Comments on COZY LITTLE HOUSE: Thrifty Living 2012: Installment 2

I found your second "Frugal" installment...

2012-02-05T16:58:31.074-06:00

I found your second "Frugal" installment. For starters, I just want to say I'm sorry you had to leave your kitties behind. I kinda' know how you feel about the mourning part. My cat died last year -- he had been poisoned. My mom called me to let me know, and I swear it was like a death in the family. It's been a year now since he died and I'm still mourning him as though it was yesterday. He was my baby. I mean, leaving him behind to go to school was hard enough on me. Now, he's not around at all. :-(

I'm not that knowledgeable when it comes to household finances, but I do know what it means to struggle, which is why I have to work while going to school. Fortunately, my mom saved all my child support checks for school, and I was supposed to continue receiving checks all through school, but I don't. I won't say why here in such a public forum. Let's just say I have a deadbeat dad.

I like working, though. It makes me feel more responsible when paying for my own things. Even though I'm here on scholarship and receiving the HOPE grant, it doesn't pay for everything. The support my mom saved helps pay for my dorm room, my lunch plan, and my books. Anything extra I have to pay for.

I think you're going to do well managing on your own. I mean, look how quickly you transformed your little blue house. To me, that's amazing. I see great things happening in your future and you will be successful at anything you want to do. I'm pulling for you! :-)

- Amber

I have recently heard about the availability of lo...

2012-01-31T16:35:24.379-06:00

I have recently heard about the availability of local medical clinics available to pay by your income level where it can cost from $10 to $30 for a visit and they usually will have samples of expensive meds and be very up to date on less expensive medicines that would work for most people. You might begin looking around--and remember that you only have 63 days from the time your COBRA runs out to find insurance before you will be put on pre-existing conditions...

Brenda, I've just now read this post. My heart...

2012-01-30T21:50:14.345-06:00

Brenda, I've just now read this post. My heart goes out to you. I don't understand the health insurance in the States. I'm from Canada. I'm truly blessed in this department at the moment.

You need an income. Are you well enough to get a job outside the home? I have a cousin who is 68 and she gets a very good pension. But she still works. She just does not want to retire. She loves to work. What can I say? Would you be happy working outside the home if you had a job you loved? I know it's not easy. Myself, I'm 70. I would love to work outside the home also. But, I'm not well enough for that. I have a friend who is also 70 and retired and she started working again last year. She needed the money and she went for it. She's managing although she finds it hard.

If you worked outside the home, you would have a steady income you could depend on. Even if you only got a part-time job. Or, have you thought of looking after a few children in your home? I know it's hard to go back to work. I think it's a matter of psyching ourself.

It's good that you are saving money. Save as much as you can. I don't know how the pension works in the States. Here people get their Old Age Pension at 65. But, Parliament might be changing it to 67. They will be debating this. I don't know what's going to happen. I hope not for my daughter's sake.

My daughter once had a neighbour who looked after children in her home and she made a small fortune. She was very good with children. She even had a waiting list of people who wanted her as their children's caregiver.

You could think of that. If I think of anything else you could do, I'll let you know. Take care, dear Brenda! I know that it's hard to get out of the mold we're accustomed to.

As a previous poster said, when things seen really...

2012-01-29T02:04:16.623-06:00

As a previous poster said, when things seen really difficult and the fear of the future begins to overtake you, count your blessings. I know, sounds silly, but it works. Think about your house. It may not be the one you've always dreamed of owning, it may be small and you may have undesirable neighbors across the drive. But imagine if you didn't have that daughter to help you and you ended up renting a small apartment where you had those undesirable neighbors on the other side if the wall!
And another neighbor on top and to the other side of
you. Thank God for that daughter, thank God for a free standing home, thank God that the undesirable neighbor IS across the drive.

Hi Brenda, as one commenter stated, this topic is ...

2012-01-28T01:17:54.882-06:00

Hi Brenda, as one commenter stated, this topic is sorely needed. I feel alone in this economy most of the time..thanks to the recession, we have lost over half of our savings that is our retirement..if we had known how hard this would be we would have made better financial decisions a few years ago, but hindsight is 20/20. Just for once, I would like to go out for a nice dinner..or a movie..we are so afraid to spend anything that might be left over at the end of the pay period, we just don't do things..any money left over goes for gas in the car to drive 8 hours to NorCal to see our baby granddaughter..We live in a place neither of us like but can't afford to move. And afraid of making another mistake..this move was a huge mistake but we are stuck for now and like others, our home is worth less than we paid for it almost 3 years ago..so take it day to day Brenda, you seem to be doing well and hopefully it will get easier for all of us..
Barb

Brenda, your post breaks my heart. I understand be...

