I need help

[ColieO]

We just got notice that 4 of our bills are going to be substantially raised. I'm going to pick up extra hours at work, but what else can we do? And it's not luxury bills. Health insurance, water/sewage, gas and property taxes. Our savings is already pretty much gone because of some unexpected expenses earlier this year, so I'm really panicking. We do coupon for groceries, though not extreme. We have a food supply set up. I just don't know what to do about our other bills. Our gas, for cars, is $161 more than we spent before my husband took a job further away. We looked into public transportation but he doesn't have the flexibility on time to make it work. He's currently looking for a closer job, but that's stressful. We don't spend more than we have. I honestly can't think of where to cut back! Help!

[KenzieQsMommy]

Most places allow you to call and rearrange your due by date. It ususally takes a billing cycle but its worth a shot.

Quoting ColieO:

I doubt it. We don't qualify for any assistance. We can make it, but like this month we have no idea how we are going to pay our car payment, mortgage and everything on one check because of how everything falls this month. And with the increase in costs... I just don't know.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

MaNn that stinks...I'm sorry. Maybe you qualify for something like SupperSolutions. We have them in our area and you buy packages for complete meal sets and I believe its on a sliding scale or something

Quoting ColieO:

We have the gas on a payment plan, but they don't have anything for the water.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

Can you see if your state can help with sewage/water? Sometimes they offer assistance

 

[ColieO]

The ones that are due at the end of the month can't be rearranged. We've moved everything we could to the middle of the month. I'm just praying my commission check is here next week instead of the week after.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

Most places allow you to call and rearrange your due by date. It ususally takes a billing cycle but its worth a shot.

Quoting ColieO:

I doubt it. We don't qualify for any assistance. We can make it, but like this month we have no idea how we are going to pay our car payment, mortgage and everything on one check because of how everything falls this month. And with the increase in costs... I just don't know.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

MaNn that stinks...I'm sorry. Maybe you qualify for something like SupperSolutions. We have them in our area and you buy packages for complete meal sets and I believe its on a sliding scale or something

Quoting ColieO:

We have the gas on a payment plan, but they don't have anything for the water.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

Can you see if your state can help with sewage/water? Sometimes they offer assistance

 

[KenzieQsMommy]

Man that sucks!! Good luck!!

Quoting ColieO:

The ones that are due at the end of the month can't be rearranged. We've moved everything we could to the middle of the month. I'm just praying my commission check is here next week instead of the week after.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

Most places allow you to call and rearrange your due by date. It ususally takes a billing cycle but its worth a shot.

Quoting ColieO:

I doubt it. We don't qualify for any assistance. We can make it, but like this month we have no idea how we are going to pay our car payment, mortgage and everything on one check because of how everything falls this month. And with the increase in costs... I just don't know.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

MaNn that stinks...I'm sorry. Maybe you qualify for something like SupperSolutions. We have them in our area and you buy packages for complete meal sets and I believe its on a sliding scale or something

Quoting ColieO:

We have the gas on a payment plan, but they don't have anything for the water.

Quoting KenzieQsMommy:

Can you see if your state can help with sewage/water? Sometimes they offer assistance

 

 

[michiganmom116]

Can you opt for a lower cost health insurance plan?

[michiganmom116]

You do a fabulous job decorating cakes and other goodies, and the holidays are coming up FAST!  How about doing some baking/selling from your home?  That could bring in extra.

[michiganmom116]

That really bites about the cost of gas...maybe look for a more fuel efficient vehicle for him? 

[michiganmom116]

Hey, does anyone live near you that he could carpool with?  Maybe even drive to their house then chip in a little for their gas?

[ColieO]

We're on the lowest one lol.

Quoting michiganmom116:

Can you opt for a lower cost health insurance plan?

[ColieO]

I do from time to time. Profit sucks though. Usually on a $50 cake I'm lucky to make $20 profit.

As far as gas goes, he drives a car that gets 28mpg. It's not bad. He's the only one on his shift so no one to carpool with. Plus it's 45 minutes one way and everybody else lives closer by.

Quoting michiganmom116:

You do a fabulous job decorating cakes and other goodies, and the holidays are coming up FAST!  How about doing some baking/selling from your home?  That could bring in extra.

[lnk8522]

Maybe he can see if his company does any sort of incentive for people who live father away.if they value him and he let's then know he's going to have to find different employment because of the commute, maybe they'll give him a gas card or a fuel reimbursement?

Quoting ColieO:

I do from time to time. Profit sucks though. Usually on a $50 cake I'm lucky to make $20 profit.



As far as gas goes, he drives a car that gets 28mpg. It's not bad. He's the only one on his shift so no one to carpool with. Plus it's 45 minutes one way and everybody else lives closer by.

Quoting michiganmom116:

You do a fabulous job decorating cakes and other goodies, and the holidays are coming up FAST!  How about doing some baking/selling from your home?  That could bring in extra.