Recession Blues

The only thing that I found that keeps me sane when money gets tight is to try to be proactive about it. I clip coupons like crazy- The Palm Beach Post website is a great place to find them. I also tend to food shop at Walmart or Target because it is a HUGE difference from the prices at Publix or Winn Dixie. I shop around for the cheapest gas (none is cheap LOL but the least expensive). Sometimes meal planning helps too- creating a menu for the week and using the leftovers from one meal to make another. Brown bag lunches are one of the most important ways we try to save money. My husband takes a lunch to work (either a microwavable meal or leftovers) 4 out of 5 days (sometimes 3 out of 5) and it saves us a ton. If you figure $6 per day if you buy lunch out (and that's conservative)- if you buy lunch 5 times a week that's $30 a week just on lunch! Add that up and it's like $120 a month. It's well worth it to pack lunch.

Hi C.,
I can only say that everyone is feeling the "squeeze" and sticking closer to home and the basics are needed now. It is also believing that GOD will provide and open your heart to recieve. Allow Love and Light inside and embrace the simple pleasures for now. It is a tough time, I too am a single mom with a 15 yr. old that wants and wants. I have a business and work to pay my bills but for some reason, just keep doing what I am doing and know all will be okay...Blessings to you and your family...
D.
Prenatal Plus - Yoga, Miami.

Hi C.:

The situatios is bad all over, the only thing I can tell you is to reach to GOD, his is awesome and he will take care of everything for you, just have faith, ... the bible says on Matthew 6, 25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]?
28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I hope this helps you, it has certenly helped me, ... there are things and situations that just GOD can fix, hw walks in misterious ways, ...

Hi C.:
Well, first I have to say, "welcome to the club!" Well, firstly I am facing the same thing, practically living paycheck to paycheck and barely making ends meet. The market right now is definitely hurting people like us! I think the first step is to get positive! Seriously, I know that sounds crazy but get positive!!!

Start looking at all of the reasons you have a good life, your kids, your hubby, your health, etc. Second, start looking at ways to downsize on expenses..maybe non name brand products, decreasing the food budget, cook food to last many days, don't eat out, cut off certain things that are not necessary...like for example my phone bill is $16 a month and that is b/c I called Bellsouth and requested just a dial tone...yep you read that right...a dial tone. this means I can call locally and 911. Everything else is not necessary, look at your cable bill and other "luxary bills"...sorry but it's probably time for you to tighten your belt!

I picked up a book the other day and I can't put it down...It's called "Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach... So far it's an amazing read and it's packed with great tips. It is also a book that you read when you are ready to make some serious adjustments in your life! He also has a book called "Smart Couples Finish Rich". I haven't read this one yet but I have heard it was really good.

Honestly speaking I don't think there is one true solution. I think you have to just start trying things and asking for help and again stay positive and focus on the good aspects of your life,b/c I am sure you have many. If you have spiritual beliefs use that as an aid. If you have good friends, talk to them, not only about your problems but also about things that make you happy...make yourself laugh!

I think most importantly, know that you have a good support system and that there are MANY others going through the same thing. Keep your head up and STOP crying, things will get better...

Dear C.,
Try to concentrate on what is going right in your life. When you feel like crying,it's ok to cry to get your emotional release, then after crying think about what is good in your life. If you keep your focus on worry and negative thinking you feel much worse.Try to think of what you want and not what scares you.What you think about the most tends to increase in your life. If it is hard to keep worrisome thoughts out of your head,try this. Write down what you want, like I have all the money I need to pay my mortgage, I have all the money I need to pay for all my credit cards and utility bills and whatever else you need, and read this every time you feel scared, until you feel better.

C.,
I understand the fear you’re feeling. You didn’t say if you have a husband or significant other. If you do, I hope you can work together to turn your situation around. There are lots of things you can do . . .

First, make a plan. Know where you stand financially. Include all your income and expenses. Make a budget and stick to it. This step can help you take control.

