No one talked about bankruptcy here but that is where my situation have brought me, I had to file bankruptcy because I am having difficulty making that extra income that would help me cover for my expenses. Because of my health situation, I get tired and fatigued easily. It is very disappointing. It is very true that bad things, whether financial or otherwise happens and can happen to any individual.

The only thing I can share is, downsize, live simple and go back to basics. America is a nice place because people here do help people in need.

This might sound lame to some but what keeps me going is I believe God is always helping me. If he can take care of the animals in the wild, he sure can take care of me. This thinking might not get that money in the pocket but it sure gives comfort. Oh… and don’t lose faith in God, we only need so much to survive anyway.

In my case, shortly after my second child was born my husband got RIF’d from his great corporate job. I was forced back to work to help ends meet – fast went my “stay-at-home” mom status. He was really surprised and grateful when he saw my do what I could to help out with our finances – I didn’t want him to shoulder the sole responsibility of making ends meet but to focus on his career search.
When times are tough, you do whatever it takes (w/in reason) to keep your family fed and a roof over their heads. I enlisted the help of my friends for moral support and my mom became a free babysitter, but we made it through a bad time. If I had to sell everything on ebay, consignment shops, flea markets, etc. to make it, I would. If I had to take a job that I didn’t care for just to make it, I would. I applaud those folks out there that are doing what it takes to make ends meet while they look for their dream job.

I hope I never know what it’s truly like to lose everything and be down to your last penny – or with no pennies. The reality is, it could happen to me. Therefore, today I am grateful.

The first thing is to get income! I don’t know if it’s possible to build an online business from a library – such as blogging – or even if you have the desire or want to learn. But the nice thing is the income is passive – while you sleep. However, it takes a lot to learn. I’d find a mentor. I know this is crazy but someone like Rick Butts has time and money and expertise. Could you ask him to mentor you – he could take it on as a challenge.

If you truly have no income you’ve got to dumpster dive, fish, hunt, volunteer at events where you’ll get fed (go to weddings!), learn how to hunt for food (during college we found fruit trees and berries on campus to eat and we knew what wild garlic and other edible foods looked like). Right now farmers are plowing under their fields – even though there is plenty of food left. Look for nonprofits in your community.

If you don’t have things to sell on eBay maybe you could find older folks who have things that you could photograph and sell on eBay for them for a percentage of the sale. I did this for someone who didn’t have time to sell his laptop. It takes skill but there are people who can help. Put up cards on bulletin boards asking for tutoring.

Money follows value – there are always ways to generate value. Provide value for others so you can contribute. That builds your sense of self which can help you in other areas.

Another place to find jobs or post what you offer is on Craigslist. It’s a vibrant community – perhaps you can find more help and answers there.

Hope some of this helps,
Janet

It’s tricky but if you’re an honest person, you probably can get a few people to “invest” in you.

imho,
fjohn

Obviously, sell off anything you don’t really need on ebay, then find small local jobs such as babysitting or cleaning while you hunt for that elusive career.