If you've experienced a job loss or a paycut, then your head is probably spinning from fear and confusion of what to do next. It doesn't help that you keep hearing all over the media about the unemployment rate going up and the availability of jobs going down.
You also probably have the very real fear of losing your home. How can you pay for your rent or your mortgage when you don't have enough money? What can you do? What are your options? I'm going to try to help you in this area.
First of all, if you don't have a budget, make one. You need to write down all of your monthly obligations and total them out. Then you'll know how much money you need. Also, a budget only works if you follow it, so try to avoid any impulsive expenditures.
Of course, you have to have enough money to make your budget work. If you're having trouble in this area due this bad economy, there are programs out there to help you.
My state has a program called The Utah Department of Workforce Services (here is their website: http://www.jobs.utah.gov/jobseeker/dwsdefault.asp). Through this program you can find out how to see if you qualify for financial assistance, food stamps, health care, or it can even help you look for another job. Check your state government website to find out what programs they have in your state.
Are you low income and having trouble paying your utilities? Winter is a hard time when it comes to paying that gas bill. In my state we have a program called HEAT (http://housing.utah.gov/seal/heat.html). Those who qualify for this program can get help paying for their gas and electric bills. Our program opens in November and goes until it runs out of money. Check with your utility company and they should be able to tell of the programs available in your particular area.
Do you have children in school? See if you qualify for free or reduced lunch. Many schools also offer breakfast to your children. This can really help you lower your food bill. The program is confidential, so no one else will know if you're paying for your kids' food or not.
Call your mortgage company, if you have one. See what options they have available to you. Don't give up if you don't get the answers you're looking for the first time you call. Your answer there is only as good as the person's knowledge who works there. Sometimes, oddly enough, the person you're talking to may not know what your options are, so ask to speak to their supervisor.
Sometimes you can modify your home loan and add what you've fallen behind on to the end of your mortgage. Sometimes they can even lower your interest rate or your payment to make it more affordable to you. They can also help you negotiate a short sale on your home, if that's what you need to do. Check with your mortgage company.
I checked to see what my mortgage company, Countrywide Home Loans, offers. They have their Financial Hardship Program information listed on their website (http://my.countrywide.com/media/FinancialAssistance.html). Your mortgage company's website might be a good place for you to start looking.
Also, you might want to try going to your church. Many churches have programs and funds available to those in need. The church I go to helps many people with food and other necessities. Check to see what's available to you in that avenue. Don't lose faith. We have to go through these hard times to get to the good times. It can be scary, but realize that God is there for you and will take care of you. He may not always take you in the direction you want to go, but trust that He knows better than you.
I hope these tips will help you in your hard time. If you know of any other resources out there that I haven't listed, please let me know.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
How to Make a Some Extra Cash at Home
There are quite a few things that you can do for some extra spending cash, and this post is going to focus on just a few of them. First, don't panic. You need to have a clear head so that you can consider your options. Honestly, when things started going south in my family, I had to fight the instinct to shut myself off from everyone.
There are so many things you can do at home. If you have writing skills you can generate income by doing freelance work. Here are some places to start:
http://www.ehow.com/
http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm
http://workathomedesk.com/directory/writing-editing-proofreading-work-at-home-jobs.htm
http://www.today.com/register-new/.
Aluminum cans can generate a little extra cash. You can just save what you use at home, or go out and collect them to get even more. If you want to know where you can cash them in, Earth911 is a good place to start (http://earth911.com/).
If you're not interested in going that route, try going through your old things. It's not quite yard sale season in my neck of the woods, but you can sell on ebay all year long. If you have a digital camera, a computer, and items you and your family aren't using anymore, set up an account on ebay and make some money off of them! I found a good article with some tips on selling for ebay on eHow by static404: http://www.ehow.com/how_4773666_sell-ebay-success-easy-steps.html.
You can also do surveys from home. This doesn't generate a lot of cash, but it can definitely help. I've found these legitimate companies:
Sendearnings
Inbox Dollars
Tiktik Cash
Surveyspot
The easiest $5 I ever made was from Nielson Netratings Panel. All you have to do is download their software (no malware included, I promise) and enter in the information for your household. Then, when you use your computer, a window comes up asking who's using it, you click your name and then go about your business as usual. Every three months I get a $5 check for doing practically nothing. Plus, they send me free entries into their weekly sweepstakes for my participation.
So, these are a few of my ideas to help you through this hard time. Feel free to let me know of any others you have learned. I wish you all the best!
!
There are so many things you can do at home. If you have writing skills you can generate income by doing freelance work. Here are some places to start:
http://www.ehow.com/
http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm
http://workathomedesk.com/directory/writing-editing-proofreading-work-at-home-jobs.htm
http://www.today.com/register-new/.
