My job cut my hours in retaliation to my resignation notice. Pretty sure that’s illegal but I don’t know. My manager argued with HR and got me this one last week to work. So I’m missing an entire weeks worth of income. I’m only getting $650 take home pay on the 2nd of October. I have no income until then, and I have $9 in my bank account. Yes that’s right $9. My new job starts on September 29th. I’ll get my first paycheck from my new job on October 17th. It should be around $1400-1450 take home pay. I’ve literally worked my budget out so many different ways and I think the only way for me to work my bills and expenses is if I wait to pay rent till then 17th. My rent for October is $1275. I would occur $180 in late fees if I paid rent on the 17th. So rent is gonna completely wipe out my first paycheck(and then some). I’m gonna be in a dire financial situation till mid November then things should start to turn around and I can start clearing out some of the debt I’ve accrued. I’m beyond stressed. I’ve asked everyone I could think of for help and no body can help. The Church helped me before with rent so I can’t ask again it’ll look like I’m abusing the system if I were to do that. Please tell me everything will be okay I’m so sad and angry that I’m in this position to begin with. But my saving grace will be this new job I’m starting. I’m excited for the challenge of something new. With good pay and good benefits. 48k a year to start and it’s an entry level position lots of room for advancement. It’s just going to be tough the first 6 weeks because of my current financial situation. I can’t wait to start paying off my debt.
does anyone else have helpful tips on how to live really frugal? I already take a food box every two weeks from the food bank and that helps so much with grocery costs. I make all my own meals at home now, I only get food out when my parents or my boyfriend is paying(and yes once I’m more on my feet I plan to be the one paying sometimes) I thrift for most of my clothes, take public transport for free vs owning a car or paying for an uber. I want to live so minimalistic with not too much holding me down financially. I currently have $9.5k in debt I need to pay down. I believe I can do it just have to be careful. What are some of you guy’s frugal tips and tricks?
I think the church will understand you needing one more month of rent paid by the church…explain if you want that you will tithe to the church the money once you get savings if it makes you feel better…ask the church.
I agree with jukebox. I think it’s OK to ask the church to pay for one more months rent if you’re honest and tell them you’re short of money because you’re in transition with switching jobs. The worst that can happen is they say no.
I appreciate the suggestion but I already feel like I took advantage of the churches help for September rent, I really can’t ask again. I don’t want to be seen as taking advantage of the people at the church.
I also haven’t been paying tithing because things have been so tight, and it’s peoples tithes that would be paying my rent. I don’t feel worthy
Rental assistance is out of the question in my area it’s near impossible to get. I’ve tried before the best help that I’ve ever gotten is from the Church that I attend and right now I can’t ask them
Well, in your position it sounds like things will be tight for a month and then after that you’ll be doing OK with money. I kinda don’t see why you’re stressed, it seems if you can just hold on for a month then you’ll be doing OK with money. With the food bank giving you food you should be alright. Some employers will give you an advance on your paycheck. Would your current employer do that?
If you’re just trying to survive for a a week and a half then maybe go to a payday loan place in your area.
Payday loans provide small, short-term, unsecured loans that are typically due by the borrower’s next payday
. The loan’s costs usually consist of a flat fee rather than a traditional interest rate, but this fee can equate to an annual percentage rate (APR) of 400% or more, making them extremely expensive.
How the process works
Application: The borrower applies for a small amount, often $500 or less, by providing proof of income (such as recent pay stubs), valid identification, and an active bank or credit union account. A credit check is generally not performed.
Repayment authorization: To secure the loan, the borrower provides the lender with a post-dated check for the full amount (principal plus fees) or authorizes the lender to electronically debit the funds from their bank account on the due date.
Loan disbursement: The lender gives the borrower the loan amount, and the repayment date is set, typically two to four weeks later, on or around the borrower’s next payday.
Repayment: On the due date, the lender cashes the post-dated check or initiates the electronic withdrawal to collect the full amount owed.
The cycle of debt
Payday loans can lead to a dangerous cycle of debt because borrowers often cannot afford to repay the entire loan plus fees when it is due.
Rollovers and renewals: If a borrower cannot repay the loan, they can often pay only the fees to “roll over” or “renew” the loan for another pay period. This action accrues additional fees and pushes the principal debt further out.
Compounding costs: Each time a loan is renewed, the new fees are added to the principal, significantly increasing the total amount owed and making it even more difficult to pay off.
Targeting vulnerable consumers: Payday lenders are often accused of predatory practices by targeting low-income individuals who lack other borrowing options.
