How Would You Survive with No Money?

just take my debts then I should be fine...I'll try living off the land! Better yet, where's that Sugar Daddy!

god thats hard for shelter i probally would move in with my mom or find a job taking care of an elderly person or find a job living somewhere where i take care of their place for rent.for food well i live next to family so their i go and work i would be looking .which i actually am..but sometimes i hate money and not having any sucks but oh well.theres always the lottery..

Boy I am blessed! My home and car are paid for. If I woke up with no moneyI would call my brother. He has several business while I just a school teacher.

I would have to commit suicide

I would turn to my family.

I would definitely turn to family for help. But I would also take charge myself and clip coupons, buy on sale, shop at the salvation army or goodwill, maybe get a second job, etc.
Anything I can do save money and help my family out.

i would turn to my family. nowhere else.

I have a few sisters and my parents are still chugging along, so I guess I'd be sleeping on a couch or two for a while as I write the next great American novel. Fun times!

Between my biological family and my church family I'm pretty sure we'd make it through a hardship time if needed. However, we've always made sure that we have a "buffer" so to speak in case of emergency or job loss, hopefully the above would never be necessary. We'd trust in God to get us what was needed!

While I know that I could rely on my family, I would still insist on trying to make it on my own. Where there is a will, there is a way.....Things happen for a reason!

It's a great comfort to know that my parents and sister would have my back completely if this nightmare scenario were to play out -- I know I could go to them immediately and they'd help me restart while they help me take care of my basic needs.

I would seek out my friends and family for help.

I would buy ev erything I need in store's brand and medicine in generic brand.

I know I would be ok with the love and support of my family.

I'd get help from family

If I woke up and had no shelter or belongings I would probably first turn to my parents for a place to stay and then I would try to find any job I could.

I would rely on family for help

I would do whatever it took, from begging for work to bartering to asking family for help and more. When you have a family pride and dignity sometimes have to go out the window and you just do what you have to- get up at 5 to try to get hired on as day labor or anything else.

My Mom would always help me out how ever she could.

I would rely on my family to get through.

I would do missions work.

I would probably go to my church for help.

I have savings but if that was gone. I would get by with help from my firends and family. I would probably do odd jobs for them. I would also sell all my things on craigslist. I have had my income cut in half and was fine but that is because I am frugal but with no money I would become cheap.

I would take in roommates to help pay the mortgage and utilities. I would barter my accounting experience for other basic needs. I would probably have a huge yard sale to get some temporary relief and I would definitely expand my garden.

i would take it day by day and do the best that i could making sure my kids had everything they needed before my own needs were met

I'd start living It off my stockpile, locate a good place to pitch a tent until I could make other arrangements, barter my labor with a farmer for food and hopefuly a bit of cash,

we'd sell everything that makes sense, avail ourselves to all aid services, probably move in with either of our parents for a bit (hopefully!), grow a garden, be thankful for any job ops that come our way.

I would stay with my sister and look for a job.

Honestly, I have no clue as to what I would do on first thought. After I recovered from the shock, I would sell everything I could, make the most of any services available to me until I could structure a new life for myself.

We have 3 young children, one of which is a baby and we also have 2 dogs. Both sets of grandparents live far away so we wouldn't be able to stay with them. So, I think the 1st thing I would do is reach out to our church & seek guidance from them. I know my husband for sure would go out there and find a job, any job, even if it meant doing something he totally dreaded, he would do whatever it took to bring in money for our family. I would also probably immediately hold a HUGE yard sale and start selling anything and everything so we could at least purchase food and pay the mortgage. I think initially we would be okay just selling off "stuff" but that would only be a temporary fix. This is a tough one and the reality is, sad to say, it could happen to anyone! Thank you so much for the chance to enter. We sure could use a little extra cash!!

Wow, this is a tough one! With 3 small children, we would have to do whatever it takes to survive. First of all, our twin boys are in daycare, so we would have to take them out of daycare to save money. Both my wife and I have supportive families, so we could turn to them for support too.

I would continue to grow my garden. I would minimize any usage of utilities. I would trade my massage services in a bartering fashion.

I've spent my life assuring this wouldn't happen - by never living beyond my means. My house is paid off so the worse I think could happen is having to take a job ASAP to ensure I'd have some health insurance and income for food, utilities, etc.

I'm trying to plan ahead for the possiblilty that I could get laid off. I am a teacher, so my job is relatively secure at this point. I'm working towards living on half my salary and saving the rest. I'm glad I have a garden, which helps to feed me in the summer and early fall.. At this point I am paring down my possessions. driving less. I cut my cable bill in half by just getting the standard channels.

