Exciting development for us – we have finally reached the threshold of not qualifying for assistance. The wonderful dreaded point where suddenly we are on our own financially. No medical assistance for the kids. No help through the hospitals to pay for medical bills. A boost in income that leads to a downfall in income.
After much frustration through the new health systems, we discovered that the kids were officially no longer covered by MA beginning March 1st. I was able to get them enrolled in my works insurance as of March 15th. As is lovely in health care they were able to bill us for the full month even though they wouldn’t extend coverage for the full month, and they billed me 2 months in advance. To catch up I am spreading out those 2 months bills through my next 4 paychecks. This is in addition to the amount withdrawn for actual monthly bills.
Enter the ultimate in budget rearrangement.
For the next 3 months we are hoping to avoid all grocery and farm purchases. If you see this and panic for us, you need not worry. We have 2 full chest freezers, and rows of canned goods. Beyond that, we have access to free food distributions (Matthew 25) and I also know about Ruby’s Pantry. But ultimately we shouldn’t need either of these.
Food and farm budget line items are not the only ones being slashed. We are cutting everything we can cut. No more gym membership. No more emergency coffee or candy purchases. No clothes. I will pay everything that must be paid, but it might be smaller amounts when I can manage it.
I am hoping that by receiving these ultra tight checks we will be able to fix our budget problems in the long term. I have watched our food and farm budgets blow up in recent years and I want them under control.
So who wants to join me in a pantry challenge!
BlueHouse Garden 