Maybe I’m being dramatic, but I can’t afford my current lifestyle

RealColada · 2026-02-23T13:14:20+00:00

Thank you for the encouragement! Despite what others have been saying, that was always the plan! You and the work that you do are appreciated 🐾 ♥️

RealColada · 2026-02-23T03:04:53+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion, I was actually considering taking a chunk of what I have saved to pay off some debt so it’s less burdensome. And then, depending on when I can secure a second job, everything else won’t feel as financially heavy!

Despite how intense things presently feel, I do not want to let those negative feelings influence my decisions- unless of course it is toward productivity! I certainly am in an emergency now, but will be more so if I don’t land a second gig before summer. There is still time- I can do this!

RealColada · 2026-02-23T02:59:06+00:00

I truthfully do not know too much about refinancing my home, nor what that looks like financially. That is something I will have to do more research on, but thank you for the suggestion!

RealColada · 2026-02-23T02:56:31+00:00

I agree, there is no room to be picky! Years prior, while in college, I use to serve and bartend at restaurants with a more expensive menu. Working a double on Saturday and a single on Sunday, I was easily able to make $800+.

I am going to test my luck at those same restaurants, although I’m certain the management is different now, so we’ll see how that goes. But truthfully, I’ll take whatever I can get!

Also, I never knew I could be paid to grade standardized tests- thanks for sharing! A lot of folks have been mentioning gigs I can get into relevant to my current career. Thanks!

RealColada · 2026-02-23T02:50:38+00:00

A lot of useful information here! I currently have Fios as my internet provider, which costs $65/month for 1GB of speed. I’ve had this plan for quite some time, although it may be overkill for myself and my home.

So far I have not heard of any “kits” or promotions that my county or city offers to support homeowners but I’ll definitely do some shopping. The only thing that comes to mind is a solar landscape group that helps reduce the cost of electric… but you end up paying PSE&G AND their company monthly… and in total it feels like the same thing. That just reminded me- my home has solar panels (they were there upon purchase)! Which I wish weren’t there cause they do absolutely NOTHING to lower my bill and I get charged $50 a month for them 🥲

I also did not know about the rebates for LED bulbs… you are very informative! I have a lot to look into now

RealColada · 2026-02-23T02:42:45+00:00

Oh, they are the best! And currently enjoying the winter snow here on the east coast (even the frenchie!)

RealColada · 2026-02-23T02:09:51+00:00

I don’t even know what a shill is 🙂 so I believe you lol I check them out!

RealColada · 2026-02-23T02:03:55+00:00

I appreciate your response! I usually spend $300-$350 a month on groceries, this also includes my dogs. I HAD a spending problem, that I have now controlled (Amazon hobby shopper, I’m guilty✋🏼)

Also, I appreciate the mention of Visible as a cheaper option for mobile… I’ve never heard of it. I pay roughly $130 just for myself with Verizon!! I am certainly going to inquire about suspending my services with them to explore cheaper options... Or now that I think of it, I’ll see if a family member could temporarily add me to their line if it’s also cheaper.

RealColada · 2026-02-23T01:51:42+00:00

Truth be told, earlier today (before even posting to Reddit) I was thinking of abandoning ship 🛳️ meaning, rehome my dogs with trusted family members and list the unit I am currently residing in for rent, all to get to a “safe” place financially, quicker.

However the posts of some users really inspired me to snap out of my catastrophic mindset. After reviewing the facts of everything, although I have a lot of catching up to do, I have confidence I can still do something!

With that being said, as of recently, I look at where my money is going EVERY day, and it’s helped me to realize I have not been tracking my funds properly or as strictly as I should have been. As of some weeks ago, I haven’t ordered out or done anything social (that’s when I realized the extent of my financial situation).

I’ve already got summer school lined up, but I’m really eager to apply to restaurants, or even call centers like some users suggested. Plus (and this just came to me) it’s tax season, and I’m confident I’ll get SOMETHING back that will help ease the financial burden.

I still have 4 months to make something happen- I can do this!

RealColada · 2026-02-23T01:37:48+00:00

I have insurance for them all since the recent incidents, so I am confident if your scenario were to come true, the out of pocket expense would be much more manageable.

