| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| CathyM |
Posted - Apr 27 2006 : 12:21:16 PM
I have come to the conclusion that I/we will not have the money to move in July. I just don't see it happening at all. I am the only one working towards it and I just can't make $4000 in 11 weeks and still pay the household bills. I really have no idea what we are going to do, all I do know is that we will not be able to afford this apartment after Dennis leaves in July. I have been looking for a place around here and I/we just cannot afford it and I'm not going to have the money to move anywhere else. I just don't want to think about what is going to happen after July. I'm making myself sick over it and I just don't think anyone else see's it my way at all. They aren't even willing to sit down and listen to what I have to say. UGH my stomach is turning just thinking about it. Nothing is selling on ebay and I can't make enough pillows for this lady to make the $4000. My hand, arm, and shoulder are killing me from the carpel tunnel, but I still just keep plugging along with the stitching. I'm even taking in other jobs to make the money. I can't sleep at night and I just feel like it's a lost dream. I'm getting a car this Monday and hopefully I can take some things to the open yard sale every Saturday and pray I can make money there but that takes away from the time I have to sew these pillows. I just want to throw up and run away. I don't want to have to think about this anymore. It just sits in my head and then paralyzes me into doing nothing, I just sit here and think about it. I'm really upset about this. I just don't want to end up the way we were before, in a car, and that's what I see. Oh God! What the hell am I going to do. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| CathyM |
Posted - Jun 15 2006 : 6:24:44 PM
Hello all, Yes we did get an apartment. I am now back in PA still working and packing. I can't wait to move, the apartment is bigger than the one we are in now so it will give my daughter and I a lot more room. My daughter is getting transferred to a store in Tulsa so that will be helpful. I went around while there getting applications and already had one interview. I will also be working at home doing repairs, dressmaking, and etc. I can take my car with me so that will help. Packing is going to be a huge chore but I know we'll do it. I am also going to be selling most of my belongings at a local flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays so that will generate money for the move. I am exhausted today, it took us 32 hours to get home from Houston. We stopped once to take a nap in Louisiana and from then on it was just driving. We did hit a traffic jam, don't ask where I don't remember, lol. My nephew and i switched off on the driving and my daughter stayed up with both of us, poor thing, she wanted to make sure we didn't get too tired while driving. We went a total of 3779 miles on this trip ( one week). My nephew also found a couple of apartments just north of Houston, TX. So all in all the trip was a success for both of us. i still need that infamous $4000 to move, yeah I know it sounds impossible, but if we sell most everything we will make it. I will keep all of you updated with our progress. Being able to take to all of you makes it much easier on me and I take in everything ya'll say. i thank each and everyone of you for being there for me at this time.
Oh and the mechanic said I need a clutch ($700) and struts ($900) for my car. Right now the clutch is doing ok and as long as I don't have to get it inspected in Tulsa I'll be fine with the struts for a while. I'm hoping to be able to get a newer car after i move. |
| sonflowergurl |
Posted - Jun 12 2006 : 11:01:51 AM
Glad you've made it to your new town, please update us and let us know if you got the apartment. Tulsa is a nice town, I have a friend from high school that I've recently reconnected with who lives there and loves it.
BTW, what did the mechanic say was wrong with your car?
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
|
| Duchess |
Posted - Jun 11 2006 : 05:19:38 AM
Hi Cathy,
On the car, please check with the local Adult Education and technical schools and see if they offer a mechanics class. Going to a shop can prove to be very costly as they will charge for anything and everything. I know from experience when they see a woman come in the price goes up, they think you don't know anything about cars. Also see if there is an independent place that only does diognostic test on car. One time a shop was telling me I needed to replace the engine in my car, I had it diagnosed and all it needed was a good tune up with plug wires, new plugs etc. A big difference between $2,500.00 and $100.00, you can also go to google and find lots of sites with free advice on what might be wrong with the car and an estimate of what it will cost to fix it. We use a site called All Data/DIY which cost $25.00 but will give you all the information on your car and the fixes and recalls and prices. The $25.00 is for a year and you can print out anything you need. Good luck on the apartment and the move. Duchess (Barbara) |
| Duchess |
Posted - Jun 11 2006 : 05:12:14 AM
Hi, So glad things are going better for you. I have lived all over, family is from Mass originally down on the cape. I lived in Boston, Southy and in Brookline I really love the place but sure is expensive. I lived in Fl a couple of times in Orlando and have lived in Maryland outside of DC, St Paul,MN and now Wisconsin but moving to MN and IA,lol. Hopefully this is our last move and I can just plant my brains out and sit on the porch and rock. Best of luck to you, Duchessquote:
Originally posted by CathyM
Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been online for a while. Been busy making money for the move. Things are going better than I thought but still tight. the pillow thing is getting slow, but it's ok it give me more time to make things I can sell. I am going to sell the car I have before I move so I'll have that cash to get one there. the stress got to me yesterday, with a wild migraine that put me out for the whole day, but I'm back on track today, making phone calls, reservations, paying bills (the minimum for now), and of course doing the rest of the pillows I have. I will be going to the flea market this Saturday and then every Tuesday and Saturday till we move. My family has been pitching in lately so that's a good change. We will be getting an apartment for the time being, and hopefully within the year my daughter and I will be looking for a no money down place to buy. Thank you for all your suggestions on that subject. I have cut everything down to the bare minimum around here and I have gotten everyone to sell most everything except what we really need to live. I stopped selling on ebay, it was costing me more than i was making so I will only be selling at the flea market and the paper for now. I will update all of you when I get more info on where we will be living.
