bring in the new year
Well-Known Member
Happy Thanksgiving!
Joined: May 3, 2011 17:28:52 GMT -5
Posts: 1,966
|
Post by bring in the new year on Oct 22, 2011 12:26:56 GMT -5
Racer, I'm pretty sure no matter where you go you can take your phone #. You're not limited to the Go phones.
I think people have had their landline ported to their cells.
|
|
constanz22
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:32:17 GMT -5
Posts: 4,219
|
Post by constanz22 on Oct 22, 2011 13:10:29 GMT -5
Have you checked the actual cancellation fee at Verizon to get out of your contract? I know that there was a big class action lawsuit several years ago and the cell phone companies ( I know AT&T, for sure) had to implement a graduated termination fee that decreases the closer you are to the end of your contract. So, now it is something like $175 for the first year, then like $100 for the next 6 months, and goes down from there. You might want to find out if yours is structured like that. Also, if you call Verizon and tell them you are having problems paying and are looking to cancel/terminate the contract, they might cut you a deal. AT&T gave me $15 a month for 3 months when I called and said I was going to terminate. That wasn't a $15 discount, my bill was $15 for 3 months. Ask to talk to the retention department.
|
|
racermom
New Member
Joined: Oct 12, 2011 9:45:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48
|
Post by racermom on Oct 22, 2011 15:03:37 GMT -5
The girl I spoke with at Walmart in their cell center told me you can't take your phone number with you for Net 10 or Tracfone, but she could be wrong, so I'll double check. $15!?!? Really? That's awesome. Definately gonna have to try that! I just got a call for an interview at one of the places I applied. Interview is Monday morning *crosses fingers* They need someone to work about 32 hours a week, which will bring in an extra $1000 a month! Yay!
|
|
seriousthistime
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 22, 2010 20:27:07 GMT -5
Posts: 4,707
Member is Online
|
Post by seriousthistime on Oct 22, 2011 16:17:55 GMT -5
Re: cell phone expenses, I see lots of people on FreeCycle asking for cell phones because theirs are lost or have broken and it's not time to renew and get a free cell phone yet. They seem to have good luck just posting that they need a Verizon phone, or AT&T, or whatever. I assume that they are like the OP and don't need anything fancy. I have been a Verizon customer for a long time. I also have a family plan, 2 phones. It's my understanding that as long as you keep the Verizon account, you can switch plans around and even drop from two phones to one. Or go back to one smart phone and old dumb phone that you can get on FreeCycle. That could reduce your bill. The people that you call, are they Verizon customers? Verizon to Verizon calls should be free.
|
|
racermom
New Member
Joined: Oct 12, 2011 9:45:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48
|
Post by racermom on Oct 22, 2011 17:54:23 GMT -5
Most of my calls are to Verizon, but one of my sisters has AT&T and DH makes lots of calls to businesses that are land lines. I actually just found a "dumb" phone and switched it over for my line. DH is doing his tomorrow, so by Monday that will take off $35 from our bill
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Oct 22, 2011 21:40:22 GMT -5
racermom- There are coupons available for healthy food. I don't know what grocery stores you have, but there is a thread all about couponing for healthy food.
|
|
|
Post by fuzzylumpkins on Oct 23, 2011 1:41:13 GMT -5
Fuzzy Lumpkins - Thanks It's really hard with how much of a health nut I am too. Healthy food is definately not the cheapest!!! Boy, don't I know it! I'm always trying to be better and eat healthier. Healthier may be better in the long run but it's expensive to get that way!
|
|
sbcalimom
Familiar Member
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 21:27:25 GMT -5
Posts: 890
|
Post by sbcalimom on Oct 23, 2011 11:19:44 GMT -5
The girl I spoke with at Walmart in their cell center told me you can't take your phone number with you for Net 10 or Tracfone, but she could be wrong, so I'll double check. I actually just signed up for a Net 10 phone two days ago and it gave me the option to port my number. I did it online and it was pretty easy. I didn't port my number at the time but it also looked like you could do it after the fact.
|
|
racermom
New Member
Joined: Oct 12, 2011 9:45:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48
|
Post by racermom on Oct 23, 2011 16:53:06 GMT -5
mizbear - I've got a Wal-Mart and a Food Giant. The closest thing besides that is Kroger nearly an hour away. If I'm close to it I try to take advantage. Our Wal-Mart is ok, but Kroger's selection is way better. If it was closer I would shop there exclusively.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Oct 23, 2011 17:22:07 GMT -5
Is Food Giant like Giant Food or Giant Eagle? It may be worth it to schedule a once a month trip to kroger for those things you can store.
