Search This Blog

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Tough Choices

I am trying to improve my financial situation. I've always been very frugal so I don't have any credit card debt or anything like that, but since my fella has been out of work since January things have gone from not great to oh fuck! He was in school and working a part-time job, but that didn't work out so now he's looking for a "real job". I'm looking for my patience.

I am falling behind by anywhere from $200 - $400 per month. I've been dipping into my savings to get by, but now my disposable savings is depleted so it is time to make some cuts.

I asked my boss for a raise. He said he'd get back to me on Monday. I haven't had a raise in 4 years even though the industry I work in, property management, has been relatively unaffected by the shitty economy. In those four years, my work load has increased dramatically. I've also done several things that has made him more money. For example, two years ago I suggested we start charging our tenants of the campus area properties for parking spaces. This has brought in nearly $10,000 in the last two years. Basically I discovered and implemented a whole new revenue stream. So I think I deserve a raise. The problem is that my boss lives in California where apparently the economy is total crap. He has taken a pay cut at least once from his "real job" (the rental properties that he owns are his little hobby, I guess) so his perspective is skewed. So please cross your fingers for me.

I sent an email to my bank about potentially refinancing my auto loan and I'm also looking into a different health insurance option for my kids. I will probably cancel my own health insurance. My employer doesn't provide insurance at all. I should also cancel my satellite TV, but I really don't want to. For one thing, I am on a contract so I will have to pay a termination fee. For another, it is literally the only luxury I have these days. I don't spend any money on entertainment at all. If we go to the movies, it is the second-run theater in town. I get books from the library. I don't have internet at home. We don't go out to eat. I never go out with friends. I get most of my clothes for free. I would like to go camping, but even that may be too expensive since I'd have to get extra food and camp sites are about $25 per night plus the cost of gas to get there.

I haven't been eating much the last few days. I usually have a few bites and then feel kind of lousy. Not really stuck, but so full it is ridiculous. That feeling lasts for hours. I am kind of ambivalent about it. On one hand, it would be nice to eat more and be able to enjoy my food more without feeling lousy. On the other, I'm not getting sick and I'm not thinking about food too much.

Enjoy your Saturday!

12 comments:

Linda said...

Amanda - I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for your raise. I understand living tightly, I'm living for this fall when my daughter is out of daycare (we pay 1000 a month for it). I don't have time or energy for a part time job, so I don secret shopping sometimes to make extra money. I just do a few on the weekends and get make maybe $60 dollars a month, not a lot but it's extra groceries or gas. Let me know if you want any info on it.
I'm sure you are tight b/c of the stress too.

Cindylew said...

Saying a prayer about hearing great news about your raise on Monday. I know how stressful these types of worries can be. That second income from BF is likely going to be what it takes to get you back on track.
Hang in there...things will get better.

Janice said...

Stress is probably a factor on the food front. It sounds like you are looking at a lot of alternatives, and it is good that you asked for a raise. It is very reasonable. I hope it works out. Do you think there are any other jobs out there you might like that would pay more? BF definitely needs to find something, even if it is pt. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I know this is a hard time, but you sound like you are doing a good job looking at options. My dh was unemployed for 15 mos. and we lived thru. Personally, would not want to do it again, but it all worked out in the end.

CC said...

i hate money, it sucks....it especially sucks when you don't have any or things are tight!
i'm definitely sending good thoughts your way!!

THE DASH! said...

My fingers, eyes, toes and hair are crossed you get that much needed raise. Your boss sounds like he has a good one in you and you def deserve that raise!!

Jacquie said...

Heres hoping to hearing good news on the job front! I am not surprised you are so tight with the amount of stress you are living with Amanda. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

"I get most of my clothes for free. " --- wow, that is impressive!

DB said...

Amanda, I really hope you get that raise. It sounds like you deserve it for sure {{{{{HUGS}}}}

Bonnie said...

Amanda - I am so sorry. My husband is self-employed and it is such a challenge. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. A raise is definitely in order.

Perry Joyce said...

You REALLY deserve a raise, girl! Good luck, I'll send good vibes your way!

And thank you so much for the encouragement on going back to school! That's exactly what I needed to hear - that it's still possible! That's amazing that you finished with a husband, two kids, AND a full-time job! You are a total inspiration!!

Girl Bandit said...

So sorry Amanda to hear that things are not getting better. You deserve the raise and I hope you get it. Can't DH get a job doing anything....I feel your burden...and worry about you cancelling health insurance especially with the band (((hugs)))

Jenny said...

I hope your raise comes through. You sound like you made a good case for it! That can make all the difference sometimes.