• Date Started: May 24, 2010
• Entries: 33
• Comments: 130
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Single mom

9 Responses to “Single mom”

1. crazyliblady Says:
   December 20th, 2010 at 10:02 pm 1292882520
   1292882520
   It sounds like you need to make a budget and some hard decisions to go along with that. Money is fairly simple - income and outgo. I pay all necessary items (mortgage, utilities, food, gas for car, etc.) before paying for anything else like lunch out or movie tickets. You have too much going out and an inability to pay for the things you really need, so you need to prioritize. First of all, you do not need cable tv. I have been living for about 9 years without cable tv and have not missed it at all. I can watch entire episodes of some shows on youtube or hulu. Also, check out the public library in your area for books, dvds, and vhs tapes. You can generally borrow media for free. If you have a cell phone, find out when you can cut the phone off without paying a penalty. Then, get a prepaid phone, a basic phone with only voice and text. I use tracfone. I bought the phone ($15.00) and the minutes card ($19.99) at Big Lots. You can also get them at Walgreens and Walmart. I don't use my phone a lot, so tracfone is ideal for me. Can you get cheaper internet access or rely on the public library for access? Also, check with social services to see if they can get you some child support and other benefits. Also, would it be acceptable to move in with a family member temporarily until you can figure out a way to make more money or decrease expenses? Don't feel the to keep up with the Joneses. Just a thought.

2. Joanne Says:
   December 20th, 2010 at 11:20 pm 1292887224
   1292887224
   Hi, Sorry that you are having such a time, financially. Getting a prepaid phone is not a bad idea. I got one , over a year ago. T_Mobile. I really don't mind it. Is there a specific reason why your Son's Father, doesn't pay child support? Is it because he thinks he shouldn"t? If he does work, I would look into getting a support order, with wage garnishnment if he won't pay. I wouldn't care , it is for yr. son. I have a son, & if I had to, I'd do it. This is not easy, and you have my prayers. Is there any food pantries , u could try? I wish you the best. ...And, with the Holidays, here this can be hard....Hag in there.

3. Petunia 100 Says:
   December 21st, 2010 at 12:03 am 1292889836
   1292889836
   There is no point beating yourself up over decisions you have made in the past. What is done is done. Your job now is to do the best you can with what you have, and make good decisions from now on.
   
   What can you do to decrease your housing costs? Are there less expensive apartments available? How about sharing a home with a roommate?
   
   Have you heard of Angel Food Ministries? They provide groceries at a low cost. They are nationwide, and I see they are in Denver too. http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

4. anonymous Says:
   December 21st, 2010 at 12:28 am 1292891313
   1292891313
   If you really are going to be evicted in three days and your family & friends have given you as much help as they can, phone around to find out the possibilities for emergency shelter. If necessary perhaps your child's father or father's family would at least take in your son.

5. miclason Says:
   December 21st, 2010 at 10:34 pm 1292970840
   1292970840
   welcome! From one single mom to another: It can be done! It's difficult, but it gets better (No, I'm still not out of the woods, but I'm starting to see a light, and I no longer feel totally lost!)
   You'll find great support in this community!

6. Jerry Says:
   December 24th, 2010 at 04:22 pm 1293207748
   1293207748
   Hang in there... I hope that you are able to figure out the things that will lead to changes over the long term, and figure things out in the interim. The father needs to do his part, whether by his own doing or with help from the legal avenues available. The law is on your side, and that is good insurance to have. Our friend just started receiving child support after many years without it, and it makes all the difference in the world.
   Jerry

7. fruitbowlk Says:
   December 25th, 2010 at 01:03 am 1293238989
   1293238989
   Stay encouraged. You found this board which is a great source of information and helpful people. Get a budge and stick to it. Find a plan that would work for you either dave ramsey, suze orman, Clark Howard etc. Get on the forum and ask questions, read financal books, listen to audio books which ever you prefer. Set some goals and stick to them. This time next year your life can be changed.

8. Petunia 100 Says:
   January 3rd, 2011 at 01:25 am 1294017956
   1294017956
   Gingerbell, how is everything going? Were you able to pay your rent? If not, where are you and son now? Hoping all is well with you.

9. s Says:
   January 3rd, 2011 at 03:47 pm 1294069647
   1294069647
   My landlord agreed let me pay my payment on the next paycheck I had before Christmas. The three day notice was in place for documentation purposes. My landlord is really a very good person and I don't think he would want to put us out. So my plan is to find a second job for the next few months. I have added the home landline, because I just really feel it is a necessity in case of emergency. My phone contract is up in March and then I can cancel, without penalties, and go to a TracFone. I have been renting really good movies from my library and watching them instead of the cable tv junk. As long as I have a type of news station to tune into i'm fine without paying for cable. I am calling child support enforcement today to re-open my case. There is no reason my son's father shouldn't be supporting his son. I am soooooo thankful for all the thoughtful, caring, and supportive comments, I feel I have options.

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