[tshadow]

I realized I was highjacking a post below, so I'll start again here...

Since I had to move from my favorite home in Corona del Mar beach, to out in the desert of Palm Springs area, I don't see any of the TOSers who used to meet at my house, or Cyn's, or the LA girls...

I feel so alone with this TOS.

As most of you know, I have two young adult girls. They've both been so affected by my illness - because I was wonder-mom-woman, and although I was preparing them for life, I wasn't preparing them for life with no mom...and so now we've got our problems that are popping up, and I can't just whip out my checkbook. I'm struggling just as if I'd never gone to college, law school, worked so hard - I'm struggling as if I'd never finished high school - but I'm usually a survivor, too.

So what will follow are some of my tricks I learned as an attorney on how to handle money problems.

PLEASE add your ideas to this thread - we always stick together!!!

[tshadow]

While we're in this "recession" and besides, we're sick...

Ok = CREDIT CARDS

Did you know that now if you are late on one card, or buy something that is over by $1 on your limit, that ALL of your cards can then hop up your APR (your interest you're paying) to 34%!!!?

I was SHOCKED by this, and it's legal, approved by our Congress.

So, every few months, I call the 800 number on EACH of my cards, and I push the buttons until I get to a LIVE person. I ask them, "what is the APR on this?"

If it's more than 10%, I tell them I'm going to CLOSE this card unless they lower the interest. Some, I've only gotten to 16%, so on the file that holds that card, I put down the APR, and write "Do not use" - that's my secret code that the APR is too high, and use one of my others at lower rates...and like I say, I do this every three months. (This also prevents identity theft, as I'll explain more.)

So some argue, etc., but I always get that APR back down, and some as low as 4% to 9%.

NEXT - YEARLY FEEs.

I always ask, "what is the fee for this card, if any?" If a fee, unless the credit limit is VERY high for (emergencies) then I close cards with any fees now. There are too many cards who will give you a card for no fee. I demand no fee. Often, they say "ok."

NEXT - LATE FEE

On top of upping that incredible APR, some also charge like a $35 late fee. IF I can, pay it all or most of the balance off, I say, "as a professional courtesy, since I've had this card so long, paying it off, or paying a lot, will you take off that late fee?" They almost always say YES.

NEXT - no credit?

Well, you know I did bankruptcy work for ten years...so first, a Sears card is easiest to get. But you must use it, and pay if off EVERY month to build your credit score. Also, if you have a mortgage, pay it ON TIME, or else you're wasting your score down...but IF you're paying your mortgage late but say by telephone, ASK them if you're paying it all current, PLEASE take off the late thing on my credit...and they MAY say YES, and you're working back on getting that score up...

Secured credit cards are OK if you're using your own money to send to them, as long as they are low interest and no cost. If you use them, and pay them off every month, at the end of one year you can get your own money (the security) back, and you've now worked on getting your score up again.

If you're going to file bankruptcy, if you're going to need a car soon, lease it BEFORE you file the bankruptcy. This is legal. Not only do you have a safe ride while you're working and building back up your credit, but for a few years buying a car with a BK on your record requires HIGH APRs, and we don't want that.

In my opinion, do NOT ever take out an equity loan on your house. Most times you can BK UNSECURED debt, but home equity loans they can take your house, period. See an attorney for your specifics.

Don't buy appliances or electronics on SECURED type cards, if you can help it. Watch for the small print on your cards or their financing that they can raise the APRs way high if you're late, AND take the item away (repossess) it. Better to wait until you can pay cash.

When I was in school, I didn't have a t.v., (so no cable), and no computer (I used the library for free), and I even would turn off my telephone. It's not amazing to do this.

BUT, if you've been declared disabled by social security or work comp or if your doc will fill out a form, you can get your UTILITIES and even PHONE cheaper - just ASK about it at the company.

NEXT - Mortgages

I used to have to pay my mortgage late. As long as you make a deal with them BEFORE the third month, they can work a payment and a third deal. I don't know what Obama has done to help after the 3 month mark - I hear you can write letters and get some forebearances on foreclosures...remember that I used to do Chap. 7 to get rid of credit cards, then, right after, file Chap. 13 which stopped foreclosures as long as we made a payment plan that paid back the arrearage within 5 years. We had to have income proof that we could do it - but that could include part-time work by a spouse, a renter's payment included, even a "gift" by someone to promise to "help" each month by a specific amount. An attorney must strategize this with you - BK is NOT do it yourself, if you want to win and win all.

Anyone else have any tips on saving money right now?

[tshadow]

Forgot -

Ask credit card person to add a "secret code number" for your credit. It's too easy for people to steal your social security or birth date these days...so you need an additional secret code.

[(Broken Wings)]

Thanks TSHADOW

A lawyer's advice is their bread & butter.

This is "pro bono" at its finest.

You didn't accomplish all for nothing. No one can take it away from you. That's a high achievment to otain a juris doctrate degree. I'm so proud of you. You did work hard for that. That's a big thing. And I'm sure you always represented your clients well.

I'm sure your daughters know, or will certainly come to know what a fighter you are.

When one door closes another one opens.