2012-01-27T18:35:49.859-06:00

Brenda, your post breaks my heart. I understand because I was there once (with two small children). Let me just say that life will get easier, you can do much more than you thought you ever could. These may be tough times now, but better days are ahead. I think you girls are very brave and compassionate to share your stories with us. God bless. Estelle

Hey Brenda, Can I just tell you that we went thro...

2012-01-27T14:25:22.867-06:00

Hey Brenda,

Can I just tell you that we went through the most tumultuous three years during the recent recession.

I have learned things that have forever changed me. Things about money and frugal living and, most importantly, the absolutely stupid things I did with money prior to losing virtually everything.

But, you know what? I feel so blessed to have experienced all those painful, hard lessons. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I love the series you're hosting. If you need more participants, please let me know.

You have come a long way my dear friend. I know i...

2012-01-27T13:46:58.627-06:00

You have come a long way my dear friend. I know it has been hard on you, but I can read between the lines and am proud of you! Just keep facing the day with a positive attitude and keep putting one foot in front of the other. What's that quote ~ something about the longest journey starts with a single step. You have family and many, many friends who care about you and will be sharing the journey with you. No worries my friend. You are a winner!

Lots of Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Brenda, at one time, we were unemployed and facing...

2012-01-27T12:40:27.274-06:00

Brenda, at one time, we were unemployed and facing the HIGH costs of Cobra. We called our family insurance agent and he suggested buying a policy on our own. It was cheaper, and the coverage was surprisingly good.

For treating myself and gifts, I do Swagbucks. It ...

2012-01-27T10:12:56.845-06:00

For treating myself and gifts, I do Swagbucks. It doesn't take much time go earn a few points each day and it is so nice to buy a book once in a while.'

Carol

You have been through so much and accomplished so ...

2012-01-27T09:09:59.840-06:00

You have been through so much and accomplished so many things, I KNOW that you can continue to keep going and you will find answers.
Maybe you thought about this or looked into but I took a medical transcription class on-line a while back and you can work from home or medical billing. I don't know how much classes are any more but there are several out there if you look around and I think some even do financial aid? I really enjoyed it, although I never pursued it, at least not yet.
Enjoy your weekend!!
xoxox

Hello Brenda (I came over from Jen's site .. I...

2012-01-27T07:35:20.222-06:00

Hello Brenda (I came over from Jen's site .. I am Canadian)
My heart goes out to you for all that you have gone through and are still going through. I understand how you feel not having your kitties with you too. I'm so sorry for that.
BUT .. you seem like such a strong person who WILL get through this and come to enjoy your life again.
I can't imagine what our life would be like without our health care .. my husband is a Gulf War vet and I have some extreme health issues. After reading some of these stories I am so greateful for what we have.
Thank you for telling your story Brenda .. I hope for the very best for you and your little furry kids.
Joy

Brenda- you are so resilient and smart and capable...

2012-01-26T21:38:09.066-06:00

Brenda- you are so resilient and smart and capable.

You will find a way-
you are such a respected blogger we all need you to do an e-book and sell it on your blog.

It will all be OK.

When my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's, I lost my ability to think confidently about the future- but slowly but surely it is returning.

Yours will too-

Laura
White Spray Paint

Brenda, I'm older than you, Cobra ran out last...

2012-01-26T20:48:35.448-06:00

Brenda, I'm older than you, Cobra ran out last year, savings almost depleted, and all I get from prospective employers is that I'm too old ( and boy do they know how to skirt the laws on that one). Depressing but I refuse to give. Recently discovered one cat has diabetes- and boy is that expensive but now I'm working on my health to make sure I don't get it because I did not realize how expensive it can be.

Your site is wonderful--not only do I like reading...

2012-01-26T20:06:39.760-06:00

Your site is wonderful--not only do I like reading what you say, but all the comments. I see that others are in our same boat. It is good to hear what they have done to make it better and see that there are options out there. One thing I have picked up today and have thought about often--write every penny spent and see where things can be cut. I AM going to do this! I know that pennies slip thru my fingers without even a thought. I have a change jar....you never know when what is in there can help in a crisis. Thank you and the friends for starting this weekly conversation! ksh

I'm so glad that you all are offering this ser...

