STAYING AFLOAT

 

The following are some techniques that others are using to keep things going.  Perhaps one of them can work for you.  Some of them can work only if you meet certain criteria:

 

      Taking a second mortgage on your home.

 

      Reverse mortgage – dependent on the amount of equity you have in your home.

 

      Borrowing against an existing insurance policy.

 

      Working nights while looking for a job - office cleaning, house sitting, pet sitting, child/adult sitting, and part-time jobs.  Check help wanted ads for these.

 

      Taking an out-of-state job temporarily while your family stays here.

 

      Asking a relative or friend to give you temporary employment.

 

      Taking a part-time job while looking for full-time employment.

 

      Retiring and working part-time.

 

      Becoming self-employed - small business loans are possible, as are owner carry-backs.

 

      Seeking a loan from a relative or close friend.

 

      Job Sharing - finding a person with your skills who wants to work only part-time (some firms encourage this).

 

      Returning to school for a degree or advanced degree and applying for financial aid as well as a campus part-time job.

 

      Joining the military as a career change - your age is a consideration.  The military provides job security and excellent technical school training.

 

      Consumer Credit Counseling

       CCCS of Greater Denver

       10065 E. Harvard Avenue, Suite 210

       Denver, CO  80231

       Phone: 303-632-2227 or 1-866-260-5994

 

       Offers free credit counseling and assistance in consolidating bills and lowering the interest rate you pay.  They negotiate with your creditors.

 

       Declaring bankruptcy - There are dangers to this, especially since after bankruptcy, you must rebuild your credit.  However, sometimes this is the right move.