So, I goofed on my budget, and when I had paid for something with my atm for a friend, and they paid me in cash, I didn't accurately estimate how much I had remaining in my checking account. So now,
on a tight budget, including money for gas and food, I am short $26 bucks. And I am left almost in tears. I am maxed out on my cc, and I have $26 in my savings, but I fear dropping below $300 in savings. Sigh. I feel like crying, and I just don't know what to do. I could not pay a bill, or pay it partially, but I don't know if they would negatively ding my credit for that, so I want to save that only as a last resort.
I have asked friends for help, but haven't yet received a response. I don't want to ask my family cause they have already helped me out and I would feel funny asking them.
The way things are with my budget, I don't see a trip really being all that possible. 
Almost left in tears
November 17th, 2009 at 08:18 pm
November 17th, 2009 at 08:45 pm 1258490736
If it is the fine issue I would see that as a message it is time to look around for another savings account.
Is there any way you can make $26? Can you sell something or do you know anyone who need babysitting or their grass mowed?
November 17th, 2009 at 10:44 pm 1258497881
Turn this crisis into a positive; you have to put in place strategies that will stop this happening ever again.
Do you have Excel on your computer if so start tracking your income & outgoing there. I would say that being on a fixed income (age pension), if I can do it so can you!
As for getting paid in cash and dont knowing how much was left in our account, you need to check online little more often. One way would be is take out your weekly expensive that you pay in cash in one withdrawal and live off it for as long as possible if you are short before the week end then tuff.
For now you will need to not buy any food and live off what there until next payday.
As for negatively ding my credit as I live in Australia I cant say, but most likely you will be hit for late fees etc.
I would increasing your cushion to $500 -$1000 over time too!
So start tracking your money and pay that CC off ASAP.
Kitty
November 18th, 2009 at 12:21 am 1258503710
Don't be too hard on yourself - 26 bucks isn't that bad...
What about the friend you paid for with your atm... can they give you a loan of 30 bucks for a few days ?
Again... don't be upset... 26 bucks is very manageable.. :-)
November 18th, 2009 at 12:34 am 1258504475
Do you have any kind of pantry? Have you ever tried sprouting small beans? I know you like fresh foods, and when I was first married and was feeding 2 on $10 a week (eek - I think I just aged myself), I would buy mung beans in bulk and sprout them in the kitchen. Then I had something fresh I could stir fry.
I need to do what Middle Income Gal is suggesting too. I keep track of a lot of purchases, but doing a daily costs spread would be more efficient and capture more of my cash expenses while keeping an eye on what i have in savings toward the great EX_HUBBY payoff.
Take care dear. I know you will get through this. Take care.
November 18th, 2009 at 01:45 am 1258508748
November 18th, 2009 at 04:22 am 1258518167
November 18th, 2009 at 02:29 pm 1258554599
Either way, please take care.