I try to avoid wally world, target, etc. They are a bane to our existence around here.
|
|
bring in the new year
Well-Known Member
Happy Thanksgiving!
Joined: May 3, 2011 17:28:52 GMT -5
Posts: 1,966
|
Post by bring in the new year on Oct 24, 2011 6:53:03 GMT -5
Mizbear, if you've got a Giant, (I think Food Giant may be different), have they installed the hand held scanners yet?
If they have, have you used them? Because I'm seeing another $1-$3 in coupons on the scanners.
Hope this helps.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on Oct 24, 2011 9:15:57 GMT -5
racer, is your DH capable of inspecting houses? Or doing whatever winterizing needs to be done in a foreclosed house in your area? We had a poster (trytofindbalance maybe?) who's DH was taking classes/interning/something to become a house inspector for banks/realtors. Is this something your DH might be interested in looking into?
'm in Wisconsin and the window signs are starting to go up in the foreclosed houses about antifreeze in the pipes, etc. Maybe your DH could do that sort of thing for your banks/credit unions/real estate offices? It sounds like you're further south so I don't know if your area even has to do that sort of thing.
|
|
racermom
New Member
Joined: Oct 12, 2011 9:45:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48
|
Post by racermom on Oct 24, 2011 15:20:34 GMT -5
Wisconsin - I don't know if they do or not, we'll have to look into it. DH can do lots of stuff, but he's not licensed to do anything, so he definately has to be careful with that.
Anyways - had my interview this morning and I'm pretty sure the job is in the bag. It will be at least an extra $150 a week. That will really help!
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on Oct 24, 2011 15:28:04 GMT -5
My parents have a trailer parked in a trailer park up North, the owners of the trailer park don't winterize the trailers but they vouch for the people that do the work. I don't know where you are so I don't know if there are trailer parks for summer people that need to be drained, etc. I also don't know what my parents pay for that service but I think my Mom leaves a check in a safe but obvious spot for the people doing the work.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Oct 24, 2011 20:06:41 GMT -5
bride- I have never asked about the scanners - if we have them or not. A lot of times I have to shop with other people in tow. I would LOVE to shop with the scanners though!
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Oct 24, 2011 20:07:20 GMT -5
racer- Great news about the job!
|
|
racermom
New Member
Joined: Oct 12, 2011 9:45:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48
|
Post by racermom on Oct 24, 2011 21:42:12 GMT -5
Sorry, I somehow missed the comment about Food Giant. I don't think it's the same as anywhere you were talking about. It's a small chain. There are several around here, but I don't think there are many nationwide or anything. Their prices are really high unless they are having a good sale, so I don't shop there often. 95% of my stuff comes from Wal-Mart and Walgreens. We live in West Tennessee. We only get a few weeks of below freezing weather all winter, and sometimes none at all, so I don't think that would be a valuable option for DH. We have been talking about him posting his handyman abilities on Craigslist and if he'll have the time to do anything. Between me getting a second job, and his own jobs, and our kids, there's not going to be much wiggle room anymore for time. The manager at the place I interviewed at told me he would call me by tomorrow. I didn't hear anything back today so, I've got my fingers crossed! I have to get a drug test/background check/ etc....not worried about those though.