Next, stop spending. Don’t buy anything that’s not absolutely essential. And look for ways to save, like using coupons and taking advantage of sales at the grocery store. You may also need to evaluate your home or apartment. Is your mortgage or rent more than you can afford. Could you live more economically somewhere else?

Then, think conservative. Stop using disposable things like paper towels and bottled water. You’ll save money and keep lots of paper and plastic out of the landfill. Use less of everything. I’ve found I can use 1/2 the amount of shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, water – Everything.

Finally, get proactive. What can you do to earn money? Get a job? Start a business? Sell on ebay? Have a garage sale?

When my life changed – And I was afraid, like you – I found 3 part time jobs. One turned into a full time position. Then, I started a computer services business. I went to offices and homes, helping people solve their computer problems.

Now, I’m a full time caregiver for my mom, who’s no longer independent. And I’m a distributor, working mostly on the phone and Internet. It works well for me, since I need to be here for mom. You can see what I do here: www.K..com

There IS a solution, C.. I hope I’ve given you a few ideas that you can use.

~M.

You have to focus on your family because after all what would having anything be worth without your family and your family's health. Keep your chin up and take it day by day. Good Luck with everything.

You know, you cannot live your life in fear. Yes, this economy 'sucks'! I don't know how bad your situation is but try making a budget - Dave Ramsey has a great book (and website) as well as Suze Orman - do some research and put yourself in a better place - it is up to you. Maybe there is something you can do to make just a few bucks a week, whether it's having a garage sale, selling things on craigslist.com, making things and selling them, babysitting, whatever. Another thing you can do which makes a big difference is
make different selections at the grocery store - buy generic - do price comparisons though because sometimes the name brand sale item is cheaper - and publix always has the 2 for 1 sales, so stock up! I am saving alot of money just by buying my bread at an outlet center (pepperidge farm outlet in ft lauderdale)- it costs $3.50at the store and $1.89 at the outlet (sometimes even $1 if the exp. is that day) - they also have cookies, goldfish.... I cannot believe how much money I save by buying there. Also, you can look up online where the cheapest place is to get gas for the car - that can make a big diff. these days. HTH - feel free to email me - I don't know if I can help you or not but there is alot of info out there that will. The most important thing: Do not be scared - you are in control of your life (not the feds) - you are a woman - Empower yourself!

I UNDERSTAND your pain. I am feeling the same way. I am a single working mother with three degrees and a good job. How is it that I HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN GAS OR FOOD! This economy is really trippin me out. I find myself depressed and asking WHY quietly and I often want to cry. What keeps me going is my son and knowing there is a light and I know that THIS is not what GOD has PLANNED FOR ME...so I will wait patiently on him and know that HE will provide. He is prpeapring me for my greatness. Keep strving ans stay strong and prayed up and of course VOTE when the times comes.

C., keep your chin up!
I am trying to be proactive about saving small amounts here and there, like cutting expenses like the HBO package on our cable, coupon clipping, and really scouring the flyers for specials at the grocery store. I love the buy one get one free specials that Publix has.
*Set your A/C 2 degrees higher than you have it on now.
*Eat out less, or order pizza in less frequently.
*Switch to drinking filtered tap water instead of bottled or softdrinks.
*If you buy beer or wine, cut back to 1/2 the amount you'd normally drink
*get rid of the pool and lawn service if you have those, and do it yourself
These things are little, but they do add up.
If you are in danger of losing your home, call your mortgage company and find out what they can do to help you. You may be able to refinance and pay no or low closing costs on the new loan.
Best wishes to you and good luck!

I completely understand what you are going through. We are living paycheck to paycheck right now and have had to cut many corners. You have received a lot of good advice, like clipping ocupons, be open to using other or generic brands of food, scan ads for sales - we never try to pay full price for milk - it's always on sale at CVS or Walgreens. We take advantage of warehouse clubs for bulk items - esp meat. We don't buy the expensive steaks anymore, find the cheap cuts and tenderize or marinate the heck out of them - it comes out almost as good. We stopped using pampers diapers and switched to Luvs or store brand. Bagged lunches every day. Take out only once a week and no longer going out to dinner unless we have the money for it. Buy clothes at Target instead of Macy's/Dillards. We don't pay for premium channels on cable.
There are lots of sacrifices that need to be made, but it doesn't have to be bad to give those things up, it just takes getting used to.

