I am admitting I have a problem

xxpipedreamxx · #1 10/19/2007, 10:04 AM

Well to add to the fact that I am still having MAJOR issues in my marriage, we are flat broke. I mean FLAT broke. 20 bucks in the bank, no gas in the car, an empty fridge, a crying toddler, and bills that haven't been paid yet. I have never EVER paid a bill late a day in my life! For those of you that don't know why we are broke, here goes... well the military had been overpaying us for months and we had no clue as the paychecks were still about the same really. Well right before the reenlistment, they decided to start taking it back in huge amounts right after we decided to move into our new townhome and paid out an extra 600 in one paycheck. Now, we don't know what to do. I know on the first we will be fine but it is still pretty far away. The reenlistment was Wednesday so I am praying we get the bonus on the first. I am selling anything and everything of value here but so far nothing has sold. It's a major headache to say the least. Sad things is, we still do not even have our furniture here so I am trying to sell what little we do have. Well enough rambling, my family just needs some prayers and good Karma right now.

dwd5813 · #2 10/19/2007, 10:11 AM

good luck, i know what being that broke feels like.

xxpipedreamxx · #3 10/19/2007, 10:13 AM

Yeah, it would have been nice to see this one coming, because I would have waited another month to move.

dc · #4 10/19/2007, 10:17 AM

Hopefully you guys can get over this hump and be stronger for it. Good luck and Karma coming your way.

joeychitwood · #5 10/19/2007, 10:17 AM

I've been in your shoes money-wise, a student with 23 cents in checking, savings and cash, no formula for the baby, a wife and rent due. I had to borrow money from my parents to get by. We dug our way out of the hole with a ton of hard work and sacrifice, and it has made me appreciate every dime I've ever had since. Good luck, and don't give up.

Nina51 · #6 10/19/2007, 10:19 AM

sorry you're going through such a rough time. being in the military, i don't know if you would be eligible for some assistance elsewhere but there is no shame in asking for help when you are in such dire straights, especially when you have a young child to consider.

i'm guessing the marriage issues are perhaps a result of the money situation and when that improves, hopefully the marriage problems will go away. best of luck to you, sending good karma your way.

crp · #7 10/19/2007, 10:21 AM

Been there, done that, still have the scars.

Keep plugging away, things will get better.

HUGS!

xxpipedreamxx · #8 10/19/2007, 10:24 AM

Well Nina the marriage issues do not really have anything to do with the money, but the money started the arguments. As for financial assistance, we make WAY too much money to get any type of help. We have been through this before, but it was in the very beginning of our marriage and the hubby was overseas so there was less food being eaten, gas used since I stay at home, ect. I had a scheduled interview for tomorrow only making 6 dollars an hour and working minimal part time, but I had to call and say sorry but no because I can not go buy a pair of khaki pants

I was already hired and on the work schedule and I have been wanting to work at this particular place for over a year. Oh well maybe later. As for asking for money from family, his parents could spare 50 and mine only 30 and that doesn't even cover one bill

Fat Man · #9 10/19/2007, 10:26 AM

Have you talked with the folks in the payroll office to see if they can be gentler in their reclamation of over paid wages? They after all overpaid you.

xxpipedreamxx · #10 10/19/2007, 10:29 AM

Well, I asked my husband to but asking him anything about money is like pulling my own teeth and I can't do it myself.

Sk8r · #11 10/19/2007, 10:50 AM

Yow. That's a mess.
There's something to be said for beans as a diet: that'll tide you over: soak dry overnight in 3x the water, cook all day. One packet will feed several people for days: spice heavily; add more water as they cook down, day by day. Buy dayold bread. That recipe helped get me out of a similar bind. 4 people can eat for a week on one pot of under 3 dollar beans. Milk for the kid, and cooked cereal: raw oats are cheaper than Cheerios by a long shot.
Look at one of the Payday Loan places if you're down to the last: you can prove you HAVE an income, which is what's necessary. Just be very modest in what you borrow, like just enough for food and the car.
Good luck.

beerguy · #12 10/19/2007, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xxpipedreamxx
As for asking for money from family, his parents could spare 50 and mine only 30 and that doesn't even cover one bill

But that covers a pants so that you can to do the interview. I can understand pride but it doesn't sound like you're thinking things through. If borrowing $30 is what it takes to allow you to help yourself what's the problem?

FloatingFish · #13 10/19/2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xxpipedreamxx
As for asking for money from family, his parents could spare 50 and mine only 30 and that doesn't even cover one bill

But it would buy wou a pair of khaki pants.

