cutting corners:(

[peg4x4]

Gotta pay Dr bills, :shock: so must find corners to cut. Already unplug all unnessary electrical stuff that sips E. No heat,don't need it right now . Letting magazine subscriptions lapse
Now on only one trip to Library(I'll miss here) :x With gas 3.00
a gal,can't afford to run truck unless to work. Will not cut food for me or cats.
But gotta cut more. :frowns: Any suggestions? :help:

 

[Gate Opener]

Things will get better Peg.

Check out the book Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. She wrote 3 I believe. There is one called the Complete Tightwad Gazette, try to get that one. If the library doesn't have it see if they will borrow it or buy it for you. So many good ideas in there and it is enjoyable to read (at least to me).

Do they have Meals on Wheels there? If they do that would help.

Pay the doctors what you can. If you can't pay all of what they want, pay a little each month. Explain to them the situation. If you can only pay $2/month then do that. Don't go without heat and necessaries.

I think it is terrible that the oil companies are doing this to us.

 

[peg4x4]

It's not just the gas,it's losing 2 months paychecks- and everything going up. I've been danceing on this razors edge for a long time,but now I've fallen off.. Things will get better,but it's gonna take work/time. I have asked for more hours at work,but I'm kind of a luxery item for them. With Christmas comeing up they'll need me or someone "on the door" At least know I'm willing to work more hours.

 

[Gate Opener]

What about something like house sitting? Or maybe feeding someones pets while they are gone?

I know a lady who makes candy for the holidays. She gets $20/lb for the stuff.

 

[peg4x4]

I've got a hot plate,a microwave and a toster oven.No cooking
I'm 64,bad knees+
Been trying to think of another part time job,but I can't stand up for long..also can't drive much anymore..Sounds like I've given up,but I assure you I haven't.. Just gotta think of what I can do.

 

[Howdyjabo]

I have recently found the best paying job out there for unskilled labor.
Its in home elderly care- they are getting $10-$25 an hour.
Under the table !!!!
Turn your heat off and go move in with an elderly lady.

Its a tough job- but I'd take it over McDonalds any day.

 

[peg4x4]

I am an elderly lady! That's One of the many problems,I'm too darned old to be of any use to anyone! :roll:
OH,don't mind me,I'm upset(again)

 

[Angus Guy]

Peg you are not elderly!!!!!!

 

[alabama]

At flee markets and places where they have craft shows and sell home made things there is a lot to be earned. And it can be fun too.
You can sell those scented candles. I think you can make them at home for a little of nothing and sell them.
Or you can sell can good that you make at home or if you like to sew you can sell that sort of stuff.
Christmas decorations sell good too.
I had a lady that wanted to pull some of my dried corn last year. She would take three ears, pull the shucks back, and tie a ribbon around it. Then sell them for fall decorations for $5.00 a peace. I think she pulled about 100 ears in a few minutes one day. She said they sold like hot cakes.
She also took the clippings from grape vines and rolled them in to wreaths. I watched her make a nice one in about 5 minutes and tie a big red ribbon on it. She said they sold for $35.
Load the truck and head for the craft show.
Well just a thought.

 

[Hippie Rancher]

negotiate those Dr bills if you haven't already - they need to know your situation. If you can only pay $10/month they are going to have to accept it. Don't let them threaten you.

and vote for candidates that favor single payer universal health care (it is no more socialistic or communist than police or fire protection - or libraries!)

 

[MistyMorning]

negotiate those Dr bills if you haven't already - they need to know your situation. If you can only pay $10/month they are going to have to accept it. Don't let them threaten you.

HR is right Peg, the hospital/Dr. should be satisfied with a monthly payment (make it reasonable, you have living costs too), just as long as you don't miss any. Also, they shouldn't charge you any interest as long as you make those payments. If you haven't negotiated with them yet, don't put it off. They will appreciate your going to them rather than the other way.

 

[Howdyjabo]

The ladies watching my mother-in-law aren't spring chickens either. One is rather large and has problems with her knees and she does a great job.
The job suits her as she doesn't have to work real hard just be there all day.

 

[KenB]

I've got a hot plate,a microwave and a toster oven.No cooking
I'm 64,bad knees+
Been trying to think of another part time job,but I can't stand up for long..also can't drive much anymore..Sounds like I've given up,but I assure you I haven't.. Just gotta think of what I can do.

If you are 64, why not go on social security, with bad knees+ you may be able to get disability.

 

[cattleluvr18]

negotiate those Dr bills if you haven't already - they need to know your situation. If you can only pay $10/month they are going to have to accept it. Don't let them threaten you.
and vote for candidates that favor single payer universal health care (it is no more socialistic or communist than police or fire protection - or libraries!)

thats what my dad did. he had tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. he was paying very cheaply on them.

 

[I luv herfrds]

Definately talk to the Doc's and hospital. I found out a guy I know got them to cut down the cost of his wife's Dr. bills. Had over $250,000.00 in cancer treatments.
Also as long as you ARE paying something even if it is $5.00 they cannot come after you for any reason. If you start getting nasty letters keep them. Also get the "new" payment plan in writing. Verbal does not cut. Found that out the hard way.

Peg you have already taken the first steps to living more frugally. Hang in there dear, it will get better.

 

[Jogeephus]

Peg, with the holidays coming up a lot of people are looking for some homemade goodies to give as gifts since they just don't have the time. Jams, jellies and cookies packaged up with the homemade touch would be an easy sell to some folks or businesses. Might make a few samples and then try marketing it to a few businesses or families in town. Also, some of your smaller groceries will let you put cookies and cakes(cake slices) on consignment in their stores. This type business really does have the potential to grow into something larger than what you might imagine.

If you are interested and would like some additional recipes I'll give you a recipe for my White Trash - I guarantee you it will sell.

 

[Gate Opener]

You might try to get a part time job at a consignment shop. I have seen where they have an older lady come in and just list things on paper all day. In other words she sits and writes.

 

[Frankie]

What's your phone situation? In looking through Yahoo job opportunities, there are lots of polling opportunities. If you have a cell phone with free long distance, that might be something to look into.

I am so sad to hear about your problems and hope things get better for you.

 

[millstreaminn]

Peg, with the holidays coming up a lot of people are looking for some homemade goodies to give as gifts since they just don't have the time. Jams, jellies and cookies packaged up with the homemade touch would be an easy sell to some folks or businesses. Might make a few samples and then try marketing it to a few businesses or families in town. Also, some of your smaller groceries will let you put cookies and cakes(cake slices) on consignment in their stores. This type business really does have the potential to grow into something larger than what you might imagine.

If you are interested and would like some additional recipes I'll give you a recipe for my White Trash - I guarantee you it will sell.

Years ago I let a person who was hard up sell cookies at the hotel. Travelers and business people snapped up those homemade cookies at $2.00 each like nobodies business...

 

[Lammie]

Peg, if you can't afford your medical bills, just pay what you can. No one can say anything. Even if you just pay five bucks a month.

Have you looked into SSI? Medicaid? If you can't work then you should apply for those benefits. Medicaid will pay for everything. A supplement will cover everything else. There isn't any reason why someone your age who has been though so much should have to do without basic things in order to pay medical bills. Call the local social security office. If you get turned down the first time, when you do get coverage, they will reimburse you back to the time they first turned you down.

Don't do without. Please. :heart: