A new plan?

[ceejay74]

On some occasions, if you transfer directly from school to school in a certain amount of time, they will hold your loans. It just depends.

I'm not sure if it's because it was a different degree, but when my girlfriend went back to college (started grad school) we were able to get two of her three loans deferred (Sallie Mae and Direct Loans, the 2 government loans). Only one which was a private loan needed paying. It wouldn't hurt to ask or look into it further.

Also, they will often work with someone to lower monthly payments if you can prove hardship. This isn't a good long-term solution because it'll take longer to pay them off, but it could be a big help when you're just starting out.

Apologies if this has already been mentioned--there are a lot of replies but I don't think I remember seeing this suggestion.

[jIM_Ohio]

I have thought about it but my husband schedule varies. We've tried that before and we could never get the two jobs to work with the other schedule. If my husband finds a job with a stable work schedule, we will definitely do that.

I've posted babysitting services on CL as well but I've never gotten any replies.

Thank you for the ideas!

My wife did work as an adult babysitter and got real good bang for the advertising buck in the church bulletin. $10 or so for the ad, and usually a job every third or fourth weekend. My wife tended to do a lot of overnights once she got going.

If you have knowledge of sports, a great second job/weekend job is reffing games or umpiring games. You make cash, and I can clear $200 in 7 hours reffing soccer games if I chose to do it.
Easy to schedule and paid in cash.

[zetta]

I've posted babysitting services on CL as well but I've never gotten any replies.

You might be better off answering ads posted by people looking for a babysitter -- especially if you're hoping for an ongoing job. When I use Craig's List to look for a part-time nanny, I post the hours and duties. The replies come from the person seeking the job. It will also make it easier for you to ensure that the location and schedule are good for you.

[TheDude80]

.

Do you work or only your husband? You might consider working part time at home just to help out. I have been working for 4 years from home and don't make as much as hubby but mine pays for the groceries, formula and diapers!

Just curious, how did you get started working from home? How do you like it, what are the pros/cons? Thanks.

[workingmamma]

I got working at home after I found my son was in a bad day care situation. I quit my full time job and started hunting for a work at home job that I could do. I first ran into some scams but then discovered a great e-book that is awesome. This book offers professional help in how to write a great resume, apply for work at home jobs and basically anything you can think of to get you off on the right foot in finding your job from home. I thought I knew alot but it was a huge help to me. Also with this book you get a free trial to their job data base that lists thousands of jobs that you can apply too and the best part is if you apply for 5 jobs in your skill level and do not receive a job there is a 100% guarantee with it. (Not that I know a lot about that cause I didn't return mine!! LOL))

If interested take a look at About JobsBasedFromHome.net, LLC - Real Home Based Jobs at Jobs Based From Home. Start Applying Today. Or if you prefer a hard copy I can give you the link to buy the hard copy off of Amazon.

[TheDude80]

I got working at home after I found my son was in a bad day care situation. I quit my full time job and started hunting for a work at home job that I could do. I first ran into some scams but then discovered a great e-book that is awesome. This book offers professional help in how to write a great resume, apply for work at home jobs and basically anything you can think of to get you off on the right foot in finding your job from home. I thought I knew alot but it was a huge help to me. Also with this book you get a free trial to their job data base that lists thousands of jobs that you can apply too and the best part is if you apply for 5 jobs in your skill level and do not receive a job there is a 100% guarantee with it. (Not that I know a lot about that cause I didn't return mine!! LOL))

If interested take a look at : Real Home Based Jobs at Jobs Based From Home. Start Applying Today. Or if you prefer a hard copy I can give you the link to buy the hard copy off of Amazon.

The situation that made you look for work from home is bad, but in the end it sounds great that you did. Thanks for taking the time to reply. I have a couple of questions. How is their customer support if I need help? How many jobs can I look through in the database?

[rizzmo]

OP after reading your initial post and all the responses I would like to offer my opinion and advice. You have mentioned in your posts that you feel you are mature and capable of making good decisions, I feel you are a bit disillusioned. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with a person choosing to have a child at a young age, nor is it wrong for a person to want to live on their own. However, it is reckless and irresponsible for a person to choose to have a child when they have no means to provide a basic existence for even themselves. On a month to month basis you cannot afford to live without assistance (DH parents covering insurance, food stamps, gift cards and charity). People have offered to you advice on how to build a proper budget and you refused to listen, became defensive and use marginal justifications to support your stance. You are not simply going through a rough patch ... you are financially insolvent and you made the decisions that put you in this position. You need to accept responsibility for the decisions you have made. We understand you don't the income for many items that should/need to be budgeted for, but it certain won't kill you to have a budget in place for the off chance your situation improves. I say chance, because unless you get a job it seems very unlikely that your situation will improve. Working alternating shifts is a good idea; since your DH’s hours vary you may need to arrange your child to be looked after for a few hours when your schedules overlap. Considering your monthly expenses, I would go on welfare until you can locate a job. I know this is harsh, but sometimes the truth is.

On a separate note you perhaps could have been more pleasant in your responses to those you asked for help … even the ones you didn’t agree with. Admittedly, the tone of my post has been influenced by the abrasiveness in your responses.