Your problem isn't money, it's fear.
In every moment in every situation in our lives we can choose between LOVE (openness, trust) or FEAR (anger, distrust.) That is the bottom line. If you are a fear driven person, no amount of financial security will ever comfort you. Whereas, if you are a love driven person, all will always be well. Breathe, relax, take one step at a time. Do not live in fear, just live. Enjoy every small moment of joy that offers itself to you.
If this advice is helpful to you, visit my website and write to me directly.
All the best........
S.

Honestly I feel scared and like crying about the whole cost of everything too. Dave Ramsey has some good financial advice on his website..www.daveramsey.com Save what you can, but honestly, the best answer I can give you is if you are a person of faith,Ask God and trust God to show you the answer and the way through. Personally, if I had credit card debit, I would start by trying to pay the card with highest interest rate first (if you think you can pay it off in a reasonable time). I would also do my best to ensure all essential bills are paid in full every month.

Hi C.,
Like so many others, we are there too...and we're budget counselors! Things are just tough right now. I agree with those suggestions about selling things on Craigs List. Go to Dave Ramsey's site. Buy things at the Goodwill store. All these will make a difference. I speak at women's conferences and have a 'book' on budgeting that I put together for that. It's easy to read and designed for women. If you would like a copy, just send me your email and I'll send you a Word copy of it. (I'll also send a copy to anyone else that emails me...anyting to help out.)
I also agree with the posts that tell you to turn off the news and trust God. We have some expenses coming up in the fall that we have no idea how we're going to meet. I've just turned it over to God. Every time I think about it, I just take a deep breath and tell God that I know He is handling it.

God bless!

Dear C.: I am 78 years old and recently widowed. When my husband left he took 2/3 of our income with him. I have been through a number of "recessions" in my time. I say - live one day at a time - make time to love - laugh and enjoy. The years fly by too swiftly to do otherwise. If the recession treats you negatively - you are young and smart - and I am sure you will find the way to start over again and maybe the 2nd time around you will know what went wrong the first time and will be able to weather the storm. Have Faith - God Bless. Hugs glo

Hi C...I just had to respond to your request...life can be so tough sometimes. here is my response..have you ever watched the documentary, "The Secret"? If not, find it today and watch it. I own a copy..I am not sure where you could rent one...but seek it out. I am not a religious person..and this is not a religious thing..it is just a concept that your thinking reflects what is in your life..the law of attraction. The premise is that if you feel abundant and think on good things, you will attract those..if you worry, you will attract the things you worry on...AND IT WORKS!! I used the techniques in this film, and let me tell you, I visualized and felt extra money coming into our lives..and I swear, in 1 week $21,000 unexpectedly came to us. Your job is not to wonder how it will happen..let the universe put that together..just believe. I also used the same principles when our rental property went up for rent..and each time, we rented to the 1st people we showed to, and they have all been awesome tenants. I do not have any affiliation to this film..it is just so powerful. The truth is that there is SO much abundance in the universe...and it can be yours too. that is all I can offer, but I promise it can change your life. Even if you can't find it to rent, I know $ is tight..but it is worth it's weight in gold, I would encourage you to buy a copy. When you first start the film, the intro is a little weird...don't judge it by that..the content is so awesome!!!! Peace to you!
A. :)

Hi C.,

I'm sorry your so worried.you really aren't alone out there. I know that doesn't help but this is tough times. I can offer you the opportunity to earn extra money. To be honest with you and everyone reading thismy business is slower in the way that people are still buying because they are consumable products that NO ONE will give up! However they do by a little less. My point is people are still buying and you can earn extra money doing this from home and or alongside anything else you do. The start up cost is only $29. to receive your ID and there is NO obligation to buy or sell monthly. This is a great opportunity to bring in extra cash and residual income. Please listen to the OPPORTUNITY PRESENTATION on my website www.J..myarbonne.com and see if this interests you.
Good luck either way. Things should only go well for us all.
J.

