I Need to Vent

[little_grey_bantam]

I'm in about the same predicament as you... here is what I did though and I hope it helps!

(katy is right - birds will take up time and hassle and feed) I sold my birds. I have 50 birds now and I STILL have to downsize to about 30. It first started by getting rid of all the unnecessary birds... mutts, no rooster/hen to, etc. I however, will keep two PET birds who have been here for years and live inside the home. If you push and play your buttons right, you can get anywhere between $10-$25 a bird; keeping them will only dig you into a deeper hole. Don't buy anymore birds. I too have plans, but am now just "dreaming" lol <3 <3 <3 I promise, if you have so much you're overwhelmed, you need to get rid of some. I was near tears holding my birds, but found homes for a few slowly here and there. If they're not laying eggs yet, I suggest you get rid of as many as you can and save a few to replenish the stock later on (around 10-25 younger ones).

I spent $250 in books, saving myself $500+ by purchasing on ebay/amazon.com.
As for clothes, don't spend money on clothes unless you desperately need them. I can live and make do with older clothing, though the only thing I REALLY want are a used pair of boots, because they're a necessity. Buy from cheaper sources, no need to purchase new clothes - I did splurge $40 this year on a new dress. That's it. I spend about $50-$100 a year on new clothes - jeans.

If you are a crafter, try this. Open up an etsy account and make feather jewelry. They are hot right now. I have a friend who pays her feed bill with her feather jewelry - she is reeling in anywhere between $800-$1500 a month online (I have two friends that do this, though one does this because she loves to, the other has birds). She gathers up feathers around her yard or clips them off her birds. Seriously. It is easy to make feather earrings... pick feathers, produce two matching sets, glue ends (I wrap them in sewing string) with clear nail polish, shove into coil crimps, add fish hooks. I can produce 20 pairs of earrings in 1 hour - they sell for $5-$10 each. That is $100-$200 an hour - it will take time to sell, but producing that much will help you get sales coming in. If you purchase from China (it takes awhile to arrive) it'll cost only $20-$25 SHIPPED to make around 100 pair of earrings, but will take 1 - 2 months to arrive. If you need help, let me know. I will help you

 

[KristyHall]

That must be very painful to have to go through all that. My best wishes for you.

 

[SillyChicken]

Thats alot of worry...... Time to cut back on some of it to a managable level. I'm sure you love your chickens... but 100 is an awful lot of birds when you can not afford to fix your vehicles or moneys tight. I've got about 12 chickens, 2 geese (I want to rehome), 2 ducks and 2 turkeys (to be processed soon) and I'm spending alot more than you on food (free ranged too). Keep your favorites and the one's earning their keep.. re-home or process the rest. You know you'll be moving soon, but not quite where yet. I would seriously not get more chickens (4H or not).

At least the housing issue is on the back burner for now. So that's great news!

I would be sending the guy who bought the pony a certified letter stating, as of what ever date, you will be charging him a monthly board and feed bill (what ever is reasonable for your area) for the care of his pony if it's not removed by what ever date.

Time to teach the kids to be frugal! Cut that $500 to $175 each kid. Work with the kids on a list of what they need to get and help them learn how to manage/spend the money on a budget.

Seriously, how many times did you ride the snowmobile last winter? Think about your pending move. The more things you can get rid of or sell, the more money you'll have for the new place, chicken coops and less junk to move!!! Do you tend to be a little attached to stuff you have a connection too...dads stuff, chickens, snowmobile etc... When I moved last time I tossed out alot of "my" stuff...it can be quite liberating!!

Sorry, I tend to be direct.... if the DH is tossing out the D word, then my guess is, that something's got to give on you're part and you know what it is. I know it's not always easy making personal changes or sacrifices. My DH made a huge turn a round here recently because I was tired of his behavior toward me and I had to give the ultimatum. Part of his behavior was because of some of the things I do, so we've both had alot to work on. Spending what time you do have together as good quality time will make a huge difference.

Good luck to you!

 

[mikensara]

my sister in law is in a similar situation the trailer she rents is being condemned and she was told by the landlady to be out by the 19th she has no money in savings and her husband and son are drawing ssi disability so the combined income for the family is just short of 1400$ per month she hasnt worked in almost a year because she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and I am not sure why she hasnt been able to collect workmans comp or anything to help with their finances. she called us crying but i told her she could stay here short term for one month until they can save enough to move and live frugally till then. I think she was hoping we would help her with money but sorry we will not do that for her knowing she will never pay it back

I dont know what shes going to do but i hope they figure it out soon. When they got a little back for income tax caue she worked part of 2010 and when they got the back pay for the ssi they went on a spending spree so its no suprise to us her vehicle no longer runs and she has no money to fix it or buy another

you do have resources you can sell even if you dont want to part with them but see where you can trim your finances and then see what you have of value that you can live without. maybe sell one vehicle so its one less you have to move with you.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

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