other than vent!

Again, I don't expect anything from you all. I just wanted to let it out before I explode . Thanks for listening.

Other than being upset at the fact of having to pay out this stuff and not having the money. It really upsets me and makes me feel like a bad mom for not being able to 'provide' for my kids immediately. Like, my son 'needs' those glasses fixed today, but I have zero money to do that today, so it will have to wait and that just makes me feel so bad. My oldest son needs a book cover which is required for school and I can't afford to run out and get that, which makes me feel bad too. I guess it's all compiling on me and I am feeling pitiful in more ways than one. Anyway, Thanks for listening..

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

(((((HUGS)))))

I have been stuck at times where it seems like it never, never, never ends.....Everytime you turn around there is something else....It's not easy and it can be extremely stressful. I hope things calm down for you soon.

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Wayne Woodrow “Woody” Hayes

O-H-I-O

Can you ask the Lions club with help on the glasses ? They are wonderful.

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Boy do I ever know what you mean - things always seem to happen all at once - and then you feel like you can never catch up again!!! We just spent almost a $1000 on both boys teeth at the dentist office and that was after dental insurance - no we didn't have the money to spend so had to put it on a credit card - OUCH!!!! Don't think we will ever get out of debt!!!

And yes Real Estate Taxes are just killing us here - with it being up again this year and now close to $2500!!!!!

I hope that things begin to lookup for you!!!! I too am willing to do any odd job out there in order to get more money into this house so we can pay the bills which never seem to end - it's like once you pay the bill - another comes along!!!

I think we can all relate here. We've all been through it. I think it is part of why we coupon and refund. I have a suggestion on the glasses. Buy the insurance for them. With 2 kids wearing glasses, spend the little extra when you buy the glasses and get the insurance for them. It does not cover the lenses if I remember correctly, but it does cover the frames and will probably save you alot in the long run as kids are rough on glasses. I always got it with my son as he is irresponsible.

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Love like you've never been hurt, and
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MyCoupons Is #1 for Holiday Shopping

I think we can all relate here. We've all been through it. I think it is part of why we coupon and refund. I have a suggestion on the glasses. Buy the insurance for them. With 2 kids wearing glasses, spend the little extra when you buy the glasses and get the insurance for them. It does not cover the lenses if I remember correctly, but it does cover the frames and will probably save you alot in the long run as kids are rough on glasses. I always got it with my son as he is irresponsible.

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Work like you don't need the money,
Love like you've never been hurt, and
Dance like you do when nobody's watching.

MyCoupons Is #1 for Holiday Shopping

I am sorry so much is going on. If you have to get new glasses you might want to goto www.zennioptical.com. they have good glasses for cheap. all you need is a script!. HTH steph

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Sending a hug your way. We have all been there...some of us more recent than others.

Can you get the glasses somewhere else to save on money?

Some power companies will let you average your bill over the year, as long as you are current. Is this something that might help?

Anyway...I remember all too well how around every turn is a bill or expense waiting. It will pass.

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Wish I had more to give than moral support. Just take it day by day. As much as it sucks, you will get through it somehow. I need to listen to my own advice though. We are going through tough times right now too and it just makes ya' feel hopeless huh? One thing I have been doing is really cutting back on my grocery spending. -looking for milk, bread, meats, fresh veggies and fruits on sale, and only buying anything else if it is free or almost free w/ coupons. The meals are getting pretty interesting here on some days, I just have to be more creative. I understand your frustration!!!

I'm sorry about all your financial problems.

Will the place that you bought the glasses at not fix them for free? When we get my oldest daughter her glasses, we get them at sears. They replace them for free for a year. The warranty is free there. They've given us new frames once and were able to fix them the 2nd time she broke them. Places that sell kids glasses should include some type of warranty since, let's face it, kids are kids and they break things sometimes. I'd check w/the place you bought them at about getting them repaired for free. It won't hurt to ask.

As far as the book cover, can you use a brown paper bag? That's why my oldest does for her book covers. She prefers them to the store bought ones. If you don't have any brown paper, what about using the backside of wrapping paper? If you HAVE to buy one, I'd send a note in and tell them you're unable to get to the store until next week and that you'll get one then. They don't need to know WHY. I'm sure they will make an exception if you let them know that you can't do it until next week.

Again, I'm sorry about your financial troubles. I hope things get better soon.

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Amy
Mom to Lauren, Eryn, Naysa
and announcing......
Gavin Michael Chase, 9 lbs 10 ozs
and 21 3/4 inches long on 10/13/09!

((HUGS))

SOmetimes the electric company will allow you to take that huge bill and split it up over a few months, adding a little more to your normal bill. That may at least help some.
As for the glasses, do you have several places to choose from in your area? If so, Eyemasters usually always has a 1/2 off sale, Walmart did have a back to school special with kids frames as cheap as $8 and I agree with the other person who said get the insurance! I got my last pair of glasses at Eyemaster and paid $30 for the insurance. It will cost me $20 to replace the frames if they break and $10 for the lenses. So $30 for a new pair of glasses if necessary. It was worth it as I paid $175 for the glasses even at 1/2 off!! Now my luck is, I'll never have to use the insurance especially since I never wear the glasses, LOL...oh well....see, we all make decisions and then wonder why.
Don't be hard on yourself, you ARE A GREAT MOM.....because at least you care about your kids, have a job and provide as best as you can. It will all work out. Wish there was more I could do!

