re: single moms how do you do it?

<blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting Vivian [♥]:</b>" yeah. I'm not really getting it either. ... [snip!] ... I don't spend money on other things. I did not even add food in that budget. I came asking for help not to.be called a liar."</blockquote>




No one called you a liar. You never said how much money you actually brought home after all that. If I was a single mom again, I definitely wouldn't prioritize a 401k into my budget until my situation improved. You're going to have to make some sacrifices in some places and that's just the reality of it. Of course exactly what you sacrifice is up to you. A lot of people gave you really good advice and you're being a bit rude and ungrateful. There's tons of ways to save money and cut corners, you just have to do the work to get yourself started.

Quoting O ♥ G:" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting Vivian ... [snip!] ... rude and ungrateful. There's tons of ways to save money and cut corners, you just have to do the work to get yourself started."

this exactly. A 401k isn't necessary, at all. And if you make 2500 or so gross, you need to re-evaluate your tax exemptions because you shouldn't have 700 taken out. That is extremely high.

<blockquote><b>Quoting {tamz}:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting {tamz}:</b>" ... [snip!] ... freecycle and watch Craigslist for free things that you can use like clothes and such. Alright I think that's all I got  ."</blockquote>




Are the food pantrys free? Do you have to show proof of income? I love amy's soups.

I've been trying to sell lo stuff for moms  

Great tips!!

<blockquote><b>Quoting O ♥ G:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting Vivian ... [snip!] ... rude and ungrateful. There's tons of ways to save money and cut corners, you just have to do the work to get yourself started."</blockquote>




I'm sorry I'm not trying to be rude. I'm really stressed out. Some of the ideas were good I agree. I have a 401k loan that I have no choice but to pay back bc it comes out of my check. I already cancelled my contributions months ago. Trust me I really am cutting corners everywhere. I am going to try to live off beans and a few veggies ans not spend money on groceries.

<blockquote><b>Quoting XavierRose:</b>" this exactly. A 401k isn't necessary, at all. And if you make 2500 or so gross, you need to re-evaluate your tax exemptions because you shouldn't have 700 taken out. That is extremely high."</blockquote>




I cannot control what gets taken out. I have dental, vision, short and long term disability and insurance for my lo come out too. The 401k is a loan that gets deducted automatically. I also don't always get 40 hours a week. More like 32.

<blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting {tamz}:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" ... [snip!] ... free? Do you have to show proof of income? I love amy's soups. I've been trying to sell lo stuff for moms   Great tips!!"</blockquote>



In Minnesota at least you do not have to show income for food pantrys or other food distributions so they should help you

Quoting momma melissa85:" <blockquote><b>Quoting {tamz}:</b>" <blockquote><b>Quoting momma melissa85:</b>" ... [snip!] ... free? Do you have to show proof of income? I love amy's soups. I've been trying to sell lo stuff for moms   Great tips!!"

food pantries are free and you must show income at some but not all. government run requires proof of income but I believe most church ones don't.
Also, they don't really turn you away even if they require you tell them how much you make. Just look around in your area and see. sometimes food pantries post on CL, at least here they do.

Quoting momma melissa85:" <blockquote><b>Quoting XavierRose:</b>" how is that possible? I made 15/hr and pulled ... [snip!] ... of money, and still qualified for daycare assistance."</blockquote> My state is poor. How do I find out if I qualify?"

thought u applied already and said u didnt qualify?

<blockquote><b>Quoting Dontai's MUMMY!:</b>" thought u applied already and said u didnt qualify?"</blockquote>




There are 3 different ones in my city. I only knew about 1 and I was denied. I just checked into two more and did not apply bc there is an income cap at 9.69 hour gross. I make more than that.

Quoting momma melissa85:" <blockquote><b>Quoting Cassie♥:</b>" honestly to me it sounds like you need ... [snip!] ... owe $6000 for 2 semesters. I don't have medical bills or credit cards other than my secures credit card I owe like $200 on it."

