Rock Bottom

[professionalmom]

My husband and I are very responsible, educated, hard-working people. We did not over-extend ourselves. We are not frivolous. Yet, due to the economy here in MI, and a run of VERY bad luck, we are facing very hard decisions. Here are the basics:

I have 2 families. My weekenders will only be here this weekend and the next 3 weekends. They are moving out of state. I want to beg them to stay (awesome kids and even better parents!), but how can I? The other family is only PT, 1-2 hrs per night 4-5 nights a week. So, my income is going to be down to a whopping $30 per week within the next month. I had one client (that I treated like family) turn on me (seriously ticked my hubby off) and I am waiting for her to be served (usually prepay, but this was a DHS/copay issue and DCM didn't report hours to DHS) (approx. $1000 now).

I've been posting on Craigslist too. I got one family ready to start, 2 interviews, signed contract and deposit, then the mom called 11 hrs before the start day/time to say she found someone cheaper and wanted the deposit back. I refused. Then a mom of 4 kids set up interviews twice and no called no showed for both, then called back to say she wanted me and wanted to know when to pick up paperwork. Discussed payment (applying for DHS). Usually prepay until DHS kicks in, but I was willing to give a 50% break contingent upon the agreement that if DHS denies, she owes the other 50%. So she would have been getting care for FT for 4 kids for $211 per week! She no called no showed and never picked up the paperwork. That's the only hits I have gotten.

Bad situation right now. Talking to mortgage company. Trying to figure out which bills to pay because they can not all get paid this month. Afraid we could lose the house. Yadda. Yadda. Yadda. This economy is hitting my daycare very bad. I am going as low as I can go without it actually costing me more money to run the daycare than what I make. If I go any lower, I will be losing money. But I can't compete with the $65 per week babysitters.

I'm sorry for the pathetic post and that it's so long. I just don't know what else to do to bring in clients. I'm scared. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night. My DD will be 2 next month (can't even afford a cake mix). We have 2 rolls of TP, 1/2 gal of milk, no fresh produce, getting low of meat. Etc. I shop at discount places. I use homemade cleaning products that cost almost nothing. Pregnant with twins. Approved for WIC and have appointment in a couple weeks to submit proof of income. Applying for DHS which I expect we'll get denied for.

Any suggestions would be VERY appreciated. I have been working on getting my backbone, but I think it's falling out. I feel like I have to take the crappy clients (if I can even find them right now) and take risks of not getting copays, fees, etc just to try to keep a roof over our heads.

We are even looking at me working outside the home PT, but that would not help (husband works FT, in school FT, DD would have to go into childcare, which would eat the entire pay). Now we are free falling and about to hit rock bottom. Have any of you had rough times like this?

I LOVE what I do. But the parents who don't want to pay and the lack of responses is very disheartening. And my ad and website are really, really impressive. Much more than 95% of the people in my area. The only ones with better ads and websites are the centers.

[momofboys]

Oh hon, I am so sorry! The economy does stink! I'm sending you lots of good wishes for some new wonderful clients. Have you ever looked into Angel Food or Great Food for All? Google them & see if a local church distributes them. You pay about $30/month for a box of food that feeds a family of 4 for a week. It's a way we help stretch our dollars. You don't have to do it every month so you could try it to see if you like it. There are NO income requirements so anyone can do it.

Here's a question about your ad, do you think it's "too good"? In other words does it look like your care might be too pricey? Do you put your rates out there for others to see that you are reasonable?

P.S. If you PM me your address or hubby's work I'd be happy to send you a cake mix.

[jen]

I'm sorry...the whole thing ****s.

Have you tried to refinance the house? One of my daycare parents...who was WAY WAY behind on mortage payments, to the point of having a sherrifs sale scheduled, was able to refi at 3% interest under the stimulus package.

You simply can't go without food, so you may need to swallow your pride and get some help from the food shelter. Another dcp is doing that in exchange for volunteering there a certain number of hours per week.

I can't remember if this was you or not, but did you have multiple credit cards that were maxed? If so, you may want to find a NON-PROFIT agency that can consolidate those in to one, much lower monthly payment.

As for daycare, have you thought of working in one? Hopefully one you can bring your child to for a reduced rate? That way you would have some guaranteed income each month without the huge daycare expense.

I know that the unemployment rate there is sky-high so I am assuming that you or hubby have already tried the 2nd job route unsuccessfully.

Good luck. I wish I had more advice to offer you.

[momofboys]

My husband and I are very responsible, educated, hard-working people. We did not over-extend ourselves. We are not frivolous. Yet, due to the economy here in MI, and a run of VERY bad luck, we are facing very hard decisions. Here are the basics:

I have 2 families. My weekenders will only be here this weekend and the next 3 weekends. They are moving out of state. I want to beg them to stay (awesome kids and even better parents!), but how can I? The other family is only PT, 1-2 hrs per night 4-5 nights a week. So, my income is going to be down to a whopping $30 per week within the next month. I had one client (that I treated like family) turn on me (seriously ticked my hubby off) and I am waiting for her to be served (usually prepay, but this was a DHS/copay issue and DCM didn't report hours to DHS) (approx. $1000 now).

