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The tribe has spoken

mycoupons | 29 March, 2007 10:13

Thursday’s are reserved for your questions. I will answer anything within reason. Of course, I am not an expert on anything, but I do like giving advice and pretending I know what I am talking about.

Laura B. from Green Bay, Wisconsin sent the following question:

We (DH, me and 1 child) are having trouble making ends meet. We live paycheck to paycheck and never seem to have enough money. We rent an apartment and want to buy a house someday. We do not drive fancy cars or go on vacations. Dh and I are fighting all the time about money and I am about ready to crack. Do you have any ideas for me?

Well, Laura. First, breathe. In. Out. In. Out.

If your situation is really as grave as you portray, then I have to point out the obvious. The fact that you emailed this letter to me is the start point. Unless you telepathically sent me this message, I am going to assume you have internet service. I hate to tell you this, but that is an expense you can cut right away. Having access to the internet sure FEELS like a necessity, but it is a luxury. If you absolutely cannot live without checking your email or reading a re-cap of The Amazing Race- go to your local library, they have computers where you can access the internet for free.

You stated your situation is dire, so I am going to give you straight answers here.

If you are having trouble making ends meet, your problem is simple. Your ends are too big, or your means are too small. Or both.

If you have already cut out every imaginable expense you can, and are still having trouble making ends meet, then you need to make more money.

Cutting expenses is HARD. Almost inhumane. But, there are tons of things the average family spends money on that are not needed.

All you really need to sustain life is shelter, food, and clothes. Have you ever seen Survivor? Yes, seems archaic and extreme, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Boy, do I have some desperate measures for you!

Cancel your internet service. Turn off your cable. Stop delivery of your home newspaper. Do not renew magazine subscriptions. Turn your home phone service to the lowest possible base plan. Turn lights and appliances off when not in use. Carpool. Drink water instead of soda or juice. If you smoke, quit. Use disposable diapers. Make your own baby wipes. Get movies from the library (You’ll be there using the internet anyway!) Cut your own hair. Do your own nails. Start a weekly potluck lunch at work. Eat hotdogs and macaroni for dinner instead of steak and asparagus. Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Shop at Goodwill and garage sales instead of the mall.

I could go on, but I think you get my point.

If you have to get a second job (or a first) do it. Same for your husband.

Put your dreams of home ownership on hold for now. You need to focus on the present. And don’t worry, you’re not missing much, the housing market stinks right now. With the cost of insurance and property taxes on the rise- homeowners are getting shafted.

Just remember, food, shelter and clothing. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING else is a pure luxury. And remember, it won’t be forever. A few months of living like a castaway can change your life.

You may realize you don’t miss some luxuries, and don’t need them back. You also may find that you are spending more time with your husband and your child, doing simple things, like playing tag outside.

I know it stinks. I have been there. But, a lot of sacrifice can pay off in the end. In more ways than one.

Your situation will not improve on its own. You have to change it.

Good luck,

Until we meet again,

Cici

Cici@MyCoupons.com