A Big Change

by Jennifer on June 2, 2009

Hi Everyone,

I’s been awhile since I last blogged here at SS, but it’s been an extremely difficult season in my life as of late with trials coming one after another! First, it was the transmission on our car,then our computer and now, sadly, I have been laid off from work as of last week.

It has been an extremely tough time for me and I am trying my best to stay positive and upbeat because I know we will get through this through prayer and perseverance. At first I was so upset because I was worrying more about the health insurance for the kids but after much prayer and talking with my Aunt, I have looked at all I have to be thankful for even at this difficult time:

*I get a severance, which is more than what some companies offer their employees during a layoff, Praise God!

*I can apply for unemployment and will have a few weeks to get my house in order from the move, which really needs it!!

*I will have more time to spend with the kids & family this summer

I know the Lord doesn’t close one door without opening another one as He has done in the past, and even though it seems like my entire world is falling apart, I know we will be ok, we will just have to stretch our dollars even further during this time:) (As if that will be a hard thing for me to do,lol)

As for SS, I really wish our computer at home was working (right now at sister’s using hers) and devote more time to growing it, but alas, I am limited at this time. So please bear with me, there are plenty of other fantastic blogs for you to get your deals from (Sonia, be sure to use them!!) here is just a few that I visit everyday:

And with that, I am off to go grocery shopping with my sister!

Take care everyone and Big Hugs to all, I miss you!!

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{ 35 comments }

1 Shelby June 2, 2009 at 8:00 am: Hang in there!
2 alexis June 2, 2009 at 8:42 am: Hi Jennifer — Just wanted to tell you to stay positive. We are going through the same situation with my husband. It’s been really tough, but I know we will make it through this and so will you!
3 Shirley June 2, 2009 at 8:48 am: Did you ever consider a COBRA plan for health insurance? With the new govt stimulus package you only have to pay 35% of the expense of your insurance for the first 9 months you are laid off. Usually it is 100% right away. You only have 60 days after you get laid off to enroll though.

I am so sorry to hear about all these unfortunate circumstances. I’ll be hoping things turn around for you soon!
4 dawnn June 2, 2009 at 9:21 am: Jen,
you will be missed. Luv DB
5 Wendi June 2, 2009 at 9:22 am: Hi Jennifer,

I’m sorry that you are going through some rough times. Things will get better . . . they almost have to, right =)

Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

Wendi

Wendi’s last blog post..Free Iced Coffee at Au Bon Pain
6 Shawndra June 2, 2009 at 9:45 am: This is a great time to get to know your family better,Hard times has fallen on a lot of good people,You will get through this,We will all still be here when you get back on your feet.

A few places I go too

Gottadeal.com
Shop4freebies
Freebies4mom.com
thedollarstretcher.com
7 Diann June 2, 2009 at 9:48 am: Oh Jennifer, I so understand what you are going through! However, Like you said, “the Lord doesn’t close one door without opening another one ” is so true! Although it sure doesn’t feel that way at the moment. Take care!

Diann’s last blog post..Food Storage Recipe
8 Sherrie Lopez June 2, 2009 at 10:20 am: Hey Girl,
So sorry to hear about your lay-off. But, as you said, you do get severance so you won’t starve before your unemployment benefits get started. And think of the time that you get to spend with your family. Bet your kids will like having Mom around for the summer, even it they don’t admit it. Just remember, “God never gives us more than we can handle.” I know sometimes you might wish He didn’t have quite so much confidence in you but it will work out. There are people all over having problems like this and worse. Maybe you can think about volunteering somewhere and even get your kids involved. One year my daughter and I volunteered at the church food bank and another time we volunteered at the local humane society – they usually need help, not only with cleaning and stuff like that but also with having people to walk the dogs and spend time getting them socialized – like playing with them. Just be careful and don’t fall in love with all of the animals.
Sherrie
9 Frugal Girls! June 2, 2009 at 10:55 am: I am so sorry to hear about your layoff, but will definitely be keeping you in my prayers! I was recently laid off as well ~ you can read my post about job loss = new beginnings here… I hope it can be of encouragement to you! God always provides!!

http://www.thefrugalgirls.com/2009/05/job-loss-new-beginnings.html

Frugal Girls!’s last blog post..Hot New Printable Coupons!
10 Erin @ CouponCravings.com June 2, 2009 at 10:59 am: Oh, Jennifer, I definitely feel for you. I was let go from my job in late-March after 5 years and I was 5 months pregnant at the time! But it’s so true that God doesn’t close a door without opening another one.

I’ve already secured a fantastic part-time job that found me (I wasn’t even looking for it!) that gives me more time to spend with my kids, more time to blog and has freed me up to take on a couple of other fun freelance projects! The best part is that I’m back to making at least what I was when I was full-time!

I’ll definitely be thinking about you. It’s true that everything happens for a reason and this may be the break you’ve been looking for! I know you’ll find something even better before too long!

Erin

Erin @ CouponCravings.com’s last blog post..Target: Free Degree Deodorant
11 Petula June 2, 2009 at 11:00 am: I so understand what you’re saying. I’m sorry about your job (but psyched about what you found as positives) and your computers (that’s not good!), but everything will work out I’m sure.