I've been posting on Craigslist too. I got one family ready to start, 2 interviews, signed contract and deposit, then the mom called 11 hrs before the start day/time to say she found someone cheaper and wanted the deposit back. I refused. Then a mom of 4 kids set up interviews twice and no called no showed for both, then called back to say she wanted me and wanted to know when to pick up paperwork. Discussed payment (applying for DHS). Usually prepay until DHS kicks in, but I was willing to give a 50% break contingent upon the agreement that if DHS denies, she owes the other 50%. So she would have been getting care for FT for 4 kids for $211 per week! She no called no showed and never picked up the paperwork. That's the only hits I have gotten.

Bad situation right now. Talking to mortgage company. Trying to figure out which bills to pay because they can not all get paid this month. Afraid we could lose the house. Yadda. Yadda. Yadda. This economy is hitting my daycare very bad. I am going as low as I can go without it actually costing me more money to run the daycare than what I make. If I go any lower, I will be losing money. But I can't compete with the $65 per week babysitters.

I'm sorry for the pathetic post and that it's so long. I just don't know what else to do to bring in clients. I'm scared. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night. My DD will be 2 next month (can't even afford a cake mix). We have 2 rolls of TP, 1/2 gal of milk, no fresh produce, getting low of meat. Etc. I shop at discount places. I use homemade cleaning products that cost almost nothing. Pregnant with twins. Approved for WIC and have appointment in a couple weeks to submit proof of income. Applying for DHS which I expect we'll get denied for.

Any suggestions would be VERY appreciated. I have been working on getting my backbone, but I think it's falling out. I feel like I have to take the crappy clients (if I can even find them right now) and take risks of not getting copays, fees, etc just to try to keep a roof over our heads.

We are even looking at me working outside the home PT, but that would not help (husband works FT, in school FT, DD would have to go into childcare, which would eat the entire pay). Now we are free falling and about to hit rock bottom. Have any of you had rough times like this?

I LOVE what I do. But the parents who don't want to pay and the lack of responses is very disheartening. And my ad and website are really, really impressive. Much more than 95% of the people in my area. The only ones with better ads and websites are the centers.

And I forgot to add that yes, we have had rough times like that. About a two years ago I decided to quit my PT job to stay home. We lived paycheck to paycheck & then we had a TON of things happen (two cars broke down, hot water heater broke, a tree of ours fell on a neighbor's implement building, plumbing issues, medical bills, etc). It was like we were dipping into our "emergency fund" every week & soon the emergency fund was no more! IT was at that time that I knew something had to give. I sold a bunch of books (avid reader here!) on Amazon & made okay $$$ but not enough to help much. It was then that I started thinking about daycare because my husband would get paid & 2 days after we got his paycheck the $$ was gone. I'm sure many people on here can relate but I hope you can work things out & drum up some new business. Sending prayers up for you now!

[Crystal]

Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear that your family is having such a difficult time. I hope that this turns around for you quickly.

Have you tried advertising in other ways besides craigslist? Is there a Moms club in your community? I know that here there is a Mom's of Multples club, and most parents have a hard time finding care for twins/triplets, especilly if they are infants.....maybe you could look on-line to see if there's one in your area....then create a flyer and take it to their next meeting, or contact the head af the group and ask them to let their members know.

I'll try to come up with more ideas.....I will keep your family in my thoughts, best wishes to you all

[booroo]

Oh if you only knew how bad it got for my dh and I... But through alot of prayer, trust, and faith in GOD; we are now headed in the right direction, not that we hit speed bumps now and then...

You said you went to law school; did you pass you bar???
A little. Hone business for people that need legal advice could be in the making... Even if you didn't pass you still give advice as to what attorneys are good at, research the people cases and see if an attorney would take it on, fir a fraction of attorneys fees, a website could be set up as well...

Also have you looked into the party businesses?? I have one on the side and make some pretty good income, plus there are others.

I'm sorry that you are struggling right now.. Just believe, keep your head up and things will turn around!!

[Golden Rule]

I am so sorry. I would think you would definately qualify for assistance.....

[momma2girls]

WOW!!!! I feel so badly for you!! I went thru a very nasty divorce about 15 yrs. ago, and I had a young child. I really didn't think I was going to be able to go on either single mom and all. I worked 3 jobs, and I kept everything I owned!! It will get better!!
Have you tired something on the side- there are great reputable companies out there!! I just recently started a very hot one around here, and I love it!!! If you Pm me, I can tell you more about it. If anyone would lke to earn lots of money on the side, put away money for that great trip, groc. or ? pm me, and I will tell you more!!! Good luck!!!!

[laundryduchess@yahoo.com]

things that have worked for me,..... dr dentist and hair places. laundrymats grocery stores, childrens resale stores. ??

