Okay, here it is…a thread for Dopers who are going through a rough spot financially, a place where we can plan and connive and toss around brilliant ideas as well as plenty of hugs and support.
Most of all, a place where we can come to remember that we aren’t alone during those times when we can’t afford to go visit the other people who are in the same financial boat we are.
Post however and whatever you like; I’m just going to start with a little background, in case you all haven’t noticed me spewing all over the boards yet:
I’m typically frugal anyway–with four kids, I pretty much consider it a way of life. But this month is going to be tighter than usual, by a pretty heft chunk. (Details available in another thread, which I’ll have to find before I link to it.)
So, I have:
a. less money than usual
b. a divorce to deal with (haven’t seen my atty yet; got some good advice on saving money there so far)
c. bills bills bills
d. a full pantry.
It could be worse! I shop for bargains every time I hit the grocery, so I tend to have plenty of stuff on hand. I should be able to keep my groceries to under $40/week and can probably make only three trips to the store this month.
No eating out this month, and no Goodwill trips. I’ll put off the yardsale shopping, too.
I have several cases of candles that I can sell, and an order that I’m sitting on. However, I have to buy labels for that order, so I’ll have to budget the cash in for those if I want to deliver it this month.
I’m closing my small antique booth and will take most of my items to auction, along with a bunch of stuff I have here at home.
Ebay! How I love ebay. I have soap supplies to sell, with the added benefit of getting my dining room cleaned up a bit.
I really, really, REALLY need car seats for the babies. So if I can fit an extra $80 into my budget, I’m going to go ahead and buy them. It will make life much less stressful with the ex, as right now we have to switch the seats back and forth.
The really good news:
I’m bored and a little stressed, so I’ve been cleaning my House of Horrors.
Being broke is far, far preferable to my life a year ago, when my ex was still here and we were all miserable. My life, regardless of how frugal it must be, is so much better right now. I have never regretted my decision to end my marriage.
I’m still spending lots of time with the babies, and the older boys have kicked in with a lot of maturity and effort. Bless 'em.
And I have my SD friends, who have been such a great support to me over the last year or so.
Obviously, I’m something of an optimist. But I’m still feeling pretty anxious, and finding some folks to talk to about it all makes me feel better.
Okay, don’t let me sit here alone and fret…Any other broke Dopers out there? Let’s commiserate.