The
Big Girl Chronicles: LISP Report
As single parent and low-income families struggle to
make ends meet, many times the assistance of programs that provide services to
help manage the household budget and minimize expenses can be a lifesaver. The Big Girl Chronicles would like to
acknowledge those programs and services that consistently provide the
assistance promised. With that in mind,
the Low-Income and Single Parent (LISP) Report is an addition to The Big Girl Chronicles that focuses on
single parents, low-income families, resources and consumer ratings of programs
that cater to them. The information
compiled in this report is based upon consumer experience with the
goods/services mentioned therein and is a matter of opinion.
Quality service should not be considered negotiable
regardless of the status of the program participants, especially if those program
participants are your target population.
Too often I’ve found that lower- income and single parent households are
treated poorly by comparison than those who can afford to pay higher costs for
the same goods and services. Often
times, these programs are contracted or subsidized by the government to provide
goods and services to lower-income families and should remain accountable to
providing quality services. Also, with
so many programs offering comparable services, consumers can feel bombarded
with choices. The Big Girl Chronicles LISP Report hopes to lessen the confusion
by assisting low-income single parents in making informed choices.
Budget Friendly Normalcy
I have joined the ranks of the working poor. It was one thing to learn about this in college, but living in it is a mind boggling reality. I'm in awe at how much of life month to month revolves around my payday and paychecks. I mean, how do they know???
At any rate, trying to feel as though I am actually enjoying the fruits of my labor and not just working to pay the bills can be challenging. One thing that I like to do is have lunch. I don't mean leftovers either. I like to take a break from the monotonous work environment and simply enjoy having a lunch break. Although I once thought there's very little room to budget in lunch every day, I've found that a little finagling can make lunch reasonable as well as enjoyable. Right now, here's how I do it.
Needless to mention, the fancy $10 and up lunches are a no. With just over $10, a LISP can have lunch for most days of the week. Here's how.
Eliminate the cost of fountain drinks and sodas that aren't healthy for you anyway. Stock up on water that you can grab as you head out the door in the morning. If you have to have something to flavor it, you can buy the little packets to add flavor to your water for as little as $1 for 6 packets or more at your local Dollar Tree. You can also grab a 6-pack of 16 oz water from there also for a buck. But it might be more cost effective to watch your local dollar stores for deals like a 24-pk of 16 oz water for $2.79 (Big Lots) or in some cases a few pennies cheaper via your frequent shopper rewards programs at your local pharmacy. Membership really does have some privileges. Add this costs to your home grocery budget and you won't miss a beat. You have healthier options for the month rather that what seems like a cheap $1 fountain drink that adds $5 a week to your lunchtime chow.
Now, without having to pay the high costs for fountain drinks at these restaurants, you can take advantage of deals like McDonald's McPick 2 where you can grab a sandwich and nuggets or any combination of items for $2.50. That's lunch. Or you if you're coupon savvy, you can do a chicken meal at Churches inclusive of 2 2pc dark and biscuit for $2.29. AND they'll sometimes let you use two coupons and get a free regular side of your choice. I enjoyed 2 pieces of chicken, a biscuit and a regular fry for $2.68. That's 2 days of the week lunch for just over $5. But the rest of the week is smooth sailing, because you have your beverage. Most restaurants have dollar menu items that can be filling without leaving you ready for nap afterwards, like Burger King chicken nuggets $1.49. Add another dollar menu item to that and... you get it. Three days lunch for little more than $7.50.
I know these nickel and dime restaurants don't have the ambience and appeal that the more expensive restaurants have. If you want to make yourself feel as though you are having a high end lunch, then decide how you'd like to enjoy your meal and make that happen. I keep reading nearby so I can get lost in a book while having my meal. Or, I skim through favorite social media sites and find ideas and articles to inspire me. The point is to detach from the work humdrum and take a moment to do something you enjoy to rejuvenate you for the remainder of the day and the demands that will be placed on your time.
How about you? What are you doing to feel normal on a budget? Comment below and share your tips and tricks to make those ends meet.