Take care and I hope to see you around soon.

Petula’s last blog post..Rhythm of thoughts
12 Beth Borysewich June 2, 2009 at 11:34 am: Jennifer,
I am sorry to hear about your job loss – everyone is experiencing it I think. I was laid off in Aug last year and then a heart attack in Oct and then lost my dad in December.

Just stay positive and things will get better. I have been in computers since 1978 and can offer some suggestions on computer issues. Unless it caught on fire and is a pile of ashes I might be able to help. Let me know.

Beth

Beth Borysewich’s last blog post..Fitworks Free Summer Workout Program
13 Barbara P June 2, 2009 at 12:03 pm: Hey I’ve been going threw my own fair share and I understand what your going through. Have you figured out whats wrong with the computer if not I’m sure I could help, maybe walk you through how to fix it(computer geek). I know things aren’t going to well but I know you will get through them. Everything happens for a reason, we just don’t know what for.

Good Luck and if I can help send me an email.

Barbara P’s last blog post..Winn- Dixie BOGO’s 6/03-6/09
14 Marcy June 2, 2009 at 12:39 pm: Jennifer

I have been going through the same thing since January. I am still unemployed, but the time with my children has been wonderful. We are making it, and it is tough, but it can happen. You will find that other door, and I will too. Patience is a hard lesson (for me!).

Best of luck.

Marcy’s last blog post..Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.
15 Margaret T June 2, 2009 at 12:55 pm: Sorry about your job loss and your computer breaking down. Hope everything will work out for you. We have had three things go out this week, a/c on the car, leak in the piping and finally the washing machine.
The very best of wishes and I hope all works out for you.
16 pamela scott June 2, 2009 at 1:30 pm: I think everyone can feel your pain its tough everywhere and together through prayer and positive thinking we will all get through this.
17 Elaine Lott June 2, 2009 at 2:52 pm: I too know where you are coming from. 9 months ago today my husband was let go from his job after 22.5 years and my job was cut 65%. Hubby is trying but sorta thinks companies feel he is to old. 591/2 it is frustrating at times but GOD has always taken care of us and he always will. Keep us all up to date because we care. Love Elaine in Georgia
18 Michelle June 2, 2009 at 7:29 pm: I know what you are going through. We are going through the same thing right now. It is a stressful situation to lose income and insurance. Stay positive.

Michelle’s last blog post..National Doughnut Day Freebies: June 5th
19 Jennifer Wieland June 2, 2009 at 8:15 pm: I stop here everyday to read your blog and am so sorry that your family has been facing one thing after another. I know from experience how stressful that can be on the entire family. I just wanted to let you know that I am sending tons of prayers and positive thoughts your way and wishes for some happy times to counter the bad times.
20 Patricia June 3, 2009 at 1:06 am: I am really sorry to hear about your layoff. However, this might be some good news if you haven’t already heard this from your company. Earlier this year, this administration passed a temporary Law (?) where you get a subsidy of about 60% toward your cobra insurance premiums. If you are laid off between certain dates, you will only have to pay between 35 and 40 percent of what you would normally have to pay on cobra. It almost makes the payments as much as what you were paying when you were working for them. In these times, full cobra for a family plan can sometimes be as much as $1000. If you haven’t heard of that, I would definitely look into it by asking your benefits person. You shouldn’t have to pay for the full premiums. Your company should only charge you the amount minus the subsidy.
21 Jaycie June 3, 2009 at 4:01 am: I am so sorry to hear this, Jennifer! We went down the layoff road two weeks after we were married! It’s tough times but it makes you stronger. You will be in my prayers and I know great things will come to you.

Thank you for the referral. I appreciate it! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help! You know I have your back on postings if you ever need them! And email me and let me know what kind of coupons you use. I will gladly clip them for you and mail them over!!! I’m living off my stockpile and not using many. I’ll even send you the money-maker ones if you can swing them.

Lots of love, my friend!
Jaycie

Jaycie’s last blog post..Au Bon Pain: Free Iced Coffee After 2PM Today!
22 Cent Saving Mom June 3, 2009 at 6:29 am: I’m sorry to hear about the recent layoff Jennifer. I know you’ve been bombarded with one thing after another recently and in the end it will all work out. Enjoy the time you have with your family and getting your new home in order. We’ll be here when you are able to return.

Cent Saving Mom’s last blog post..Free Float Night At Sonic
23 Kim Hansen June 3, 2009 at 7:35 am: Hang in there! I know where you are coming from. My husband and I were both laid off within a month of each other and still haven’t found anything permanent. Take one day at time, one foot in front of the other, and you will get there! I always think its so brave to write about personal trials you are going through. Fingers crossed and I hope all starts to look up for ya!
24 Laurie A June 4, 2009 at 3:22 am: Best of luck to you! Sounds like you’ve worked through those grief-like feelings that accompany such a traumatic thing. I was laid off a year ago, so I know exactly where you’re coming from as I was the health benefit provider for our family at that time. Thankfully unemployment keeps getting extended. I recommend checking your state’s website for health insurance options and don’t be afraid to bring it up when you go in for your unemployment consultation if your state requires it (New York requires a face to face meeting within the first couple of months). Here in NY we have Child Health Plus which costs a sliding scale fee downward to free. You choose from a couple of different excellent insurance options, and it includes vision and dental for the kids (we didn’t use that part of the coverage while we were on it, and my husband now has family coverage through work). Even with your husband is working, you may still qualify – we did because the income caps here in NY are quite high.

