Rough Times... Have any advice or words of assurance?

Question

My husband and I are unemployed right now due to different circumstances (not laid off). We used what LITTLE savings we had to pay the bills last month, now we dont even have enough to pay our rent. He just started a new job and I have started looking last week. My landlord is on our back, rightfully so, but now we have NO income coming in due to him having to wait for the money and I am still looking. I feel HORRIBLE not being able to pay the bills, I know itll be ok soon. but I feel so DISGUSTING right now. Anyone been through the same thing, how did you relax and focus, because I kept bursting into tears. Any ideas of what I can do while I look for the job. **sigh**

My landlord knows the details, this is the condo. I think we are her first tenants, I really dont blame her for being on us about this, (i'm crying again, lol) but I feel bad that I've told my first lie today. She asked the check for $300 of the rent be mailed last week friday. I mailed it today, I'm a bad liar, so I dont think she believed me, and also it was 200, the light company threatened to turn off the lights, so I took the extra money to pay that. I feel horrible here, i want to call her back, but I dont want to deal with that.

Answer 1

It is always hard when you are dealing with financial issues. I would say to sit down with your landlord and explain to him that your husband was laid off but has a new job, and that you are looking for one as well. Let him know your exact situation and try to work out some sort of agreement. If he is any kind of human being he should work with you. As far as your other bills, simply pay what you can. Get all your bills together and make a list of them. Rank them in order of importance and try to pay them accordingly. Call the companies and tell them your situations. Some will work with you and others won't. I found when we were having similar problems that if you are persistent, you will eventually get some relief. So keep calling and talking to them. At least then they know you are concerned about the situation and are not just trying to avoid paying all together. My mother has been talking to a credit card company for over a year about her bill and just recently they agreed to help her. Her persistence finally paid off!!!

Another suggestion would be to find ways to make extra money. Have a yard sale, cash in cans and bottles, do odd jobs for people in your area, sell on Ebay, etc. Also find ways to save. Get rid of everything that is not a necessity...cable, cell phone service, salon visits, even your daily coffee or coke habit. Every little bit helps!

You might also try a payday loan. If your husband is getting paid within the month you can apply for up to $1500. Once your husband's check is deposited into your checking account, they will take the money out. You can file for extensions to repay over time as well. This is a costly way of getting the money you need, but it is fast and in most cases you don't even have to have good credit to apply.

Another suggestion would be to find a local charity. I know this sounds bad! No one wants to be a charity case but sometimes it is unavoidable. I know of many churches who have funds set aside to help families in need and are just waiting for people to ask for help. When you get back on your feet, give a donation of your time or money as repayment. This way it helps you feel better about the whole experience.

Finally, good old fashioned prayer always helps. Whether you are a deeply religious person or not, it is always comforting to offer up your prayers and concerns. In my case, I don't know how I would have made it through all I have without having the Lord in my life. He is my true provider, comforter, and friend. Others may put their faith in other higher beings. That is their choice. It is just easier to get through life knowing that you are not alone.

Hope this helps. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!

Answer 2

Ask your relatives and/or friends to lend you money for the month. Or ask them to lend you two week's rent. Give the landlord that rent and tell him that your husband will get a paycheck that will cover week three and four. Tell the landlord that you would like to catch up during month two by paying three weeks out of the 2nd paycheck and one week out of the 3rd paycheck and by month three you plan to be caught up. Set up a payment schedule that you can and will adhere to so that the landlord knows that this is a very short-term problem. Pay your relatives back in month three or four.

Make a resolution not to go through this again. There must be Internet sites on frugal living that could help you cut costs. Build up a retirement account as you will need one anyway. Then if you hit another disaster you will have a cushion. Many people have luxuries like cable, high speed Internet and two phone systems - cell and home. These are not necessities, but a healthy savings account is. At the very minimum put away enough for six months. Do you know that if a young couple puts money spent on daily Starbucks visits into a savings account instead, they can retire with a million dollars in savings?

Answer 3

Talk to your landlord and ask him/her if they have any work that you can do to offset some of the rent until you can replace your job. This will let them know you care about meeting your obligations and that you are not just trying to get out of paying rent. They hear all the sob stories in the world, so don't blame them for getting all doubtful when you say the check is in the mail. Give them a chance to show you some options that you might be able to work out so that you can make good on the rent and make a good impression on your land lord. Plus keep looking for a job, they want the rent money more than your labor.

Answer 4

I know how that feels but just remember that everyone has had issues with money at some point in there life and it sounds like your problem is about to turn around you have to look at the good things that are happening. Like your husband getting the new job. I would just explain the situation to your landlord and as soon as your husband gets the check pay your rent. Most landlords will understand especially if they have ever struggled with money. DON'T beat yourself up this stuff happens! Hang in there!!!!!
Wishing you the best!

Answer 5

Well it sounds like neither you nor your friend have / had a good sound basis for what you call your faith. Christ did NOT burn to death. Your friend is not a Christian whether or not he is a good person. She is NOT trash in God's eyes but rather a sinner that Jesus died on the cross for. You really can't do much about your friend at this point because anything you try to do will probably push him closer to her. BUT you can do something about your own self. Get to know Jesus Christ by reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. A few days ago someone asked a question on Yahoo Answers regarding the Alpha Course. If you can find the course at a church in your area it would be a good place to find out what the Christian faith really is about. Until you eliminate the falsehoods in your own beliefs you really are an example of the blind leading the blind.

Answer 6

It's unfortunate people are judged by the money they have or don't have. And you're being a hard judge on yourself right now. Talk to the landlord, explain your circumstances and ask if he can work with you on the rent. Is important to get absorbed in something else other than your finances.

Answer 7

Been there - did that! I used to just throw the bills in a pile. I wouldn't even open them. Heck, no money to pay - who cares how far behind I am. I only paid electric and rent. You just do what you have to do and catch up as you can. It's tough-I know!

Just take it as it comes! You really gotta just roll with it. This too shall pass.

Answer 8

As long as your looking to make the income to pay your bills, things will get better. Most people go through tthe same situation.
What's up with Hindu?

Answer 9

If you actually have a job but are just waiting for the first paycheck, and don't mind paying rather outrageous interest rates, you could try getting a 'payday loan'. Check the links below.

Answer 10

The name of the game is: Positive thinking. Stay calm and focus. Remind yourself every minute that you are going to get on your feet stronger, not a doubt. Every time you have a negative thought say to yourself " I am going to get on my feet stronger than ever, thank you God because you are by my side"

God bless you. I assure you, this is a great beginning just thank God.