The Big Girl Chronicles: LISP Report
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
My household was one of those whose SNAP allotment was cut. Government cuts across the board in addition to a change in household composition meant a drastic reduction for my household within a few short months with little time to adjust. And for the first time since receiving government assistance I was left wondering how we would make the ends meet. Of course, the changes made it necessary to review shopping habits, grocery purchases and meal plans (there's that word again). Initially it seemed overwhelming. I wasn't sure how I was going to explain to my children that grocery selections were going to be even more limited, meaning that they would have to pass on a couple of their favorite goodies at the market. Surprisingly though, I discovered that I hadn't given them nearly enough credit. They were not only more than understanding about the changes, they jumped right in and began to help decide how we should plan our meals week to week. What was even more surprising was that the changes they suggested made our eating habits healthier. We agreed on themes for certain days of the week, like "Meatless Mondays." I am one who feels as though you can't have a complete meal without meat. But we can get our protein from other sources like beans that are much more economical, and ante up our intake of veggies with soups and salads. It's possible that we could take this a step further and consider gardening our own frequently used veggies to minimize costs. What was also surprising was that my children didn't seem to have much concern about managing some of their fave snacks. Instead of getting every fave at once, we now have them in rotation.
Like many other Low Income/Single Parents who participate in SNAP, I was disturbed by the cuts. Then I read where the program costs somewhere around $80 million to manage. Although there were cuts to our grocery budgets, the program continues to provide free/reduced school meals. It stings something awful, but what stings the most could be having to exercise more discipline in how we manage the allotment. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to get the household involved so that children can begin to understand early what it takes to manage a household, how what happens in government trickles down and most importantly what issues to pay attention that will influence how we cast our votes.
Click here for information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Bargain Shopping
I have joined the ranks of the working poor. It was one thing to learn about this in college, but living in it is a mind boggling reality. I'm in awe at how much of life month to month revolves around my payday and paychecks. I mean, how do they know???
At any rate, trying to feel as though I am actually enjoying the fruits of my labor and not just working to pay the bills can be challenging. One thing that I like to do is have lunch. I don't mean leftovers either. I like to take a break from the monotonous work environment and simply enjoy having a lunch break. Although I once thought there's very little room to budget in lunch every day, I've found that a little finagling can make lunch reasonable as well as enjoyable. Right now, here's how I do it.
Needless to mention, the fancy $10 and up lunches are a no. With just over $10, a LISP can have lunch for most days of the week. Here's how.
Eliminate the cost of fountain drinks and sodas that aren't healthy for you anyway. Stock up on water that you can grab as you head out the door in the morning. If you have to have something to flavor it, you can buy the little packets to add flavor to your water for as little as $1 for 6 packets or more at your local Dollar Tree. You can also grab a 6-pack of 16 oz water from there also for a buck. But it might be more cost effective to watch your local dollar stores for deals like a 24-pk of 16 oz water for $2.79 (Big Lots) or in some cases a few pennies cheaper via your frequent shopper rewards programs at your local pharmacy. Membership really does have some privileges. Add this costs to your home grocery budget and you won't miss a beat. You have healthier options for the month rather that what seems like a cheap $1 fountain drink that adds $5 a week to your lunchtime chow.
Now, without having to pay the high costs for fountain drinks at these restaurants, you can take advantage of deals like McDonald's McPick 2 where you can grab a sandwich and nuggets or any combination of items for $2.50. That's lunch. Or you if you're coupon savvy, you can do a chicken meal at Churches inclusive of 2 2pc dark and biscuit for $2.29. AND they'll sometimes let you use two coupons and get a free regular side of your choice. I enjoyed 2 pieces of chicken, a biscuit and a regular fry for $2.68. That's 2 days of the week lunch for just over $5. But the rest of the week is smooth sailing, because you have your beverage. Most restaurants have dollar menu items that can be filling without leaving you ready for nap afterwards, like Burger King chicken nuggets $1.49. Add another dollar menu item to that and... you get it. Three days lunch for little more than $7.50.
I know these nickel and dime restaurants don't have the ambience and appeal that the more expensive restaurants have. If you want to make yourself feel as though you are having a high end lunch, then decide how you'd like to enjoy your meal and make that happen. I keep reading nearby so I can get lost in a book while having my meal. Or, I skim through favorite social media sites and find ideas and articles to inspire me. The point is to detach from the work humdrum and take a moment to do something you enjoy to rejuvenate you for the remainder of the day and the demands that will be placed on your time.