Good Luck

Fat Man · #14 10/19/2007, 10:55 AM

Follow Sk8r's advice, start fishing and drag his keester to the paymaster and get it straightened out.

FloatingFish · #15 10/19/2007, 10:56 AM

Quit watching me type Beerguy.

crp · #16 10/19/2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xxpipedreamxx
I had a scheduled interview for tomorrow only making 6 dollars an hour and working minimal part time, but I had to call and say sorry but no because I can not go buy a pair of khaki pants I was already hired and on the work schedule and I have been wanting to work at this particular place for over a year.

You can get a pair of pants for $10-15 at Walmart. Also, check out thrift stores. Alot of times you can find new or nearly new clothes for next to nothing. That should be a priority if it's preventing you from working and bringing in money.

Quote:

Originally posted by xxpipedreamxx
Well, I asked my husband to but asking him anything about money is like pulling my own teeth and I can't do it myself.

Tell him to Grow Up and take some responsibility. You're not in this alone and he should be doing everything he can to help.

Quote:

Originally posted by Sk8r
Yow. That's a mess.
There's something to be said for beans as a diet: that'll tide you over: soak dry overnight in 3x the water, cook all day. One packet will feed several people for days: spice heavily; add more water as they cook down, day by day. Buy dayold bread. That recipe helped get me out of a similar bind. 4 people can eat for a week on one pot of under 3 dollar beans. Milk for the kid, and cooked cereal: raw oats are cheaper than Cheerios by a long shot.
Look at one of the Payday Loan places if you're down to the last: you can prove you HAVE an income, which is what's necessary. Just be very modest in what you borrow, like just enough for food and the car.
Good luck.

I lived on goulash, no meat. You can get a big box of macroni and delmonte sauce for about $3.00 total. Also check out your local food pantries and/or churches.

I would try to stay away from the payday loans. From what I heard they charge you a hefty fee.

TOURKID · #17 10/19/2007, 11:09 AM

payday loans does charge a supriseing fee, but its not TO much if your kid is hungry.

I stole bread b4.... and a candy bar too..... being broke sux

good karma sent your way. if it doesent break you it makes you stronger

dc · #18 10/19/2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

I would try to stay away from the payday loans. From what I heard they charge you a hefty fee.

They charge almost 50% here.

GSMguy · #19 10/19/2007, 11:22 AM

Pawn shops are better than payday loans and car title loans are the worst of all...

if you have stuff for sale im sure you have stuff you can pawn? and with pawn you can get your stuff back on the 1st.

I really hope he held out for that 30 thousand dollar signing bonus that would solve all your money problems.

crp · #20 10/19/2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xxpipedreamxx
As for financial assistance, we make WAY too much money to get any type of help.

If you don't qualify for food stamps, you could also look into Women Infant and Children (WIC) if your child is under 5. They will provide peanut butter, cheese, cereal, milk, etc.

BrianD · #21 10/19/2007, 11:24 AM

Payday loans will ruin you quicker than anything.

Also, I dont' know how you would pay daycare if you worked for $6/hr.

Don't take this next comment wrong: make sure you don't have any more babies until you are on your feet and your marriage is more secure.

dkh0331 · #22 10/19/2007, 11:26 AM

xxpipedreamxx - I think just about everybody has been there.

Heck I've been there so many times that my mind just switches over to "I have no money mode"

A lot of great advise by some really caring folks on how to hang in there for a few more weeks.

I might also suggest that if you are going to be behind on your bills, take the initiative and call them. I know its hard, but it will benefit you in the end.

Good luck!!!!

JokerGirl · #23 10/19/2007, 11:27 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles Pipedream! Again, I know what it's like to be flat broke, being a student myself. It's hard, but you will work something out and it'll get better with time. If anything, I would be spending just enough to feed yourselves and then do your best to pay the credit card companies because that is the one thing that'll hurt you for the rest of your life.

redawg · #24 10/19/2007, 11:36 AM

Well, I'm there myself right now. I literally just got off the phone from asking my mom for $2500. She said yes, but that makes me that much more in the hole. My move to TN has not been fruitful for me. The pay is WAY lower than I thought so I will be getting a second job.

I will definately keep you and your family in my thoughts. Please go to the churches, even if you are not a member. We have a pantry, and it doesn't matter who asks, we give.

My mom's motto is "This too shall pass, and something else is right behind it to mess things up" (Edited for the forum)

dkh0331 · #25 10/19/2007, 11:42 AM