Originally Posted by tshadow

While we're in this "recession" and besides, we're sick...

Ok = CREDIT CARDS

Did you know that now if you are late on one card, or buy something that is over by $1 on your limit, that ALL of your cards can then hop up your APR (your interest you're paying) to 34%!!!?

I was SHOCKED by this, and it's legal, approved by our Congress.

So, every few months, I call the 800 number on EACH of my cards, and I push the buttons until I get to a LIVE person. I ask them, "what is the APR on this?"

If it's more than 10%, I tell them I'm going to CLOSE this card unless they lower the interest. Some, I've only gotten to 16%, so on the file that holds that card, I put down the APR, and write "Do not use" - that's my secret code that the APR is too high, and use one of my others at lower rates...and like I say, I do this every three months. (This also prevents identity theft, as I'll explain more.)

So some argue, etc., but I always get that APR back down, and some as low as 4% to 9%.

NEXT - YEARLY FEEs.

I always ask, "what is the fee for this card, if any?" If a fee, unless the credit limit is VERY high for (emergencies) then I close cards with any fees now. There are too many cards who will give you a card for no fee. I demand no fee. Often, they say "ok."

NEXT - LATE FEE

On top of upping that incredible APR, some also charge like a $35 late fee. IF I can, pay it all or most of the balance off, I say, "as a professional courtesy, since I've had this card so long, paying it off, or paying a lot, will you take off that late fee?" They almost always say YES.

NEXT - no credit?

Well, you know I did bankruptcy work for ten years...so first, a Sears card is easiest to get. But you must use it, and pay if off EVERY month to build your credit score. Also, if you have a mortgage, pay it ON TIME, or else you're wasting your score down...but IF you're paying your mortgage late but say by telephone, ASK them if you're paying it all current, PLEASE take off the late thing on my credit...and they MAY say YES, and you're working back on getting that score up...

Secured credit cards are OK if you're using your own money to send to them, as long as they are low interest and no cost. If you use them, and pay them off every month, at the end of one year you can get your own money (the security) back, and you've now worked on getting your score up again.

If you're going to file bankruptcy, if you're going to need a car soon, lease it BEFORE you file the bankruptcy. This is legal. Not only do you have a safe ride while you're working and building back up your credit, but for a few years buying a car with a BK on your record requires HIGH APRs, and we don't want that.

In my opinion, do NOT ever take out an equity loan on your house. Most times you can BK UNSECURED debt, but home equity loans they can take your house, period. See an attorney for your specifics.

Don't buy appliances or electronics on SECURED type cards, if you can help it. Watch for the small print on your cards or their financing that they can raise the APRs way high if you're late, AND take the item away (repossess) it. Better to wait until you can pay cash.

When I was in school, I didn't have a t.v., (so no cable), and no computer (I used the library for free), and I even would turn off my telephone. It's not amazing to do this.

BUT, if you've been declared disabled by social security or work comp or if your doc will fill out a form, you can get your UTILITIES and even PHONE cheaper - just ASK about it at the company.

NEXT - Mortgages

I used to have to pay my mortgage late. As long as you make a deal with them BEFORE the third month, they can work a payment and a third deal. I don't know what Obama has done to help after the 3 month mark - I hear you can write letters and get some forebearances on foreclosures...remember that I used to do Chap. 7 to get rid of credit cards, then, right after, file Chap. 13 which stopped foreclosures as long as we made a payment plan that paid back the arrearage within 5 years. We had to have income proof that we could do it - but that could include part-time work by a spouse, a renter's payment included, even a "gift" by someone to promise to "help" each month by a specific amount. An attorney must strategize this with you - BK is NOT do it yourself, if you want to win and win all.

Anyone else have any tips on saving money right now?

[astern]

All big cities and many small ones have Catholic Charities available to the public. (anyone can participate) You can call your local Catholic Church for info on assistance with utility bills, food pantry's and clothing/household items. I have several disabled friends who swear by "St. Vincent dePaul", which is a charity who collects donations for the poor. Again, there's a SVdP in almost every city.

If anyone is in the Atlanta area, PM me and I can provide contact numbers and locations of various charities.

[DiMarie]

Angel Food Ministries has satellites in Churches or centers around the US. For a nominal amount you can order assorted food package, fruits and veggie, Chicken strips bags.

You pay at pre-order, they also take food stamps.

I shut off all lights that I can, smaller bulbs, purchase the sale energy bulbs. I have a power strip on all charges, Tv, computers and shut them off unless being used. Unlplug everything not being used, it still has elec going into it,

Growing my tomato's lettuce and pepper plants again this year. I can not weed but have huge containers, and trying the hanging bags from the deck too for the grape tomatoes.

I started seeds so no expense of starter sets. Just enough for the summer, not canning.

I have started getting rid of things online. Etsy for supplies and crafts, Craigs List for household. A large yard sale is coming up. I sold Ebay but no money to be made for fees, and people are not buying.

No New clothes. I will invest in a Cheer for darks, Borax for the whites. I have a receipe to last a year for laundry detergent of everyday clothes.
I am giving my work clothes that do not fit for a place that helps women going for job interviews.

