How to live without money?

Latvia
January 21, 2010 2:37pm CST
Dear Myloters I have felt in dramatical situation. Me and my daughter have big financial problem... until next month 10th date (when I get my wage) we must live without any money. But how to do that? I can't to borrow money from friends because I know that I will not to be able to return borrowed money. All my wage goes for credits and kindergarten. So I am desperate - we have no any food and have debt for flat, which we rent... Is there any suggestions? Can anybody help?
4 people like this
20 responses
• United States
21 Jan 10
I would try in that situation to get help from outside sources. It is hard because many of us have too much pride. My mom did it despite her pride to feed us kids. You can go to church food banks and they will give you food to help out. Also, there are usually local organizations that help families pay rent and utilities. All you have to do is find those resources [look online for starters or call around] In the mean time, check out freecycle.org sites and craigslist.com for odd jobs or anybody giving away free items. you can either sell these items or do some small jobs for people for a little bit of money until you get your finances in order. Hope I helped you and hope everything turns out ok for you. Best wishes regarding your family. -chelsea
1 person likes this
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
About sites which you mentioned - my country isn't in their lists. Is there possibility to get help there otherwise?
1 person likes this
• Philippines
22 Jan 10
I understand how difficult your situation is and I feel so sorry to hear that from you. I have experienced such same situation with you in the past and it was truly difficult to live having very few amount of money that's why it inspired me a lot to keep on earning money now. Well all I can say to you is, try to do unnecessary things which will cause you to use money such as using your computer and internet. Or maybe, you can try to borrow just small amount of money which can only be intended for food for you and your daughter until you receive your salary. You should learn how to budget everything since you will not be the only one who will suffer. Remember that you have a daughter that you need to feed.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
22 Jan 10
p entagan12 she gets just 300 dollars a month from her job and her monthly rent is 300 how is she supposed to budget that? she needs help, look maybe a lot of mylotters could all do something to help her, I have no idea how, but everything I suggested she says does not happen in Latvia, she need funds to buy food for her child and pay the rent, is there some way to contact say the board of health in Latvia and get her help? i have no funds as I live on social security and ssi and almost all goes to pay my monthly rent and food bill here at Gold Crest. I am hoping maybe some mylotter who is from Latvia might help.
@online_jon (1476)
• Philippines
22 Jan 10
Honestly, your situation was too difficult. As of now in this world? It's really hard to lived with out money because every matters here in this world need to change with money. But not all the things can't buy by money. Well, if i'm in your situation. The right thing to do is to sell your items that you are not using or just trade it with a food. Then if ever you already have money? Try to start a business for you to have a income to buy foods. Do not lose hope. Just pray with God things will be fine soon. May be this things are only trial in life we use to face.
1 person likes this
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
22 Jan 10
Churches usually help. When I was first divorced I was broke and my ex was not paying child support (funny he is not paying it now either) I was sent to catholic charities and every month I would go down and they would load up my car with groceries to last the month. It really helped me thru some tough times.
• Philippines
22 Jan 10
Yeah! Churches are there to help you and i'm sure regarding the child. I'm sure education still a big deal. That's why no matter what happen the child must still continue studying. Then if i were in that situation, i will go near the government because i know there would be program for those people who use to need money.
1 person likes this
@marianna45 (1399)
• Romania
21 Jan 10
I am so sorry really, is so hard for you and for all i think in this times. Try to make some money to net, seems that are peoples who can make 200 dollars to net, this can help you, at least for food and for net bills. Your family can t help you, maybe just with food, is very important to have food for your kid. Is very hard to have rent house, this is a big problem,..this make life sometimes impossible; how much rent you pay/month?
1 person likes this
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
I have only mum, but she is in the same situation which have I. About rent - it is 300$ per month but my wage is the same after tax. So I can pay only for kindergarten (60$) and for my small credits (for washing-machine, computer - 100$). Other money goes for food, but it is enough only for half of month...
1 person likes this
@ANIME123 (2466)
• United States
22 Jan 10
You should go get food stamps I'm sure they will give you some. Or you can always try to look for another job or your daughter can sell candy at school.
1 person likes this
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
We have no food stamps in our country. Another job opportunities is exhausted, because in my area in last too years so many companies have become bankrupt. Now job gets only with connections, but I havn't them. So I am glad that I have job at all. My daughter is only 3 years old, so she can't to sell anything!
@VotreAmie (3028)
• United States
21 Jan 10
I'm sorry for the situation, it seems to be the case for many people with this global crisis. My suggestion would be to turn for help from the government and churches (or other religious charities) in your area. They do help with food especially for kids. I wish you the best of luck. Take care.
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
Thank you for your response! About help from government and churches - in my area they help only for homeless, which we have a lot. And so I working, they think that I could help by myself.