What state are you in? Maybe you can qualify for the kids health program or medical assistance. Look up your state assistance office and call them to see what their income guidelines are. There are lots of programs that you may be eligible for. Hope it gets better for you

Sorry to hear of the difficulties ...

Sounds like you have investigated the problem with your electric bill. If not, I would make sure they got the meter reading correct. Wouldn't want another month of that problem.

Here is a hug for support (((((HUG)))))))

and your not a bad mom so stop that. again ((((HUG))))))

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Laura
Please visit my blog
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yep, been there as well. When it rains it pours (at least around here).

For the glasses: we have a chain around here (I *think* it's Drs Visionworks) and you can get 2 pairs of prescription glasses for $99. They probably aren't where you are but worth a shot

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

((((HUGS))) We've been in your situation many times. Call the electric company again. This time they might help. Ask for a supervisor if the person tells you they can't help. If the supervisor won't help, ask for his boss. The supervisor may suddenly be able to help. What happened to you with the electric happened to us also. We were told there was nothing they could do. When I told the supervisor I wanted to speak to her boss, suddenly she could help me work out a payment plan. It can't hurt to try.
Good Luck.
You are not a bad mom. The kids know you love them and are doing the best you can. That is what counts.

I second using brown paper or wrapping paper. Are you crafty. Maybe you can make one out of an old t-shirt of his that he loves but out grew? Shouldn't be that hard to make.
Hope this helpd.

((((HUGS))) again. It will get better,
Judy

I second ZenniOptical.com . I have used them a couple of times now and I'm very pleased with their service and quality of product. I had DS as the Eye Doc (He has insurance I don't.) the other day and was complimented on my glasses.

I so know what you mean, everything has just come due here too, on top of these crazy electric bills. Just this morning I canceled netflix and am considering lowering our Dish Network package, just to help somewhat.

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Any chance you got the glasses at Wal-mart??? Or used a credit card to pay for them??? Sometimes the c/c will cover the damage. I "think" Wal-mart covers the frame for a year??? My son lost 2 pairs....LOST them, so, I know how you feel.

On a brighter note, you have your health, I hope. Just keep plugging along.

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I hope everything works out...

Thank you all so much. These posts made a world of difference. AND I am looking into some of the suggestions. Thank you all and I mean that from the bottom of my heart!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com

I don't know where you live but around here there is a dental college and you can get dental work done on a sliding scale basis at the clinic. You might check into that, even if you have to go to a larger nearby city. If that isn't an option, then I think most expensive dental work can be put on a payment plan. You should discuss it with the dentist before hand. In fact discuss it before you walk in the door with his office help. Be sure and tell them you have no insurance and ask whether there are discounts available. Sometimes the office help have more say on what you are charged than you would think. I was surprised when I went to the dentist for a root canal and said I couldn't afford it. The gals started watching for the dentist and talking real low to each other and somehow the price got lowered. Also shop around. A few years ago I was looking into an implant and got several price quotes over the phone. They ranged from 2200 to 4500.

If your electric bill went crazy and you don't know why, you need to find out why and quickly, in case it happens again.

As for your property taxes, I know it sounds like one more thing to make your life miserable, but ours is well over 4000 this year, thanks to a lousy system here and not quite enough outrage yet to get the government to make some changes.

I wish you well. I know that you are feeling scared and helpless right now. But hopefully things will get better and soon.

I was going to suggest several answers that others wrote. Brown paper bag for cover. Check with the electric company about how high the bill is and then a payment plan. I had 3 kids in glasses all starting at the age of 4 plus my dh and myself. We always tried for the best deal and then it was on a rotating basis. I took my kids to the dentist but they did not give braces as soon as they do now. So we waited. My second son had the two front teeth pushed in. I took him thinking braces and the dentist said wait. 2 years later his teeth were straight on their own. When my boys were in high school they got their wisdom teeth taken out by a dentist who was doing a study (It was free). Hang in there. Things get better. Remember you have your health.

Have you contacted the electric company to see if they will look into why your electric was so high?Also,if they cannot find the reason,make a plan with them to pay your ususl bill amount,and some towards the high bill.
Several times,my children have broken thier glasses,and the eye dr they were bought from,replaced them free,because they were not yet a year old.They have replaced broken frames,scratched lenses,etc.The poster who suggested contacting the lions,is right.They do help with childrens glasses and eye exams.They have no income limit either.If you cannot afford them right now,they will pay,no questions asked.call your local lions club and inquire.
There is also an online glasses store called 39dollarglasses.com look there if you have to after checking with your eye dr,and the lions about replacements.

