We’ve all seen the crazy stockpiles from Extreme Couponing and other shows. I hear from a lot of you how crazy they are and how nobody needs a stockpile that big.
That’s true, however, I strongly recommend having a stockpile for your family to cover your needs.
We’ve never truly needed to use our stockpile. I’ve rotated things and donated as they aged.
Until now. Now we are fully relying on our stockpile.
I told ya’ll a few weeks back how our rental house was trashed. Due to this, I had to take some time away from blogging, my husband had to take time off work, and we had a lot of expenses on the rental house.
Now before you think that I was making big bucks off the rental, let me further explain. We had a rental company in charge of the house. Due to the mortgage on it, we made nothing. Zip. Nada. They just paid the mortgage fee and kept all the extra. That worked great the past 8 years. Then they moved out of country, leaving us with non-paying tenants and a wrecked house.
Oh yes.
It’s been a nightmare. Our bills completely doubled overnight. In the matter of weeks, we had to come up with money to fix that house, make 2 mortgage payments, 2 electric bills, 2 water bills, etc. That’s not for the faint of heart. Keep in mind the rental is also an hour away from my current house and we know how expensive gas is, especially driving that distance daily.
Then the brake lines in my van cracked. To the tune of $775. That was a nice addition to this already chaotic time.
I’m not telling you this for you to feel sorry for me. I’m telling you this because LIFE HAPPENS. We never know what is around the next corner. Without our stockpile, I have no idea how I’d be feeding my kids right now or how we’d wash our clothes. Although my supply is really starting to dwindle, I can use my couponing knowledge to stretch our already stretched budget to the max.
Our stockpile has kept us afloat so far.
As a final note, please pray for us. Not sure how much longer we can juggle all these things. We are doing our very best to handle this right now, but it’s a true struggle. If you know anyone looking to rent in Winder, GA, please keep us in mind. So far we haven’t been able to find responsible tenants.
On a side note, I do still plan to do a great giveaway for our 3rd anniversary, but it’s going to be a bit as you can tell from above.
How has your stockpile or budgeting helped you in a time of need? Leave and comment and tell us about your experience.
CHRISTINE DUNCAN says
Praying for you. To help spread the word on your rental house, there are a few facebook “yard sale” groups for the Winder and surrounding areas you can post the house on. There is often several people asking about rental houses on them.
MommyOctopus says
Thanks Christine – I’ve posted on a couple of them. I’ll look to see if there is some more I’ve missed.
R says
I am so sorry you are dealing with this problem. I think you were lucky to have had eight years with good renters. From personal experience, don’t let the temporary pressure cloud your judgement. No tenant is better than one that will steal your appliances, trash the place, or know how to work the eviction system.
MommyOctopus says
The renters have changed over the years, but it was the rental company managing it for us that up and left us with no notice after 8 years of managing our property.
We are definitely hoping the right ones come along since we are managing it ourselves now.
Sandra H says
Have you listed it anywhere? or thought about another managment company? Our realtor also offers a service where they list your rental, will do showings and credit check for you. The fee is only half the first month’s rent. you handle everything else. Might be a good option to get your place rented. Our condo was rented within a week with them. Good luck. It is stressful having to deal with finding renters.
Katie says
We are praying! I will be passing the word along about the house. Thank you for all you do!
Anna D says
I pray for peace, that God will stretch every last cent of your money, and that he will guide you on the decisions you have to make concerning the rental.