The Oregon Women's Report - Women's News from Oregon

I think we all have neighbors whose houses have taken foreverrrrrr to sell. Some people can wait this out, others cannot. This has meant huge losses for many families simply because of the timing. I feel oh so sorry for them.

I know someone who just said NO to new school clothes. She just waited it out, took the heat from her kids, and plans to pick clothes shopping up later. Good thinking, but you should see the look on people’s faces – as if she murdered someone of something. Give her a break people.

With clothes, try the re-sale places.

Good time to teach my kids a lesson on making ends meet, how to tighten belts, and some of the happiest times are spent spending nothing

I run the Children’s Scholarship Fund-Portland, which provides privately funded partial tuition scholarships to low-to-moderate income Oregon families to send their children to private or home schools. I regularly receive inquiries from families trying to make ends meet while placing or keeping their children in the schools they think are best for them. A couple parents have told me rising prices in the economy have caused them to pull their children out of their Christian school, and they aren’t happy about that. We’re entirely dependent on private donations to help as many elementary children as we can attend schools where they are learning, thriving, and safe. Parents pay over 50% of their own tuition expenses themselves, so this program is a “hand up,” rather than a “handout.” Our students and parents are grateful for all the helping hands they have received over the years!

I have no spending money now. I spend all my money on bills, gas & food. It’s a drag not being able to take my kid to a movie or to play. I have cut back on wants and am finding free fun things to do! Also, working at a non-profit organization – i can deeply see the impact. There are alot fewer donations than that in the past.

After the last two weeks, I have a strong opinion about what I intend to do about our budget….I intend to take the people I vote for very serious. Stop taxing and spending us into oblivion!!!!!!

What’s so upsetting is the money Im going to have to pay for this bailout. The income I receive isnt considered “taxable” according to lenders. Therefore it cannot be used to obtain a loan to buy a house. BUT….I still pay taxes on it AND thanks to the vote last week my tax dollars will be going towards loans made for 2nd, 3rd, and even 4th time housing investment buys. Its infuriating!

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