duchess, where in mass do you live/ come from? I am originally from there moved to fl in the late 80's, then to NC in the mid 90's back to fl then up here.
|
| blueroses |
Posted - Jun 09 2006 : 09:47:33 AM
Cathy,
So glad to hear that the move went well. Been thinking about you. Prayers coming your way and waiting to hear how things are going.
Debbie
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| Juliekay |
Posted - Jun 08 2006 : 7:10:03 PM
Hubbie's cousins work for DirecTV in Tulsa, I don't know if they're hiring but you can look into it. It might be a quick stopgap measure until you find something you really like.
Julie |
| Juliekay |
Posted - Jun 08 2006 : 7:08:01 PM
Welcome to Oklahoma, Cathy. We are here in Shawnee, but let me know if there's a way to help!
Julie |
| CathyM |
Posted - Jun 08 2006 : 4:45:02 PM
Hello from Tulsa. I am here with my daughter and nephew to find a place to live. We went to an apartment complex today and saw a beautiful place and we are filling out the applications tonight, returning them in the morning. pray we get it. It is very close to where my daughter will be working and there are a lot of places I can get a job close by. and it is on the bus line. we might even bring my car down here and have it fixed here, will be going to a mechanic here to show the estimates from PA and ask what the price would be here, hoping that will work out also. It's beautiful here, today it was 94 but not a sticky humid heat that we have in PA, quite comfortable for me. We are then going to Houston TX for my nephew to find a place to live. He is moving there to be closer to his giflfriend. He has helped pay for this trip for which I'm greatful. I will keep you all updated on my progress and the final outcome.
Thank you all again, Cathy |
| CathyM |
Posted - May 31 2006 : 12:03:19 PM
Hey everyone, sorry I haven't been online for a while. Been busy making money for the move. Things are going better than I thought but still tight. the pillow thing is getting slow, but it's ok it give me more time to make things I can sell. I am going to sell the car I have before I move so I'll have that cash to get one there. the stress got to me yesterday, with a wild migraine that put me out for the whole day, but I'm back on track today, making phone calls, reservations, paying bills (the minimum for now), and of course doing the rest of the pillows I have. I will be going to the flea market this Saturday and then every Tuesday and Saturday till we move. My family has been pitching in lately so that's a good change. We will be getting an apartment for the time being, and hopefully within the year my daughter and I will be looking for a no money down place to buy. Thank you for all your suggestions on that subject. I have cut everything down to the bare minimum around here and I have gotten everyone to sell most everything except what we really need to live. I stopped selling on ebay, it was costing me more than i was making so I will only be selling at the flea market and the paper for now. I will update all of you when I get more info on where we will be living.
duchess, where in mass do you live/ come from? I am originally from there moved to fl in the late 80's, then to NC in the mid 90's back to fl then up here. |
| Duchess |
Posted - May 29 2006 : 11:00:27 AM
Ok Cathy,
Some more thoughts, if you can stand it. I was single Mom for many years and have been there done that, at one time was working 3 jobs to get by. As to the car, check with local schools that have mechanic classes, they may be able to help you out for the cost of the parts. Can you ride with someone to the flea market, don't your kids or sister know someone with a car you can give $20.00 to for the ride??