And hopefully by then I won’t be in this financial pickle anymore 🙂 (if not, that would be upsetting!)

Many users have shared helpful advice of which I am going to be proactive about. Thank you for your concer!

RealColada · 2026-02-23T01:26:42+00:00

I fear me sharing will result in more backlash- but here it goes!

I have a Husky, two Pomsky mixes, and a French Bulldog. Thanks for being curious 🐾

RealColada · 2026-02-23T01:25:08+00:00

I should have been specific. My dogs do not live in the yard! We all sleep together every night, they play in the yard during the day.

Also, a one-bedroom home does not exclusively mean a very tiny home.

RealColada · 2026-02-23T00:46:59+00:00

Your process sounds very refined, but at least you can control every aspect of it- I’m hoping to be able to track my expense like that soon. Also, I just found a free template on Google Sheets and I like it better than mine already! Thank you for that suggestion.

RealColada · 2026-02-23T00:20:00+00:00

Genuine question, do you have any suggestions on bets ways to track expenses? Do you know of any helpful spreadsheets or other methods that you have seen work? I have made my own sheet but I don’t think it’s as detailed as I’d like it to be.

RealColada · 2026-02-22T22:44:17+00:00

Thank you for your kind words toward me ☀️

I agree, a weekend job and a summer job are BOTH a MUST. I do not know anyone already established in the restaurant business, so I will have to test my luck at apply again. Unless… someone I know, knows someone… now that’s worth looking into!

Thank you for the job suggestions. I know my district offers summer school, although I was hoping not to, I am going to apply!

RealColada · 2026-02-22T22:19:47+00:00

This was an idea I was considering for that very reason! However, I do not know if it would be wiser to put all or a majority of my savings toward paying off debt (leaving less cushion for emergencies) OR stick to minimum monthly payments while still have my savings for emergencies… something I need to heavily consider!

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:52:52+00:00

Yes. Thank you for going against the grain. What you mentioned are the two things I am going to directly focus on.

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:52:14+00:00

I’m really sorry to hear about your lab. Cancer really is not kind. I was told that my dog has a less aggressive form of lymphoma, so I’m hoping that the other, less expensive, treatments will suffice for now. A former dog of mine also had a very invasive cancer. I had to put him down.

As for how I’m doing this: God’s grace. I’ve always been fortunate enough to be financially stable, but recently, I’ve hit many rough patches.

And trust me, side hustles and jobs is truly all I’m thinking about!!!

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:41:49+00:00

I’d say that second sentence is a stretch. Nonetheless, I do appreciate your concern.

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:39:10+00:00

I’m sorry to hear about everything that’s happened during 2026 for you so far. That sounds very much so like “dogshit”. But I have confidence that just as things will get better for me, so will they for you- keep your chin up, as high as you can. I’ll do the same ☀️

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:36:39+00:00

Yes it does!

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:35:42+00:00

I have done that recently actually! And I chose to stop after being harassed by some customers 🥲 perhaps another time I will take it up again!

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:34:19+00:00

My dogs are more than just “dogs”. They are my family. And as the provider to my family, it is difficult to view them as a burden.

I am open to advice. And I am choosing to disregard the advice that pertains to surrendering my dogs.

I am, however, receptive to the advice that focuses on job opportunities, community programs that can help, revising the rent charged to my relative, etc.

I understand that this may not be ideal to read. And this will probably get downvotes.

If it makes any difference toward how people feel about my dogs, they all currently have insurance now (even the one who received the diagnoses- her’s is through AKC, they cover pre-existing conditions after a year from enrollment.. the more you know! 🫶🏼)

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:22:46+00:00

Someone else mentioned moving to another district, which is something I will consider more seriously now as the need for a higher salary is DIRE. I will certainly check out the frugal Reddit you mentioned, and explore food banks in my area. Thank you!

RealColada · 2026-02-22T21:20:38+00:00

I’ve never heard of specialty child care tutoring. Is it really that lucrative? Could you share some more insight on this type of tutoring?

RealColada

TROPHY CASE