Common alternatives
Credit union loans: Many credit unions offer low-interest Payday Alternative Loans (PALs) with lower rates and longer repayment periods than traditional payday loans.
Personal installment loans: These loans typically offer lower interest rates and longer, more manageable repayment terms.
Credit card cash advance: A cash advance from a credit card can be a better option, as it has a lower APR than a payday loan, even with the added fees.
Negotiating with creditors: If you are behind on a bill, you can contact your creditors to arrange a payment plan.
Employer advances: Some employers offer payroll advances, which allow you to borrow against your next paycheck at no cost.
What is a payday loan? | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
While there is no set definition of a payday loan, it is usually a short-term, high-cost loan, generally for $500 or less, that is typically due on your next pa…
How Do Payday Loans Work & What Happens if You Don’t Pay?
Unlike a bank loan or a credit card, which primarily base loan costs on an interest rate, most payday lenders charge a fixed fee when you borrow—typically betwe…
How Payday Loans Work: Example of 391% APR | St. Louis Fed
Payday loans are different from other types of loans in one main way: They are short-term. Hence the name, they typically need to be paid back (plus fees) by th…
yes, I got caught in a payday loan place and it took great effort to rid ourselves of the loan…retook out the amount each month and paid like two hundred dollars in interest each time.
Just google sites like “feeding one person on less than $25 a week” or “how to spend $35 or less at the grocery store each week.” Or type in “cheap, easy meals” or “simple cheap meals”. Or how to feed one person for less than $120 a month. Just do searches for variations on those and you’ll come up with dozens of links to help you save money at the grocery store.
how to stretch your money when you’re broke and living on your own
ChatGPT said:
That’s a tough spot, but there are practical ways to make your money stretch further when you’re broke and living on your own. Here are some strategies that focus on the essentials:
Food & Groceries
Cook at home: Even basic meals (rice, beans, eggs, pasta, frozen veggies) go much further than takeout.
Plan simple meals: Stick to 5–6 cheap staples you can rotate.
Buy in bulk (but smartly): Oats, rice, beans, and frozen vegetables are cheap and last long.
Store-brand everything: Skip name brands unless they’re on deep sale.
Zero waste: Use leftovers creatively (soup, stir-fry, burritos).
Bills & Utilities
Track every bill: Know due dates to avoid late fees.
Cut subscriptions: Cancel or pause anything nonessential (streaming, apps, gym).
I’m stressed because anytime I have a small amount in my bank account I worry I’m gonna have an emergency come up and no way to pay it. I normally like to have at least $100-300 in my account left over after paying bills. Yes I should be fine after November I’m still just stressed
@Hanna_Foxx Google: Saint Vincent de Paul Society, in your town, or city and State. St. Vincent de Paul Society is a Roman Catholic charity that gives out things like money (for rent and utilities), diapers, formula, etc….. to people who need it, of any religion. Find their phone number in Google and call them or go to any Catholic Church and inquire.
1 large sliced and quartered sweet potato with skin
6 to 8 medium russet potatoes sliced and quartered with skin
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup ketchup (over top of roast meat)
Worcester sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Seasoning salt
Table salt
Pepper
Cook on Low in crockpot for 10 hours.
After cooling, keep the crock with the lid in the fridge for storage. It will keep for up to 1- 1/2 weeks in the refrigerator. And it makes a lot of meals. About 10 to 12.
A cheap meal is making your own rice, cooking some beans, and adding broccoli with some salt and pepper.
I don’t think you should do the payday loan because it’s a trap.
Another cheap meal is cooking a chicken and shredding it, eating plain chicken and rice with some salt pepper and hot sauce. Eat a cheap veggie or a piece of fruit with it.
Another cheap meal is baking a whole baked potato. Believe it or not it’s even good with just salt and pepper without butter! But if you have butter that is a bonus. Eat a side fruit or veggie with it.
I don’t know if you have the actual time to do it but you could download a gig app like roadie or doordash. If you work weekends you can make in excess of $150 a day using door dash. Roadie is better if you wanna work during the week. With both of these apps you spend 95% of your time on the road so if your not into driving I wouldn’t waste your time but there are also apps that let you do things like catering, dog walking, grocery shopping, ect..
I’m so sad and angry that I’m in this position to begin with. But my saving grace will be this new job I’m starting. I’m excited for the challenge of something new. With good pay and good benefits. 48k a year to start and it’s an entry level position lots of room for advancement. It’s just going to be tough the first 6 weeks because of my current financial situation. I can’t wait to start paying off my debt.
Food & Groceries
Bills & Utilities
Housing
Transportation
Money Habits
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