When it rains, it pours :(
robynlesley
member
So we have a baby... decide to formula feed, which adds $$ to our already tight budget but it's the best for me and the baby. We'll manage, right?
Two days ago my husband found out that his company is "furloughing" employees 1 day per pay period?which is a 10% pay cut.
So our expenses are going WAY up and our income is going way down.
And last night we took Aaron to the emergency room?he's OK, had a rash all over his torso and neck and we wanted reassurance ... it ended up being a heat rash. That's a quick $50 out of our meager wallet.
So it's like everything that can go wrong is going wrong. My parents' business is on the brink. My coworker had emergency surgery and can't work for a month?so I may have to go in one or two days a week now. I'm so overwhelmed and feel really depressed.
Both my DH and I need new jobs (he more than me, since I feel a responsibility to my parents) and stat!
Thanks for letting me vent.
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
Re: When it rains, it pours :(
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DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO
Really there's no advice TO give... we need new jobs. It's that simple. And with this economy, it's not an easy task.
But we'll manage somehow. I just feel like we can't catch a break in the financial sense. We're blessed with a beautiful baby, a wonderful family and good friends. So it'll work out?but hopefully sooner rather than later.
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry. Vent any time you like. You and DH will find a way to rally and work through this.
I am so sorry Robyn. It does feel like everything comes at once and being sleep deprived, exhausted, and having wacky hormones does not help. I don't have any good advice. We are in a similar financial crunch ourselves and it is overwhelming to say the least. I keep telling myself what I have to be grateful for, but it is hard when I am awake stressing about finances in the middle of the night.
::Hugs::
Robyn, feel free to vent here anytime. I empathize with both you and your DH. The economy right now is tough and the job market is even rougher.
I am a single parent and while I was on maternity leave I got demoted. Instead of being salaried I am now an hourly employee who doesn't even get 40 hours a week. I am trying to remain positive about it though by reminding myself that at least I still have a job and instead of working the 50-60 hours a week I was working (and not getting paid for since I was salaried), I get to spend more time with my DD which for me is priceless. Sure I am struggling financially, but I do my best with what I have.
I hope things get better for you and your DH. Now go hold and kiss that precious DS of yours (it always makes me feel better). {{{HUGS}}}
Big Hug /passes a warm cup of tea, and just listens.
Oh Robyn... hang in there. So sorry to hear about your hubby's job. But I guess a pay cut is better than losing the job outright. Plus, you have a precious little baby to raise and love!
When I worked in insurance, I had a long discussion one time with one of my clients who was a single mom. I was amazed at how she could find ways to make money and even manage for little extras.... Here's some of the things she did to stretch her money:
--Donate plasma. Apparently it can pay better than just giving blood. Not everyone can do it--you have to have a certain blood type or something. But she was bringing in an extra $250 a month just by doing that. Paid for several of her smaller bills every month.
-Look around the house for items you don't use regularly and sell them on your local Craigslist. Even little things can add up over time. She would also take some of her nicer clothing to consignment stores.. ones that pay you up front for the items.
Those are just the two little things that this gal did that didn't take much effort or time, but made a big difference to her life. She's an amazing budgeter, too. Seriously disciplined about her spending habits. Much more so than me!
GL
I'm sorry. It does always seem to hit at once.
Maybe going to work for a few days is a blessing in disguise, if not, I don't think you have to go back. I think your maternity leave is protected. I don't think your company is even supposed to contact you. I know they aren't allowed to contact an employee when they are out on MLOA and maternity leave is very similiar. I can ask my DH if you want, he is in HR.
You might want to consider cloth diaper/inexpensive covers (not the plastic pants) . You can get the basics for pretty cheap. Its not hard and diaper rashes are rare. Just stay away from the Gerber Diapers from Target/BRU. For just a little bit more money you can get good ones. I've been doing it for a while now and I love it. We only used up the diapers people gave us (most of them were opened and in a "cake") and mostly we used them at night in the beginning.