Money Problems!!!!

ftr_bb_catchr · Apr 3, 2006

I wish I could say I have advice for you but alas I do not as I am in the same boat. The bills collectors are calling more than my family. I've got every student loan and grant known to man but eveytime we get ahead we fall right behind again. I have applied for work at every hospital in my area (up to an hour drive). I am working at one but it's an on-call position and I can't seem to get called more than once a month. My husband works two jobs and has no time for one more! My three kids all need new shoes and pants for school!

I don't think we are alone.. keep plugging along. That's all we can do. I just keep praying (because that works for me) and keeping the faith. It won't be this way forever. Check out your school office for scholarships... There are a lot out there for nursing students. There is a thread for that which has a sticky on this forum.

Good luck!

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

Boy do I ever understand the not getting ahead thing! I think my student loan is gonna last, but it doesn't because I have to buy ink for my printer, or new pants for my son or more white uniform shirts for my daughter. Another thing that sucks is I have to pay for printing at my school and our powerpoints can be up to 65 pages! They help me learn so well though, so I figure it is worth it if it will help me pass.

Like I said, I get the money and it's gone before I know it! My parents don't seem to understand either because they have never had any money problems. Sometimes I feel like a helpless child sometimes even though I'm 26 and I go around in circles of being depressed over this whole thing.

Lord help me. :o

adamsmom · Apr 3, 2006

Instead of asking your parents for money can they watch your kids? You can get a CNA weekend job and make decent money. I work 24 hours on the weekends and my mom takes my kids. And they are paying for my schooling.

Good luck

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

Instead of asking your parents for money can they watch your kids? You can get a CNA weekend job and make decent money. I work 24 hours on the weekends and my mom takes my kids. And they are paying for my schooling.
Good luck

I'd love to do that, but they live four hours away.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 3, 2006

Could the kids spend the weekend with your folks? Other options: trade day care with another single student with kids, contact the college where you go to school and see if they have an organized day care program or exchange program.

My husband was deployed when I went to nursing school and I know it was very tough - I feel for you both. Know that this will pass...just one day at a time.

Race Mom, ASN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

Take two and call your parents in the morning.

The worst they could do is say they can't. Where do you get your money from now? Does your husband send anything? How did you plan on working this out in the beginning? I remember your situation.

What are you selling on Ebay? Maybe I'm interested;) .

Lisa

Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

Take two and call your parents in the morning.
The worst they could do is say they can't. Where do you get your money from now? Does your husband send anything? How did you plan on working this out in the beginning? I remember your situation.
What are you selling on Ebay? Maybe I'm interested;) .
Lisa

I have to agree with Woogy. Although no one likes to ask their parents for money - I've had to travel that road since starting school. Well, I really didn't have to ask, it was offered after a tearful phone call. My father had called me to see how school was going (my mother and father are very supportive about nursing school) and I told him that I may have to quit and go back to full-time CNA work because my property taxes had just raised our mortgage payment ALOT. He said he'd kill me if I quit and offered to send money to cover the property tax increases. I was humiliated (so was my dh) to be needing money at my age; however, my father said that once I was working as an RN, he knew I'd pay him back.

I know how you feel. My dh cannot work any more hours than he already does. I work weekends as an aide and am on call also. Luckily, my children (12 and 9 years old) are just now old enough to be at home alone a few hours if I need them to be. I will be praying for you.

Just to add....years ago, I volunteered at a food pantry. Food pantries exist for situations such as yours. If it comes down to paying for food or your rent.....pay your rent and go to a food pantry for your nonparishable food items. When you are done with school, you will give back tenfold.

Stdy2BaNurse · Apr 3, 2006

I just had to borrow money from my parents I know how it feels....it is embarassing and humbling; however, if they can, I'm sure they will. Through the tears of gratitude I was able to say thank you and she told me "If I have to give you my check until you get out of school, I will. I know you are making a better life for yourself - and my grandkids!" They love you and one day you might be taking care of them. It all comes full circle :)

Be blessed not stressed!

T

Lisa CCU RN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

Take two and call your parents in the morning.
The worst they could do is say they can't. Where do you get your money from now? Does your husband send anything? How did you plan on working this out in the beginning? I remember your situation.
What are you selling on Ebay? Maybe I'm interested;) .
Lisa

They are sending me something( at least my mom is) but like the other poster said, it's humiliating.

I get FS and childcare assistance right now, so I eat just fine and daycare is fine for going to school.

I planned on going to school and I knew I'd have to pay my own daycare for the first month I was here and I did. But since moving was a surprise and I had to pay for a calculus class ($500) I was drained of the little savings I had.

I was fine at first, but I had to buy my kids new clothes, and pay for printing and all the other stuff above.

I'm selling books on EBay's half .com and NO, my husband won't send a dime if we aren't together.

RN and Mommy · Apr 3, 2006

Could you maybe get some more student loans? I know it's not great to have to pay back, but if you need them now...later you'll be making more money. What about contacting a church or going to a thrift store for your children's clothes. I don't know, just a couple suggestions. Keep your chin up!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2006

The Salvation Army will help you get WIC and will assist you with your utility bills. They helped me with my utilities many years ago and I've never forgotten it. They are now always the first to get donations from me.

Don't be ashamed to take public assistance. That's why we pay taxes; to help those who need it when they need it. You need help; that's why it's there.

Thrift stores are BRILLIANT. Most of my own clothes come from thrift stores (in fact, the Talbot's Irish linen pants I'm wearing today came from one - I paid two bucks for them last year and they're $100 pants!).