I finally made budget, and it consists only bills and no room to wiggle. While I realize long time ago, that our finances start going down the hill, I didn't realize how long it will take us to claim back.
I am thankful for the snow and to be honest we need more 3-4 inches snowfalls around here. I know everybody hate it, but it is money for our family (my husband cleans snow as side job). So for us it is practically money falling from the sky.
Now back to reality, I received letter saying if I won't pay car insurance by 16, it will be cancelled. It is $320.00. Also landlord send message today, saying that he didn't receive rent yet. My husband's main job was closed today, so no check today. But even with check I won't be able to pay whole amount($840). And next check only next Monday. But as next Monday will roll in we will have other bills to pay. It is like never ending cycle. I am so afraid that we will be kicked out of apartment with 2 little ones in this cold.
On positive note, I rediscovered swagbucks site. With outstanding points and some surveys I can get couple gift cards. Also I was able to redeem some gift cards from shopkick add. I found that one of survey site I used couple years ago still have my rewards and I can redeem for gift cards also. And my husband get $10.00 gift card for target as tip. So all of the gift cards or actual money equivalent from them(if I use them), will go towards Christmas budget for kids and family. I still need set up how much do we need, because we have extended family, who shows up around holidays (grrr), but nowhere to found when you need them.
And I sold one item on Facebook, after all expenses $3.30 profit, well better than nothing, anyways I planned to return it, so this goes toward down payment for house also.
6 days of non spending/ 25 to go, or as my husband said 359 to go.
First week of 2014
January 7th, 2014 at 05:37 am
January 7th, 2014 at 12:46 pm 1389098818
Are there more things you can sell - furniture, kitchen items, old toys on Craigslist or on Facebook groups?
Can you offer services for funds - laundry, cleaning, babysitting? Can you help your husband with his side business of snow removal?
Are there extras that you can cut out for the moment - cable, netflix, memberships, ect?
Great job with the Swagbucks!
January 7th, 2014 at 02:34 pm 1389105295
Then, food, electricity, heat and water, not necessarily in that order.
I agree with HouseHopeful. Is there from-home work you can take on? My friend babysits a couple of kids from home a few days a week, and it's enough to tip the balance in their favor financially.
Also, is there some sort of public assistance you qualify for to get you through this rough patch so you can get back on track? Food stamps? Food bank, housing or heating assistance? It's worth looking into.
January 7th, 2014 at 02:43 pm 1389105823
If needed use those gift cards for food.
Also, contact the insurance to see if you can pay one month of insurance, as the amount sounds like a six month premium. Six months is often cheaper, but paying monthly might be easier and keep you insured while money is tight.
January 7th, 2014 at 08:00 pm 1389124853
January 9th, 2014 at 07:47 am 1389253634
Find a food bank and don't be ashamed to use it. Or apply for food stamps as CCF suggested?
It seems that you have a pretty new car (I see the big debt for it in the sidebar) so I understand that your insurance is probably high and you must have full coverage. You could save money by increasing the deductable. Example: if it's $250 maybe change it to $500 or more? Talk to your insurance agent about how much it will save you. And be sure to shop around with other companies. By NO means do you let the bank who owns your car loan put insurance on it - it is sky high prices and not much protection for you.
Look for extra income as the others above have said. Helping seniors with errands or household chores, childcare, dog walking??
I wouldn't even try to work on a Christmas Fund right now.
Good luck!