Where to next?

[MichelleLT]

Ah, thought cuz you were in a house you weren't renting. What about moving to a smaller place? There must be cheaper apartments and such?

School definitely comes first.

Cuddle up with Gabe.

I have a 4 mile race with puppy dog tomorrow am. Then wine & chocolate festival with my best friend on Sunday! But no one to cuddle with.

[mishka422]

Ooohhhh.....wine and chocolate. Yum!

There are only two apartment complexes here in our city but they cost as much as the rent I'm paying. Yeah, I've tried that route. I'm just stuck. I need a second job desperately!

[mishka422]

Just venting......

I'm freaking out a bit.

I just used the last of the actual food in the house for dinner today. We're down to a couple of cans of chick peas, some salsa, oatmeal, a package of brown rice and 6 eggs. I don't get paid until the 16th and every penny and then some has to go to keeping the electricity, water, gas, and phone on. WTH am I going to do? I've sold everything I had that was worth anything that anyone was willing to pay for. It's too cold for a garage sale now. I'm completely out of ideas now.

Marc has no lunch money for school and I can't get any groceries for him to take anything. We certainly won't starve. Heck, I could live off water and my body fat for about a year. It's just scary to know that my child is going to be hungry. Yes, he's 17, he'll live. It's just nothing I ever expected to be worrying about......not ever.

Seriously folks, I make decent money. Not great money, but ok. It's embarrassing to know that I should be able to do better but my expenses are so ridiculous that I can't make it work.

I just don't know what to do............very scared and worried.

[MaMaMo]

Cans of soups with grilled cheese sammies are filling and cheap.

Also if you can invest in a slow cooker, you can make stews with a side dish of rice.

Soups that have meat, carrots over mash potatoes are filling too.

As for the $$ stitch do you know of any churches or shelters in your area that can help out families in need, or even a food bank in your area.

[antlers]

Public schools have programs to provide free lunches (and some do breakfast too) to those kids who have a need. All you have to do is fill out the application and turn it in.

[mishka422]

I have a wonderful slow cookery that I use often. It's my survival tool.

The problem at the moment is that I can't even put gas in my car to get to and from work. I used my last $5 for gas and it didn't even momentarily turn off my gas light. So.....no groceries.

The food banks require proof of need. I'm not considered needy because my income should be enough. It just isn't. Everything has increased so much that my income doesn't make it anymore.

Honestly, I'm not complaining or making excuses. I've tried all sorts of ways to cut my budget but I'm out of cuts. It's just really scary and frustrating.

I just finished applying for 6 more jobs. Even something at minimum wage will bring something in to pay maybe one bill partially. It's going to suck to never see my son, but whatever I have to do, I have to do.

[mishka422]

Antlers- I filled out the application. I don't qualify. By federal standards I'm 200% the poverty line......exactly. its that strange spot where you're just on the edge.

[antlers]

It seems that your cost of living eats up all of your income, and even though you make what you do, what you're left with after paying your bills isn't enough to buy good. That SHOULD matter to the schools and the food banks. I'd sure show em' the numbers!

[oldtimer]

Borrow $20 from friend or family. Talk to the school social worker. Tell your minister. Call Gabes family for help. Talk to a city social worker. Google dumpster diving for food in atlanta. Ask for free canned goods on craigslist. Cook rice and beans. Give up the phone.

[oldtimer]

Why isn't Gabe on public assistance?