STAYING AFLOAT

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 you 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)

*Return 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

10375 East Harvard Avenue Suite 300

Denver, Co 80231

Tel: 303-632-2227

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.