We got ourselves into a financial pickle recently ~ not through over spending - just through the circumstances of incapacitation bringing a halving to the income, a change in income structure and a few additional essential but not normal expenses...
Had we had ayear to plan, we would have been better off but unfortunately fractured spines only hold up for a limited time before the 'no more' is called ~ and it is a non-negotiable and rather unexpected arrangement. I mean, one day you are carrying filing to archive - the next, you can't get out of bed!
The first backhanded THANKYOU . . .
The Salvos/UnitedCare and such do not look at you as such - more your circumstances - I have recently got assistance through the Salvos - a few Coles food vouchers, bill assistance and food from their 'shop'. I've also taken down pumpkin, carrots and lettuce to give to others, and taken bread, pasta and corn - little like bartering! But I digressed - I am married, mortgaged, working hubby, incapacitated myself, income dropped, change structure - we were struggling.
I could show I'd shaved the phone, gas, electricity, petrol, fuel consumptions - we had just accumulated a bit. Only a few $00's, but enough to incur these stu[id $40 overdraw fees or late payment fees. Still - the water is in credit - and it give us interest for being so!
So in asking the Salvos to help, by providing assistance with food, phone and electricity - we had the mortgage, gas, electricity & phone balance or put on payment plan. Some things which needed $80pf to stay on top of the debt only, we have negotiated to $40pm, so the debt doesn't go too ott - and I put extra in as I can. No charge or fees - like a private credit arrangement.
Like the electricity - they were owed about $800. We usually don't use that much in a year, but in a cold climate with a cronic back condition - I was SO feeling the cold and it set in and hurt. My acupuncturist Peter asked how I was coping. Any way, even $80 a fortnight wasn't going to cut it as the next bill was almost $300. So the Salvos contributed $150, I put in $100 and set up a plan to pay $40 a month while we clear a few bills. As they drop away, more goes to the rest . . .
Water is in credit. Excellent. Electricity has $830 owing - and the max going in between bills will be $200 - but they know what is happening, so I feel more secure. Gas is $230. Will pay $80 and arrange same for a month later. Will fall overdue - but paid as next comes in.
Not sure how to takle the car fines. I had a fine which I wanted to fight in court but life got in the way and it just summons'ed out. Another $600 odd to clear. We have cleared all of Mr Speed Racers, I mean hubby's - so having dropped from $160 pm, to $80pm, to $50pm now $40pm ~~ See how talking on the phone and discussing can work ~~ we are looking at clamping the car tyres for 6 months. Suits me - I have the little car for school runs, hubby has the bus and train. Hardly need two cars only the road. Just a little more reinforced. Definitely good inconvenience/enforced punishment appropriate for the balance...
And now the budget . . .
Not the federal one - ours for the month. Remember, monthly pay. So payday is 15th. In - we have, wait for it : $3988 ~ will need $1800 for Morty to be covered. Let's just say we have $2000 for the next 30 days - to 15 July.
OK - food. We have been doing the $21 very successfully for the past 14 days - $3.20 only for the first 10 days - up to $24.80 at the moment. This is usually BIG Shop - the $300 shop. I am going in with $100. Cat food is on special at safeway - will get 11 cans for $10. Fruit & veg - aim for $25worth - I've got broc, pots, onion, carrot, lettuce, pumpkin (lots actually). Really only fresh fruit. Cereal needed, milk always. Still have two loaves. Lemonade and Buderims Ginger needed (must call and see if they will supply some bulk for less).
Will come back and report how I spent $100 for 2-3 weeks feeding! And I will aim for less - see how low I can go. If I could, I'd dumpster dive!
