Middle-Class Struggle: A Possible Job Offer?

Thursday, September 8, 2011

I’m on pins and needles: Mr. Struggle just left for a job interview.  This interview is actually for a promotion to a full-time position, at the company where he has moonlighted for over four years.  It is basically placing orders, merchandising and stocking for a large, national company that distributes to retailers.  The job wouldn’t pay nearly what he was making before, but there is great growth potential, it is nearly stress-free, and the hours are fantastic compared to what he’s worked before in his previous positions as a salaried manager.  

Because this is a corporate environment, there are benefits available that had eroded at Mr. Struggle’s previous job (small business), such as a company match on retirement, and medical insurance with a reasonable deductible. It would put my mind at ease to know we could afford medical care again, should any of us need it!

We have had a long stretch of nothing---no responses from previous job interviews, followed by several days of bad news: disheartening newspaper reports of company mergers and layoffs at companies where Mr. S. had just interviewed, as well as a rejection or two from jobs for which he was extremely well qualified.  We also have had no news at all from two or three fantastic jobs that Mr. S has applied to, and are getting really tired of waiting.  We have determined that if the job is offered at today’s interview, Mr. S will take it and then continue to look for something better, especially if he isn’t give a chance at promotions fairly quickly.

We have also been brainstorming about possible business ventures the two of us could do on our own.  We have gotten a federal tax id number and have been designing business cards for this venture.  We have decided that we need to create a source of income independent from employment, so as to be more self-reliant.  In other words, we want to have more control over our income and our finances.  This idea is evolving, so I’ll report more on it as it progresses.

As to the finances: 

We are still waiting to hear back from Struggle, Jr.’s university as to our appeal of his financial aid package.  We inquired last week and were told we should have a decision before Sept. 22, which is the deadline for the current semester’s bill. 

We finally managed to gather all the required information for the mortgage assistance program and are awaiting a decision from the state agency as to whether we qualify for this program.  If Mr. Struggle gets this job today,  we may still be eligible for a lower amount and will have to decide whether we want to cancel this entirely.  This program provides a zero percent loan to help make your mortgage payments, and doesn’t require repayment until you sell your house.  A portion of the loan is actually forgiven for each year you stay in the house after the first five, so it’s a pretty good deal if you weren’t planning to move.

I have paid the minimum allowed on any bills due in the past few weeks, trying to hold on to as much cash as possible until we see what the university requires.  I did break down and send a larger payment  ($100) on the medical bill (the one that came so late), because they had told us they would send it to collections if it weren’t paid in six months.  

Did I mention that Miss Struggle2 found a job? She was called by the local school system the week before school started and offered a Teaching Assistant position at the school where she had done her student teaching.  For a fully-licensed teacher, the pay is horrendous, but given the fact that teachers are being furloughed everywhere, she realizes that she is lucky to have full-time work with benefits.  She is living at home for the time being, at least until she gets her first paycheck and is able to determine a budget.  She is deliriously happy with the job, and will surely be offered a teaching position next year.

Middle-Class Struggle: Job Interviewing

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Things are looking a bit rosier this week!

Miss Struggle2 had a job interview yesterday.  Although it is for a part-time position with no benefits, it is a professional position in her field and could serve as an entry to a full-time job later.  She is supposed to hear back tomorrow as to whether she got the job.

Mr. Struggle had a face-to-face interview just today, as a follow-up to the telephone interview he had last week.  He thinks it went very well, but he was the first of ten candidates to be interviewed for the position.  He was not told where the position was, only that he would need to be mobile to advance with this company.
We don't like the idea of selling the house in this down economy, but this a unique, well-run company that seems to have lots of growth opportunities.   The best news is that it will be three weeks before he will hear back, which will give plenty of time for other things to develop.  The position he really wants is still open for applicants and won't start interviewing for another two weeks.

Even Struggle, Jr. seems to have a job lined up----although he didn't realize it!  He has been invited to attend a workshop for his university newspaper staff, and didn't realize until today that it would be a paid position.  At least, that's the way I read the email.  We'll see.

