I'm new here and have a few ???

**disneysteve** · 10-28-2007, 03:21 PM

Welcome! It sounds to me like you are making tremendous progress. Keep it up. In addition to your 20K income, do you receive any government benefits like Medicaid, food stamps, etc.? I would certainly think you would qualify since your income of 20K for a family of 4 puts you below the poverty level. Regardless, you are supporting 4 people, paying down your debts and still putting away 4% for the future. Until you can find a way to increase your income, keep plugging away as you have been. Good luck.

**irmanator** · 10-28-2007, 03:28 PM

I qualify but don't have vacation time left to go apply plus i hate going down THERE. it is in the nasty neighborhood and I wouldn't get that much. I left before i was done with my post before because dd needed a ride to youth group. I am also doing a lot of remodeling on my own (based on advice from co-workers) and a veggie garden. not much luck with that yet.

**Ima saver** · 10-28-2007, 03:35 PM

You are doing great to save on such a low income. I know I did it, but i did not have 3 kids at the time.

**irmanator** · 10-28-2007, 03:45 PM

I guess it is ok most of the time but when friends want to go out occaisonally and i don't have the money for spur of the moment things because i get paid and pay bills fill tank and fill fridge and there is nothing left. if it is planned a couple weeks ahead I can wing a small extravagance. I i get tired of explaining i don't want charity per se but can we do something cheaper or plan ahead?

**disneysteve** · 10-28-2007, 05:11 PM

Originally posted by irmanator View Post

I wouldn't get that much.

I'd encourage you to apply when you are able. Every little bit helps, especially when you don't have much. Even $10/week in assistance could make your life easier.

**Broken Arrow** · 10-28-2007, 05:13 PM

Considering what you're working with, I think you are doing tremendously well. I hope you will decide to stick around and share some of your tips and ideas.

**irmanator** · 10-28-2007, 06:11 PM

well I have a good memory for what stores charge for certain things sort of like the pricebook mentioned in amy daczycn book tightwad gazzette. so I wont buy something if it is cheaper somewhere else close by. it is very convenient that we have a Wegmans on one corner a super walmart on the other and Aldi's on the other. So all the cheap groceries are grouped together. with three kids that is my best money saver, I don't have investments besides my 401k and one year my company gave everyone 6 share of stock. I go yard saleing alot in summer. I do want to get a saving acct built up. 2 months ago I had issues with my refrigerator and car dying within ten days of each other. I had to use credit both times. did not like that. not when i am trying to pay off all of the credit.

**irmanator** · 10-28-2007, 06:12 PM

yea I am tired thats why I missed proofreading. (also my hands are cold) lol

**Hot dog** · 10-29-2007, 10:05 AM

You sound like you are doing well. Don't sell yourself short by not getting assistance. It is not for you. It is for your kids. So if you get $300 in food stamps put 300 toward college if it makes you feel better. I know I feel much better about people that are trying to get ahead use the system then those that plan on being on it forever and not trying to do the right thing. I was a single mom on welfare putting myself through a 25,000 a year college with two kids and still had more money than most around me so get what you can get and use it to improve yourself and your children

**Snodog** · 10-29-2007, 12:48 PM

I too would think about getting that assistance. You are doing very well on such a small income. Be proud, did you know there are people who make 5 or 6 times as much as you who cant seem to make it.

**mariogreymist** · 10-29-2007, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by Snodog View Post

I too would think about getting that assistance. You are doing very well on such a small income. Be proud, did you know there are people who make 5 or 6 times as much as you who cant seem to make it.

Amen. In my younger, more reckless days I once managed a telemarketing operation and made about 10k per month. After 18 months of that, I had less than $2000 saved when I lost the job. I have a lot of respect for someone who can make so much from so little.

**Hot dog** · 10-29-2007, 01:29 PM

Also, believe me none of us are getting where we want to be financially fast enough either. I want it and I want it now. It is a frustrating process

**mom-from-missouri** · 10-29-2007, 01:42 PM

Your kids also may qualify for reduced of free meals at school. Some social service agencies will send you various applications thru the mail, that you could fill out and take in with you to reduce your time at their office.

**irmanator** · 11-10-2007, 04:45 AM

good morning everyone! thanks for all replies I don't get on the internet often but i do check back. :-)

I'm new here and have a few ???