Comments for Monroe on a Budget

Comment on What’s that Mistletoe Market auction all about? by Paula Wethington

Paula Wethington — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:54:10 +0000

Mistletoe Market special section is now available. There’s stuff of interest to families, couples & DIY-ers. Some items would make nice gifts for brides-to-be.

Comment on Spirit of Christmas applications available by Paula Wethington

Paula Wethington — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:04:13 +0000

I’ve since learned that Monroe’s Spirit of Christmas distributions will be Dec. 22 and 23 at Lincoln School.

You do need to apply by the deadline for this and similar programs – those who coordinate and sponsor Christmas gift programs need time to verify, sort out and fill the requests.

Comment on Food pantry donation suggestions by Paula Wethington

Paula Wethington — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:51:48 +0000

I’m getting more food pantry drive requests and mentions in the community news submissions this week.

Comment on What should you do when a friend asks for money? by Paula Wethington

Paula Wethington — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:25:59 +0000

You are correct: many people only want money, they don’t want to change their lifestyle at all. That’s why, if you can’t help without putting your own finances in danger, then you can’t help.

I did tell someone “no” to an emergency loan request about two years ago, because I did not want to ruin a relationship if she didn’t pay as promised. I did give her some gas money and grocery coupons and I know others helped with cash gifts too. I don’t know the rest of the details of how it worked out, but it was none of my business. She’s never asked me again for a loan, and we get along just fine these days.

Comment on What should you do when a friend asks for money? by mikemax

mikemax — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:02:23 +0000

I co-signed so my son could buy a new car, and have no regrets. He has excellent credit, just not enough income on paper, and has made his payments on time every month for 3 years. However, I wouldn’t co-sign for anyone else. I also agree with making gifts, not loans…no disappointment when they don’t pay you back.

Your suggestions are excellent. However, many people who ask for money only want money–they don’t want to change their lifestyle at all.

Comment on I’m speaking at Nov. 12 Monroe Lunch Bunch meeting by Em

Em — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:06:57 +0000

Paula, I hope you have a great turnout for the lunch bunch. I honestly save at least $30 a week with coupons. If I could make it to a wider variety of stores for coupon/sale combos, I’m sure I could save over $50. It’s been a huge help to our budget. Thank you!

Comment on Coupon binders explained by mikemax

mikemax — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:13:51 +0000

I have a plastic expanding file that’s just the right size. It will fit inside a medium-size purse.

Comment on Coupon binders explained by Lulu

Lulu — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:32:12 +0000

My coupon binder is one of those small plastic photo albums from Walmart. It cost $2 and it holds LOTS of coupons. I do not carry a big purse but this fits in my small purse well and it is light.

Comment on Michigan unemployment is 15.3 percent by Paula Wethington

Paula Wethington — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:05:17 +0000

Actually, there is quite a bit of information provided by the state of Michigan for job seekers. Go to http://michigan.gov/jobs

The MLive newspaper network also has an excellent jobs blog called “Michigan Job Search” http://www.mlive.com/michigan-job-search

The problems for Michigan residents are:

1. Lack of jobs overall.
2. Many of the jobs that do exist are expecting skill sets that require training beyond what the job market can immediately provide.

Comment on Scammers targeting Michigan’s unemployed by Paula Wethington

Paula Wethington — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:59:45 +0000

Scammers have been around for a long, long time.

One of my co-workers, business reporter Charles Slat, focuses his blog on frauds, scams and other consumer issues. He’s also the reporter who made sure this article got into the print edition of our newspaper. You’ll find “Consumer Alert!” at http://www.blogsmonroe.com/consumer