How about you? What are you doing to feel normal on a budget? Comment below and share your tips and tricks to make those ends meet.
The Big Girl Chronicles: LISP Report
As single parent and low-income families struggle to make ends meet, many times the assistance of programs that provide services to help manage the household budget and minimize expenses can be a lifesaver. The Big Girl Chronicles would like to acknowledge those programs and services that consistently provide the assistance promised. With that in mind, the Low-Income and Single Parent (LISP) Report is an addition to The Big Girl Chronicles that focuses on single parents, low-income families, resources and consumer ratings of programs that cater to them. The information compiled in this report is based upon consumer experience with the goods/services mentioned therein and is a matter of opinion.
Quality service should not be considered negotiable regardless of the status of the program participants, especially if those program participants are your target population. Too often I’ve found that lower- income and single parent households are treated poorly by comparison than those who can afford to pay higher costs for the same goods and services. Often times, these programs are contracted or subsidized by the government to provide goods and services to lower-income families and should remain accountable to providing quality services. Also, with so many programs offering comparable services, consumers can feel bombarded with choices. The Big Girl Chronicles LISP Report hopes to lessen the confusion by assisting low-income single parents in making informed choices.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
My household was one of those whose SNAP allotment was cut. Government cuts across the board in addition to a change in household composition meant a drastic reduction for my household within a few short months with little time to adjust. And for the first time since receiving government assistance I was left wondering how we would make the ends meet. Of course, the changes made it necessary to review shopping habits, grocery purchases and meal plans (there's that word again). Initially it seemed overwhelming. I wasn't sure how I was going to explain to my children that grocery selections were going to be even more limited, meaning that they would have to pass on a couple of their favorite goodies at the market. Surprisingly though, I discovered that I hadn't given them nearly enough credit. They were not only more than understanding about the changes, they jumped right in and began to help decide how we should plan our meals week to week. What was even more surprising was that the changes they suggested made our eating habits healthier. We agreed on themes for certain days of the week, like "Meatless Mondays." I am one who feels as though you can't have a complete meal without meat. But we can get our protein from other sources like beans that are much more economical, and ante up our intake of veggies with soups and salads. It's possible that we could take this a step further and consider gardening our own frequently used veggies to minimize costs. What was also surprising was that my children didn't seem to have much concern about managing some of their fave snacks. Instead of getting every fave at once, we now have them in rotation.
Like many other Low Income/Single Parents who participate in SNAP, I was disturbed by the cuts. Then I read where the program costs somewhere around $80 million to manage. Although there were cuts to our grocery budgets, the program continues to provide free/reduced school meals. It stings something awful, but what stings the most could be having to exercise more discipline in how we manage the allotment. Additionally, this is an excellent opportunity to get the household involved so that children can begin to understand early what it takes to manage a household, how what happens in government trickles down and most importantly what issues to pay attention that will influence how we cast our votes.
Click here for information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Bargain Shopping
Thankfully huge popularity with once taboo
shopping destinations like the Salvation Army and GoodWill have made it far
less stigmatizing and embarrassing as it once was to be seen at second-hand
stores. A DIY generation has taken
frugality and made it chic. Yes,
repurposing furniture and clothing are now the new “IN.” Have you tried the trend yet? Take this upcoming school year to explore how
much you could save by visiting your local Salvation Army, GoodWill or other
bargain boutique to do your back-to-school shopping. Reserve some time one Saturday afternoon to
sift through their inventory. Although
you’ll find some gently used clothing, many times there are never worn items
that were donated from some popular stores and brands due to accidents, fires
or other mishaps. While you’re there, ask to speak with their social services department
about providing family assistance with back-to-school supplies. Some have programs that could help if you
qualify.
Bill Payment Assistance
Managing
a household with little to no income is challenging. With expenses like utilities, rent,
groceries, clothing and extraneous costs like transportation and occasional
school functions towering over you demanding payment, making ends meet from
month to month seems mathematically impossible.
The Big Girl Chronicles LISP Report would like to help keep low income
and single parent families informed of resources available to get the
assistance needed in those difficult times.
No
matter how you try to minimize ac/heating usage, you have to pay the costs of
comfort during times of extreme heat or cold. Sometimes getting assistance is
as easy as asking the utility company for help.
