SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

Yes it's a yahoo group. Just search for "freecycle (your city, or nearest large one)" in yahoo groups. Its pretty popular around Texas and most cities have a group set up. If you can't find one for your city you might try a few other cities in your area. We picked up all kinds of stuff, toys, clothes, swing sets. PM me if you have trouble with it and ill we if I can look one up for you.

You know what....I just have to say that I LOVE my SI Family! You all have been there for me during times when I felt completely and utterly alone in life... and have been there for me to celebrate the highs and pick me up from the very lows... I don't know where I would be emotionally or otherwise without the support, kindness, and countless 2x4's I have received here!

Thank you for showing me that angels really DO exist! I love you all!

Thank you dlmos...

I'm gonna look that up now in fact!!! I will take all the tips I can get!! Being a savvy mom is what I'm all about anyways! haha!

I FOUND IT! We do have one! I'm having trouble getting signed up, but I will get that figured out! What a cool site! Thank you so much for the tip!

No problem

A tip though on freecycle, you have to act fast on a lot of stuff so if something pops up be ready.

Thank you! I appreciate it!

Also, Shelly, if you're on FB, search for groups in your area... there are several for my town that do freecycling, swapping and what they call an online garage sale (stuff for super cheap).

Can't hurt to look.

You're doing great, you really are.

Thank you wildbananas!! Good to hear from you! I've missed you lady!

Not quite a 2x4. If you're thinking of asking for a raise, keep the Freecycling and Facebooking to a minimum at work.

Good luck

One tip about freecycle-set it to the 'digest' version where they send 25 posts in ONE email. If not, your email box will be FLOODED with freecycle mail. But, at the same time, go to the site and read the posts individually (a few times a day if you can) so you can get something as soon as it posts (sometimes it takes a few hours for 25 posts to be put into the mail) and like someone said-you have to be quick to get stuff. Does that make sense?

And hang in there-things will get better for you!

[This message edited by SunnySideUp at 10:21 PM, April 10th (Wednesday)]

Shelly--look at "income based repayment" for your loans. New repayment option. Allows you to go lower than interest even. Is truly based on your income. Not to be confused with income contingent repayment. Also if you do it for 25 years your balance is forgiven.

Please apply for SNAP. (Food stamps) I think their guidelines are different than WIC. I think if you make less than 35,000 your child can be on medicaid-thus free meds and doctor visits and dentist visits. The little bit of SNAP we get really helps each month.

I do secret shops. Be very careful on these companies--- but the one I've done for years is Marketforce. They pay direct deposit on the 10th of each month, or you can get a check mailed. If you go on their website, they have 2 divisions. I usually do the section that is for secret shops-- fast food, etc. The other side is for shops like going to the movies and counting patrons, etc. I find that the section that is for the fast food shops is better organized. The only problem is you have to buy the food, submit the paperwork and then wait to get paid. So,,, I usually shop the last week of the month so that I'm not out the $$$ for very long.

They don't send you a 1099 for taxes unless you earn 600.00 with them in a year.

The shops are kinda confusing, so if you try one, just do one shop and see if you like it. I usually do my shops for lunch. Eat, then get reimbursed plus paid 7.00 or so for the shop. Only problem is you can't take children with you, but maybe it'll work for you.

Please put your student loans on a forebearance if you can. You will have time to work and pay those off later. Plus, you can be on forebearance and pay a tiny bit each month on your own if you want....

Is getting someone in to house share with you an option, may help you with some of the expenses?

Are you crafty at all and could make something to sell?

Can you grow your own vegetables? It's a great way to bond with your child and helps them learn about what to eat etc.

Can you do some sort of party plan type business on the side to help you out of this rough spot you are in?

Can you do some cleaning or babysitting for someone else to get some extra cash?

It's tough raising kids on your own with no help from the sperm donors. Goodluck Shelly.

I don't qualify for government assistance of any kind..including food stamps. I make too much money. I wish they took debt into consideration when you applied for things like that, but they don't...