How to break free of debt on Little money.

[korman]

Hello, I need advice here. I'm 38 years old single male who was self employed up intill July 5th 2005, working single copy delivery. On July 5th I was hit by a truck, breaking serveral ribs and ruptured 7 disk in my back, do to the condition of my back with the pain and meds I'm on I'm not able to work. I live with a person that was ingured in the same accident and also not able to work. I've applied for SSI and haven't got anywhere with it yet. The other person gets $860.00 a month which is what we are living on right now. Below is a list of our expenses and income

Income: $ 860.00 and $187.00 for food

Rent: $475.00
Utilities: $200.00
phone: $23.00
Car Insurance$ 100.00
Food $200.00
Medicines $ 50.00

We have no cable, and cut back everywhere we could. I don't have medical insurance and do not qualify for medicade if I don't get the SSI which is time consuming. I do have an attorney for the accident but if and when I get a settlement is a good question. Every month I've had to scrape together money and sell stuff to get buy. I don't have any thing left to sell and at wits end here. I've tried to get local help from local groups and churches but money is tight everywhere. Any suggestions would be greatly needed.

[katwoman]

For food, the Salvation Army has food baskets once a month. Then there is www.angelfoodministries.com. You pay, but at greatly reduced prices.

For utilities the Salvation Army can also help you.

Can you call your congressman? Mine is quite effective and has helped many people. But I'm in the Chicago area.

[korman]

The Salvation Army does wonders here, They can help with rent but don't work with my landlord because they have had problems with him and refuse to work with him. I'm lucky to be where I am because of price, I can't touch anything for $475 here anywhere the same apartment I'm in next to me just went for $700.00 a month. Our salvation Army does only hot meals and bread. I have asked for help with rent but was turned down because of my landlord. They did direct me to ALPHI for power help but haven't got a responce yet. And to Mustered Seed for rent also waiting for answer. I need my back taken care of but intil I can get that taken care of I'm not going to be doing much as far as work goes. I hope SSi will come thru so I can get medical to pay for fixing my back. I haven't tried my elected officials yet but did check out the food ministry you gave a website for the closest to me is 120 miles and my car won't make that but, I might be able to get someone to get me there.

[Snoopy2645]

What about the internet I am just curious how you can pay for the internet or a computer?? I just been wondering because I keep seeing people say they are so broke & dont know what to do I keep wondering how r u getting online KWIM

If u r paying for internet maybe you could cut that or go to a cheaper plan

[flash]

Hi Korman.

I know some of what you are going through, and whatever brain waves I can offer.

First, hate to say it, but Medicare won't kick in until TWO years after SSDI officially declares you disabled.

You sound like you are doing pretty well on expenses!

Your grocery expenses sound reasonable, but if you aren't already doing so, use coupons, free samples, etc. This site maintains a very good coupon section, and most stores will "double" the coupon up to 0.50. (i.e., give you a $1 off if you have a 50 cent coupon). Some double up to a dollar, sometimes they triple. You don't have to buy a newspaper, most of the local ads are now online, as are coupons. Don't bother printing coupons, as it runs through much toner and paper, but where possible, use the links to have them sent by mail. By combing ads and coupons, we've been shaving 50 - 75% off our groceries.

The internet, well, with our system we have multiple screen names, so my mother and my sister use screen names from our account. Perfectly legal, and saves them the $ for something I'm already paying for.

Buy clothing, etc., at outlet sales, or on clearance at the internet, and use every coupon offer you can find. www.247malls.com maintains a pretty good list of active coupons. Google away, too, to find the best deal for what you need.

The freebie section, may be small stuff, but 4 pounds of dog food free, or 10 sheets of computer paper at a time, personal supplies, discounts on meds, etc. adds up.

I'm not sure what you exact needs are, but read people's journals on this site and post questions for things you find applicable. People are pretty supportive in explaining specific things they done. It's harder to give advice blindly than to explain how specific savings were achieved.

Hope that helps as a starter.

[flash]

Oh, for whatever meds you are on, most manufacturers have patience assistance programs. Some are based on income, some on need, some simply require your doctor to submit to them that you need the medication and they will provide it to you through you doctor. Pfizer has excellent plans, but many others do too.

Again, the freebies/coupon section here has loads of Rx rebates and discounts, as well as coupons for OTC.

[joeswife]

on the use of the computer..lots of people dont have a computer. i use my moms computer. we only live next door so its easy. but when i didnt live as close, i used the computers at college when i was there, or at the libary. theres alot of ways to find a way to use a computer. not just by paying for an internet connection of your own. hth.

ericka

[Snoopy2645]

ok thanks for the clarification our library charges outrageous amounts for internet use so I just wondered how everyone got online who didnt have any money. I know I do save tons by using the internet

[jodi]

Can I ask why you don't qualify for Medicaid? If you have no income and less than $4000 in assets, it seems like you should...you can't wait on Medicare, like pp said, it won't kick in for two years. the good news with the SSI is that, if you qualify, you will get Medicaid and the pay will be retroactive.