If there isn’t a program that they have available to meet your needs,
someone from there is likely knowledgeable about local programs that do offer
assistance. Those programs include
places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, your local community action agency or
other public assistance provider. These
programs provide payment for a portion of utilities if not all along with other
bills and only require that you in turn participate in activities such as
job-readiness training or register with your local unemployment services
provider. Have ready a copy of all your
most recent household bills, birth certificates and social security information
for all who reside in your household and income verification (including child
support payments).
Other
things you can do to assist with meeting monthly bill payments includes
trimming down your budget. From one
low-income single parent to another, I know you’re likely thinking that’s
virtually impossible. Your budget is
likely as constricted as mine. But
should you not be taking advantage of things like coupons and in-kind benefits
offered by your local retailers, these are some other areas probably worth
considering. For example if your local
retailer or pharmacy is offering a promotion that allows you to earn “in-store
cash” with a minimum purchase, plan to shop there if the differences in pricing
aren’t too painful and apply the “in-store credit” to other household
necessities such as toilet tissue, paper towels, garbage bags, laundry
detergent and other expenses that you’d normally have to come out of pocket
for. As expensive as those items can
get, that would make a tremendous difference.
Should
there be additional questions you have about bill payment assistance, ask your
local department of health and human services if there are other resources for
low-income and single parent families.
You can contact them at www.dhs.gov or phone 1-877-696-6775.
The Big Girl Chronicles:
LISP
Report
As single parent and low-income families struggle to
make ends meet, many times the assistance of programs that provide services to
help manage the household budget and minimize expenses can be a lifesaver. The Big Girl Chronicles would like to
acknowledge those programs and services that consistently provide the
assistance promised. With that in mind,
the Low-Income and Single Parent (LISP) Report is an addition to The Big Girl
Chronicles that focuses on single parents, low-income families, resources and
consumer ratings of programs that cater to them. The information compiled in this report is
based upon consumer experience with the goods/services mentioned therein and is
a matter of opinion.
Quality service should not be considered negotiable
regardless of the status of program participants, especially if those program
participants are your target population.
Too often I’ve found that lower- income and single parent households are
treated poorly by comparison than those who can afford to pay higher costs for the
same goods and services. Often times,
these programs are contracted or subsidized by the government to provide goods
and services to lower-income families and should remain accountable to
providing quality services. Also, with
so many programs offering comparable services, consumers can feel bombarded
with choices. The Big Girl Chronicles
LISP Report hopes to lessen the confusion by assisting low-income single
parents in making informed choices.
PrePaid and Government Assisted Cellular Service
When the money is tight, reliable cellular service can
seem more of an unaffordable luxury rather than a necessity. However, with so much of the world
functioning via technology and the ability to instantly make contact by way of
social media and text as well as cell phone, not having access to these
services can become an unnecessary obstacle to securing employment, scheduling
or availability for other parental responsibilities. The Big Girl Chronicles has chosen to do a
comparison of PrePaid and Government Assisted Cellular Service that is hugely
popular and marketed toward low-income households. Those in review include ReachOut Wireless,
Tracfone, Assurance Wireless Lifeline and Net10.
By far, the most generous service provider is Assurance
Wireless Lifeline government assisted cellular service. The plan they offer of 250 anytime minutes
was the most minutes offered in comparision with other government assisted
cellular programs, with additional minutes available to purchase if needed.
Although those minutes do NOT carry over from month to month, the 4 hrs plus
are more than enough most months to stay connected without depleting them
all. 250 free text are also available
with no carry over. The voicemail
feature is also an excellent tool, with thorough call information provided for
those times when you can’t get to the phone.
Registration for the program was convenient and hassle-free. You are only required to meet one of the
general requirements of the program to qualify.
Some drawbacks to their service include the basic handset that is
provided. In comparison with other
programs and handsets provided, this phone is a dinosaur. There was no camera, which comes standard on
most other phones, to take a picture and assist in identifying/establishing
ownership should the handset ever become lost.
Web browsing isn’t an option either, unless you desire to check your
balance (minutes available). Otherwise,
you’ll have to pay additional costs.