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People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life. - Faith Resnick

hi
you said that you do some odd jobs, how about scrap metal recycling?
last week dh an i cleaned his shop and halled some old stoves and some metal, we got $42 and got rid of trash.
lots of people put ads in the paper for free metal junk removal.
look around your town for a metal scrap company, and ask how much they pay. you don't have to strip it from palstic.
for stripped aluminium they pay more, and for copper they pay even higher.
sending good vibes towards you, wish you prosperity and good luck

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"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe."
Albert Einstein

Any chance you have old frames laying around the house from your child's 'last year'/old prescription? Take them in to where you purchased them and see if the technician can hand cut the lenses down to fit the old frames. My daughter's frames just broke twice in a row--we purchased them at Wal-Mart and the optometrist told us that they think they got some bad frames recently that had been sitting in a warehouse for a long time. This has never happened before so I know my daughter didn't break them (she's 11), she was just putting them on and they broke in half. We bought them during the 2 for $80 sale recently so they replaced the frames for free both times, but the second time he hand cut the lenses to fit a different frame as they didn't have the original one in stock any longer. Hope that makes sense. I always buy that second pair of glasses during the half off deal, you save money in the long run with kids. I also believe that if you buy the glasses at Sam's Club, they come with a more extensive warranty (can't remember what all they told me--the glasses are more expensive up front but the warranty is wonderful). We're Wal-Mart associates so it's a better deal for us at the store not the club.

Boy, I tell ya, it seems like most of the world is in the same situation you're in right now. I know we are always playing the catch up game too. It stinks I know. Taxes are killing everyone, I hope everyone seriously considers the raising of taxes when voting for the next elected officials. There are some pretty scary things being said about taxes by the presidential candidates right now. I think we are about taxed to death now. Bills/cost of living is going up faster than pay that's for sure.

I hope it's a comfort to know that a lot of others are in your similar situation. Just keep telling yourself, hey, it can always be worse/there are a lot of people out there in much worse situations. Eek--that's what I always tell myself in a bad situation and it helps me get back on track. Sending good vibes your way....

I didn't see much mention about the brades. I would put off braces if there are out-of-pocket expenses for those (which there typically are) unless they are a serious medical neccessity (TMJ, etc). That seems like the easiest - and most costly - item on your list to put off.

Perhaps get a copy of Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey and see if you can put his ideas (or others like them) to work for you long-term. Good luck with your situation....it will work out!

cj/

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I was walking home one night and a guy hammering on a roof called me a paranoid little weirdo. In morse code. -Emo Phillips

Call the electric and see if you can find someone to work thru it with you, they will do most anything to keep your electric from being cut off, they are way better to work with in most places then anyone else.
Call your local Social Services because if your children can not get medcaid there are other plans, here in VA. it is called FAMIS which had pretty much the same benefits with low low co=pays in some cases, see if there is a free clinic also in your area..
Been there, done that, still wearing the t-shirt

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"Cast upon this globe without physical strength or innate ideas, incapable in himself of obeying fundamental laws of this nature which call him to the supreme place in the universe, it is only in the heart of society that man can attain the pre-eminent position which is his natural destiny. Without the aide of civilization he would be one of the feeblest and least intelligent of animals.."
Jean-Marc-Gaspard Itard

Not feeling much better, BUT thanks to some of your advice I have managed some of the following:

I checked several of the Vision sites mentioned and the Zenni site is awesome, HOWEVER, I couldn't wait two weeks for delivery for my son...BUT that is an alternative I am looking into when it comes time renew or simply buy an extra pair. *Thanks posters for that site BUT I did manage to go to Walmart Vision Center and was able to get a brand new pair of cute glasses for $40....so ultimately I saved at LEAST $60 by going there!

I tried to contact the electric company and because I have been deliquent on the bill in the past, they would not offer any extension or payment plans until this bill is paid in full...which is helping much now

As far as the dentist (which I still feel a lil guilty about) I called the insurance to check out the deductible, which I knew would be high, because the insurance isn't any good. Anyway, the deductible is $150 per child per year and I have three that were going to the dentist this month. So, I had to cancel the appointment as I can not afford that. BUT while doing some thought, I decided that rather than pay all of that now and have to meet the deductible again in January, that I should just wait it out til January. THEN it occured to me that I am going to try and call the Dental Care facility for low income families. BUT the catch is they aren't available til November. So, either way, I have had to postpone the dentist appointments.

I have picked up a very small side job to help out next week. It will only pay $10, for mopping a floor in a business. But heck, that's $10 and it is not costing me anything, because it is already in the building that I work in, so I will be there anyway and will not cost me gas or anything else.

And I got a $20 refund check in the mail, so that's $20 more to put towards my electric bill.

Anyway, I wanted to say THANK YOU all so much. The words of encouragement and the advice has helped tremendously.

Thank you and I will gladly listen to any other suggestions that are posted. So, if you have any, post 'em!

Thanks again!

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email is moserlara@yahoo.com