Going through a divorce, regardless of which party instituted it,
is a difficult thing for any person to go through. There are so many
adjustments and your whole lifestyle has dramatically changed. Not
only has your living situation changed, but if you are like a
majority of those going through a divorce, your financial situation
has changed as well.
Regardless of whether you receive a lump-sum
alimony payment, monthly alimony payments, and/or child support
payments, your income level has been drastically reduced. No payment
received will ever compensate for the loss of that other salary.
Despite these financial changes, you are expected to maintain the
lifestyle you had with your mate. You will still have a rent or
mortgage payment, still have utility bills, a car payment, insurance
payments, child care expenses, and all those bills you paid as a
couple. How does one survive? The truth of the matter is most people
don't. They are barely keeping their heads above water and still
trying to maintain a household.
So, what's a person to do?
1. Don't Panic. Panic will not pay your bills nor will it
change your situation. Lack of sleep, over eating, under eating,
smoking too much, drinking, or any other thing will just make you more
miserable and less able to handle your situation. You need to calm
yourself down and keep your wits about you.
2. Prioritize. Not only do you have to prioritize your time, you
will have to prioritize your bills. You need to take a hard look at
your current financial situation. It may not be pretty, but at least
it will give you a true picture of your current state of affairs. I
cannot begin to tell you how many times I avoided this. I guess I felt
what I didn't know wouldn't hurt me. Boy, was I wrong. You need to
know. You need to know exactly what your monthly income is, as well as
what your monthly expenses are.
3. Budget. Oh, how I hate this word! Even though I never budgeted
when married, in order to maintain my household as a single person, I
learned that budgeting was an absolute necessity to survive. It's
amazing how you don't pay attention to your money until you don't have
any. Now, it is time to pay attention.
4. Food Management. The best way to keep an eye on your money is to
watch how much money you spend on food. The average person runs to the
grocery store for a few needed items, only to return with so many
other things. When you create a weekly guide of your meals, you will
have a real picture of the items you need to purchase. Keep in mind
all the items needed to make those meals whether it is oil, eggs,
butter, etc. These little items can add up to more than the meats that
you purchase. Planning your meals out for the week, including
desserts, will give you an accurate picture of not only what you need
to buy, but what you have to spend.
5. Downsize. You need to determine whether your current living
situation is something you can afford in your single state. If you are
having a difficult time paying the mortgage or rent, consider options
such as moving to a smaller place for cheaper rent, getting a
roommate, or selling your present home to move into something smaller
while making cash equity from the sale. These are all things you need
to consider when trying to reduce your expenses. You also need to do
some comparison shopping for cheaper rates on your home insurance, car
insurance, long distance carrier, and internet service provider.
6. Get the most for your money. Do you realize you can buy designer
goods at drastically reduced prices by just shopping at thrift stores,
garage sales and flea markets? I cannot begin to tell you the
wonderful bargains I have found at thrift stores. Places such as
Goodwill and the Salvation Army are wonderful places that are clean,
bright and airy with fantastic bargains. Consider thrift stores,
garage sales and flea markets, not only for your wardrobe, but for
your household goods.
7. Make extra cash. Even though you have a full-time job, you can
still find ways of making extra cash. The best way to make extra cash,
without leaving the comfort of your home is to sell on online
auctions, such as eBay, Yahoo, etc. There have been times that I
purchased something on eBay and decided I didn't want it when I
received it. Know what I did? I turned around and put it back on eBay
and sold it for triple the price I purchased it for. Not too shabby!
Another possible way of making money is to buy things at thrift stores
and then sell them on eBay or other auction sites. I have made extra
cash many times doing this.
8. Seek help. Sometimes, not matter how much you cut back, you are
still having a difficult time making ends meet. There are though, many
government and charitable agencies available to help you. Some might
only offer one-time assistance to pay your electric or heating bill,
while others might be able to help you monthly. Either way, if your
situation is very difficult, it will be worthwhile to check into what
is available for you in your state.
Whatever you do, know that you are not alone. Millions of women are
starting over after a divorce. Over time, your situation will improve,
and before you realize it, you will marvel on how well you have done
and how far you have come.
" Resourceful and detailed
information on what to do, where to go and what help is available http://www.survivingbook.com
.