[professionalmom]

Oh hon, I am so sorry! The economy does stink! I'm sending you lots of good wishes for some new wonderful clients. Have you ever looked into Angel Food or Great Food for All? Google them & see if a local church distributes them. You pay about $30/month for a box of food that feeds a family of 4 for a week. It's a way we help stretch our dollars. You don't have to do it every month so you could try it to see if you like it. There are NO income requirements so anyone can do it.

Here's a question about your ad, do you think it's "too good"? In other words does it look like your care might be too pricey? Do you put your rates out there for others to see that you are reasonable?

P.S. If you PM me your address or hubby's work I'd be happy to send you a cake mix.

After reading your P.S., I think I sobbed uncontrollably for 5 minutes at the generosity. Thank you so much for the offer. Luckily, we do have some family trying to chip in and I'm sure one of the grandmas will provide a cake. It's just so pathetic that we can't have a decent party for her. But, luckily it's only her 2nd birthday. And her first one was great and there's a ton of pictures to prove it. Worst case scenario, I'll make a banana cake (basically banana bread, but in a cake pan). She loves that anyway. Last year, I did the cake all fancy and such. This year it will have to be basic. Thank you so much for the offer! It really warms my heart in a way I can never express with words! That actually means more than a $2 box of cake mix - just knowing that people care.

[professionalmom]

Have you tried to refinance the house? One of my daycare parents...who was WAY WAY behind on mortage payments, to the point of having a sherrifs sale scheduled, was able to refi at 3% interest under the stimulus package.

We just talked to the company that holds our land contract and the big decision maker is not in today, but they were really sympathetic and sound like they are going to try to work with us. So, hopefully we can save the house, which is an awesome home. It was a rebuilt home - gut down to the frame and rebuilt - basement to roof. Everything was new when we got it 2.5 years ago, so we'd hate to lose it.

I can't remember if this was you or not, but did you have multiple credit cards that were maxed? If so, you may want to find a NON-PROFIT agency that can consolidate those in to one, much lower monthly payment.

No. We have only 1 and it's only been used for emergencies - like when my brakes started going out last week with my DD and me in it!

As for daycare, have you thought of working in one? Hopefully one you can bring your child to for a reduced rate? That way you would have some guaranteed income each month without the huge daycare expense.

I will look into that. Thanks.

I know that the unemployment rate there is sky-high so I am assuming that you or hubby have already tried the 2nd job route unsuccessfully.

Good luck. I wish I had more advice to offer you.

Before my hubby got this job (federal gov), he was unemployed for over 9 months. Now, he has the lowest paying federal job, but risks his life to protect all of us from terrorists. It's disgusting that they are not paid more. He's trying to look for a 2nd job, but he's going to an online school FT on what little time he does have.

[QualiTcare]

i'm sure your daughter will get a ton of stuff from everyone.

working at a daycare is a good idea. if you're pregnant with twins though i dunno how long it would last. but it could help in the meantime. i'm so evil, but if you worked for a chain daycare, you could steal some of their clients when you leave!

awhile back i wasn't working and i sold baby clothes on ebay. or you could have a yard sale? you make more money with ebay, but it's also more work.

[Michael]

PM me your facility information and we will list you for a year free.

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[jen]

No. We have only 1 and it's only been used for emergencies - like when my brakes started going out last week with my DD and me in it!

Sorry, I couldn't remember who that was!

Glad to hear that the bank is willing to work with you. I don't know about where you are, but in our community the forclosure rate is really high and the county set up a task force to help people who are having mortgage problems. I have heard that sometimes the bank is more willing to work with them than they are the individual home-owner. Hopefully your bank will work with you from the start, but something to check in to if they aren't as helpful as you need them to be.

[professionalmom]

You said you went to law school; did you pass you bar???
A little. Hone business for people that need legal advice could be in the making... Even if you didn't pass you still give advice as to what attorneys are good at, research the people cases and see if an attorney would take it on, fir a fraction of attorneys fees, a website could be set up as well...

I did not finish law school, so no, I did not take the bar. I quit to be a FT mom. I hope to someday go back. I really loved it. Unless you know something I don't know, I can't do what you were suggesting. Giving legal advice without a license to practice law is illegal. I could be a paralegal and assist a little. An example of the difference is, I can answer questions about the different types of bankruptcies and possibly the pros and cons of each, but I can not advice someone what type would be best in that particular person's situation. I hope that makes sense. I can answer questions like what happens at a trial, what's an arraignment, etc. So general questions are fine, case specific are not, basically.

The other problem is that I live an area where there are 2 law schools and a ton of paralegals (just like daycares!). But it would definitely be an option back in my home town, if we end up moving in with my parents out of state.

Also have you looked into the party businesses?? I have one on the side and make some pretty good income, plus there are others.

I'm sorry that you are struggling right now.. Just believe, keep your head up and things will turn around!!

Thanks for the additional ideas. I'm leery of anything that is not a need during these economic times. After all, how many people are having big parties right now? But I will look into it. Planning and organizing is one of my biggest strengths.