I have in the past packed everything I could in a u-haul trailer and moved from Mass to FL, I also called Goodwill and had them come pick up a houseful of stuff when I moved from Fl back to Mass. I always manage to find some real cool stuff at yard sales, the curb or thrift shops. It's the old "One Man's treasure is another Man's trash" or is it the other way around,lol. I have a few treasures that go with me where ever or when ever, I have found that you can get by with very little if you have to. Beans and rice are filling and not too bad for you, I buy meat marked cook today or freeze and make lots of meatless meals. Out of one chicken I can make chicken and dumplings and chicken soup which is several days worth of meals. Same with a cheap cut of meat, pot roast then veg beef soup. I agree about the cell phone you can get a trac phone for $20.00 and buy your min. as you need them and we have quite often done without cable or even t.v. Barbara |
| Duchess |
Posted - May 29 2006 : 10:44:54 AM
Hi Cathy,
We are in the midst of moving and I belive you can do more for less right now. We rented a 26 foot truck from Penske for 4 days with unlimited milage for less then 600.00 and it's a diesel and that included insurance.
We also just bought a home with contract to deed so put little money down, of course it took a while to find it and your time is limited. You might look online for some of those places that are giving people incentive to move to their areas. Also through here you may get a lead from someone on a place, maybe a fixer upper.
Can you do your pillows differently, use a machine to make patchwork or dimentional pillows?? I have done things like that in the past as well as baby quilts that I did with the machine, I am too impatient to sit and hand stitch things,lol. An other thought is are you charging enough, sometimes we short change ourselves. I have found that when I think things are at their worst something usually comes along to bail me out so don't make yourself sick with all the mights, coulds, shoulds etc. It's a waste of good brain power and upsets your tummy. I wish you the best and make good use of your computer, there is also a site called Realtor.com which is a good tool for looking up different types of housing. Barbara |
| Hideaway Farmgirl |
Posted - May 24 2006 : 07:50:43 AM
Cathy,
My heart and prayers go out to you and your daughter. Have you considered employment ads for household employees where you could exchange light housekeeping/childcare/housesitting assistance in return for them giving you and your daughter a place to live? Also think about other single moms who might work nightshift and would appreciate someone home at night with their kids and who might trade childcare with you if you need it. If you are near a city you might find a professional couple who needs someone to help around the house, and they might even allow you limited use of one of their cars. There are lots of city farmgirls out there who might be willing to work out a barter arrangment like this, or even pay you above and beyond the bed and board depending on their needs and your skills. You could still make/sell your crafts on your own time. There is always a way for a willing heart! I wish you the best of luck.
Jo |
| connio |
Posted - May 19 2006 : 11:16:28 PM
Hey Farm Girls!!
Kathy
Just touching base to see how you are doing? I am divorced and have been self-supporting for about 8 years. I have survived being fired from a position that I had held 19.5 years (oops, there goes my retirement), serious illness, and bankruptcy since 2001. Many days have been really hard, but I am hanging in there, and things are a bit better now after moving to my tiny farm 2.5 years ago. I still cannot afford to run my heat/ac much or do many badly needed home repairs. I never eat out, go to movies, buy extras etc, but I have found that this has really been a blessing. I spend a great deal of time at home when I am not at work, and I am really enjoying this. I cook, read, take care of my animals, garden a bit and occasionally watch movies. My books and movies all come from the library where I work. I drive a 1987 Volvo stationwagon that my brother gave me when my 1996 Geo Tracker "went belly up" last year on the 4th of July weekend. I am hoping that it will last another few years; a friend of mine drove an earlier model of the same car for 28 years!!!
Be strong; I know that you will get through this.
Connie
Texas Farm Girl
cozycottage |
| sonflowergurl |
Posted - May 17 2006 : 2:38:45 PM
Hey Cathy, just wondering how things are going for you.... Hoping things are falling into place for you! :)
Katee
The end will justify the pain it took to get us here.
"Looking Toward the Son"---- http://sonflowergirl731.blogspot.com
|
| brightmeadow |
Posted - May 13 2006 : 06:53:29 AM
I found an auctioneer here that takes things and sells them in lots at his auction house - he's out in the country, not very fancy, and he takes 30% commission. The commission seems high compared to a garage sale, but then again, he sells EVERYTHING and gives you a check - you don't have to spend your time waiting on people and answering the door, like for a garage sale, and you don't have a bunch of stuff left over when the sale is finished. Just a thought, don't know if that's available in your part of the country. My auctioneer will come and pick things up if you need him to (for an additional charge).
