Struggling college student that feels like giving up..how can I make ends meet?

Question

I am a full-time struggling college student going on her 2nd year.I am employed, but I don't make enough sometimes to pay my bills. My father helps me out when he can, and my mother is unemployed, so mostly I take care of myself. I am in desparate need for money right now, and I seem to have no other options. My rent is due and I am overdrafted in my account by $200. I tried looking for loans, but I never get approved. I also have 4 payday loans that I just can't simply pay off. Is there a way for me to recieve some fast cash so that I can pay my rent and take care of my loans? anyone with suggestions please let me know!

I know that payday loans are also not good to have, my father told me to never get one but I was desparate for money. I do recieve financial aid, which I will be getting in about 2 weeks, and I do have 2 other roomates, I just need to pay my half of the rent.I always paid my bills on time, I just got caught up with these paydays loans, they took all my money.Once I get my fianancial aid, I'm going to pay them off, and never deal with them again. I can't move back home because both of my parents lives out of state from me. I really appreciate all of the advice people are giving me..any more suggestions will be helpful!

Answer 1

Well, you can take it from my screen name that I have an opinion on this. Stop Spending! For real. I mean it.

Beer is a luxury item. You can't afford it.
High-priced makeup is a luxury item. Do without or buy real cheap.
Walk. If not, hook up with someone for a ride or take the bus.
Really, it can be done.

Then, years later, when you are established and can afford stuff but only buy what you really need, you can give someone the same advice. If you don't, you'll live with this stress for the rest of your life.

Answer 2

You could pick up recycle bottles and cans and turn them in for money. Go to some kind of sporting event and check out the garbage cans etc. Also another idea is to advertise for dog walking. I have a friend who does that and she does very well. You could also go door to door and solicit curb painting, all you need are some stencils and two cans of paint. You can charge $5-7 a curb or ask for contributions. My ex son-in-law does that in Texas. As a college student, you might mention that and get a little sympathy. You could use the same door to door approach for odd jobs, but as a woman, you would have to be careful with that one.

I think you know to stay away from those payday loans. I don't know how they work, but they seem scary.

Answer 3

"Getting fast cash" is just gonna make things worse. You've already gotten yourself into 4 payday loans. Any sort of fast cash is gonna get you into the same predicament.

You need to make a change in your life. If you can't support yourself, you should move back in with your parents until you can.

Pay off your debt, and work on changing you lifestyle to one you can afford. Cut up your credit cards. Don't buy ANYTHING without waiting a day first. Draft a budget for yourself. Learn to set aside money in a savings account. Ask your parents or your banker for help learning these things.

Answer 4

If you're bank account is overdrawn and you have 4 outstanding payday loans, you are in serious financial trouble. Maybe you should take a term off school and get a second job and third.

You should also rethink your spending habits. Sit down and make a strict budget. Eliminate all the unnecessary stuff -- premium cable and internet, new clothes, cell phone, eating out, etc.

Answer 5

Did you complete the Fafsa for financial aid processing? This is your best bet. Go to the Financial Aid Dept and speak to a representative fast. Also, they have emergency loans that don't take much time to process. They are not due right away, and perhaps they can pay off those payday loans!
See a financial aid counselor fast! They can help you!

Answer 6

Maybe you could find some help budgeting at school, that would help you prepare better. Facing up to your responsiblity is key, and your taking those steps. Contact your bank the same way you did here. But asking for extentions or deferred payments might help.
Building your credit takes alot of muscle, remember how you feel, and change your associations with money.
Ask friends about getting you a job, post a message to your dorm door. Be creative not desperate. Seeking part-time work, with your first name and number.
Working at restaurants at least you get free food, and get you away from your problems, and will get you out of debt.
Good luck on your debt diet.

Answer 7

Get a part time job to work on the weekends. Im sorry to hear that you are struggling so much. College is hard work and takes a lot of dedication. You may have to find a roomate that you are close with and can trust, or move back in with your parents until you can get on you feet. But please do not drop out or take a semester off. School takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Just think, once you get your degree, you will have a nice paying job and you will not have problems such as trying to pay your rent. Please dont take a semester off. I took a semester off in September of 2005 and still have not gone back.

Answer 8

Definitely stay away from payday loans. They are the devil. I recommend trying to get your father to co-sign on a loan for you. Another option is maybe to cut your classes down to part-time to give you a chance to work some more hours and get your bills caught up.

Answer 9

Well I dont know your spending habits - but if you're like most people you probably are spending money on things you cant afford but really dont need. You have to give up your morning coffees, lunches out, going for drinks with friends, shopping for new clothes or whatever it is in your case that you spend extra money on. Then you start budgeting strictly - instead of buying frozen dinners say for 5 bucks a meal stick to things that are cheap but you have to spend a few minutes making like pasta etc. After making these changes slowly start to pay off your debts. If you still find yourself struggling you need to be applying for new jobs or looking for cheaper housing - possibly sharing with a friend, moving back home etc. The best thing you can do is get yourself back to stability as soon as possible because you dont want to start out your life in debt.

Answer 10

I'm sorry to hear it's that bad.
You must do whatever it takes to pay your payday loans back asap.
They're a big part of the reason you can't make ends meet. Their interest rates are insane.
Whatever you do, DO NOT EVER GET ANOTHER PAYDAY LOAN.