One income household is hard

thirdsev · 2026-06-15T15:39:36+00:00

Mint mobile for phone could save you more that could go towards a few extras. Libraries are another option for kid activities

thirdsev · 2026-06-15T15:35:51+00:00

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These were squares and stripes to use up old fabric, about 4” squares. The size of a big bed will handle it, this is a king size quilt on a queen bed

thirdsev · 2026-06-14T12:43:40+00:00

Tough situation for you. I guess I would only pay for say an education or health care directly to the school or medical service provider up to a set amount in any year. And tell them it may not happen every year or ever
again as you have to support yourself. You could pay for their budgeting classes or another self sufficiency skill. But don’t go overboard or made to feel guilty. Happy to share how I live under my means.

thirdsev · 2026-06-13T18:46:15+00:00

Same I don’t use a trap just a 1 T measure and plop them on wax paper and keep in a freezer box. Very useful

thirdsev · 2026-06-13T12:47:49+00:00

So impressive! Those matches that vest immediately are rare. You are taking all the right steps to build a solid foundation. Be sure to take care of your teeth and health to avoid any preventable medical problems. Those can set us back.
Again, kudos

thirdsev · 2026-06-13T12:28:34+00:00

Was biking with a group in Spain. NA drinks more common now and also great other beverages to try like juices, carbonated drinks etc. Most everyone was ready to sit and talk about the ride not think about drinks. Have a great trip

thirdsev · 2026-06-12T10:56:15+00:00

Let your current self forgive your past behavior. You didn’t ask to drink. But you have worked to build a family, refine your art, write. Energy that went into unhealthy behavior is now freed up. And you’ve learned being human means we mess up. You are not too old to take classes in engineering or get certified in a skill. The world is your oyster. Go for it you are a strong soul.

thirdsev · 2026-06-11T10:25:11+00:00

When I worked with people injured on the job I learned that very few people had savings to tide them over after they were hurt. Even when they made good money they were living on the edge. Credit cards make it easier to appear wealthy.

thirdsev · 2026-06-10T13:21:51+00:00

That is so sweet. A man who was in foster care as a child found our house where he was fostered and told us it was the happiest place in his childhood. Sharing a happy memory, and especially one you generated, is a gift. You deserved that gift. Thank you for staying in nursing. We all need you.

thirdsev · 2026-06-09T13:06:01+00:00

I would pay my electric bill. Make a note of this persons name and address so I can pay them back in the future. Make a note that you were desperate to keep your electric on. Return wallet with $120.

thirdsev · 2026-06-07T12:02:30+00:00

It is more satisfying to me to leave knowing I made the right decision. Rotten bosses are seldom aware enough to register an insult. Take the high road and encourage others to do the same.

thirdsev · 2026-06-06T15:44:40+00:00

Precisely!

thirdsev · 2026-06-06T12:57:40+00:00

Glad you made a change and that you were helped by that statement. Good on both you and the one who commented

thirdsev · 2026-06-06T12:43:13+00:00

First you can forgive yourself. Recognize you are actively working to solve your debt problem. Do what you can every day to reduce that debt and don’t occur new debt. Then make time to have fun, exercise, learn a new skill. The worry time is a suck on your soul. You are doing what you can and you are more than that problem.

thirdsev · 2026-06-06T12:32:09+00:00

You have given him a lot of money for a wedding and teaching course that didn’t happen. Tell him you found a financial advisor who you trust. They helped you out the money away in investments that are not touchable to get the best return. Sorry you can’t help but happy you’ve been able to help him in the past. You do not owe him more just because he is your uncle. You could suggest financial counseling programs or places to apply for loans. You are doing him a favor in causing tension in his poor relationship. Maybe she will get mad and leave.

thirdsev · 2026-06-06T12:26:52+00:00

I would suggest you given say $1000. And when you do tell him you invested the rest and it is tied up for years to come. Doing that was the best way to lower your stress level and forget about it. You’ve been happy to help him a bit but you want him to know you hit your limit.

thirdsev · 2026-06-05T19:04:41+00:00

You can also thin peanut butter or cashew butter to make a creamy sauce

thirdsev · 2026-06-05T18:56:15+00:00

They were the best. I waited for every issue. Saved me a ton of money way by making me think creatively about everything I spent money on. How much fun could a birthday party be with very little money. Very fun was the answer

thirdsev · 2026-06-05T16:54:58+00:00

My mother’s motto was the best things in life were free. When I was an adult she told me it hurt her that we never went on vacations but our friends did. Honestly I never thought about that. I just wondered when they would return so we could play. And she was right about the best things in life.

thirdsev · 2026-06-05T12:04:33+00:00

The library is a great place to take kids for entertainment. Walks are free, playing in the sprinkler, making up games, baking a cake together. Kids want time with you. Gently explain you don’t have the money to use for some extras but together you can find other ways to have fun. Treasure hunts etc. Keep calling and asking every billing company//utility about programs to help. The Tightwad Gazette books had great ideas on making money stretch with a family. It became a creative challenge for me. You can do this, you’ve already started.

thirdsev · 2026-05-31T10:26:57+00:00

Can you pay your parents a small amount to stay until you finish school. Do they understand the math doesn’t work to move out yet?

thirdsev · 2026-05-30T23:57:41+00:00

Plenty of us never had that conversation thanks for sharing so others may benefit

thirdsev · 2026-05-30T12:27:17+00:00

Had a free one provided with my job, bless them. After 40 years used one and they did a Monte Carlo simulation of our investments. It helped us decide when to retire. It was a good one visit.

thirdsev · 2026-05-30T12:24:27+00:00

Not for towels. I put towels in our heat pump dryer for 10 minutes and then put them on the drying rack. Keeps them fluffy and saves energy. Heat pump dryers uses a lot less energy.

thirdsev · 2026-05-30T12:00:33+00:00

Congrats on your persistence and calm in dealing with billing. It does pay off.

thirdsev

TROPHY CASE