I think it's admirable that you are trying to earn money without getting a handout from welfare/food stamps and I encourage you to continue to follow that path -- but remember that kind of help is also available, if you should reach the point where you need it. Most states have an emergency program that allows you to walk in, explain your situation, and walk out with some kind of help. That is why the program is there, to lend a hand to people who need it.
In the meantime, hugs to you and hang in there. I will keep you in my prayers.
an afterthought... You might even think about western PA or eastern OH, there are many smaller towns there where the cost of living is not so high as where you are currently, and maybe the cost of moving won't be so high if you don't go so far away.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
| Juliekay |
Posted - May 11 2006 : 5:33:11 PM
Cathy,
Instead of renting a car can you have a garage sale every weekend until the stuff is gone? Renting the car would probably cut out a lot of your profit. One thing you might look into for the moving part is signing up to be a driveaway driver. There are firms that hire people on a temp basis to drive cars one-way, typically when a person moves or car has to be sent a long distance for some reason. As long as you don't bang up or make the car really dirty, you basically get a free ride. I think you would have to pay for your own food or something. You should look into it. Or maybe you can just pack your essentials and take a bus for now.
Julie
Julie |
| JudyBlueEyes |
Posted - May 11 2006 : 09:03:28 AM
Dear Cathy,
I moved away from my home in October 2004, although my situation was not as dire as yours. I am on my own (divorced) and had lived in San Diego for 27 years, where all my family except one brother was. My parents have both passed, and I finally got it through my thick head that my financial security would benefit if I bought a house. Only thing was, the market in California was/is out of sight for a single income administrative assistant. I mean, I was making a good wage, but you need 2 or 3 of them in California to get a house. :-) So I looked around the country where I had friends or family who might help me and chose Spokane, Washington because of the weather. All my other options, where the city was big enough that I could get a sustaining job, had humid summers (and I've been there, done that) or even worse winters. Now, I must say, I have the dearest friend who along with her husband and 5 dogs took me and my 3 dogs in for 7 months!!! And they really didn't want me to leave when I bought my home in May 2005. In any event, I can share some of your concern, and I think the advice of some of the other Girls is good - don't worry about a phone, get a cheap cell phone, and you know, beans and rice is pretty good if you flavor it with some herbs...I only brought essential furniture with me and the rest I have picked up here, as someone said, on throwout day, or at the thrift stores. You can do it, probably the gas to get there will be the most expensive thing! Well, okay, the apartment. I'm a newbie here at the Farm, but I wanted to let you know, it can be done. And you might want to consider moving somewhere that you have friends or family that could help out for a bit, if that's an option at all. You and your daughter will be in my prayers. Judy
The Rooster crows, but the Hen lays the egg. ~ Texas Proverb |
| akcowgirl |
Posted - May 11 2006 : 08:45:54 AM
Cathy i know you where planning on moving to texas or some place close to there but take a lok at the post called
You CAN afford to live in the country... it is in topic "a farm of my own" it is something to think about. I am sorry that life is being so ruff on you right now.
Valerie
Yes, I live in my own little world. But that's ok they know me here.
Deja Moo: The feeling that you've heard this bull before.
 |
| CathyM |
Posted - May 11 2006 : 08:09:03 AM
Well, ladies, the car I was given I drove for exactly 1 week and it broke down. I took it to a mechanic with the hopes of getting it fixed. It need $1800 - $2000 worth the work in order for it to be driveable and pass inspection. I just don't have it and if I did it would be going towards the move not the car. Now I need to revamp my plan. I guess I am going to have to rent a car twice a week to go to the flea market so I can sell everything I own in order to move. hmmm I was hoping to be able to keep some of my furniture but I guess it might all have to go. renting a car twicw a week is going to run me about $100, I just hope I will be able to make more than that at the flea market. at this point I am so sick to my stomache I just can't eat. It just seems everything is getting worse not better. I'll just keep praying. |
| blueroses |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 2:10:20 PM
Cathy,
So sorry. Stress is definitely not good for you right now. I know it's so difficult, but do as the others have already advised you. One thing at a time. If I don't do that, I get myself so overwhelmed that I can't do anything! Is your sister & son moving with you too? Please check out all the programs you can about buying for no money down. There are many other programs out there to help you find a place to stay until you can buy. I'm thinking about you and praying for you to stay strong.
"You cannot find peace...by avoiding life."
