Advice for breaking the paycheck to paycheck trap - Page 2

ember15 · 07-13-2007, 12:23 PM

I really like that you brought up want vs need. I ask myself this all the time do I want something or do I need it. It is also a good question to ask with everything that goes into your grocery cart. Its as simple as I have around $50 a year to go toward savings just because I don't buy Soda and many people don't reallize how things DO add up.

keleliz · 07-14-2007, 06:22 PM

Ok. Those are great ideas and all. but what about me?

I work full time. I do not spend any money on eating out, clothes, or other luxuries. I haven't been on a vacation or even an overnight getaway in over 10 years. Every penny I make goes to pay my rent and the day care bill. With little to nothing left over for utilities, car payment( about to get re-poed) or even groceries.

How can I pay down my debt when I don't even make enough to cover basic living necessities? I have applied for family services but in this county the only way you can ever get assistance is if you are an illegal alien.

So what are my option? I desperately need to pay down my debt. But how can I do that when I am forced to steal saltine crackers from a salad bar at the grocery store, just to feed my daughter. real nutritious huh?

So what advice can you give me?

desertmom · 07-14-2007, 06:28 PM

Welcome to Mommysavers. Can you give us more information on what is going on so we may help you find alternatives or possible things? Do you have Angelfood Ministries (I'm probably wrong on the name - someone correct me...) in your area?

newlywed0610 · 07-14-2007, 07:06 PM

Desertmom, Angel Food Ministries is a wonderful organization to suggest! In fact, we are picking up our box of food tonight.

Keleliz, welcome to Mommysavers! If you feel comfortable, please give us more information to see what we can brainstorm to help you. There is a TON of information here - I hope you will dive right on in, asking questions and seeking advice to help out your family. We are all here to support each other!

brensmom · 07-17-2007, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keleliz

Ok. Those are great ideas and all. but what about me?

I work full time. I do not spend any money on eating out, clothes, or other luxuries. I haven't been on a vacation or even an overnight getaway in over 10 years. Every penny I make goes to pay my rent and the day care bill. With little to nothing left over for utilities, car payment( about to get re-poed) or even groceries.

How can I pay down my debt when I don't even make enough to cover basic living necessities? I have applied for family services but in this county the only way you can ever get assistance is if you are an illegal alien.

So what are my option? I desperately need to pay down my debt. But how can I do that when I am forced to steal saltine crackers from a salad bar at the grocery store, just to feed my daughter. real nutritious huh?

So what advice can you give me?

She makes a valid point not all people living paycheck to paycheck are out there spending their money the wrong way...all kims points are good ones and should be taken to heart but its not always that cut and dry for everyone.... i think we tend to assume that because someone is paycheck to paycheck is because they spend their money unwisely and we don't think that there are other reasons.... just something to think about!!!