As for me, still no calls on my applications, but I am pet-sitting this week and so bringing in pocket-money.  I have also been asked to do some social media marketing for a local employment consultant whose classes we have been attending.  It is volunteer work, but will look very good on my resume and give me some local name recognition as well as some much- needed confidence in my abilities.  It is hard to psych yourself up for a job-hunt after being at home with children so long.  I think my computer skills are up-to-date until I compare them to those of my children.  Ha!

We got a huge, very late doctor's bill in the mail last week.  This bill is actually over eight months late.  It must have gotten lost in the shuffle somehow, but it is legit and we have been expecting it for a long time, having seen the EOB's.  Mr. Struggle went in when we received the bill to explain that he was unemployed and couldn't pay it right now.  He was given a number to call to ask for financial assistance from this multi-billion dollar, regional medical non-profit corporation.  When he placed the phone call, he was told that their financial assistance was only for people without insurance.  It doesn't matter that we don't have any income to pay the bill, having had insurance --even insurance that wouldn't cover this bill---disqualifies us from receiving help.  Everyone tells me that you can pay as little as ten dollars at a time, so I guess that's what we'll be doing.

My Middle-Class Struggle: Severance Pay

Friday, July 08, 2011

We received the severance check from Mr. Struggle’s former employer this week: one week’s pay and a remaining vacation week.  They did not take health insurance out of this check, since they elected to cut off our benefits as of the day of termination.  So at least the check was a bit higher than normal, which will come in handy.  Most of the friends we have shared this with cannot believe the stinginess of this company.  Many have told us they will never do business there again---I know I never will.

We have decided to buy a short-term medical policy just before the COBRA sign up period is over.  It will probably be a true catastrophic-care only policy, without coverage for doctor visits or prescription drugs, but we rarely go to the doctor anyway, except for routine check-ups.  I am more worried about dental emergencies, but  I think I can find a low-cost clinic here in town, should anything happen to the tooth my dentist was keeping a watch on.

We have been diligently sending out résumés and job applications,  almost to the point of obsession.  Mr. Struggle has started to get some nibbles, and has had two job interviews this week, and a telephone interview set up for tomorrow.  Unfortunately, they are not our top choices of the jobs he has applied for, but then I guess you can’t really be picky in this economy.  We still don’t even know whether unemployment has been approved.  I’m trying hard not to imagine how that scenario might play out.

I haven’t heard  back from any of my applications, but that doesn’t surprise me since I have such a sketchy job history, having spent most of the past decade at home raising children, and only working an occasional part-time job.

We finally got in touch with a live person in the financial aid office at Struggle, Jr.’s university today.  They have promised to send us paperwork so that we can appeal for additional financial aid. 

I sat down and paid the bills just yesterday, making a point not to send extra money on the Visa bill or the financed oven.  We received the long-awaited dental bill and we did go ahead and pay it entirely, rather than break it down into payments.   We also collected car insurance money from each of the girls, since that bill was due.

Here’s the breakdown: 

Carryover balance:  $1886.33

Income:  $ 2016.40 final check from full-time job

                     127.15  part-time check (minus day-off for July 4th holiday)

                       40.00 car insurance money from Ms. Struggle2 (one month)

                       60.00 car insurance money from Ms. Struggle1 (two months)

Expenses:  14.00 stamps and shipping

                      60.18 gasoline

                     118.43 groceries

                     397.93 auto insurance (two months)

                   1087.25 mortgage

                     67.32 phone (landline) and internet

                     50.00 oven payment

                    79.40 dental bill

                    50.00 Visa payment

Remaining balance:   $2204.63

The postage was for a book of stamps, a required paper copy of a job application and a package sent to Struggle, Jr., who is counseling at church camp and has decided to stay an extra week.  It doesn’t cost any money, and since they will be feeding him another week, it will help out on the grocery bill.  I also figure there’s not much sense in him coming home to look for work; he’s not likely to be hired with only a few weeks left before he returns to college.

The Visa bill wasn’t actually due, since I always pay a month early.  I thought about not sending anything and just letting the interest accrue, but Mr. Struggle pointed out that we have the money now and we can always use the card to buy groceries later, should we run short of cash.  It just irritates me not to be able to pay it all off, as I had planned to do this month. 