Aluminum cans can generate a little extra cash. You can just save what you use at home, or go out and collect them to get even more. If you want to know where you can cash them in, Earth911 is a good place to start (http://earth911.com/).
If you're not interested in going that route, try going through your old things. It's not quite yard sale season in my neck of the woods, but you can sell on ebay all year long. If you have a digital camera, a computer, and items you and your family aren't using anymore, set up an account on ebay and make some money off of them! I found a good article with some tips on selling for ebay on eHow by static404: http://www.ehow.com/how_4773666_sell-ebay-success-easy-steps.html.
You can also do surveys from home. This doesn't generate a lot of cash, but it can definitely help. I've found these legitimate companies:
Sendearnings
Inbox Dollars
Tiktik Cash
Surveyspot
The easiest $5 I ever made was from Nielson Netratings Panel. All you have to do is download their software (no malware included, I promise) and enter in the information for your household. Then, when you use your computer, a window comes up asking who's using it, you click your name and then go about your business as usual. Every three months I get a $5 check for doing practically nothing. Plus, they send me free entries into their weekly sweepstakes for my participation.
So, these are a few of my ideas to help you through this hard time. Feel free to let me know of any others you have learned. I wish you all the best!
!
Lower Your Monthly Bills without Losing a Thing!
I've decided that today I'm going to share a few tips on how I lowered our monthly bills with very little time and effort. The best part of this is that it doesn't hurt your credit, you get more for your money, and just about anyone can do it.
When my husband's hours got cut at work, one of the first things I did was sit down at my computer to go over my budget. Yes, I have a budget, and I've found it very useful in keeping our finances in line over the years.
What could I cut? We were already eating all our meals at home. I was packing breakfast and lunch for my husband, and making good, but inexpensive dinners. Our entertainment fund was already severely cut and I was maximizing my grocery savings (see how I did this at http://www.ehow.com/how_4800520_save-money-groceries.html). What else was there?
Medical bills are one of the easiest creditors to negotiate a lower rate with. In my case, I called and asked that my $50 a month payments be dropped to $25. I explained our situation and they were more than happy to work with me. They also charge me no interest as long as I make my payment every month.
I called our satellite company. We've been with Dish Network for almost eight years now. We found them to be cheaper with more channels than our local cable company and we've had very few problems with reception. Before I called them, I looked at what they were offering new customers. I also compared them to the competition (Here it is DirectTV--who also happens to bundle with my phone company, so I knew I could get a discounted rate with them).
I knew what I wanted and called them to see if they would give it to me. Once I let them know that I was a longstanding customer, was aware of their promotions and that I was tempted by their competition, they were more than happy to work with me. They gave me a $10 credit per month on my bill for five months, free Dish Home Protection Plan on my equipment for nine months. Free Premium HD Programming for three months, Free HBO, Showtime and Starz for three months, and 12 months of Cinemax for a penny.
I called my phone company (Qwest, who also provides my DSL) to see if they would do the same type of thing. They were less willing to work with me even though I've been a good customer for nearly four years. So I called their competition (Comcast). I asked what their current promotions were for phone and internet.
I found that I could get faster internet than what I currently have (test your internet speed here: http://www.speedtest.net/index.php), unlimited long distance (which I have now), and more phone features for nearly $40 less than I'm currently paying. There is a small catch to this in that my rate would go up after six months, but I can downgrade for free with no problems.
Also, even once I downgrade I would be getting the same speed of internet that I currently have and still have the bonus phone features for $35 less a month than what I pay now. I also get to keep my current phone number, so I can't lose! When I asked them if they were still offering deals on installation charges (which regularly run $100 for the two services together), they asked what special I was looking for. I turned the question back on them and asked what was the best one they could offer me. I got it for $25 total!
So you can definitely get what you want for less if you know how to do it, and I've just told you how. Just be informed, know what's available, let them know that you have less income, but want to keep your services with them, but will go to their competition if necessary.
If you have any more ideas on how to save money, I'd be glad to hear them!
When my husband's hours got cut at work, one of the first things I did was sit down at my computer to go over my budget. Yes, I have a budget, and I've found it very useful in keeping our finances in line over the years.
What could I cut? We were already eating all our meals at home. I was packing breakfast and lunch for my husband, and making good, but inexpensive dinners. Our entertainment fund was already severely cut and I was maximizing my grocery savings (see how I did this at http://www.ehow.com/how_4800520_save-money-groceries.html). What else was there?
Medical bills are one of the easiest creditors to negotiate a lower rate with. In my case, I called and asked that my $50 a month payments be dropped to $25. I explained our situation and they were more than happy to work with me. They also charge me no interest as long as I make my payment every month.
I called our satellite company. We've been with Dish Network for almost eight years now. We found them to be cheaper with more channels than our local cable company and we've had very few problems with reception. Before I called them, I looked at what they were offering new customers. I also compared them to the competition (Here it is DirectTV--who also happens to bundle with my phone company, so I knew I could get a discounted rate with them).
