I've never been in this situation before...?

Question

My parents for some reason don't have much money anymore and things are really tight around here now. I'm not used to not being able to get things or having to live in a penny pinching lifestyle. My parents are getting upset with me because I don't get it and right now I'm so confused and don't know how to handle this anymore. I don't know my question. I guess it's just that I'm confused about how to handle this situation.

I can't get a job. It conflicts with school. My parents also don't want me focusing on anything besides school.

Answer 1

Well i don't really know how to answer you because i don't know your question but i to am in a tight situation, I'm trying to save money and i know that its hard, especially when you go to the mall and you see really nice things that you want. But just relax about it its not that bad. Try to fill your time with other things that don't costed a lot of money, you could try just hanging out at a friends house, or try window shopping. If you find yourself with any extra money don't just run off and spend it right away save it, once you have saved enough you can buy something that you really want!

Answer 2

It is very hard on adults when their are financial problems in the home, and you wanting more than they can afford is just making matters worse. You don't need to understand why their is a problem or what exactly the problem is. You know the problem is there and that should be enough. The best thing you can do at this point is step up and start earning some money of your own. I don't know how old you are, but you could babysit, clean houses, do lawn work, or maybe even get a job at a restaurant, clothing store, or movie theater. Get on the phone and call family and friends and let them know that you are available to do small jobs they need done around the home. You will feel good about yourself for it and help take some of the pressure off your parents.

Answer 3

I mean what isn't there to handle. I went through a situation like that when my parents divorced and when my dad left he made us suffer financially for a little bit. And it's been rough moving around living with relatives, friends, or whatever. But I don't know how old you are, but you need to be apart of the solution not the problem. If you're old enough, get a part time job and help pull your weight to show them that you're understanding about the family situation. And they are upset because obviously it's something that they don't want you to worry about but you need to understand. And think about it like this... what about the Katrina victims that don't have anything to pinch at all.. What about those 3rd world countries that can't get a clean drink of water. Americans take everything for granted and are straight spoiled. I mean there's no confusion. If the chips are down, then the chips are down, so don't worry about it, and ask them what can you do to help. You'll appreciate yourself later on in life if you don't now.

Answer 4

Renee, change is really hard no matter age you are. Imagine how your parents feel, one day being able to afford whatever you wanted to now not being able to do so. What you can do most for your parents is be understanding and know that there is a lot of things you can do that do not cost money and money is not the only meaningful thing in the world. Get a part-time job, help out around the house, do things to make this time easier on your parent. But you are going to have to be mature about this, we don't always get what we want.

Answer 5

There's always something you can do to help out with the financial situation in the household. If you can't get a job because you have to remain focused on school, maybe you can find a way to make money close to home by raking leaves, mowing yards, carrying groceries, running errands, walking dogs, baby-sitting, or other tasks like that, then at least you are not committed to a "full time" job and you can earn some of your own money so that you have money to spend. Cut back on name brand things, and go for generic brands, most of the time the quality is the same. Buy food in bulk, instead of small, individual size packages. Clip coupons, and take them with you to the grocery store. Cut back on non essential items like fast food, alcohol, cell phones, cigarettes, cigars, that sort of thing. Limit yourself to a certain amount of "spending money" each month, and stick to that amount.

Above all, it sounds like you are realizing what most of the world has already figured out...that money doesn't grow on trees, and that there is not an unlimited amount of it. Learn to make do with what you have, and what you are given. If your parents do not want you to get a job and want you to focus exclusively on school, it sounds like you have loving parents who care a whole lot about you. Tell them that you love them, don't ask for an allowance, help out around the house, and learn the importance of love and family over money. It's a great chance to learn all of these important lessons.

Answer 6

That stinks. It must be tough trying to deal with a new lifestyle that involves less money. I don't exactly know what that's like, because my family never really had much money to work with, so we were pinching pennies as far back as I can remember. Just try not to ask for things that you don't really need. And don't nag and whine about wanting money to go shopping or something. I'm sure they're stressed about the situation too, which is why they're getting upset with you. But don't worry, it's perfectly normal for children (and teens) to not understand everything about the family finances, especially when money's tight. Even though it was a normal thing in my family, it was never easy.

Answer 7

First of all I am truly sorry to hear that you and your family have fallen on tough times. Please try and remain as positive as you can for surely things will get better soon.
I am not sure of your age but there are always ways to try and find a part time job suitable for you in order to help a little around the house and also this will help you meet new people and gain valuable resume building experience for the future.
Money isn't everything in life and you and your family must be strong and support one another in order to get through this.
Be strong darling and don't despair! Good luck to you all.

Answer 8

Instead of asking your parents for money, ask them what you can do to help out. They may ask you to get a part time job to pay for your own expenses if your old enough. Don't look at it as a bad situation. Look at it as a learning experience. You'll be learning how to earn and manage your own money. You're parents will be very impressed if you act in a positive way.

Answer 9

I started mowing yards when I was 10 and did farm work when I turned 13 (legal in IN) and if I wanted something I had the money to pay for it. When I turned 16 I worked a job at K-Mart and in the summer I worked maintenance at a pool along with K-Mart. I paid for my first two years of college from savings.

BE CREATIVE, don't rely on your parents for everything and you should grow up to be a responsible person!

Answer 10

you have to understand that your parents pay for everything in the house and the expenses that have to deal with you. you have to understand that money doesnt grown off of trees and they are trying to conserve and only spend on what is really important rigth now.

things happen like this to millions of people.

you can help out by getting a part time job or packing your lunch for school, or limit shopping every week.