I was wondering whether any of my readers has any insight into how long it usually takes to be approved for unemployment benefits?  Surely the employer is given a deadline for returning the required forms.  Sure would be nice to have an answer……..and an income!

My Middle-Class Struggle: Job Loss

Friday, June 24, 2011

Okay, take a deep breath.  Calm down.  We’re going to survive this; we really are!

Mr. Struggle was “let go” from his job earlier this week.  “Hard times and all,” they said.  “We found someone to do your job for less money" we translated.   And after six years, only one week’s severance and one week unused vacation time paid.  Oh, and our health insurance was cut off as of his termination date.  Totally disgusting!

I’m trying hard to see the silver lining, and to believe this will all work out to the good.  After all, Mr. S has been unhappy with the company and has been job hunting for some time.  Now, at least, there is a sense of urgency about it.  He has worked the phones and networked diligently all week, and I have never seen anyone fill out so many applications.  We have had lots of support from friends, several of whom have given us leads and referrals. In addition, Mr. Struggle actually had two other company employees quit out of loyalty to him.  In this economy, that is simply astounding!

We, of course, are hoping the business goes under!   Well, we can dream, can’t we?

There is never a good time to take a financial hit, and of course, you don't want to make any major financial decisions when you are reeling from shock.  Still, we did pick up the phone and start the 401K rollover process.  We never liked the limited choices we had in the old plan anyway. 

We received a letter from COBRA today, and are wondering how in the world anyone unemployed can afford to keep insurance under that plan.  What a joke!  It was over $1500 a month for our family plan, with its preposterous $5000 deductible.  We’ll have to shop around quite a bit before we agree to that. 

We went to the unemployment office to file a claim for benefits, and they enrolled us both in a special 12- week job hunting workshop.  We are both supposed to meet with a counselor individually next week for a session on résumé writing and interviewing skills.  In the meantime, they are supposed to contact us with job leads.

Paying the bills yesterday was sheer torture.  You look at the money a lot differently when suddenly your income has an ending date.  I’ll post figures in a day or two; right now I have a few job applications that take priority.

Medical Insurance

March 11, 2011

I didn’t sleep well last night.  I woke up before dawn, so angry I couldn’t go back to sleep.  I had dreamed I was at the doctor’s office with my son.  He was sick and the doctor was admitting him to the hospital.  Instead of asking  “What’s wrong with my son?” or “Is he going to be alright?” I asked the doctor “How much will this cost?”  What a sad, demented state of affairs.

I spent the morning researching supplemental health insurance policies.  I knew they existed for Medicare recipients, but didn’t realize they were available to the general public.  I’m going to be investigating and comparing a few policies in the next few weeks and will decide whether to go that route. 

During my research, I also found out that as of 2010, small businesses were allowed to claim a 35% tax credit for insurance premiums paid on behalf of employees.  So Obama’s plan gives small businesses a tax credit, but didn’t tell them they had to provide a decent plan.  In other words, the little guy got screwed again.  Thanks a lot for nothing!

Today we get the weekly part-time earnings, but the house payment will be deducted, too, so most of the deposit will be gone as soon as it arrives.  Back to the spending fast.

Carried balance:  $935.25

            Income:      163.94

            Balance: $1099.19

            

         Expenses: $1087.25 mortgage

                                   7.28  personal care

                  Balance: $4.66

The personal care listed above was a hair highlighting kit, so I could do my hair in case I get a job interview.  My highlights are growing out and looking pretty ratty.  Years ago, I would pay $60 to have this done professionally, but don’t feel we can afford that luxury today. 

Mr. Struggle has made sacrifices, too, by doing more car maintenance himself, such as learning how to change the oil. 

What have you given up in the name of economy?

Rising Deductibles

March 10, 2011

I am so mad I could spit!  We just found out our health insurance deductible has gone up to $5000, and the annual out-of-pocket cap was raised to $12,000!  In other words, we don't have much more than catastrophic care.  It is absolutely infuriating that we have no choice in the matter---our insurance is provided by my husband’s employer, which pays 75% of the premiums and allows us no say in the matter.  How are we supposed to ever get ahead if medical expenses eat up that much of our income?  Pray to God that no one gets sick! 

