Have you ever struggled to pay your bills?

@Awinds (2468)
United States
August 11, 2011 2:44am CST
Before 2009 my family was what one would call upper middle class. Then our - and millions of other people's - main source of income took a major hit. Since then I have had the opportunity to think about bills. Especially those pesky repeating ones that come back to your door every month. Anyway, from then till the present time three of us (including myself) have been playing the "find an income" game. I can't call it bad though. I still eat everyday and I still have my paid off house and car. Bouncing from bill to bill and wondering what is around the next bend is not my cup of tea, but it far better than wondering where my food for today is going to come from. So how about you? With the rise of the recession, and the present fragile economy, are you struggling to pay your bills? How has the recession effected you? Are you unemployed and if you are, how have you gotten along so far? :)
10 people like this
43 responses
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
11 Aug 11
I did have a trouble with a credit card bill, and could only pay just a bit above the minimum. I could not buy anything, that was over 20 years ago. I am a bit concerned about this recession and think that maybe I should not have bought that, or maybe I should have not kept the Tv on when I am not in the room. Now I am thinking how can I get enough money to fix the basement before winter comes and we have two main seasons, winter and summer. It is either very hot or very cold. I never was upper middle class, we were middle working class, you know trades, etc. but I have to find a good way to pay the monthly bills. With the seasonable ones, I can put the money into my high interest savings account and then download that particular amount when I get the bill notice. But with regular bills, if I transfer the money to my regular savings account that is not linked to bill p;payments, and I decide to pay the bills on those particular date, what if I am away and do not transfer the money in time back to my checking account? And what if something else comes up or something unexpected?
@suspenseful (40192)
• Canada
12 Aug 11
I hope so do. My friends want me to do the fence first, but I figure the basement comes first. It would probably turn really cold this winter,r maybe down to 40 below and I do not want to have to pay a very high gas bill. Thank goodness I am managing my money better and I have an emergency fund just in case. Back then I was really worried. I had to take a job delivering fliers and before that telemarketing and it was hard to go through all the fine print in the Forward Backward directory to see what businesses wanted things do and what homes wanted things done, phone them back before 9 if they were not home, etc. I decided then that I would not charge anything until I was sure I had the money to pay for it.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
12 Aug 11
Your bill situation sounds like quite a pickle. I understand about the concern of the unexpected - I wonder what if X happens and we don't have the spare green to pay for it? I do hope you can that basement of yours fixed before the heart of winter hits!
1 person likes this
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
I think I agree with you - the fence isn't the thing that's going to impact our gas bill. As for your credit card method, that is the best policy. Charging without thought is what leads to debt.
1 person likes this
@koperty3 (1876)
11 Aug 11
Yes I do. My partner worked for scammer. This person didn not pay him on time and now while my partner changed job his ex boss refused to pay him and try to scared my partner that he will hire some people to break the legs of my partner. Can you imagine that? So we still straggle to pay our bills after that. But we try our best to do so.
1 person likes this
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
I think that's worse then getting laid of - finding out you work for a deadbeat scammer. And he threatened to harm you husband? Have you considered going to the police or is that an option in the UK?
1 person likes this
@koperty3 (1876)
11 Aug 11
As nothing happened yet police can't do anything. I called to the acas organisation which provide help with such cases. Acas said that we should send a letter to this idiot and ask him to pay money within 14 days. So we did and 14 days will pass this monday. Later Acas will take this case to court. We have financial problems not because we spent to much but because this person is a scam.
1 person likes this
@arlerambabu (1079)
• India
11 Aug 11
Definitely, I’m struggling though not suffocating. But that day is not far away. Days ahead are not looking rosy with economic upsets world over[b][/b]
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
Yeah - this particular depression looks to be one of those that lasts a decade.
@dpk262006 (58678)
• Delhi, India
11 Aug 11
HI Awinds! I can understand the struggle after recession. Luckily, we are not much affected from recession and me and my wife both have a secured job and we do not have to worry about paying our bills, which are taken care of through our monthly income.
@dpk262006 (58678)
• Delhi, India
12 Aug 11
In India there are class divide and those who get less income find it difficult to buy healthy good. Many thanks for your wishes.
@dpk262006 (58678)
• Delhi, India
12 Aug 11
This discussion features in today's i.e. 12th August, 2011 'mylot digest'. Congrats!
