Sick of being poor! - Page 2

[Imakcerka]

We just went through three years of that.  Barely scraping by.  I didn't buy myself one damn thing for three years.  It sucked!  I know how you feel.  I didn't have my degree and had to get certs.  I'm in the IT field.  As soon as a good opportunity came up I took it.  I really have to say I got lucky.  I had a 20,000 a year increase by switching companies.  Sometimes it's better to start looking.  Good luck

[Abarat]

Originally Posted by lifeguard 

Dh & I have this conversation regularly. How is it that we are so tight when he makes a similar salary to all of his friends. The fact is, we are living within our means, most of them are not. They are simply getting deeper & deeper into debt each month.

This is how it is in my husband's office.  He gets so frustrated because we scrape by when everyone else has all these toys, takes vacations, etc.  He doesn't really want all those things but I think he feels guilty that he can't provide us with new stuff all the time, the groceries I'd love to buy, etc.  It's worth it for us and we learn to live without.  But sounds like your situation, OP, is tighter than ours!  I feel for you and hope some other poster's suggestions really help.  

[jewel1288]

Have you heard of www.learnvest.com? It's a really helpful website for managing money, budgeting, getting out of debt. Anything money related, you know name it, they cover it! I have found it to be super helpful. I have also signed up for their weekly e-mails, so I get tips on how to spend $10. wisely. The suggestions change with each email... sometimes it's related to clothing, entertainment, cheap recipes to make for under $10. Really really helpful information for anyone, but especially when money is tight. Oh, and the best thing is that all of this helpful and relevant information is FREE! Check it out, maybe it will be helpful.

Also, regarding food... when the weather is warmer again, would it be feasible for you and your family to plant a small garden? Growing things like tomatoes and other vegetables can go a long way in filling your bellies with good things and saving money on produce. 

Money is tight with me, too, so I can imagine your frustration. I'm sorry you're struggling. :( Thinking of you and praying for you.

[Mom31]

I wonder by the way you describe this if you would actually qualify for some assistance? Be it with your electric bill, food, etc. There are food banks and other programs as well that may be able to help you get ahead. I know no one wants it to come to this but you have to figure out how to feed your family.

[Vaske]

Could he take the tuition reimbursement and get a bachelor's degree?  How much might that increase his pay?

Alternatively, if he is working 70 hours every week, maybe you should calculate his real hourly wage.  It is probably very low, and he might actually make more money by taking two or three part-time jobs.  Looks bad on the resume, though.