I’d be lost without my computer, though, so I hope you can get that fixed!
25 Rachel June 4, 2009 at 5:00 am: Best wishes Jennifer. Times will change, hang in there! We’ll be here for ya when you get back!!
26 Tristan June 4, 2009 at 5:59 am: Sorry to hear about all of this. I am an HR Generalist and have to sit on the opposite side of the table curerntly – and let me tell you – it isn’t easy no matter what side you are on.

Remember – the stimulus bill that was passed earlier this year allows you to get COBRA from your company for health insurance and you only have to pay 35% of the cost! Typically (I’m only speaking from what I know) a family plan can cost right around $1500/month for COBRA. So – 35% would be right around $500/month. If you can swing it – that might be worth it. Also – I think you are in PA (near me!) there is CHIP as well for kids insurance. Email me if you need more information – I’m more than happy to pass along the “ins and outs” of how to get around things with the health insurance. It’s what I do every day recently – haha!

Best of luck!

~T
27 Ashleigh June 4, 2009 at 3:09 pm: Jennifer, I’m so sorry to hear about your lay-off! My husband has been laid off TWICE in the last 2 years! I totally understand your concerns about health insurance and providing for your family! You are such a frugal and fantastic person that I’m sure that you will find even more money saving stategies, cool things to do with your kids, and I bet if you able to keep blogging about your adventures and finds, it will even serve as a ministry to help others in the same situation! I was able to stay pretty optimistic the first time, but this last time was really hard! Let me tell you though, my husband got a job last week! There is hope for you and God has a plan. Of course, it would be nice if we had the “heads up” on that plan and it followed our time line, huh?
Take care and I’ll be praying for you and your family!
28 Maria June 5, 2009 at 11:28 am: Sorry to hear that you are going through a terrible time. At least you are to the point of being able to find some positive things in your situation. Keep your chin up and take care.

Maria’s last blog post..FINALLY FRIDAY
29 Nichole June 7, 2009 at 9:34 pm: I am sorry to hear about your layoff my sister was laid off earlier this year and was very upset but I had to let her know she just has to let the Lord work. He knows what he is doing. A few months after she got laid off, my other sister suddenly had no babysitter and she was able to jump in and help with this. Now she can spend more time with her children as well and was able to go to the school more. As far as insurance is concerned, check out your state medicaid and also apply for food stamps, it can’t hurt to try. Also, you can also apply for assistance for your water bills, electricity and gas bills. One time I was off from work and got assistance with my mortgage. There are alot of problems you can check into.
30 Kimberly June 8, 2009 at 4:38 am: Many year’s back I was going through my test. I could not believe what I was going through. But God brought back to my mind how I had stated to HIM, “through the good and the bad I will serve you”….And I must tell you, I past that test. It was hard because I had lost everything. But today, Praise God, I am blessed going in and blessed going out. I am able to stay at home with my children, our home is paid for, and so are our cars, we have plenty of food, we are healthy, all in our right minds, oh I can’t tell it all. We have double now than we lost, I call it a JOB experience.
Even in my darkest hour, God was with me, He never left my side. Just remember the poem FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND……It was “I” that carried you……Everything is going to be just fine. Keep the faith, hold on to God’s unchanging hands……Much love to you and your family. God bless you.
31 Kyle June 8, 2009 at 5:10 am: Hi Jennifer,
I am really sorry to hear you got laid-off. But your attitude is great and you will definetely get thru this stronger than you were before. I will also be praying for you and your family. Stay strong!
32 Rachlea June 10, 2009 at 10:41 am: Hi Jen, i read your blog everyday. Just letting you know that I will pray for you and your family. Keep the faith and i can’t wait until you return!
33 The Bargain Shopper Lady June 11, 2009 at 6:03 am: Praying for you! Hang in there! Love your great attitude!
34 Tracy June 11, 2009 at 4:43 pm: Jennifer,

I’m sorry to hear about your layoff. I was laid off after working for my employer for 12 years. I just started a new job 2 weeks ago after being out of work for 9 months. It’s so true that God doesn’t close a door without opening another one. I’d have to say those 9 months were a much needed break and brought our family closer than I could imagine.

I wish you the best as you get through this tough time.
35 Becky (Nickels-n-Dimes) June 15, 2009 at 7:54 am: I just got back from vacation and could not believe what I was reading here. I am so sorry to hear this. Keep your faith in the Lord and I will certainly add you to my prayers. Don’t worry about things here, we will still be here when life calms down!

Becky (Nickels-n-Dimes)’s last blog post..Do It Yourself Wedding Flowers