This is just infuriating!  Here we have worked and struggled all of our lives and now, even though we have insurance, one illness or major injury could ruin our finances.  With less than ten years to retirement, we need to be saving our money, not spending every extra dollar on medical bills. 

 

Needless to say, Mr. Struggle has been online, looking for a new job today.  Unfortunately, pickings are pretty slim in our town.  What’s really aggravating is that you don’t know what things are like at other companies---maybe their benefits are just as bad!  It would be really nice to have full disclosure before you waste time preparing a résumé or interviewing.  Or even better---maybe the same benefits for everyone, no matter where you work.  Why should corporate employees get better healthcare than those who work for small business, and government employees get yet another plan?  What makes them better than the rest of us?  Because they knew someone that hired them?  Because they worked hard and “deserved it”?  That’s a bunch of hooey; my husband (in middle-management) works longer hours and harder than many white-collar workers, as do many people in lower-paying retail, labor and service positions.

For that matter, why should insurance be tied to employment at all?  If employers want to offer better compensation packages, they should beef them up with cash.  Each person should be free to choose the insurance plan that he or she is most comfortable with.  I don’t like not having any say in something that affects me and my family so very personally.  I don’t like losing coverage when my husband changes jobs, and being told the new insurance plan doesn’t start for three or even six months! (What is that all about, and why is it legal?) I don’t like that highly-paid executives in many corporations have Cadillac plans while lower-paid employees—those who can least afford it---have inferior coverage and pay more out-of-pocket expenses. 

America—the land of the greed and the home of the slave.


My neighbor reports a $10,000 insurance deductible where he works, but says his company has an agreement to help employees cover some of it.  My sister's deductible just went to $6000 per year.  A friend reports a $6000 deductible.  Lower individual caps are quickly becoming a thing of the past, and 70/30 splits are replacing the previous 80/20.  And, of course, the monthly premiums have increased, even with these lesser benefits.

What changes are you seeing in your insurance this year?

Appliance Repairs

January 19, 2011

Payday!

This paycheck ought to get us back on track and give us a little breathing room, thank God.  I can replenish our emergency fund (wiped out due to last year’s medical bills) or send some extra to Visa, which I  used for part of Christmas.  

This check was a little higher than usual, due to Obama’s new economic incentive, I suppose. Actually, we found out it had some extra in it, to make up for the last pay period not having been figured with the new changes in the Social Security withholding.   So the paycheck after this one will be the correct figure for the rest of the year. 

Income:            $1929.00 (biweekly, irregular amount)

Expenditures:   $ 200.00 home equity line payment

                              13.00 cable

                             203.00 life insurance (hubby’s)

                               33.00 auto property tax (children’s cars)

                             111.68 medical bill (hubby)

                             275.00 church donation                

                             146.20 dentist bill (child)               

                             146.00 washer repair

                             162.03 groceries

                              92.48 gas for both cars

Yeah, the washing machine broke down, can you believe it?  I guess it got lazy with the kids all off at college, and then when they returned for Christmas break, it just wasn’t up for the extra work!  It really ticks me off---not only is the thing only four years old, but when I bought it I shopped around and paid extra for one that seemed to be better quality.  Ha!  At least the parts were still under warranty, so we only had to pay for labor.  Next time it breaks, we’ll buy a new one. 

That’s what happened with the oven, in fact.  It broke down last fall, Thanksgiving week; can you believe that timing? When we determined the problem was the digital circuit board, which we had repaired once previously, we decided to replace rather than repair the oven.  It was over 18 years old, and I had never liked it anyway.  We used the opportunity to upgrade to a larger convection oven, which we financed due to a lack of cash. (We spent most of 2010 paying off unexpected medical expenses, after finding our health insurance deductible had been doubled without notice.)  The oven was just over $1200  (it’s a wall oven, which for some reason are a bit more expensive)  and was financed for 12 months with zero interest.  We plan to pay it off in much less than 12 months, to make sure we don’t incur interest charges.

How about you?  Are you finding that your appliances wear out sooner than they should?