When times are tough, how far will you go?

Published on November 20, 2009 By CharlesCS In Blogging

It's amazing how fast things can get bad these days. Economy still having trouble, unemployment continues to rise and everything is still expensive. Even if you're lucky enough to keep your job, things like bonuses and raises are as likely as winning the lottery 3 times in a row.

So, when things get tough, how far are you willing to go to improve your situation?

Me? I find myself doing things I don't normally do. I've been playing the lottery every week (fantasy 5, Florida lotto, megaball) hoping to get lucky. I'm not big on thee things ebcause the odds of winning are too big and I get frustrated very easily with these kinds of games. But, I pray so much for some help that I hope my prayers get answered somehow, hopefully thru random numbers.

Not saying no to free food. I usually don't say yes everytime someone offers me leftovers or free food. I don't like the idea of being seen as the guy who never says no to food but it saves money when it comes to lunch time.

But the worst one is chain letters. Lately I have gotten chain letters that say if I sent it to a certain amount of people the "angel" (in these cases) will bless me with money or luck or something like that. I am so desperate these days I find myself trying almost anything to change my luck; even sending these invoices to the amount of people is asks. Something never liked doing and could have cared less before.

Of course I would never go as far as robbing a bank or killing someone and I would never consider something along the lines of prostitution or stripping (not that I am qualified physically for either). Praying has me wondering if I am doing right or being heard at all.

At this point I am not doing too bad. I am somehwre in between having just enough to keep my keep me from drowning but not enough to feel safe about it. There are people who are worse off then me.

So, what have you done lately looking to change your luck that you never thought you would have been doing?

Comments

Texas Wahine

on Nov 20, 2009

I don't throw away money on the lottery.

I have started couponing and more aggressively bargain shopping. I was looking over receipts today and I have saved over 400 bucks this month with coupons and discounts.

We scaled back on Christmas. DH and I are not getting anything for each other until after Christmas so we can shop sales. We are spending under $400 on the kids, total. We only have a couple more things to get and they are included in that total.

I shopped sales, price-matched, coupon'ed, and bought used items on GameFly and Amazon to save money as well.

CharlesCS

on Nov 20, 2009

I don't throw away money on the lottery.

I never did before, maybe once every few months. Lately I find myself praying for some luck. BTW, nice top see you around again.

I have started couponing and more aggressively bargain shopping. I was looking over receipts today and I have saved over 400 bucks this month with coupons and discounts.

I've never been good with coupons (something I should consider changing) but the local Publix supermarket has a lot of "buy 1 get 1 free" sales every day. I love it cause they change the items every few days and I alway find a few thiungs I like.

$400? That is sweet.

Yea, we'll be scaling so far back I'm almost gonna look for old toys they haven't played with in years and rewrap them. LOL, just kidding, but this year if we reach $100 each it will be a miracle, heck $100 both will be a challenge let alone anything for us or anyone else.

I shopped sales, price-matched, coupon'ed, and bought used items on GameFly and Amazon to save money as well.

Good Idea.

Nitro Cruiser

on Nov 20, 2009

nice top see you around again.

I need that webcam!!! (I assume the "p" was a typo)

I'm with Tex, can't see spending money on the lottery. Don't turn down the free food, meals are one of the biggest expenses you will have. Check your utility companies, they have programs for low income families.

CharlesCS

on Nov 20, 2009

I need that webcam!!! (I assume the "p" was a typo)

Definitely a typo.

Check your utility companies, they have programs for low income families.

Problem is I am low enough to be almost OK but high enough to not qualify for any assistance.

KFC Kickin For Christ

on Nov 20, 2009

Since you live in Florida...do you have a Bealls Outlet near you? I'm getting amazing stuff for practically nothing and all brand name stuff. Once a month they have what's called "change the dots day" and you can get alot of stuff 95% off. The trick is to go in the store the night before and check it out and come back in the a.m. with a plan. For instance yesterday was it and I got....

2 Toddler Outfits size 2T and 3T...$.35 cents and $.55 cents. One was denim-Ninja Turtles. I sent my d-i-l a few toddler boys bathing suits this past spring that I got last end of summer for $.25 cents each. The tags said $18.

9 Junior Misses Tops....most of them 30-50 cents each.

1 Denim Koret Jacket for $1.00. It was originally $48.

One men's Florida Tee Shirt.....$.20 cents. 2 Men's Nike Basketball Shirts... . $.50 cents.

1 Men's Columbia Tan Sport's Shorts for only $.50. I think the price was something like $38!!

Another Men's Really Nice Floridian Shirt (70% off) $4.50

I got a slew of woman's hair care stuff like ponytail holders, expensive looking hairclips etc for $.09 cents each originally $5.00. I got like 15 pkgs.

I got myself a pair of nice Sebago Sandals for $1.25...original price was $60. This is like my 6th pair of shoes at this price...over the last few months.

I could go on and one but they also have lots of houseware stuff some toys and books. We get nice plates and cups etc for pennies. Some people are coming in and buying stuff by the carriage full and reselling it at garage sales. It's ridiculous. I walked out of the store yesterday and with big bags only spending $20. I felt like I robbed the store.

The trick is to start at the beginning of the year and keep checking it out putting stuff aside. I keep telling my friends to come visit me with an empty suitcase. We can go around to the diff Bealls because they're all over the place down here.

I just opened my Christmas boxes today to decorate my house and lo and behold I found 10 very nice big Christmas Mugs that I totally forgot about. Got those last after Christmas dot day and spent $.05 cents apiece for them. I can fill them with goodies and distribute them to neighbors or pair them up and give as token gifts to whomever.....after I take off the pricetag that is.....

Big Fat Daddy

on Nov 21, 2009

I used to tell the kids that your chances of winning the lottery are only slightly enhanced by buying a ticket. As for me, things got bad a year or so ago so I retired. Didn't want to, wasn't ready to, but it beats no income at all.

Nice top? Brandie showing off again?

CharlesCS

on Nov 21, 2009

Wow kfc, thats amazing. I think theres one somewhere around here. Will definitely check it out.

Nice top? Brandie showing off again?

oh lord, one typo and look what i got started.

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