[skylovessea]

OP after reading your initial post and all the responses I would like to offer my opinion and advice. You have mentioned in your posts that you feel you are mature and capable of making good decisions, I feel you are a bit disillusioned. To be clear, there is nothing wrong with a person choosing to have a child at a young age, nor is it wrong for a person to want to live on their own. However, it is reckless and irresponsible for a person to choose to have a child when they have no means to provide a basic existence for even themselves. On a month to month basis you cannot afford to live without assistance (DH parents covering insurance, food stamps, gift cards and charity). People have offered to you advice on how to build a proper budget and you refused to listen, became defensive and use marginal justifications to support your stance. You are not simply going through a rough patch ... you are financially insolvent and you made the decisions that put you in this position. You need to accept responsibility for the decisions you have made. We understand you don't the income for many items that should/need to be budgeted for, but it certain won't kill you to have a budget in place for the off chance your situation improves. I say chance, because unless you get a job it seems very unlikely that your situation will improve. Working alternating shifts is a good idea; since your DH’s hours vary you may need to arrange your child to be looked after for a few hours when your schedules overlap. Considering your monthly expenses, I would go on welfare until you can locate a job. I know this is harsh, but sometimes the truth is.

On a separate note you perhaps could have been more pleasant in your responses to those you asked for help … even the ones you didn’t agree with. Admittedly, the tone of my post has been influenced by the abrasiveness in your responses.

Sorry for the long awaited response. I have been busier than ever and haven't been on in going on two months. I believe that what you stated was very rude, but I know that some people just come off that way. Let me just clarify some things.

We had money when we decided to have a baby, but things happen. We didn't have a baby with no savings or idea of income. We planned just as any couple would, and we did fine. But things change when you least expect it. No one could have seen it coming. You can't tell me that you've never had a sudden change in income or even lifestyle.

My in-laws cover the insurance because they want to. It is a gift to us, not a charity, and it is not because they feel obligated.

We were on food stamps because my husband lost his job. Now that he has a job again, we no longer have it. We are still eligible to take it, but we only used it while we had zero income and no other options.

I honestly don't see the problem with using gift cards for certain essentials, so I'm not even going to touch that one, especially considering that the gift cards were intended for diapers and what not.

I became defensive because my personal life and choices were being bashed and ridiculed. Making someone feel small is no way to "give advice" and I was simply standing up for that belief. I see no problem with that, and I appreciate all legitimate advice given to me.

[disneysteve]

Hi Nicole. How about posting an update to let us know how things are? We read the stories and give the advice and rarely hear how things turn out or what folks decided to do.

[skylovessea]

Hi Nicole. How about posting an update to let us know how things are? We read the stories and give the advice and rarely hear how things turn out or what folks decided to do.

Oh I will! I've been so busy but it feels good to be back.

[swanson719]

Ok, take this with a grain of salt. You're not going to like the idea at first, but think about it.

The army offers a $15,000 enlistment bonus right now, and he wouldn't have to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. Join something that isn't combat arms - be welder, or work on airplanes or something that he can use when he gets out.

The $15K bonus knocks out all your debt off the bat. The GI Bill offers $36,000 of transferable college tuition, so that pays for the rest of your college. The military provides free medical for your whole family - so you, hubby, and baby are taken care of for free. Housing is provided, and utilities are free. While you're hubbies in basic, your rent would be paid for by the military, and probably have enough to cover utilities too. And he'd be getting paid at least what he does now. That solves all your problems so far, and gives you a good 5 year plan.

Debts gone. Housings covered. Utilities covered. Medical covered. College is paid for. And making more than he does now. Not to mention that most spouses swap child care and jobs on post start at about $9 an hour. My wife makes an extra $1000 a month that way to go with my pay. I've been in almost 4 years, and we make just under $60K a year, net. I joined when I was 18. Your husband would get out when he's 23 years old, and have enough in the bank for you guys to get a good start, and have a skill he can take out and get a good paying job on, not to mention that military service looks really good on a job application. Yes, it's 4 years of your life together, but it's a step that can really help you guys out, and greatly improve your standard of living.

[skylovessea]

Ok, take this with a grain of salt. You're not going to like the idea at first, but think about it.

The army offers a $15,000 enlistment bonus right now, and he wouldn't have to go to Iraq or Afghanistan. Join something that isn't combat arms - be welder, or work on airplanes or something that he can use when he gets out.

The $15K bonus knocks out all your debt off the bat. The GI Bill offers $36,000 of transferable college tuition, so that pays for the rest of your college. The military provides free medical for your whole family - so you, hubby, and baby are taken care of for free. Housing is provided, and utilities are free. While you're hubbies in basic, your rent would be paid for by the military, and probably have enough to cover utilities too. And he'd be getting paid at least what he does now. That solves all your problems so far, and gives you a good 5 year plan.

Debts gone. Housings covered. Utilities covered. Medical covered. College is paid for. And making more than he does now. Not to mention that most spouses swap child care and jobs on post start at about $9 an hour. My wife makes an extra $1000 a month that way to go with my pay. I've been in almost 4 years, and we make just under $60K a year, net. I joined when I was 18. Your husband would get out when he's 23 years old, and have enough in the bank for you guys to get a good start, and have a skill he can take out and get a good paying job on, not to mention that military service looks really good on a job application. Yes, it's 4 years of your life together, but it's a step that can really help you guys out, and greatly improve your standard of living.

Thank you for the idea, and it sounds wonderful, but my husband and I don't support the military and we wouldn't stoop so low as to go against what we believe, even if it would help us.

[dardhel]

It sounds like you already have a plan even if it is not brought together yet. You have already shown you can live on what your family can bring in (given that your husband gets the job). All you need is to finish school and give it time.

Work with the FPU and live the debt free life and you will find yourselves realizing the dream. As someone else said, DS?, you are only 19 and by the time you are 30 you will be in a position most other families would envy.

D

[prosper]

Thank you for the idea, and it sounds wonderful, but my husband and I don't support the military and we wouldn't stoop so low as to go against what we believe, even if it would help us.

Just curious, Why don't you support the military?