We just started this downward spiral. Loss of income from 65K to 40K only thing getting paid are the necessaries. We live in texas. Just now far enough behind to have some things sent to CA's. Do I need to keep our house phone on with the answering machine/recorder so they can all leave messages (they usually don't)? If I have it turned off to save another 29.00 a month since we both have cell phones (no, I won't be giving the number to the OC's or CA's)will they then begin calling my elderly parents? They were on the reference line years ago and still have the same phone number. Thanks, Cheryl
A quick question: are your elderly parents aware of your current financial difficulties? It is *possible* that your parents might get a telephone call but you could "prep" them. You could tell them that if *anyone* ever telephoned their number asking for you...spouse...etc. they should never give out any information to anyone and simply say, "You have the wrong number." I appreciate your concern for your elderly parents but with a 25K income loss, I'd say the land line should be cut and you have a $29.00 monthly savings.
no they don't know and we don't want or plan on telling them. Sounds like I should just keep the phone on with the answering machine and send limited CD letters and validation letters when the debts are transferred to CA's. What do you think? Actually I called today and turned off all the extras on the phone and have just a "line" so my bill will be only 20 now.
I think that cutting all the "extras", right down to the bone on the phone was an excellent decision. You just cut that bill by 30% and there may be other opportunities within your budget. Do you have cable TV? Cut it. Or at least go to Basic. Do you have a cable modem? Go to lower. Often times, if you're about to cancel a service, they'll match the competing price. Just hold out a little. Haggle. They're not going to give you their best offer on the first round. Haggle. Think of yourself as a small business and there really may be options out there. For example, you may be "cash-poor" with the income loss but you may find a farmer - or grower - with excess produce at the end of season. I've known people, who for literally just a few dollars [less than $5] put several pounds of vegetables into the freezer -- and their food budget doesn't take a hit. There are farmers and growers who don't want to toss good food out. Small things add up fast and I'd keep an eagle-eye out for anyone in the family leaving a room with a light on. Those small habit changes could positively impact your bottom-line. I made that previous suggestion to one individual, they tried it and were very excited that they were averaging an electricity/energy savings of $30 per month. Remember, as one older gentleman told me, "It was a 115 degrees in the South Pacific and we *still* won the war." <s> A/C adds up. Be creative. Barter services or talents. You may be able to do much more than you realize but have the paper work in order. Know where you stand right down to the nickel. You've got a window of opportunity, any process takes time and fortunes do change but once, and if they do, stay tight. If you have less in the short-term, you'll have more in the end. Think like a business. Re-structure. There may be the possibilities of "extra" income on a weekend, because any job is an honorable job. A 25K income loss is definitely a hit but there may be some good work-arounds still in the budget and while I do appreciate your worries, this isn't the time to panic or feel vulnerable, it's a time to take stock and get the budget right down to every nickel and dime. *You're* in control of your life and you can do it! <s>
Turn off the cell phones first. They're going to be more expensive than the land line. Call up your landline provider and ask for a "POTS line" (POTS=Plain ol' telephone service). Start cutting the luxuries so you can get back on track, and yes, cell phones are luxuries.