2012-01-26T19:02:54.357-06:00

I'm so glad that you all are offering this series. You can tell that it is needed. So many of us struggle for one reason or another. It is so hard seeing prices go up more and more. I am hoping that your etsy shop will do well......I want two pillows.....just waiting to order them. I Hope you can work from home. So glad you are near family. Maybe one week you could discuss the cost of visiting family. That' a big expense for me but it is so important to build a relationship with your grandchildren.
Iim so proud of you. You have gone through so much and you are doing so well now.
Thanks again.........(((((HUGS))))

Brenda, I am not sure, but you may be entitled to ...

2012-01-26T18:28:38.023-06:00

Brenda, I am not sure, but you may be entitled to Cobra coverage for 36 months, if you lost health insurance due to a divorce. I'd check it out. Of course, there is the cost. Health insurance is costly! As a self-employed person, I can deduct the cost of my insurance on my federal income tax. I hate to see anyone not have health insurance, so I hope you are able to work something out when the time comes. I would start investigating your options now. It will help with peace of mind, I think.

Thank you for sharing your "learning curve&qu...

2012-01-26T17:40:03.957-06:00

Thank you for sharing your "learning curve" with us. Your issues, which I know seem so big to you, are the same issues so many of us are facing. It is nice to know we have a "partner in crime"!

I know that the road that you're on right now ...

2012-01-26T16:22:20.364-06:00

I know that the road that you're on right now may feel like it's completely uphill, but with a plan in place, it will all level out. Sounds like you're working on the plan now, so just give it time.

You have dealt with a LOT in the past few months -...

2012-01-26T16:12:46.220-06:00

You have dealt with a LOT in the past few months - give yourself a hug and a cheer! You go girl!

Brenda, I have been a silent follower for some ti...

2012-01-26T15:44:22.786-06:00

Brenda,
I have been a silent follower for some time. I was happy to see the picture of you and your little family. It's nice to put a face to the name. While our situations are not completely the same, I too am in a position where I need to save and find work, preferably at home. You are an inspiration to your followers. Thank you,
Mary Ann

Brenda, I just came back to your site to link up t...

2012-01-26T15:07:29.893-06:00

Brenda, I just came back to your site to link up to the other girls sites and I realized there's your picture w/the fur babies! Now we can put a beauitful face to your name! I love it! Annette T

Life can be so tough sometimes, and worries for fu...

2012-01-26T14:31:18.690-06:00

Life can be so tough sometimes, and worries for future security are the worst. But Brenda, you're spreading your wings, soon I think you will be flying x

Typed all that on my cell. Sorry for sp.mistakes.

2012-01-26T14:21:29.457-06:00

Typed all that on my cell. Sorry for sp.mistakes.

With no income, no heath insurance no anything I q...

2012-01-26T14:20:06.429-06:00

With no income, no heath insurance no anything I qualfy for a lot. Food stamps, assistance in paying heating and electric bill. With all my medical problems i see a dr. Who charges only $15 for visit and all blood, ekg ect. All meds at walmart 10 for 3 months. Still have not been excepted for disability or medicaid I just praise God He is taking care of me as well as my 84 yr. Old father. I have a hospital 1 hr. Away that will pay ALL my bill if i can get there. I pay 5 a month on all my ol medical bills from 2 years ago AND if you ASK..... they will give a a % off IF U ASK!! I have learned to be nice and beg and it works. I would love to have a manicure and pedicure but with 3 dollars in my bank account I will settle and thank God I am alive this day. When i go to fast food i order from the $ dollar menu. CHEAP! If i eat out i order childrens plate. I live alone and run my dish washer one time a week. I get a box of bounce and get a big knife and cut it in half using half a sheet at a time. I ALWAYS USED TIDE laundry detergant for $12 a bottle and now SUN DETERGANT same size bottle for only 2.50!!! Works just the dame if not better. I cooke thing to last a week. I freeze food leftovers for another nite. I am 55. Own my own home and car. In physical pain 24/7. I have no energy and take care of my Dad next door. Divorced 3 years. I only have my cable on November thru December and cut it off again. ALWAYS Ask your phone, cell, cable anyone u pay money to if they can help or lower or get a free credit.....YOU WILL BE SURPRISED!!! Kendra in Arkansas