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
I'm glad for you then! I keep reading about how millions in India have been pushed into a place where it is hard to buy food because of rising food prices. I'm glad to know though that you and your wife are fine. I do wish you the best success with your jobs! :)
@mindym (978)
• United States
11 Aug 11
I am so glad that I did not have any children a couple of years ago because I was in a rough spot just trying to support myself. I struggled month to month to pay my bills. I was working, but only part-time. I made a bad choice to quit my full-time job and move to a new location right before jobs were almost non-existent. I am fortunate to have a landlord who worked with me so I could pay my rent twice a month rather than in one lump sum. My family was also unable to help me out for a short period of time, but the landlord was very understanding, and were also understanding when one of my online accounts got hacked into. That is one of the reasons I am still there. Luckily, I have a family who is willing and can help me out if I am in a bind, because I help them out if they are in a bind. I am not just getting back on my feet and hopefully will be able to keep my head above water now.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
First of all, you sound very fortunate to have that landlord. I'm glad you didn't lose your living place because of an inflexible rent! I hope you indeed stay above the water. :)
11 Aug 11
Yes, but our struggle started before the recession and still isn't over. We're turning it around slowly, thank goodness. One of my worst memories of the whole period is of a weekend where we had about $3 to pay for food for two of us for two days and nothing in the fridge/cupboards. Thankfully, although we're still struggling, we no longer have times like that. We do have weeks where we have to be really careful (like right now because 2 of my clients owe me money and have disappeared on holiday) but we can always put food on the table.
1 person likes this
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
Well that's good! I'm glad the period of the empty cup boards only lasted two days. Hopefully your recovery will move into hyper drive. :)
@funnysis (2619)
• United States
13 Aug 11
I have a rough time every month as I am disabled so income is limited,but I do ok I worry for those who have no income and are having a rough time making it.Times are tough for everyone and I will be glad to see some releive for people.I wish you well and have a great day.
@funnysis (2619)
• United States
14 Aug 11
That would be nice then maybe stress levels would come down a bit.You take care and have a wonderful day.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
It sounds like you manage, which is good! I agree to - it does seem that some are finally getting relief. Let us just hope that globally the money tightness loosens.
• United States
12 Aug 11
I am struggling to pay bills and I work full time. But my situation has gotten better over the past two years, I am no longer with a thief(my soon to be ex husband) kept stealing money from me and I was not able to pay the bills but now I am slowly working my way out of debt-it is a struggle but at least I am trying. The main monthly bills do get paidand when I have extra, I try to pay off some past due bills. Good luck to u
• United States
13 Aug 11
Yes it was horrible, but now he is in prison and I am getting on with my life-got my degree and planning on moving up at work. Life is so much better now.
@jdyrj777 (6528)
• United States
12 Aug 11
Thats horrible. You are struggling to take care of the house and some one from within is stealing from you. Ive been there myself.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
I'm glad things are moving up again! Congrats on getting away from that thief. I am sure that is one move that will help you get out of debt. I also hope your recovery rate will go much faster in the coming year. :)
@jdyrj777 (6528)
• United States
12 Aug 11
The story of my life. Many times ive had to choose between one bill or another. Often not having enough to pay all. Many times had my electric cut off. Especially while i was raising my 2 kids by myself. Thank God i only have to support myself now. Things are still a struggle. Ive learned to just deal with it. Not much else you can do.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
That's what I've been learning over the last two years. Still, in your case it seems like you have had more than your fair share!
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
12 Aug 11
I have never been unemployed for much longer than a few weeks at best. As for bills, living frugally has made life pretty easy in that area. No cable. No cell phone. No car payment. No subscriptions, credit cards, loans, anything. I have about 5 bills a month. Gas, power, heating, Car insurance, Rent. Not bad really.
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
13 Aug 11
None at all.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
That is quite nice. Do you have a land line or no phone at all?
@CTHanum (8234)
• Malaysia
11 Aug 11
Always try to pay the bills on time. If I can't pay them on time, I will pay for double in the next bill.. Never more than that. I pay them with my own money..Even if sometimes it is hard but I am happy for at least I settle it with my own money without need to ask for others to lend me their money..(^^)(^^)
@CTHanum (8234)
• Malaysia
14 Aug 11
That is the only way to make me avoid myself adding more debt. Borrowing money or loans will just make one suffer for a long time~
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
12 Aug 11
That's really good! You avoid loans from the bank and family, and there is nothing quite as crippling as long term debt to one's finances. It sounds like what you do works. :)
@bostonphil (4459)
• United States
12 Aug 11
I have had some very difficult and challenging years. There was a period of time when I came close to being homeless through no fault of my own and I was forced to look in dumpsters. This was during the late 1980's and early 1990's. The issues managed to get resolved and my life has greatly improved although it is not what it should be. I have a nice apartment in a nice area of town. I have almost everything I need and then some. I eat very well. I have a computer, IPad, cell phone and cable TV. I can afford haircuts, massages, and pedicures. And I can take an occasional vacation. I still have to watch my money and budget. Although I am 66, I am still required to work p.t. to have these luxuries. But my life is so much better than it was back when, I am grateful.
• United States
13 Aug 11
It is very good that I did not end up homeless. It's been a difficult life and I feel blessed that it is so much better. Nevertheless, it is still not what it should have been. But, I continue to be grateful for what I do have.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
That's still a bit modest, but is a golden modest. I congratulate you on where you are now. It's good the worse didn't happen back then for you. :)
1 person likes this
• United States
12 Aug 11
Hi! Yes I have been there where it was a struggle to pay bills and hated going through it. The one good thing about it is I learned what I really appreciated and what I could do without. If it was something I did need or had wanted for a long time, I could put it on Amazon Wish List and get it later...if I still needed it. I've also learned to not ask for what I can do without. Sure I am not crazy about it and I am taking steps so I can pay the bills and have the kind of life that I want to have. Thanks to working at home, there is hope out there! I just hope that this economy can get back on it's feet soon though I expect it'll be some time before we're really recovered and back to where we were.
