Ask:
I was bored today at work so I decided to look at our finances. HOLY CRAP!!! How did we get this far? I need a second full time job just to be able to live pay check to pay check. If we keep up at this rate, our savings will be depleted within 3 months just from keeping us a float.
We've tried balance transfers to 0% credit cards. But I don't know what else to do.
I need a large check to show up in my mail someday soon with no strings attached. While I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that, I need to figure something out. FAST!!!!!
Answer:
I just told someone else about it, but have you considered a paper route? It's in the a.m. (3:00-6:00) I take home around $700 a month. My route is a little larger than most, so I make a little more. I don't have to worry about daycare, nobody misses me b/c they are all asleep, and it's soooo quiet in the car by myself
Answer:
That would be nice, but I need a little more than 4 hours sleep a night. Plus, with DH's job, it is impossible for me to get a second job. He is on call 24/7.
Answer:
Wow. Well, is there anything in your budget you can cut out or cut down? Every little bit helps.
Answer:
Have you read Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover? If not then I recommend that be the first thing you do!
Answer:
Start a spending diary--write down where every penny goes. Then sit down and figure out what you can rid of or cut back on. You might surprised how much you are spending on coffee or lunch which you can bring from home.
Before you buy anything ask yourself: Do I really need this? Can I find it cheaper? Do I already have something like this at home?
Answer:
I agree w/Stacia read Dave Ramsey's Financial Makeover book and his Financial Peace book. If your not on a family budget already start using one. Work it over & over and cut everywhere you can.
I had to make changes to our cable tv, phone service, monthly grocery amounts, everywhere and anywhere I could cut some $$$ I did, I cut up all my credit cards, and am currently in search of an additional PT job to work for the next 6 months to a year to dig myself out of the debt from my divorce and my own stupid debt.
On a personal note after I had everything down on paper and I figured out how much I owed, what my monthly income was, I felt a lot better.