1 person likes this
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
I already have get in touch with organizations which you mentioned - they reject me. In their social homes live womens which have no other place to go and there are lot of them, but so I have flat and job, they think that I can help by myself. They advised to get low-income family status, but for that I need to divorce from my husband and to proof that he don't give any money to me. I hand in divorce documents in court, but the response will be after 6 month,so I can't get this status sooner. About job opportunities - in my area at present is very difficult situation. There is more then 10 000 unemployed and anyone can get a job. In last 2 years so many organizations have become bankrupt.
• United States
22 Jan 10
Do you have any friends at work that might be willing to share your home with you, and help to pay the rent and utilities? Maybe someone else who is single or a single mom? At least you know they're working, and are able to help pay. And, they might be in the same situation as you, and be more than willing to do this. You can split food, rent, utilities. Can you ask your landlord if there is any type of work that needs to be done that you can do? I don't know if you live in a single house, or apartment type complex. You might be able to take this amount off your rent for the meantime if you explain to him what is happening. Sometimes they need people to clean, paint, or just to keep an eye on things. Can you help out at your daughter's school, possibly cleaning or a teacher's helper? Is there anyone who needs a babysitter in your area? Maybe you can do this on days you don't work, or weekends, or nights. Just until you get what you need from your divorce settlement in six months. Do you craft or paint, or can you refurbish items? Is there anything you can make to sell? A few extra bucks is better than nothing right now.
• United States
22 Jan 10
You'll never know if anyone wants to share your place unless you ask. There might be other people who are in your situation but you are not aware of it. I would definitely try this first, but please make sure it's someone you know well and get along with. They might jump at this opportunity to save some money too. What is a painter diploma? The items you mentioned (paintings, old badges, stamps, jewelry) sound like they would sell on Ebay if you describe them correctly. Are they vintage or new? Are the paintings your artwork? Jewelry usually sells on Ebay. Most of the items nowadays on Ebay need to be priced rather low to start any bidding, or you can try a "Buy It Now" also. I've been an Ebay dealer for years if you need any help, I'm more than willing, with no charge. I'm only a small dealer, no power seller, and I've sold all my precious items that I loved so much, just to make ends meet. I'm in the same boat as you are, only, I don't have any little one's running around. It's just myself and my kitty, but I still have to support myself. I've been out of work for months so I know what is happening to you.
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
At present I don't know anybody who would want to share his place with us, but I think about this opportunity. I'm living in apartment type complex with 70 flats. But there is no job which my landlord could offer, how I mentioned before with job in our area is very dramatically. I have painter diploma, but all staff which I tried to sell on ebay (paintings, some old badges, stamps and jewelery) no one needs. Maybe I don't know how to sell right? In my place no one need new artworks also.
1 person likes this
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
About diploma - I have finished art school. And on diploma I am textile designer. On ebay I have tried to sell my personal artworks. But other stuff is old, that I have remain from my grandparents. I usually take description texts from other ebayers, which have something similar. For badge price which I usually ask is between 2-5 dollars, and shipping cost 5$. And it is lower price which I can ask, because otherwise if someone buy it, I will pay more than he.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Jan 10
bubulizzz well first go to your parents if you can, they are your relatives,then next try your church. most churches have aid to help women with small kids, swallow your pride and ask for money and food, also get the law down on your husband, even if he left you he is responsible for child support no matter where you live. see your parents, go to the church go to any organization that will get you child support from your husband. Also push comes to shove, a lot of bosses will give you an advance on your salary so you can at least buy food for the two of you.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
22 Jan 10
look you keep throwing up roadblocks I tell you you can get help but you have to believe you can get it. go back to the courts tell them you are working for peanuts and you have a child to feed, they cannot turn you down, take someone with out, tell them your husband left you, get yourself help; you are giving up , I w ant to help you I am scared for you, we have never met but I care. I will pray but you must push at this do not take no for an answer. i know you have a whole different culture but even in the worst there are places that can and will help get some one there to help you find them, go to the police, to the nearest hospital, there has to be someone who can and will help you.
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
I have only mum - and she is in the same situation. Organizations and churches in our country at present help only for homeless and those who have no job. I hand in the papers for divorce, but in court they said me, that resolve will be after 6 month, so I need wait until they will claim money from my husband. About my boss - I work in state institution so they pay only when wages day come, without any exceptions. Any other suggestions?
1 person likes this
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
Thank you for Your advise! But I already have get in touch with organizations which you mentioned - they reject me. In their social homes live womens which have no other place to go and there are lot of them, but so I have flat and job, they think that I can help by myself. They advised to get low-income family status, but for that I need to divorce from my husband and to proof that he don't give any money to me. I hand in divorce documents in court, but the response will be after 6 month,so I can't get this status either. About work - I work there about 3 years and so it is state institution they pay wage for sure. I know many people which start working in private industries and after month they get nothing. In our country is very hard to get the job now. We have more then 10000 unemployed and it is really big number in our country. So if you lose job or quit it, there is 90% that you will not find other.