Upgrades to your existing plan could be made and advertised without
extending the offer to you to take advantage of at time of
recertification. So, you’ll have to keep
watch of their website to make certain that you’re getting the most your plan
has to offer. What’s most important is that coverage is kind of a gamble. If you have to travel, it could be difficult
to catch and maintain a signal. And
unfortunately, there has been some difficulty receiving calls. Customer
Service was difficult to contact, with extensive wait times that count against
your available minutes. So if what you
need is minutes, Assurance Wireless Lifeline is the service provider who offers
the most. But that’s about all you’re
going to get. For more information or to
see if you qualify, check out their website at AssuranceWireless.com or
VirginMobileUSA.com/PayLo. You can also
contact them at 888.898.4888.
If you want to remain discreet about participation in a
government assisted cellular service, continue to have access to text
(including picture messaging), web service and get pretty reliable coverage,
then ReachOut Wireless is definitely your best option. ReachOut Wireless won’t deny you all the
bells and whistles that other service providers restrict, with such options
available as downloading customized ringtones, graphics and many other options
that most cellular providers offer. The
downloads are subtracted from your minutes though. Your available minutes are conveniently
displayed on your handset to help manage talk time/calls. You can easily purchase an upgrade in your
price range if you don’t like the handset that’s mailed to you from either
their website or your local general store.
The handset you receive is more likely to have basic camera capabilities
than not. Registration was quick and
easy, with supporting documentation, and they even send you a free Tshirt for
participating in their program. There
is the option to “port” an old phone number if available in some instances. There are several ways to contact customer
service, and customer service representatives remained polite and helpful. With all these options, it would’ve been
sheer perfection if ReachOut Wireless had included more minutes in their package. On the plus side though, your minutes do rollover
from month to month. To find out more, visit ReachoutMobile.com or
call 877.870.9444.
In the world of PrePaid cellular plans, I have found
Tracfone to be the Cadillac of prepaid cellular service. Tracfone wants your business, and this is
what they do to keep you a happy customer.
You get several airtime options to suit your budget. Handsets that are comparable to the latest in
technology. Reliable coverage. Consistently hassle-free web browsing. Did I mention reliable coverage? Consistently hassle-free web browsing? Activation is simple and convenient. You have the option to purchase airtime
directly from your handset. Minutes and
service end date are conveniently displayed on your chosen handset, however
those minutes do not roll over. There is
the option to port an existing phone number.
This is exemplary cellular service that is affordable and reliable. The only frustration you might incur is long
wait times to the call center. However,
their service is of such exception that there won’t be very many times you’ll
have to contact customer service. To get
more information about Tracfone visit their website at Tracfone.com or call
800.867.7183.
Net10 prepaid cellular offers fast and easy
activation. Again, there is the option
to port an existing number, or select a new one. There are several plans to meet your needs,
and minutes do not roll over. You have a
vast selection of stylish handsets to choose from that offer the latest in
technology, with the option to purchase additional airtime directly from your
handset. However, you might not get to
take advantage of those options. The
ability to check messages from the handset with the quick key option was
constantly defective, routing the call instead directly to LEAVE a voicemail
rather than CHECK messages. On the Net10 airtime card is stated “ TALK – TEXT –
WEB/EMAIL-411 NATIONWIDE 24/7/365. However, if you are seeking a service
provider that you can rely on for travel, you’re taking a gamble with this
one. More reliable are the frequent
error messages you’ll receive if attempting to place a call outside of the
“assigned” (nationwide?)area. Those are
in addition to restrictions imposed on web browsing and email indicated on the
airtime card that is simply a direct contradiction to what’s stated. Calls
to the customer service call center count against available minutes and can
include extensive wait times that can be both frustrating and unproductive. What’s so ironic about the sharp difference
in the quality of service provided by Net10 and that of Tracfone is…THEY’RE
OWNED BY THE SAME COMPANY. When
questioned about why that is so, I was told that the problem is the handset and
not the service. The strange thing about
that is, I used the same model handset for both. If you want to play a cruel joke or agitate
someone, this is the perfect service to purchase. But for a single parent needing consistent,
reliable coverage, consider other options.
To find out for yourself, visit
Net10.com or phone 877-TEN-CENT.
