Pinball Wizard…

It’s no secret that I hate not working. I’m so used to occupying myself that this whole "housewife" phase has me frustrated and slightly bored. Moreover we’re in such a bind with finances right now that we’re virtually living off $60.00 per week. Now you’re right, with Jimmy being a Major, we really should be comfortable regardless of me working but we’re up to our eyeballs in debt and digging out is proving to be a long, slow arduous task.

Our first problem comes in the form of his ex-wife. Well she’s been sucking blood for about 6 years now but the amount she sucks is about a 3rd of the monthly wage. Because we’ve spoken with a lawyer, we know that this is farrrrr over and above what he should be paying. The worst thing is that he’s already paid alimony (he did that for 3 years after they split) but when this divorce finalises he’s gonna have to do it all over again. let’s face it, the woman just makes me shudder. 

I guess our next problem is accumulated debt. There’s the loan to my grandma for the lawyer, the loan to Jimmy’s parents for the car, the regular car loan (this was all necessary because the ex-wife screwed up the credit and we couldn’t get a regular loan) and then various credit card debt. Most of the c/card debt happened before I came in the picture – I’m not a big fan of c/cards and don’t really see the need for them but he does need to pay off the existing debt.

So yeah… after all that, we’re on the bare minimum. If i was able to work this would be a non-issue… even if i was only able to do a couple of shifts per week! As it stands right now, we "research’ where the cheapest groceries can be bought and plan ahead with meals by 2 weeks!

Now the whole rage of coupon-ing has me somewhat confused. We don’t have coupons in Oz so getting used to clipping and saving these valuable little scraps of paper is heaven. I’ve signed up to a few coupon sites but I’d LOVE to know what your money saving tips are! I’ve hit up a few frugal living sites and we’re becomming rather professional at creating the $5 family meal!
 
So PUHLESE – help me get a grasp on this!!!

I guess I’m just worried that when the other kids get here that we’re not going to be able to do anything fun because we won’t have the cash for it.

I’m planning on doing a bit of undercover job seeking when we get to Colorado. If ‘m right, there are waitressing jobs I can get that’ll pay cash. No, I’m not really in the habikt of working illegally but let’s face it, this financial constraint isn’t fun and the family could do with me earning a little every week. I figure that in 2 or 3 shifts I could make about $100 and that alone would dramatically change our circumstance! Gooodddddddd I can’t wait till I have my working permits and my nursing registration!!!! Aaaaarrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

That’s really the extent of my woes right now… and really, I don’t mind living with very little…it’s just sad when the kids have to go without fun summertime activities (like the occassional trip to Chuck-ee-Cheese etc).

So the reseach goes on. I’m looking for regular grocery coupons, the cheapest places to buy meat, cheap cheap cheap meal favourites, take-out discounts and coupons (to have on hand as treats when all the kids are together), and pretty much anything else (including ideas on how to keep kids entertained!) We’ll head down to Lake Texoma in Oklahoma to see Jimmy’s parents, so we’ll have fishing and lake activities which they’ll enjoy… But ya know kids!!!!

Life isn’t too bad otherwise!!!!

xxxx

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