• United States
13 Aug 11
Hi! Thanks for responding! I wouldn't be surprised if there were a few ideas floating around but it'll take a while to get them going. What kinda surprises me is that some seem to think that quick fixes will solve the problem. Not to say that I agree with everything that Obama is or has been doing but I do commend him for trying. Do you think he will win the re-election? Thanks!
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
13 Aug 11
I agree with you there. It seems like no one in positions of power know how to fix the economy. We could be here for awhile. Good luck with your at home business though! :)
• Philippines
11 Aug 11
Im beginning to struggle as the price for electricity continue to rise. Im not using anymore my desktop computer and im planning to sell it just to get my money back. I was using it before and to my shock, our electricity went up to 2000php. Everything increased. The fare increase quarterly. Yes, the drivers are struggling too, i know but what about us regular employees. What do they think about us and who should we blame about this.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
I'm afraid there is no one person or thing to blame. Consumers took on unwise debt, as did the government. Then the markets failed and here we are. That desktop sounds like a real energy drainer. I do hope your electricity goes down! Or even better that you get more income. :)
• Philippines
12 Aug 11
I replaced it with notebook. Although it is more expensive but is it electricity wise. It's just like you are using a charger for cellphone. I can save a lot in a long run.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
23 Sep 11
Anyone that can truly say that they have Never struggled to pay their bills or that everything has always been Good for them is either lying to themselves, RICH or just is lucky and blessed of god. Lately for my husband and I that has become the Story of our life always having Bills to pay and then wondering how we are ever going to get them paid. We both have jobs which is good, but things keep on going up and then all my Medical issues and not being able to work the amount of hrs. to make the $$ I could it is hard, but we are somehow managing. Had to rent out a room and believing God to continue to see us thru.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
24 Sep 11
That sounds rough. For a lot of people the bills are enough to make them struggle, but bills and medical issues? It sounds very rough however I am glad your husband and you are making! I wish you luck and may you find some financial breathing room. :)
• Canada
29 Sep 11
yes it is hard to pay bills ... every month we have budget and never think out of it.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
29 Sep 11
A lot of people have to do that right now. It's not fun having to keep track of your every "spending" step. However it sounds like you are getting by? :)
@aprilsong (1884)
• China
1 Dec 11
Thank god, i and my husband still hold our jobs and we are still health, so don't need extra money for ill treatment. Well, i think the inflation is very serious, and you know, prices of all kinds of goods, especially foods, are soaring. For example, the price of eggs doubled compared to two years ago, and the price of pork increase more. it is harder to save money, and the education fees and health care fees are also increasing. especially health care bills. i have seen so many people who got an ill family member have trouble in their life. actually, to have a healthy body is important more than ever.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
1 Dec 11
That sums it up pretty much. Rising everything. I just hope we all get some relief soon! :)
• United States
4 Dec 11
We are struggling to pay our bills for various reasons. In part is the recession my hubby hasn't seen a raise in a few years.. you know the concept of being glad you are working and have a job BUT the bills keep climbing and our income has not. The other part is running up bills so we could eat and do what needed to be repaired ect and not having enough income to pay for everything. We are both employed though I'd like to work more hours or work full time BUT childcare expenses are way too much for me to do that and I need to do our best until that day comes when all the kids are in school.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
5 Dec 11
That does sound tight. Of course it is good you both have jobs - however that doesn't mean you are in paradise. I do hope things will - hour wise of course and not bill wise - will go up for you. :)
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
28 Nov 11
The last ten years of my life have been a struggle for me to pay my bills. Ironically, ten years ago was also when I got married and moved to Florida. I recently left my wife and moved back to Georgia, where I am making better money and I do not have as many obligations now, so I am not struggling nearly as bad now as I have been in the last few years. I am working really hard to get out of debt now, and unless something bad happens to set me back, I should be out of debt for the most part by this time next year (hopefully sooner). Maybe then I can start to concentrate on doing things that I really want to do in life.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
1 Dec 11
Out of debt so soon? You are quite the lucky one - and I really hope you can get out of debt as you plan to. Debt is what cripples one's finances and getting out of it a chief blessing. It is just good to hear about someone who is is getting out of debt - rather than into it. :)
@celticeagle (168367)
• Boise, Idaho
11 Aug 11
I retired in 2006 and never really felt the recession. I am on medical benefits and get a pension as well. I struggled to pay my bills when I was still working because I had gotten two credit cards. Big mistake! I think people need to live within their means and too few do.
@Awinds (2468)
• United States
11 Aug 11
Credit cards are very painful indeed - I got to watch some of my friends in college use their new cards. Not pretty.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168367)
• Boise, Idaho
11 Aug 11
They will pay later on.