Opting to responsibly manage limited income oftentimes
begins with shaving costs from expensive cellular plans that are offered by
more popular big businesses and taking advantage of programs such as those
mentioned above. The stress of trying to
make ends meet is enough in itself. What
you don’t need is added frustration taking on providers whose service
contradicts what is advertised, or doesn’t meet your needs. Take time to research options thoroughly so
that you can make an informed decision about what cellular service is most
reliable. You can review more government
assisted cell phone offers and eligibility criteria at
freegovernmentcellphones.net. Chat with
you again soon!
The Big Girl Chronicles:
LISP
Report
As single parent and low-income families struggle to
make ends meet, many times the assistance of programs that provide services to
help manage the household budget and minimize expenses can be a lifesaver. The Big Girl Chronicles would like to
acknowledge those programs and services that consistently provide the
assistance promised. With that in mind,
the Low-Income and Single Parent (LISP) Report is an addition to The Big Girl
Chronicles that focuses on single parents, low-income families, resources and
consumer ratings of programs that cater to them. The information compiled in this report is
based upon consumer experience with the goods/services mentioned therein and is
a matter of opinion.
Quality service should not be considered negotiable
regardless of the status of program participants, especially if those program
participants are your target market. Too
often I’ve found that lower- income and single parent households are treated
poorly by comparison than those who can afford to pay higher costs for the same
goods and services. Often times, these
programs are contracted or subsidized by the government to provide goods and
services to lower-income families and should remain accountable to providing
quality and accurate services. Also,
with so many programs offering comparable services, consumers can feel overwhelmed
with choices. The Big Girl Chronicles
LISP Report hopes to lessen the confusion by assisting low-income single
parents in making informed choices.
Medicaid
Making certain that children’s
health is covered during times of unemployment or when managing low income has
been made easier through programs such as your state’s health insurance plan
for low-income families. Medicaid
ensures that low income parents have the means to continue routine doctor’s
visits regardless of ability to pay.
Most services are completely covered, or are provided with only a small
co-pay. No transportation? No problem.
Medicaid also offers transportation to and from appointments if
contacted well in advance. Should your child ever have an extended stay
in the hospital, Medicaid also covers most medical procedures and overnight
accommodations.
During your doctor visit
or overnight stay, take the time to make note of each healthcare professional
that you speak with. Include in your
notes as much as you can of each and every service that your child has received
to compare with the billing statement.
That includes pain killers, sedatives, meals and any other item that
could be charged to you. It could seem
tedious and unnecessary initially because you assume that Medicaid has it all
covered, but many times there are extraneous costs or inaccurate details that
can cause problems for you in the future.
A billing statement that lists costs for services above what Medicaid
has agreed to pay will leave you owing a balance that can easily become
unmanageable, and unfortunately this occurs more often than you realize. To guard against this, talk extensively with
your doctor about what procedure (s)he is suggesting your child is in need of,
making certain that you are made aware of any additional procedure(s) prior to
what is suggested. Then immediately
contact those who bill for the services to get an estimate of what you can
expect the entire procedure will cost.
It would also be helpful to contact Medicaid yourself to make certain
that you are on the same page with the healthcare provider and minimize
surprises. If there is some difficulty
managing talks with healthcare professionals and keeping track of daily
expenses, ask a relative or friend for assistance. Review details about the Medicaid program
while sitting in waiting rooms or during your down time to reacquaint yourself
with the program.
Once your billing
statement arrives, do a comparison with your notes. If you aren’t provided a detailed bill of the
procedure(s), service(s) and the cost(s)
involved, you can usually ask the healthcare provider for a detailed bill at no
cost. Any charges that you are unsure of
or don’t understand can easily be explained by contacting the billing/accounts
department of the healthcare provider.
Listen and jot down notes. If you
owe a balance, make certain you are clear why.
Begin to make arrangements to resolve the balance if outstanding costs
are higher than you can afford to pay in one payment. Should there be any discrepancy, refer to
your notes and begin the process to arrive at an understanding.
Whether it’s Medicaid,
Medicare or any other insurance program, mistakes do happen. Although you could be experiencing a very
difficult time trying to comfort your child during an illness, it is imperative
that you also keep track of costs. To find out more information about your
state’s Medicaid program or other services for which you may qualify, visit medicaid.gov.
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