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Townhall
Finance...
Dave Says Do What You
Need to Take Care of Kids
by Dave Ramsey
Dear Dave,
I just lost my job due to company-wide layoffs. I have an emergency
fund, but I’m losing my health insurance. Our state has a program that
covers children’s healthcare in these kinds of situations. Would it be
okay to accept this for my kids until I find another job and things get
better?
Paul
Dear Paul,
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with accepting help when you’re down
or struggling. On the other hand, to define yourself as being down or
struggling is a really bad thing. By this, I mean you should never just
sit there, consider yourself helpless, and expect someone else to take
care of you. Remember this: everyone falls down. Loser’s stay down, but
successful people get back up!
If I woke up one morning and realized I had no insurance or couldn’t
feed my family because I’d lost my job, I’d be out looking for work all
day long, every single day. If that didn’t work, I’d pack everyone up
and go find another place to work and live. At the very least I’d map
out a plan to work and make money somewhere else during the week, then
come home weekends.
You sound like a good dad, and I love the fact that you’re thinking
about your kids. Do what’s necessary to take care of them right now,
even if it means getting help from the state. Make sure you’re out
there busting it, and trying to make something happen in the job
market, too. You shouldn’t still be living this way six months from now!
—Dave
Dear Dave,
I have tenants who have been perfect in paying rent on time for almost
a year. Last month, the woman lost her job, and when I went to collect
the rent the other day, she said she didn’t have any money. I’m pretty
sure they used part of it for a car payment and the electric bill, and
I know they need these things. Still, I’m torn over how to handle this
and how lenient to be.
Alex
Dear Alex,
You’re right, what they spent the money on were things they needed. At
the same time, they probably knew the rent was due and when it was due.
Since you know about their situation, and you’re their landlord, it
might be a good idea to offer to try and formulate a plan that would
help them get through this tough time.
If it were me, I’d sit down with them and make a budget and list of
priorities. Food comes first, water and electricity after that, then
rent, and finally the car. Get into their business a little, and find
out what else is going on in their lives. You have to be fair and firm
to be a quality landlord.
I’d be willing to cut them some slack if they’re cooperative and
honestly have to choose between feeding their kids and paying me. But
if they insist on misbehaving with their money or having parties on the
weekend, I’d have no problem telling them to find another place to live.
The biggest thing is to treat them the way you would want to be treated
if the roles were reversed. I think most people want to do what’s
right, but you want to feel good about extending mercy when, and if,
it’s appropriate.
—Dave
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