What do you do if your bills are more than your income and you're already working yourself to the bone?

Question

I cut coupons, we don't eat out much (only with friends 2 - 3 times a month and it's usually not that expensive), I buy store brand, I buy clothes for my little girl off of eBay, we don't have cell phones, my deductibe for my insurance is very high so I have a low monthly payment, five more payments until the car is paid off, and we don't have cable. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

Take the long distance off your phone -- if you need to call long distance, use a phone card. Shop for all your clothing needs at thrift stores like GoodWill. Plan meals out before you go to the grocery store -- do not buy prepackaged/boxed food -- it is more expensive. Get an antenna for TV, if you need it at all. Here's a shocker -- cut the Internet. Only do errands once a week to cut down on gasoline & vehicle wear. If you have A/C, turn the temperature so it doesn't come on as often. Use fans to circulate air. Also, clean your outside A/C for maximum effiency. Check out movies/DVDs from the library instead of buying them or going to the theater. Go through all that you have and pare down -- have a garage sale to make a little money from the things you don't need anymore.

Answer 2

The first thing to do is to find out where all the money's going then start eliminating waste and paying down debt. Like some people think cable is a necessity, well it's not. If you can't afford living expenses then cable isn't an option at this time. Everyone pack lunches, no new purchases for awhile until things are "under control" and you're not working yourself to death to make ends meet. Good luck. There's a lot of help out there, if you just do some research and reading.

Answer 3

You decide what is really necessary to have in your life, then you cut out what you don't need.
Such as: is cable a necessity? Can I do my laundry once a week? Is it cheaper to have a land line for a phone, instead of cell phone or pay by the minutes phone?
Just evaluate how you are living and then make adjustments where needed.

Answer 4

One word (and very popular): downsize. Cut those expenses down. Do you really need cable TV? Do you eat out at restaurants more than you can afford (can't you pack a lunch to eat at work). If you have a credit card (or three) is it quite necessary? it might be best for you to use those scissors and cut it in half. There are tons of ways to get your finances back in order. But you must cut somewhere. That's for you to decide.

Answer 5

If you're in a low income bracket, look into options for government support for food, insurance, and housing. If you're making plenty, start cutting spending by eating out less, shopping for sale items, etc. Keeping track of your actual spending for a couple of months will show you where your money is really going. You'd be amazed how much goes to consumables!

Answer 6

As much as this hurts me to say, scrifices have to be made. Start shopping at less expensive stores, buy secondhand clothing, and cut out luxuries such as cable, and air conditioning. Its either that or find a new better paying job!

Answer 7

try and cut out to the necessities. Cable and eating out are usually the first things to go. Reduce your cell phone plan to less minutes if possible.

Answer 8

If your bills are more than your income, then you are spending too much .... no matter how "inexpensive" it may seem to you.

You may need to get a cheaper place, brown bag your lunch every day, slice your utility bills to the bone, and not spend a single penny that isn't planned.

It's rough but there is no other way.

Answer 9

it depends what your whole situation is.... like if your married, children, learning.....

try to reduce bills, start with turning off lights when u leave the room, speak less on the phone and so on...
then when it comes to spending, i.e.supermarket live on necessities and not luxuries....
good luck!!!
and remeber: if u r good to the world the world is good to u!! its just a hard phase, in a matter of time u will be on your feet again...

Answer 10

You need to quickly find ways to reduce your bills and then find some way to increase your income.