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I've had friends that lost their jobs and got the student loan holder to reduce their payments based on their new income levels, not a deferment but might loosen something up.
Also I have seen people on Amazon and eBay that buy the "tourist goods" at Walmart and then resell them online for more than they paid but less than the actual merchant would charge to ship to the mainland. For example, if I ordered coffee from the plantation on Kauai they would charge $10 + per bag plus very high S&H. Walmart sold the same bags for around $5 each when we were there, I paid someone on eBay $8 per bag and saved on shipping because they used the flat rate priority boxes. They made $3 per bag and I saved money. I wouldn't list things I didn't know I couldn't run out and buy though, that way you don't have to keep inventory you only buy what you have sold. Just an idea.
winkosmosis wrote: "That's interesting you had that many readers. Did you make any money? I'm guessing you need many thousands to profit from advertising."
I didn't put up advertising, because I wanted to sell my own business. I did do the Amazon affiliate thing for the books I recommended, and somebody bought a GPS through my links, so I made $30 on some lucky promotion. Otherwise, I didn't do advertising. It is somewhat of a deterrent, so you have to find the right balance between placement and payment.
I really don't know what kind of money you can make, maybe $20-$50 per month--you'd have to research that, don't rely on my numbers. Maybe you could double that if you have enough readers and clever Maui-themed bumper stickers to sell. So it's not a job, and it does take time to write the posts and upload your pictures, but it's relatively easy and fun, plus you get the satisfaction of sharing your photos. If you're really savvy, you could go straight to local businesses (probably vacation rental managers) and sell your ad space directly to them for better money than Google AdSense.
One more thing for anyone thinking about doing something like this: you need a facebook presence. Everyone loves having a picture from Hawaii show up in their feed every day, and there are a lot of people on facebook. So you could upload small photos to your facebook wall, and then link to the blog for the full-sized photos (and advertising--otherwise you don't make money).
BTW, I really do like your pictures. Even though you don't have a DSLR, the color and light look natural. You don't mess up the pictures in photoshop the way so many are tempted to do. Plus your composition is good, and I like all the little details in life that you shoot.
I am so sorry you find yourself in such a tight situation. The stress of money can be all-consuming sometimes.
Have you told your landlord your situation? If s/he realizes you can't get blood from a stone, perhaps you could leave on one month's notice? Moving in with a roommate would, of course, be huge.
Can you negotiate lower payments with the credit card/student loan people? Not ideal as it prolongs debt, but a possibility. I hate to ask, but are you living on ramen and peanut butter yet? Can you cut food costs? I would turn OFF the water heater and turn it on as needed for showers. Can you find a dorm fridge to use instead of the big fridge? Sell the jeep and get a moped? Can you get a job, ANY job, even fast food, for a while?
Can you combine some of the suggestions you're getting into say a 90 day plan, and tell yourself that if it's like this in 90 days, you'll have to move to Houston? Maybe you can begin to dig out of the hole you're in....good luck.
I'd be worse off, since I'd still have to pay interest on my debts, my parents would have to support me, and I'd have no health or dental insurance
I've checked the meter and the readings on the bills are correct. I don't know what's going on. I have CFL lights, don't leave them on, my computer is a laptop not a desktop, etc.
Re:your dental issue(s)...
Contact them at - Hawaii School of Dental Arts
1441 Kapiolani Blvd # 905 Honolulu, HI 96814-4405
(808) 941-2277Most dental schools have programs for those with low income, to sign up/request low cost/free services as part of their training resources for student experience. Worth shot to ask them on Oahu. keep that in mind any location you go as well. In addition, contact any medical resources to ask about similar low/free aspects for your other issues and where you might obtain assistance of any type.
Unless they have student dentists on Maui, the plane fare to and from Oahu for the student dental work is gonna put the cost over what he's now paying on Maui. That's a huge problem in Hawaii, we can't get to the other parts of the state easily or inexpensively. Especially since the air fares are now expensive and seem to be staying that way. There used to be coupon books folks who lived here could get but no more.
Unless they have student dentists on Maui, the plane fare to and from Oahu for the student dental work is gonna put the cost over what he's now paying on Maui. That's a huge problem in Hawaii, we can't get to the other parts of the state easily or inexpensively. Especially since the air fares are now expensive and seem to be staying that way. There used to be coupon books folks who lived here could get but no more.
Guess that fuel costs prohibit any water craft ferry system either. That still would be a good tourist attraction, to visit islands without air fares and the hassles of that entire process. Perhaps the older ferry I read about here, was stopped due to many issues. Sailing anyone?? This subject underlines the isolation and being stranded on islands w/o funds to depart unless you have a unique method of leaving . Then too, there must be some form of transport to bring heavy goods to each island, as well as replenishment of food stocks. Help in exchange for transport? I would be thinking of alternatives of travel.
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