I called the insurance company's, reduced the liability, and took collision off the 99. The fire insurance on the house was $199,000 I reduced it to $159,000 and reduced the content coverage too. We only paid $80,000 to build it and to replace should not be more then double. I shopped around rates and could not find any lower.
I can always increase when things improve.
DH employer closed up after 42 years. Since highschool it is the only job he had. second in senority and only 61 in May. We need him to work to 65 with the mortgage.

I make a lot of meals home, pizza out is $13 a pie now, we make it at home. I use left overs for soups and stews.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine

4 Cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)"

I found all 3 items- the Felz Naptha($1), Borax($2.50) and Washing Soda(which was like $1) in the laundry aisle of my local store. The boxes will work for several batches.- the only thing I will need to buy again for my next vat will be the Felz Naptha.

[(Broken Wings)]

10 gallon is a lot.

Do you use like your old Tide liquid bottle to put the laundry detergent in?

Later
(Broken Wings)

Originally Posted by DiMarie

Angel Food Ministries has satellites in Churches or centers around the US. For a nominal amount you can order assorted food package, fruits and veggie, Chicken strips bags.

You pay at pre-order, they also take food stamps.

I shut off all lights that I can, smaller bulbs, purchase the sale energy bulbs. I have a power strip on all charges, Tv, computers and shut them off unless being used. Unlplug everything not being used, it still has elec going into it,

Growing my tomato's lettuce and pepper plants again this year. I can not weed but have huge containers, and trying the hanging bags from the deck too for the grape tomatoes.

I started seeds so no expense of starter sets. Just enough for the summer, not canning.

I have started getting rid of things online. Etsy for supplies and crafts, Craigs List for household. A large yard sale is coming up. I sold Ebay but no money to be made for fees, and people are not buying.

No New clothes. I will invest in a Cheer for darks, Borax for the whites. I have a receipe to last a year for laundry detergent of everyday clothes.
I am giving my work clothes that do not fit for a place that helps women going for job interviews.

I called the insurance company's, reduced the liability, and took collision off the 99. The fire insurance on the house was $199,000 I reduced it to $159,000 and reduced the content coverage too. We only paid $80,000 to build it and to replace should not be more then double. I shopped around rates and could not find any lower.
I can always increase when things improve.
DH employer closed up after 42 years. Since highschool it is the only job he had. second in senority and only 61 in May. We need him to work to 65 with the mortgage.

I make a lot of meals home, pizza out is $13 a pie now, we make it at home. I use left overs for soups and stews.

Homemade Liquid Laundry Soap- Front or top load machine

4 Cups hot tap water
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup Washing Soda
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.

-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)

-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.

-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)

-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)"

I found all 3 items- the Felz Naptha($1), Borax($2.50) and Washing Soda(which was like $1) in the laundry aisle of my local store. The boxes will work for several batches.- the only thing I will need to buy again for my next vat will be the Felz Naptha.

[DiMarie]

Yes, use the old liquid container. Half filled with soap mix and half add water. shake and let sit, it will gel. Should be enough for a year of washing !

White Vinegar in the rinse water is a softener. I never tried that one though.
I do mix half and half white vinegar /water for cleaning.
Baking soda works as a scouring powder. I buy a huge bag at SAMs Club for a few dollars.

Oh, Sams has roasted chickens for $5. for a huge chicken. I love how juciey they are and hot to take home. The freezer Tyson breast are tender and a great meal too.

di

[tied]

one of the things i picked up from my mom is that you prioritize what to spend your money on. even if you are not poor, it may be important for you to own horses, for example. mom made that possible by scrimping on other things so we could support the horses. for example, she made our own clothes, and when we were old enough, she taught us how to make our own. both mom and stepmom taught me how to darn socks. mom made her own soap from bacon drippings and lye. she used a grater on it to use the same soap for laundry detergent. at one time we had a washing machine that did not spin the clothes dry - it had a roller and you rolled the clothes through that, and then line dried them. speaking of that, you can save all kinds of electricity by line drying clothes. we grew a lot of the food we ate. mom was always collecting seeds and cuttings so we would not have to buy the plants. we constructed a graywater system to water the plants using a firehose mom scrounged from the fire station for free. we moved the fire hose all around the garden so the gray water from the kitchen sink did not all drain in one place. dad now has a gray water system in the kitchen sink, but he has to use buckets to spread it around his garden. mom and i used to scrounge grass clippings from town and put it on our garden. we had the richest soil around. firewood heated our homes, and we never bought any. we scrounged for wood that fell off of trees. we found a hardware store that gave away broken pallets, and we cut those up for firewood. mom built many of the homes we lived in from scratch. it was not all new building materials. sometimes we scrounged stuff other people threw away. yes, i am a dumpster diver.

[KLS2007]

I've been doing this one for years....you can use any kind of bar soap, whatever your favorite kind is.

A tip for stretching out your liquid fabric softener....pour a capful in a container and add 2 cups of water. Keep a couple of small sponges (I use old socks that I've lost the mates to) in the container & wring them out & throw them in the dryer with your wet clothes.