I knew what I wanted and called them to see if they would give it to me. Once I let them know that I was a longstanding customer, was aware of their promotions and that I was tempted by their competition, they were more than happy to work with me. They gave me a $10 credit per month on my bill for five months, free Dish Home Protection Plan on my equipment for nine months. Free Premium HD Programming for three months, Free HBO, Showtime and Starz for three months, and 12 months of Cinemax for a penny.
I called my phone company (Qwest, who also provides my DSL) to see if they would do the same type of thing. They were less willing to work with me even though I've been a good customer for nearly four years. So I called their competition (Comcast). I asked what their current promotions were for phone and internet.
I found that I could get faster internet than what I currently have (test your internet speed here: http://www.speedtest.net/index.php), unlimited long distance (which I have now), and more phone features for nearly $40 less than I'm currently paying. There is a small catch to this in that my rate would go up after six months, but I can downgrade for free with no problems.
Also, even once I downgrade I would be getting the same speed of internet that I currently have and still have the bonus phone features for $35 less a month than what I pay now. I also get to keep my current phone number, so I can't lose! When I asked them if they were still offering deals on installation charges (which regularly run $100 for the two services together), they asked what special I was looking for. I turned the question back on them and asked what was the best one they could offer me. I got it for $25 total!
So you can definitely get what you want for less if you know how to do it, and I've just told you how. Just be informed, know what's available, let them know that you have less income, but want to keep your services with them, but will go to their competition if necessary.
If you have any more ideas on how to save money, I'd be glad to hear them!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Can I Start Sharing the Financial Burden?
I've spent much of my marriage content to let my husband make the bulk of our income. It was convenient for me because it enabled me to spend as much quality time with my kids as I wanted. It seems those days are coming to an end, and I'm left with mixed feelings about it.
My husband has been cut down on his hours at work. This was nothing new at first, he's a journeyman plumber, and so the company he's been working at for 14 years has definitely been affected by this economy. Nearly two years ago he went from working 60 hours a week down to around 45. Honestly, we were all a bit thrilled by this because it meant that we got to spend more time as a family with him.
Last year he was lucky to make 40 hours. It made things tight for Christmas, but forced me to look for ways to save money, and I feel very enlightened as a result. I'm a coupon-clipping, internet searching fool now, and loving every minute of it.
Now, he's been cut down to just over 30 hours. I have to admit, I'm more than a little fearful about this. We have a little money in the bank, but that's only going to cover the loss for so long. It's made me more creative in how I manage my bills and creditors too. But for once, that's not going to be enough to keep our heads above water.
Hubby suggested he get a second job. While I didn't denounce that idea, it got me thinking: why should the financial burden be placed solely on him? What can I do to help him? What's more, what can I do that won't take me away from home and my kids?
My answer? Writing. I'm happy to get back to it after a long break. I've started writing articles for eHow.com, I've started networking to draw more attention to my writing and I've learned that it's possible to make money doing something I really love to do. How much money? I don't know yet, but it's good to vent while I'm finding out.
My husband has been cut down on his hours at work. This was nothing new at first, he's a journeyman plumber, and so the company he's been working at for 14 years has definitely been affected by this economy. Nearly two years ago he went from working 60 hours a week down to around 45. Honestly, we were all a bit thrilled by this because it meant that we got to spend more time as a family with him.
Last year he was lucky to make 40 hours. It made things tight for Christmas, but forced me to look for ways to save money, and I feel very enlightened as a result. I'm a coupon-clipping, internet searching fool now, and loving every minute of it.
Now, he's been cut down to just over 30 hours. I have to admit, I'm more than a little fearful about this. We have a little money in the bank, but that's only going to cover the loss for so long. It's made me more creative in how I manage my bills and creditors too. But for once, that's not going to be enough to keep our heads above water.
Hubby suggested he get a second job. While I didn't denounce that idea, it got me thinking: why should the financial burden be placed solely on him? What can I do to help him? What's more, what can I do that won't take me away from home and my kids?
My answer? Writing. I'm happy to get back to it after a long break. I've started writing articles for eHow.com, I've started networking to draw more attention to my writing and I've learned that it's possible to make money doing something I really love to do. How much money? I don't know yet, but it's good to vent while I'm finding out.
Getting Back on the Horse, so to Speak
So I've taken some time off of writing for a while. Why? Because my family grew from five to six last year. This is, of course, counting my spouse and me. I'm not that crazy--yet.
I'm very happy spending my time taking care of my family. To me, along with God, they come first. There's nothing more gratifying than knowing that you are helping to send a great person out into the world. At least, that's what I hope I'm doing. It's what I'm trying to do anyway.