|
|
reeneejune
Established Member
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 19:49:40 GMT -5
Posts: 430
|
Post by reeneejune on Oct 25, 2011 3:11:16 GMT -5
racermom - you absolutely can port your number, no matter what type of service you're changing from/to. I've gone from tracphone to virgin mobile, to cricket wireless, to verizon in the last 10 years, and I've had the same phone number the whole time. Sometimes it's a little bit of a hassle, but it's completely possible. I'm not absolutely positive, but I believe there was a law passed at some point that requires all mobile phone providers to allow numbers to be ported... perhaps sometime in the late 90's? My other suggestion is to contact ALL of your creditors and explain the situation. Let them know that you don't want to fall behind, but that your monthly expenses are more than your income right now. The best thing to do is have a plan when you call. Say your normal monthly payment is $100. Offer them $50 a month for Nov. through March, then more than the normal monthly payment after that. If you've got a good payment history and a solid plan, they're more likely to work with you and find a solution. Because sending you to collections agencies costs them money. Other things to look into: are you on/do you qualify for an equal payment plan option with your electric provider? I don't qualify yet (you need to have been at the same address for 12 months) but it can really help, especially during the winter months. Are there other ways to cut energy use? Plastic or insulating curtains over windows you don't open in winter. Rolled up towel in front of doors if the weatherstripping isn't in good shape. Switching to CFL lightbulbs (and when you buy them, check around... in my state the "energy trust" or whatever partners with a few retail chains to offer energy efficient lightbulbs and efficient showerheads at a discounted price. I got a 5 pack for about $6 where the same pack would have been $10 at the grocery store). Batch cooking can save energy since you're turning on the stove/oven less. Turn down the thermostat 5 degrees. Turn it down more when you've got the oven or stove on. Where there's a will, there's a way. I know it seems really difficult right now, but you've got the right attitude to manage and come out of this better than you went in.
|
|
bring in the new year
Well-Known Member
Happy Thanksgiving!
Joined: May 3, 2011 17:28:52 GMT -5
Posts: 1,966
|
Post by bring in the new year on Oct 25, 2011 8:48:35 GMT -5
bride- I have never asked about the scanners - if we have them or not. A lot of times I have to shop with other people in tow. I would LOVE to shop with the scanners though! Mizbear, If you've got the Giant rewards card, look by the door as you come in. There are purple & grey hand held scanners. The clerks will be happy to walk you through it. There's a button to scan, a button to remove and one to see the savings offers. You can also get bags & bag your groceries as you go instead of waiting until you checkout. If you're signed up, Giant will also send you email offers which you can load onto the card which are supposed to load onto the scanner. I like the scanner because you get 50 to 75 cents off the store brands (trash bags, dishwashing liquid) and you can combine them with sales. You also get other coupons for name brands. I never seem to remember to go shopping in time after I've loaded the offers. Racermom, great news about the job!
|
|
racermom
New Member
Joined: Oct 12, 2011 9:45:32 GMT -5
Posts: 48
|
Post by racermom on Oct 25, 2011 11:11:09 GMT -5
reeneejune - Thanks for all of the great tips! I've been using only CFL's for years and we have been keeping the windows covered all year so far to save on our utilities. Our electric was way better this year over the summer than last year, so I'm hoping it will have the same effect this winter.
I'm going to give all of our CC's a call again. We have already called them all trying to lower our rate and payment, some did and some didn't. Hopefully they will bite and give us a deal.
|
|
mizbear
Senior Member
Stand back. I have a budget, and I know how to use it.
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:12:46 GMT -5
Posts: 3,958
|
Post by mizbear on Oct 26, 2011 17:58:54 GMT -5
I use my recyclable bags definitely. Since you say the scanners are right by the door- we probably don't have them yet- but I will check with customer service. I do get the e-mail offers however and so I don't forget the offers- stick a mini-postit on my card! Gotta go- t-minus party time.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 2, 2024 18:13:26 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2011 11:58:54 GMT -5
Do either of your employers have a flex account for childcare? That would cut your taxes as well as social security/medicare.
|
|
hopetoberich
Established Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 15:31:10 GMT -5
Posts: 403
|
Post by hopetoberich on Dec 31, 2011 9:56:19 GMT -5
Off the wall a little but the $160 for Tabacco is too much. You can find seeds online to grow your own tobacco. Anything saved by doing this will help. Also how about growing Veg to help with the food bill, making baby food at home and of course couponing. Your cell bill is nearly half the Mortgage bill. Can you car pool to cut the $200 a month Gas? Give someone a ride for $$?
|
|
Peace77
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 1:42:40 GMT -5
Posts: 3,927
|
Post by Peace77 on Dec 31, 2011 12:00:10 GMT -5
Do you have redbox in your area? You could temporarily stop Netflix and rent a couple of Redbox movies for less money.
If you can't find an employer for a 2nd job, how about some side income babysitting or house cleaning on the weekends?
|
|
jdnstl
Familiar Member
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 10:21:56 GMT -5
Posts: 949
|
Post by jdnstl on Jan 5, 2012 8:59:22 GMT -5
hey racermom, it's been a while since you posted. how is it going? i think you posted on the south WIRR that you started that PT job. just wondering if things are slowing down since the holidays & how you're doing with the budget.
|
|