Memberdgirl715 : I have signed up for subsidized/free preschool within the past 2 weeks. For for some reason, we could not get in headstart, but can possibly get free (or next to free) preschool.
I have taken everything I could get, but you have mentioned a few things I have not checked out lately. Thanks.
MemberRelat : check with your school for nutritional assistance programs available through the university. my heart breaks for you, bee!!
MemberI feel like some pps have been unnecessarily harsh about your situation. It’s very easy to tell someone to make more money. If it were so easy to make more money, we would all be millionaires.
It sounds like you are in a difficult situation. Internet is not a luxury. It’s a utility like heat or electricity. Also, you need it for school. Do not handicap your education. Keep the internet. As a pp noted, you should definitely look into government programs in your area including food stamps, Medicaid and social security benefits. It doesn’t sound feisable for you to take on part time work at this time.
I think you are feeling anxious because you are in a period of transition, and you don’t know what the future holds or if you will line up full time work. It’s a normal feeling as you approach the end of your studies. ( I’ve been there anxious and worried about graduation without a job lined up. I was worried and anxious without a dependent child!) Your feeling are normal, if perhaps excessive.
There is no shame in accepting government benefits when you are in need. I used to work in the nonprofit field and know what a difference these benefits can make in individuals lives. Please look into them. Also reach out to your school for additional assistance. This site skews affluent. Sometimes people forget that not everyone has the same opportunities and social supports. Good luck! It will be hard, but eventually you will find full time work. Keep applying for work and dont give up! Hugs!
MemberRelat : What is your living situation? You said you have two dependents but are they kids or is it a kid and a partner?
If your dependents are kids have you thought of sharing accommodations with another single mum? Often times it works out really well because you have similar needs and can offer support to each other.
MemberCan you apply for a grant or scholarship? If your income is below a certain amount, you should automatically qualify, and you’ll receive a stipend for other expenses as well.
Memberpussinboots07 : who is being harsh?
OP was very clear that she has cut back as far as possible on spending, so what possible advice can anyone give other than to try to find creative ways to bring more money in?
OP, do you have any family around who could help with childcare or help you with some of the child related expenses?
Memberj_jaye : There are only two of us, me and the child. For now I need to survive until the end of the school term. Moving/getting a roommate would be too disruptive at this time. I just need to find ways to stretch my money on food. I feel I have maxed that out already.
caligirl3 : I do currently have a scholarship for tuition and am paid for my work on campus.
sboom : My family members do help me on the weekend. They have already gone above and beyond to help me. I do not ask them for financial help because they have their own family to take care of. Plus they make sure we eat any time we go to their house. I am not a very young mom, it’s just that I chose to go back to school so that I could have a better paying job when I finish and not limit my options. I have been on my own for years.
pussinboots07 : Thanks. I appreciate the encouragement. I have taken all the help I could find. It’s just too bad if you make above the qualifying threshold (daycare), but still can’t afford things. So far we are surviving. I am sure there are plenty of people who have more challenging situations. The internet price for my area is less than what other people in my city pay because we live in the poor area. At least I was able to get rent at a reasonable price. The wait-lists for rent assistance are years long and hopefully once I have my degree, I won’t need it.
MemberWhat are you studying? Have you considered freelance work from home type gigs in addition to what you’re doing? (I realize you don’t have a lot of extra time since you are already working full time, studying, and a parent !! – but just throwing this out there.) When I had to quit my job to relocate for my husband, I did a few gigs on Upwork (it’s a freelancer site where people post jobs they need done and you can bid on them). My field is editing/writing, and there was no shortage of fairly mindless stuff to do on there that could earn me a quick $20-50. Even if you just took on one project every now and then on the weekend or something that coudl help you make ends meet potentially? Just an idea!
MemberI agree with other posters about looking into food banks to reduce spending on groceries. My university actually had a food bank on campus specifically for students to partake. My church also has a food bank and it’s not all processed crap. We get eggs, meat, and produce straight from the city food bank.
Look into what you school has to offer first then you can look online if any nearby churches or non-profits offer them.