Struggling to stay afloat. What can I do?

[Anonymous]

Could you do any baking with the eggs and vegies? Maybe sell gourmet farm fresh quiche to local high end coffee shops and bakeries? Places where they sell by the piece/slice might give you a nice return once you get going.

[Anonymous]

P.S. And yes, definitely apply for services and benefits. I understand your hesitation but your situation is exactly why they were designed.

[Anonymous]

Random question: You said they're "so much happier", but have you noticed that your kids are also healthier since living the farm life? It sounds pretty ideal, with fresh raw goats milk and fresh eggs and fresh produce

I hope you feel proud for all you've been able to do for your kids, especially given your difficult circumstances.

[Anonymous]

Some counties give free cell phones to people on food stamps. You really, really need to have somebody else pay your cell phone bill. If not the county, then talk to the cell provider and explain you make little money and have a special needs child and need assistance. If they can't help, ask a local church to pay it.

Also, ask Salvation Army to help you pay your monthly electric bill.

Do you have room to grow something expensive on your land to sell at farmers markets, like truffles or flowers?

Could you teach an online course for extra cash? Like where you teach using video dress?

[Anonymous]

video feed

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure why so many people are so quick to suggest you sell the place. What a dumb idea. It's paid off, and although you have property taxes, you sure as hell will spend a lot more on rent or a mortgage on the next place.

OP - your best bet is to take a renter or 2. Or airbnb a room. Dog sitting/boarding is also a good idea.

Be careful OP about renting a room to a man when you have little ones in your home, especially with special needs. I would not do it.

[Anonymous]

Could you provide special needs children with foster or respite care, and earn a small stipend for doing so?

[Anonymous]

Is OP working part time? She could provide child care, or even elder assistance.

[Anonymous]

Move to an affordable apartment in town. Apply for government programs for low income families and disabled children. Realize that this is why poverty is so hard to escape.

[Anonymous]

Sell the house, you don't have an option to keep it. That tax bill is recurring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sell the house, you don't have an option to keep it. That tax bill is recurring.

Rent is going to be more than $4K a year that she has to pay in taxes. She's better off staying put and bringing in another boarder.

[Anonymous]

You have teenagers, can they get a job to help with expenses? I understand the desire to shield them from your financial troubles but sometimes everyone needs to pull together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sell the house, you don't have an option to keep it. That tax bill is recurring.

Rent is going to be more than $4K a year that she has to pay in taxes. She's better off staying put and bringing in another boarder.

Seriously where else is she going to live for $4k a year??? THe house is paid off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sell the house, you don't have an option to keep it. That tax bill is recurring.

Rent is going to be more than $4K a year that she has to pay in taxes. She's better off staying put and bringing in another boarder.

Seriously where else is she going to live for $4k a year??? THe house is paid off.

Which means when she sells it, she earns a profit. She can use that profit to subsidize her living expenses until her kids leave the house and/or no longer need the schools/services. Even in rural VA, her house is probably worth at least $150k. If I had $150k in investments, and was asking how to stay afloat, what would you tell me to do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sell the house, you don't have an option to keep it. That tax bill is recurring.

Rent is going to be more than $4K a year that she has to pay in taxes. She's better off staying put and bringing in another boarder.

Seriously where else is she going to live for $4k a year??? THe house is paid off.

Which means when she sells it, she earns a profit. She can use that profit to subsidize her living expenses until her kids leave the house and/or no longer need the schools/services. Even in rural VA, her house is probably worth at least $150k. If I had $150k in investments, and was asking how to stay afloat, what would you tell me to do?

No. A house is not an investment. It's a place to live.

That's like saying, quit renting so you can free up money. Or quit eating so you can save money.

No. no. no.

OP - another idea - if you can't find many tenants, maybe you can find a tenant that will provide child care in exchange for rent. That can free you up to pursue a job that pays more.