I've always loved to write, for as long as I can remember. At nine years old I was drawing up my own children's books and trying to sell them to my neighbors for a quarter! No, I'm not kidding. I even managed to catch one nice grandmother on a good day and she bought one from me.
In sixth grade I was making story books for the kindergarten classes. This meant I got out of my classwork long enough to go read my creation to the kiddies. That was cerainly a plus!
By junior high I was writing poetry. All of it was about love, of course. My friends thought I was brilliant, and I have to admit it went to my head. I have to laugh now when I go back and read some of what I wrote then. At least I can say that I had a knack for rhyming.
In high school the school newspaper caught my eye. I spent my last three years on staff and doing mainly book reviews because they were the easiest and most entertaining for me. Of course, I'd have done better if I'd reviewed more of what other people were interested in, and not the romance books I was obsessed with at the time. My teacher did manage to yank a few public interest and feature articles out of me, and even patted me on the back for them, but they were never my preference.
My Creative Writing class was a blessing to me. I got to learn that not all poetry has to rhyme. I also learned that I wasn't nearly as good at it as I thought I was. But I found a love for creating fiction. It's stuck with me ever since and I have a long list of short stories to show for it.
I'd planned on going out into the world, becoming a world famous novelist, and maybe, eventually starting a family. You know what they say about best laid plans...
Instead, I fell inlove, got married, graduated as one of eight valedictorians (I only wish I were kidding), and gave up my full scholarship to start a family. Yes, it was exactly in that order.
Once I became a mother, I tried to continue writing, but my hands were so full of learning to be a mommy to my beautiful baby boy. Over the years he was followed-up with three perfect baby girls. Since adding to my family, I've picked up my writing now and again, whenever time, and yes, inspiration allowed.
I'm hoping to make a bigger impression in that world of writing this time. I'm ready to get back on the horse. I'm ready to start juggling more things and to learn and grow more as a writer and as a mother.
As a result of this particular juggling act, I've written two articles on eHow. I would love for you read them, as I think they will apply to most people in this hard economy. I planning on making a habit/job of this. Wish me luck!
How to Bring Your Family Closer Together without spending a lot of money
http://www.ehow.com/how_4799283_together-spending-lot-of-money.html
How to Save Money On Groceries
http://www.ehow.com/how_4800520_save-money-groceries.html
I'm very happy spending my time taking care of my family. To me, along with God, they come first. There's nothing more gratifying than knowing that you are helping to send a great person out into the world. At least, that's what I hope I'm doing. It's what I'm trying to do anyway.
I've always loved to write, for as long as I can remember. At nine years old I was drawing up my own children's books and trying to sell them to my neighbors for a quarter! No, I'm not kidding. I even managed to catch one nice grandmother on a good day and she bought one from me.
In sixth grade I was making story books for the kindergarten classes. This meant I got out of my classwork long enough to go read my creation to the kiddies. That was cerainly a plus!
By junior high I was writing poetry. All of it was about love, of course. My friends thought I was brilliant, and I have to admit it went to my head. I have to laugh now when I go back and read some of what I wrote then. At least I can say that I had a knack for rhyming.
In high school the school newspaper caught my eye. I spent my last three years on staff and doing mainly book reviews because they were the easiest and most entertaining for me. Of course, I'd have done better if I'd reviewed more of what other people were interested in, and not the romance books I was obsessed with at the time. My teacher did manage to yank a few public interest and feature articles out of me, and even patted me on the back for them, but they were never my preference.
My Creative Writing class was a blessing to me. I got to learn that not all poetry has to rhyme. I also learned that I wasn't nearly as good at it as I thought I was. But I found a love for creating fiction. It's stuck with me ever since and I have a long list of short stories to show for it.
I'd planned on going out into the world, becoming a world famous novelist, and maybe, eventually starting a family. You know what they say about best laid plans...
Instead, I fell inlove, got married, graduated as one of eight valedictorians (I only wish I were kidding), and gave up my full scholarship to start a family. Yes, it was exactly in that order.
Once I became a mother, I tried to continue writing, but my hands were so full of learning to be a mommy to my beautiful baby boy. Over the years he was followed-up with three perfect baby girls. Since adding to my family, I've picked up my writing now and again, whenever time, and yes, inspiration allowed.
I'm hoping to make a bigger impression in that world of writing this time. I'm ready to get back on the horse. I'm ready to start juggling more things and to learn and grow more as a writer and as a mother.
As a result of this particular juggling act, I've written two articles on eHow. I would love for you read them, as I think they will apply to most people in this hard economy. I planning on making a habit/job of this. Wish me luck!
How to Bring Your Family Closer Together without spending a lot of money
http://www.ehow.com/how_4799283_together-spending-lot-of-money.html
How to Save Money On Groceries
http://www.ehow.com/how_4800520_save-money-groceries.html
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