Topic : Living on One Income

Hi Carl,

I think if you find out what hours Dave Ramsey is on in your area and email him during the show, he may answer.  You also have to call during the radio program in order to get through to him.

Since you cannot get out of your house to work due to your back, I was wondering if you would qualify for meals on wheels (temporarily).  How is the church helping you.  Are they helping your daughters?  It may help them to be involved in a youth church group.  Some churches will arrange to have them picked up in order for them to attend.  How is your daughter doing?  Do you have any relatives that can help?   I find that extended families - aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., have meant a lot to my children.   I was divorced when they were young and their father's side of the family didn't have much to do with them.  However, my side of the family were very helpful, and it has meant a lot to my children as well as myself.

I will be thinking about you on December 27 and pray for your complete and speedy recovery.  Be sure to apply to organizations at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  They may help provide dinners and gifts for your children. 

You might want to call your utility companies and ask about their special programs - such as share the warmth - electricity.  Then when you are well, you can pay it forward so to speak by helping someone else.

We will need to know some details before anyone can make suggestions. 

jl4ever

Queen,

   I thought your tips were helpful and very well intended.As a newcomer to the boards, I was so surprised to see the venom hurled at you, but I have learned over the years that when others are full of anger it comes out at the craziest times!!!Keep up the good work, you inspire me to keep trying.

Hi, me and my husband have been married for 3 years and we have decided that it is best that he does not work for now and goes to college full-time. College does not come easy for my husband so he would not even be able to work part-time and maintain good grades. He is currently on probation right now! 

I have a Masters degree. The problem is that I am scared to tell people that I work with that my husband is "just" a full-time student in college because I feel that they will judge my relationship and that this may also affect my job. I don't want my boss or coworkers to think that "we" have financial problems because obviously on one income, money is always tight.

My husband is 7 years younger than me and I'm just scared that when my boss and coworkers realize he is not working that they may discriminate me. My mother says that "my husband is no reflection on me", but I'm still worried that rumors will start around the office that my husband doesn't work.

The decision we have made as a couple for him to focus on his college career "we feel" will benefit us more financially in the "long run" than him trying to work and go to school and risk jeopardizing his college career all together in the "short run".  My husband does receive financial aid and he has some money to spare after tuition and books to help out around the house. It is definitely not 50/50. It is more like 70/30, but I do not feel I should have to go into all of that with my coworkers and boss. The people I work with are always asking me questions about my husband and some have even gone as far to ask me if he even works?! I don't know how to handle this personal financial situation me and my husband are in now without looking suspicious or in a financial bind with my coworkers and boss. I learned in B-school that if an employer feels you have financial problems you may be overlooked for promotions or raises or even fired! I don't want the fact that my husand is not working right now to jeopardize my career or reputation.

Please, I really need to hear some good advice on this one!!!!!!!! THANK YOU AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am a widow and live on one income.  It can be challanging at times, but I find the key to being debt free is committment and accountability.  You cannot let the pressures from 2007 lifestyles influnence your decisions with spending. It is not always easy to say "NO" to invitations to go out to the movies and dinner out.  I have a calendar with squares large enough you can write in the squares.  Each month at the beginning of the month I pencil in things that are coming up thru activities from church to the singles group and my friends and work.  I look over what is the most important and consider how I can participate.  I highlight the things that are most important.  Then I pencil in other things that I can do from home, invite a friend over for soup. coffee. dessert or to play games.  Creativity goes a long ways.  There are books that will help with guidance on financial creativity.  Anyone who wants to have a fun filled life can find ways to do what is most important if you give thought to how you plan.  I have found that a wise person will give consideration to priorities.