FREE MONEY FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES

   Is there really free money for low income families?  In a way there is.  Even if you get government help, it may be free help to you, but someone paid for it through their taxes, including you at a time when you worked and didn’t need help.  Everyone has heard about food stamps (now called SNAP), HUD housing, Aid to Dependent Children etc.  Many residents of the tri-lakes area have heard of OACAC, food pantries, energy assistance, and other organizations that can help you in a jam.  If you need contact numbers for these programs, please go to my organizations page.

 

NOTE:  If you are in need of help from becoming homeless, contact Christian Associates in Kimberling City.  They now have grant money to help those in Stone and Taney County.

 

   Every organization has to raise these funds through fundraisers and grants.  There are times when things get tight for them too, but check back with them.  Grants don’t always come on time and now with the economy in the shape it is in, many of the grants are smaller.  Hopefully, with the new stimulus program there will more free money to help families in need.  And many people who use to donate….have not donated.

   Think about it….every time you use a coupon, you are getting free money.  Every time you barter for something you are getting something you need for something someone else doesn’t need, but needs what you have.  No money exchanged hands, so didn’t you, in a  way, get free money (check out the Tri-Lakes Bartering page).  Every time you stretch a meal by adding rice to it to make it go further, didn’t you save money (see the Food page)?  That’s free money too.

   Every time you repair something, you are saving money.  If you don’t know how to repair the item, search the internet or go to your local library.  And if you don’t procrastinate and get it repaired before it gets worse, you save even more money.

   If you want to start a small business, work towards getting a free grant or a low income grant.

   If you need help with paying for prescriptions, there are many programs (go to the medical page).  There are many pharmaceutical companies that will get you your medications for free or a very low price.  The information is on the medical page. That is free money.

   People are very good at holding clothing drives, shoe drives, food drives etc. to help those with low income.  At Christmas there are many organizations and churches who give food and warm clothing to the less fortunate.  In the summer, OACAC loans out fans for those with no air conditioning.

   There are many things you can do in the area that are free which means free money (in a way) for low income families.  Many of the shows have a night or two per year that is free for the residents of the area.  That saves you $20-30. per person by going those particular nights.  Boston Community Center is north on Hwy 248 and the first Saturday night of every month they have a free potluck (just bring one dish of your choice) and then a free jam session afterwards.  The music is in the one-room schoolhouse and the dining is in the new building.  And there are other jam sessions in the area, many of which, the Branson entertainers join in on

   Any time you are saving money you are receiving free money for low income families.  You can save through coupons, save by going green, save by recycling and selling metals, making meals go further, or saving by not using your credit cards and paying high interest loans.  You're saving money by turning lights, tv's and all electrical items off when not in use.  In fact, the electrical companies say anything that is plugged into outlets is still costing you money as it still uses power.  Do unplug everything until you need to use it.

   Every time you use a bag from the grocery store for your trash, you are saving yourself money.  Every time you check the tires on your vehicle and make sure they have the right amount of air in them, you are saving gas and wear and tear on your tires.  This adds up quick.

   Any time you can pay ahead on your bills you are saving money.  During the summer pay ahead for propane, as the prices will be higher come cold weather time.  Put money away for your electrical bill during the winter and summer months.  You can call your electrical company and get on a payment plan where every month your bill will be the same amount.  This keeps you from being surprised by very high bills.  They will look at your bills over the past 12 months and average them.

   Every time you buy something on sale you save money.  Every month of the year, certain items are on sale (the same month every year).  Save up so you can buy enough to cover your needs for a year.....and save money.

   If you have the money, do your buying at the end of a season for the next year.  After Christmas sales are a great way to save what you would pay full price for in the months leading up to Christmas the next year.  You know you are going to need wrapping paper or bags and ribbon.  And if you can find some that aren't in Christmas colors, you can use it for any occasion.

   Every time you make your own stationery or greeting cards, you are saving money.

   Recycling everything you no longer use for something you do need, you are saving money.  Anything made out of wood should be saved to make items you need around the house or yard.  Why throw wood away and then go buy wood at the lumber yard.

   See how many way you can save money and notice how much you have saved.....free money for low income families.