I need help with my budget?

Question

I am a 33 year old single mother of 2 teenagers, a girl and a boy, I have a high school diploma from 12 years ago, but no college education, I have lived in 4 different towns in 17 different addresses and have had at least 20 jobs in the same amount of time, none of which lasted more than 2 years. My childrens' fathers are unable to help with child support due to incarceration. I am at my wits end about how to get ahead. My bills always get behind, I have had my utilities turned off several times in the last 2 years, my rent has gotten behind, and I rarely have money for groceries. Combine this with the fact that I live in one of the poorest states in the country, North Carolina, that pays one of the lowest wages in the country, I need someone to tell me how to get ahead and stay there. Please help

My teenagers are 14 and 11, I would be more than willing to cancel cable and internet service, if I had them, and as far as cell phone service? I have a job that requires me to be instantly accessible by my boss, not to mention my childrens' schools, so unfortunately, that is a necessary evil. I only pay $30 per mo for the svc though. My biggest bills are rent, utilities, and groceries. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

get a better job!
im sorry to hear about your situation. but you should start by removing the internet, cable tv. and use candles.

Answer 2

My heart goes out to you.

Do you have any family memebers you can move in with for a short period of time? Saving on rent expenses will give you a chance to get back on your feet.

You also need a job that has room for growth. I don't know what types of positions you've had in the past, but it's hard to get ahead and be promoted if you're only at any given company for 2 years. It's ok to work a dead-end job to make ends meet while you're actively searching for something better, but make sure you're looking hard, and not just settling.

In your question, you express yourself well, indicating that you have good communication skills. I would suggest you try a sales job that pays a commission. This type of position will allow you to succeed or fail on your own merits, with or without a college degree. Your determination will be the deciding factor. Places that typicallly pay a commission include car dealerships, jewelry stores, some department stores (the best salespeople at Nordstrum's make a very good living, I've heard.) Also, countless corporations have a sales department to promote their specific products to other companies and individuals.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Don't they have a food stamps program or an energy bill assistance program there? You may want to try finding out where your local social services office is and see what kind of services they can provide. I have had to use the social services help a few times myself they really helped when i was in a bind. They also should have programs for health coverage too for the kids to have medical coverage. I am so sorry to hear about your situation I know how hard that can be. good luck and if you need help researching this let me know.. a zip code is all I would need to find the information for you...

from one single mom to another I am here to help.

Answer 4

Are either of your teenagers working? Have they considered doing this through the high school work program?

Are you on all the social assistance you can get? That includes free lunch/breakfast program for your kids?

Have you taken as many training seminars that your state employment agency offers? Have you worked with them to get a better job?

Have you turned off all phone/cable/internet? This sounds harsh in 2007, but using a cellphone with Pay As You Go or simply a payphone will save you tons. The local library probably has internet access.

Are you conserving energy at home by: unplugging all digital clocks, checking weatherstripping for leaks during a/c season, using lower watt bulbs in bathroom, opening curtains/blinds in kitchen during the day when using it, (keep closed when not at home)?

Are you in position to bring in a renter? Perhaps someone you know at work needing just a room to rent. It's one option to boosting your monthly income...

Answer 5

Can you get any help from some type of social services? Check with them in your area.

See if you are eligible for food stamps. And some utility companies have programs to help pay the bills of low-income customers who are struggling - check into that.

Good luck.