1 person likes this
@neededhope (1085)
• United States
21 Jan 10
Give up anything you don't need. Like tv, phone, and the internet. Use an antenna. use a pay phone if you need to. And the internet go to the library and use the free internet service. Call your local church and usually they have functions that can help you get on your feet. And also do a search on the web for local food pantries. There are there if you need them and to me it sounds like you need em. So take advantage of it. Also stop using the car. Only us it when you absolutly have too. Start walking everywhere it'll save you some money in the long run and it'll help you stretch what you have.
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
I already have done everything about you said. I drive with bus, and mostly without the ticket. I have no TV and for phone I pay only 4$ in month. Internet I use when I'm at work or when I come to friends. About church charity in my place I have mentioned before in other responses - they help only for those who are homeless (we have lot of them).
@singuri (571)
• India
21 Jan 10
Oh never got such a situation.The only solution is try for more debt.You can't get money right now even if you put some effort.Just try to cut down your expenses and live with minimal requirements.Eat food which costs you less.Be positive and work hard.This situation comes if you don't have any planning.Try to plan things.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
21 Jan 10
again go to your public health office closest one to you and tell them you need help, they may even help you to get a better paying job too.please let us know, you know we would all send you help if we could.
• Latvia
21 Jan 10
There I can't agree with you: I was planning my life...one year ago my life was normal - my wage was 700$ per month and I had a scholarship around 100$, but at present my wage (in the same work) is 300$ and I have no scholarship because in our country government cut all their could. But cost for food and other products raised. So I planned my life, but country administration ruined them.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
22 Jan 10
be simple and if you have farm just plant vegetables and raise animals you could live by it until you get old and even sold those things you have if you like to purchase small item and so on.
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
No I have no land where I could plant something. I live in capital city of Latvia in small flat.
• United States
22 Jan 10
Well If I had to live without money I would live away from civilization.
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
With three year old child? I think it's impossible. Almost all winter we have some people which live in the tents in front of the house of Saeima. Doing so they protest on situation in our country. But so temperature outside is minus 20 degree (Celsius) then it's very hard even for hefty men!
@elly1384 (352)
• Bulgaria
22 Jan 10
hallo , i know what is it ,when my little son asked me "have you money for just one chocolate egg " then i couldn`t make anything ,it hurted me and i felt bad. I am at home for a year and i have the same problem ,because my husband work for 200$ per a month and the wage goes to payment accounts and kindergarden too. I can`t help to him because no one employer want to give me a job.Sorry i trust you but i don`t know what i do
• Latvia
22 Jan 10
You in situation like I...but how do You can live? If your only income is 200$?
• United States
22 Jan 10
I am in this situation mow and have been since September. There are some churches and places that you can get help with food and utilities and rent. You have to find them they are help places we have one here that helped me with electric bill and gas cards and food vouchers and they even try to help with employment but I have not had any luck with employment since September. If you can call the churches and they should be able to give you the numbers to the places in your area that can help you and your daughter. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck!
@artistry (4152)
• United States
22 Jan 10
..Hi bubulizzz, This is not a good situation, but things hopefully will change. In addition to all the other helpful information you have been given, I would go to some of the restaurants in your town and tell the owner your sitution with your child. Ask him or her if you can work for food and a small salary, perhaps you could wash dishes at night part time, clean the bathroom, do the books if you know accounting, bring your daughter with you, let her color books or something to keep her busy. Talk to your landlord and ask him to accept two-hundred dollars for a short period of time, until you figure out away to earn more money. You can get through this, you just have to be a bit resourceful. As someone suggested, check with your church for help. They may take up an offering for you, don't be afraid to ask them. If they do, the money has to be budgeted wisely. Good luck, we all fall on tough times during our lives, just hang in there, it can build your character, though it is painful. Take care.
• India
22 Jan 10
it is very difficult to live without money without money i suffer lot became depression every day feeling with depression
@drawan (66)
• Indonesia
22 Jan 10
I also find it difficult to find money for living expenses, is there besides the money mylot easily??
@shuyin101 (206)
• Philippines
22 Jan 10
You mention about your friends. If you can't borrow something from them, try asking them something different, like extra food or even a small job that you can do or any help that they can give to help you out on your situation. Try getting extra job for extra money. I agree with the first post that you should try to cut your Internet, Telephone, and other extra load.
@kyel_11 (1069)
• Philippines
22 Jan 10
i can't imagine it! i'm not being materialistic but the world revolves in money. i mean you need money to buy food, water, and everything. so, money is really important. let's just love the much too much for it is the root ofall evil.