Then why in the hell did you even post this thread in the first goddamn place?

Go do some research on doing medical studies and see if you can make money that way. Go donate your eggs. Donate plasma.

Trade your car in for a cheaper one to lower your payment, lower your insurance...

Its like no matter WHAT people say to try to help you, you have some excuse. First things first...get rid of your excuses...suck it up and welcome to the rough and tough life of being an adult.

<blockquote><b>Quoting **milfshake**:</b>" Then why in the hell did you even post this thread in the first goddamn place? Go do some research on ... [snip!] ... excuse. First things first...get rid of your excuses...suck it up and welcome to the rough and tough life of being an adult."</blockquote>



Donating my eggs is against my moral and religious morals. I am looking into donating plasma.

Please do explain to me how to trade in my car. I owe $10000 to the bank. I am interested.

My insurance is as low as it can go.


I asked how to do it WITHOUT state assistance which is what most were posting. I did take some advice and checked about lowering my output. If you read ALL of my responses you would have seen that and I took some of the advice and have a few ways I can at least try to lower my bills.

You won't find a ton of answers on how to do it without assistance..I frequent many sites and this one is by far the one using the most assistance and programs..I am sure I will get flamed by saying this but it is the truth...There is a lot of encouragement for people to use the programs whether they need it or not..I hear many people very happy to report there freebies-and how they throw away food they get so much..with that being said..I decided to be a single mom and had a child with a person who worked from home. Otherwise I would not have been able to have a baby. I didn't expect the government to pick up the tab to meet my selfish needs. I do understand sometimes you are not a single mom by choice and that is different. Even with the free child care I have a hard time making it. I have a roomate and shop at Aldi a lot. I get her clothes on ebay and shop clearance only...I don't go out much. And unfortunately I have some credit care debt! But I raised her on my own her dad doesn't contribute at all financially. Also I do pay all her medical and deductibles-to be honest you are almost better quitting your job and working at one that pays lower you will come out ahead! At least that's what they tell me!

Quoting Susan Schultz:" You won't find a ton of answers on how to do it without assistance..I frequent many sites and this one ... [snip!] ... almost better quitting your job and working at one that pays lower you will come out ahead! At least that's what they tell me!"

A roommates a great idea-my SIL makes a lot of money, has a masters degree from a prestigious school, is 31 years old, and still has a roommate because she's taking the smart road and paying off all her college debt before buying a house, child, etc. Aldis is a great store too! I agree that there is too much encouragement to utilize government assistance in general. for example, my pedi always asks why we don't get wic and says we should just because we are young. well we don't qualify and don't need it. at my college also they always have reps come in and encourage people to apply for food stamps regardless of whether they truly need it. it's quite strange.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Susan Schultz:</b>" You won't find a ton of answers on how to do it without assistance..I frequent many sites and this one ... [snip!] ... almost better quitting your job and working at one that pays lower you will come out ahead! At least that's what they tell me!"</blockquote>




Ugh if I do that though I'm only saving in day care. I won't be able to afford my bills.

I will find a way to make it. If I don't qualify then I have to find another way.

Thanks for responding.

<blockquote><b>Quoting Tasha Norman:</b>" A roommates a great idea-my SIL makes a lot of money, has a masters degree from a prestigious school, ... [snip!] ... have reps come in and encourage people to apply for food stamps regardless of whether they truly need it. it's quite strange. "</blockquote>




I have thought about a roommate but who do I trust in my home around my child? Kwim

I am looking into it though.

Positive note. I have lowered my phone bill by $7 I think, Adt by $18, insurance by $6 and unplugged all my appliances and powered my house temp to 65 degrees to help with the light bill. I turned down my water heater and insulated my windows. I am.going to try to lower my car loan interest and 401 k loan. I'm going to try to lower my student loan interest rate too. I'm going to try to find one or two kids to watch part time before I go to work. I'm trying everything I cam and praying God will make a way for us.