Virginia Woolfe |
| Juliekay |
Posted - May 01 2006 : 11:38:05 AM
Cathy,
If you already have a cell phone or want to have one, I would consider going with the cheapest cell phone and plan you can find and using that as your only phone. Later on, if you want a landline, then get one. That way you have access to communications (for job search etc) while not having to pay expensive deposit. They are practically giving phones away. As far as furnishing your new house, I would bring a fan(it gets hot here in OK and AC can be expensive) a mattress, a radio, and cooking gear and your photos. Furniture can be obtained on throwout days. Everything else is superfluous, really.
Just my two cents.
Julie
Julie |
| happymama58 |
Posted - Apr 29 2006 : 09:35:10 AM
We just sold our house, and while waiting for closing to start yesterday, I was reading the bank's literature that there are over 20 programs readily available to purchase a home with no money down.
If it were me, as a former realtor, I'd make an appointment with a home loan officer and tell him/her exactly what the situation is. When you make the appointment, tell the secretary/receptionist that you need a very experienced loan officer and I'd even flat-out say I need the one who tends to be most helpful and patient because as a single mom I need quite a bit of help on this. Many secretaries are understanding of this. If the secretary gets snooty, say thank you and move on to the next bank on your list.
We bought our first home with $0 down. It can be done easier than you think. Good luck!!
Some people search for happiness; others create it.
http://happymama58.typepad.com/my_weblog/ |
| celebrate2727 |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 09:36:29 AM
Cathy- the farm I bought we found through a realtor. the people had already moved out and they were working out of town so they needed to sell asap. we however had little to no down payment. here's how we did it. we gave them 2 monthes rent(1800)and then signed a 6 month lease. at the end of the six monthes we bought the house. the sellers took the money we gave as rent and applied it to our down payment, the rest of the costs we rolled into the loan. it was a lucky deal but i beleive there are more out there like it. since we purchased the home our payments are higher but that is because of the cost of the house.
I compltely understand the whole thing with it all being left to you to figure out. I have had that for over 18 years. Have you tried a little lean management? What I mean is between now and your move- cut down to only the absolute neccesaties. If I have to I can feed a household of 6 on $60.00 a week. Not the best cuisine but it can be done.
As far as the new place and the cost of utilities- once you know where you are going- call them and find out the fees and then see if you can spread the connection fees out over several bills. I know our phone company does that here.
Put your ebay link on here. We farm girls love to support each other.
And one last thing- if your family there won't listen, always remember your family here will. Bounce some ideas off us, we'll do what we can to help.
Sending prayers and blessings to you!
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
|
| westernhorse51 |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 05:53:17 AM
how are you girls buying a house w/ no money down?? I knew I was living in the wrong area but........ I was reading the post for Cathy and was amazed. If I could get my husband to leave here, I'd do it in a heartbeat. He still has 8 years till he can retire and w/ his off & on health problems he isn't comfortable moving yet. I u/stand also but we can't buy a farm here, too expensive. So I tuck money away, after reading about how MJ started tucking it away(not in a bank) I figured why not? I do believe in miracles & I see them everyday but no money down, that is a miracle & I pray cathy can do it.
she selects wool and flax and works with eager hands Prov.31:13 |
| Northerngal |
Posted - Apr 28 2006 : 04:51:59 AM
I think if you are moving to the heartland, you can do it for less than $4,000. When I moved to Iowa from Michigan it cost me much less than that, but I moved to a small town. 1 month's rent and security deposit, $800 for a 2 bedroom 1 bath apt. with a deck, out in the country. Electric deposit $100. Phone hook up was about $75, I think. I didn't bother with cable. A person can live without TV for a while. And then the cost of gas to get here. That was a lot less 10 years ago than it is now! I just brought with me whatever would fit in the back of my pickup. At that point in my life, that was about all I owned anyway. Sending nonbreakable stuff by UPS or US mail is a good way to get extra clothes and things to where you are going cheaply. A friend of mine moved a lot of stuff that way, so he didn't have to rent as big a truck. You have to have an address set up to send it to, or a friend who's willing to store stuff and send it to you, for that to work. If I were you, I would go to a library and try to get a newspaper for the Tulsa area, if that is where you're moving to, and see what rents are. Sometimes the local papers are online also, so that helps when you want to get info on an area.
Good luck with the move. It can be done!
Yes, you can also buy a home with no money down. After living here for a about a year, I did that. I only had to come up with about $400, or the equivalent of one month's rent. I also found out I qualified for a local grant for first time homebuyers, that would help with a lot of the closing costs and things. |
|
|