Be creative. Watch "The Secret" as much as possible. My husband and I watched it every night for 2 months and each day realized where we were going wrong and used the opportunity to change our ways.
We opened up 7 bank accounts. 1. Bill Account (joint account) where the money goes in and pays the bills 2. My personal account for groceries, toiletries, diapers and wipes. 3. My husbands account for gas, dry cleaning and lunch $. 4. our Daughter & 5. our Son savings accounts for what they need as they grow. 6. Business account. & 7. Way 2 Save account.
No one ever has to worry if they spend what they need a check will bounce.

Each month I set up automatic transfers for exactly what each account needs...I also set up automatic bill pays. The debit cards for the bill account are in a locked file.
My husband never has to think about the bills...he does only what he needs to do and works on making more money.
I only spend what is needed for the home and take the kids to do free stuff...parks, library, mall, pools, playdates.
The kids get a little money each week...it adds up and they always have what they need and want.
Way to save is set up on our bill account. Every time we pay a bill online $1. goes into savings and we make 5% the first year equaling up to $300.

Stay focussed on what you want to see manifest in your life and not what you don't want to see. It is what it is for now...it can change at any moment. Life will always have challenges...it depends on us how we handle them. Fear repels money so be aware of your thoughts and try your hardest to have gratitude for what you have.

I also have a list of agencies that will do temporary assistance...email me if you need it.

Dear C.,

I understand your fear. At times like that to stay calm is the most vital task. The chances are that if you remain calm - through meditation, visualization, etc. - you will make better choices versus making decisions while being paralyzed by fear. How to do that? Remember who you are and what do you need to be just yourself. Cars, houses, and businesses are important but they are not who you are. We are so much conditioned by the society and upbringing that we forget ourselves when we were children and really didn't need that much to live and to be happy. Perhaps only at times of the greatest fear we have the opportunity to fully realize our core values. Also, remember, nothing stays the same, everything is changing every second. When you stay relaxed you have better chances to get into the flow of life, make better decisions, educate yourself, and you never know what might happen - miracles happen.
I also can recommend you the book "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie - it helped me a lot.

Try NOT to watch the news, read the paper, etc. They love the "gloom & doom" reports. When we had bought our new home and had our other on the market - it was terrifying - It was at the same time the market started its downturn and all you saw in the paper was reports of how homes were not selling, people were dropping their prices - and I was so scared. The only way for me to stop the anxiety was not to watch the news, not to read the paper - and to PRAY! God will help you!
The same goes for crime reports, etc. It is important to be informed, but realize that they are trying to sell papers and get ratings.
Everything will be alright. It is just a cycle. Hang in there!

Dear C. E,

You are not alone in the way you are thinking.I believe most Americans feel the same. Life is rough for many. Talking to friends, getting moral support will get you through this hopefully. Advertise your business on Mamasource.What type of business?

I'm thinking of starting a non=profit organization for Teens to support charities in South Florida. If you would be interested in getting involved , let me know.

Keep me posted on how you are doing.

Sincerely,

G. H.

Hi C.,
I know where you're coming from, I went from making close to 6 figures 2 years ago to making absolutely nothing. We have wiped out our savings and I've not been able to get a job, even with a college degree and work experience. Through it all, we've learned that most of the things we really thought we needed, we didn't. We have cut down on expenses, for example cancelled house phone and kept cell phones only, stayed with basic cable instead of the 1 million digital channels we never used. Just try to look at the positives, you still have your family, your health, and a roof over your heads I know it's a hard but hang in there.

Fear is something that robs all of us of the joy that should fill our hearts. I find comfort in knowing that no matter what happens in life, God is walking right beside me...sometimes carrying me through some of the most difficult of times. I'm assuming that you are not spiritual so I would recommened praying. Pray for God to help calm your fears and to help you find a way to replace that fear with the joy that should be there instead. If you listen carefully, He will speak to your heart.