We are broke

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’re on one income. We have little kids, including one with special needs. No local family. No help. Money has always been tight. But this year wrecked us. Unexpected home repairs (in addition to the expected home repairs), medical bills, and a family emergency depleted our savings and left us with credit card debt and a heloc. I’ve been reading Dave Ramsey’s book and it’s hard not to feel completely hopeless. There are more home repairs that need to be done. I’d love to work but I need good, reliable childcare which is $$$. All the kids are in school but not all at the same school. There are therapies to get to and after-school activities. It feels like somebody is always sick too. I just feel so stuck.

I’m considering selling my engagement ring and using the $ to get an au pair so I can go back to work while still having somebody around the house all the time. Also considering selling the house and moving somewhere else. Last thought was to pull money from somewhere - $401k?

Daycare will be less than you make unless you are completely uneducated

[Anonymous]

I echo a lot of the same advice already given. I would not pay for outside therapies. If you feel the school isn't meeting the needs of your child, you can request additional services.

Definitely look into getting a job at one of the schools.

If selling your engagement ring would really reduce your debt, then do it. I agree that you should do this instead of hiring an au pair. You do not need one more person living in your house.

Also please reach out to the social workers at your children's schools. There are so many resources and programs out there. See if your family qualifies for any help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
We’re on one income. We have little kids, including one with special needs. No local family. No help. Money has always been tight. But this year wrecked us. Unexpected home repairs (in addition to the expected home repairs), medical bills, and a family emergency depleted our savings and left us with credit card debt and a heloc. I’ve been reading Dave Ramsey’s book and it’s hard not to feel completely hopeless. There are more home repairs that need to be done. I’d love to work but I need good, reliable childcare which is $$$. All the kids are in school but not all at the same school. There are therapies to get to and after-school activities. It feels like somebody is always sick too. I just feel so stuck.

I’m considering selling my engagement ring and using the $ to get an au pair so I can go back to work while still having somebody around the house all the time. Also considering selling the house and moving somewhere else. Last thought was to pull money from somewhere - $401k?





Daycare will be less than you make unless you are completely uneducated

DP. I think it depends on how many children she has. She hasn't given us a lot of information about her work history, education, income, or budget (or number or ages of children). If the kids are in private school or not. We have very little information so it's hard to give advice.

[Anonymous]

Selling your ring & getting the au pair is only worth it if you are going to make good $$ right away, in my opinion. If you can get a job that’s paying $150k +, then yes.

If not, skip the au pair & either get a part time job in your field or sign on to sub at the kids’ schools - that is very flexible. I’ve done both - I have a special needs child too & I get it, one parent’s job inevitably has to become more flexible to accommodate everything involved. But i think there are options between “no job” & “ft with au pair” if you are looking to save money.

[Anonymous]

Take a 3rd shift/graveyard hour job if you’re really desperate. Your kids will be at home with dad sleeping while you’re at work. It will suck but if bills need to be paid so be it. You can work for Amazon. They hire anybody at its close to $20 an hour. If you have a degree you can be an HR rep for the 3rd shift and save your feet and back plus make a little more. You’ll make close to $1500 a week if you work 60 hours a week.

[Anonymous]

Get a part-time job - there are companies that seek out SAHMs to do clerical work from home. Find one of those. Offer your services to other moms in your neighborhood as a "girl Friday".

Separately don't bother with the engagement ring, it's worth 1/10th of what you think it is.

[Anonymous]

You have to get a pt job. No ifs ands or buts. Register with all the private schools in the area to start subbing asap. You can ultimately try to get employment at public school but they're beaurocratic and app process takes a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why aren’t your kids in the same school? What was your career pre-kids?

Kids are in preschool and elementary

[Anonymous]

What about doing instacart or door dash part-time while kids are at school? The younger ones can ride along with you.

[Anonymous]

OP here - my kids are in different schools bc I have preschool and elementary aged kids. 2 more years until they’re all in elementary. Pre kids I was a public school teacher in a different city. I have a masters degree. I have no interest in returning to teaching. I will do anything work wise but I’m reluctant to take a job with strict hours. My husband has zero leave left after our year from h3ll. Happy to do some household repairs myself (like painting) but can’t replace the two broken windows on my own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - my kids are in different schools bc I have preschool and elementary aged kids. 2 more years until they’re all in elementary. Pre kids I was a public school teacher in a different city. I have a masters degree. I have no interest in returning to teaching. I will do anything work wise but I’m reluctant to take a job with strict hours. My husband has zero leave left after our year from h3ll. Happy to do some household repairs myself (like painting) but can’t replace the two broken windows on my own.

Substitute teaching at one of your kids' schools would be a good option. I know you don't want to return to teaching, but it's a bridge that allows you to earn some money until your kids are all in the same school and you can use aftercare for all of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here - my kids are in different schools bc I have preschool and elementary aged kids. 2 more years until they’re all in elementary. Pre kids I was a public school teacher in a different city. I have a masters degree. I have no interest in returning to teaching. I will do anything work wise but I’m reluctant to take a job with strict hours. My husband has zero leave left after our year from h3ll. Happy to do some household repairs myself (like painting) but can’t replace the two broken windows on my own.

Substitute teaching at one of your kids' schools would be a good option. I know you don't want to return to teaching, but it's a bridge that allows you to earn some money until your kids are all in the same school and you can use aftercare for all of them.

I signed up to sub this fall. But can’t do full days bc of preschool pick up.

[Anonymous]

If you have a background in education why not tutor kids after school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have a background in education why not tutor kids after school?

What do I do with my own kids after school in that scenario?

[Anonymous]

Can you be a recess monitor or work in the kitchen at your kids school? Maybe a 3-4 hour shift at Starbucks while your kids in school whatever your schedule allows? Even if it’s 200-300 a week it adds up .