I'd turn to my family and friends for help and start looking for a job

I'd have to do the best I could by asking for help where ever possible. I am disabled and can't work. I am already living on a very tight budget. I have a garden, I recycle for money when possible, I don't eat much meat and I never spend money on clothes for myself and always use coupons and buy cheap whenever possible.

The thing is that this is a cash based society. If you do not have of your own, you simply become a drain on the rest of the economic system. It is not viable to try to survive without money. Now one can certainly survive for a while without money by leaning on friends or family, social services, etc. One can lower their monetary needs by growing their own food, making their own clothes, soap, whatever, and by bartering for goods and services.

I would have a big garage sale

GUESS I'M STILL YOUNG ENOUGH TO TURN TRICKS..HA HA :)

Do whatever needed to survive- Sell anything I have, apply to goverment agencies for help and ask family to help. I would take any job regarless of the type of work just to survice and barter any services could offer.

I'm unemployed right now - neighbors are wonderful and feed me now and then - lol
I would just do my best - whatever I had to do to survive - I grow my own vegetables
so at least I wouldn't starve! Thanks for this contest - would love to win something!!

I would try to find other work, possibly something that offered shelter like caretaking for people or livestock. I'd do lots of little jobs until I could find something permanent. I'd sell anything I had that didn't need to bring in some cash. I can create things from discarded items, so I'd make and sell my creations.

I would have to depend on public and private agencies sivce my family llive in other countries. I would have to look to food banks and shelters for the homeless and hopefuly they could help me fond a job. garrettsambo@aol.com

Since we have been through layoffs before, we would work our tails off selling or trading what we own and what we can do to help others to make any money we could. We have alot of friends and family who help out when any one needs it, so i know we could lean on them if needed. But we have always somehow managed to live on what we have by learning to reset our priorities.

I would sell whatever belongings I could and also we would move in with my mother.

I'd have to ask family to help me out until I could get back on my feet...

Bartering...like in the old days!

I guess I would have to ask my brother for help. Hopefully it will never come to that.

What would I do? This question is real, since hubby's been laid off, I am about to be forced to uproot my kids from all their friends (which will devastate them) and move from MI to NC so my mother can help us out. Her home is so big, her main bathroom is bigger than my kitchen. Thank goodness we have somewhere to go, I don't want to go, though. Big time :( Things are horrible in MI, but I still don't wanna leave.

I would look for any work that I could do. I have found you can live without alot of things, that people say they can't live without.

I'm already getting by on very little income. I know where & when all the local food banks are. I stay out of stores. I use the library and its computers. I enter contests where the prize is money...... Thanks for the contest.

I would go through my belongings and sell what I could, donate the rest and see if I could barter my services for food, rent, etc. Me and my 3 kids already live with my mom - but money is still tight.

i would sell what i could and move in with my sister

Ask my friends for help. Not for me but for my little one.

I know if it got really bad, my family would be there to help in whatever way was needed.

I would swallow my pride and turn to my sister for help--I've been through lean times before--and I can do it again--no money for movies, or cable---I'll head to the library and check out a good book.

I would have to swallow my pride and ask for a temporary loan from my folks.

I already survive on no money. I take care of my majorly insane mother who is so aggravating that my sister (who believes in forgiveness) said she would kill her within a week if she was forced to put up with her.

I would turn to God, my family and church. I know those would get me through but I would also do everything I could do to get a job and at least get my children food. If I had to we would turn to a shelter for food and a bed at night. I will always make sure my children are taken care of tho. These are scary scary times right now. =(

Well, right now my husabnd has not had any work for two weeks, so yes, this hits home. Seems this has hit so many in CA where we live. I would pray and ask God to lead us, and my husband and I would look for other work-which he is ready to do now. We would cut as many expenses as possible and talk to as many contacts as possible.

My siblings & I and our families would move in w/ our living parent & combine our resources & talents. We would have yard sales, sell belongings on ebay, sell handmade items on etsy, do odd jobs, babysit, mow lawns, clean houses, tutor, type resumes, do word processing, etc. We would plant a vegetable garden in the backyard. We would can fruits & vegetables & make preserves/jams/jellies. We would sell baked goods, professionally decorated cakes & make fresh & silk floral arrangements. We would cook & deliver homemade gourmet meals & cater parties. We would clip coupons & sale shop. We would eliminate usage of services we do not need.

My mom would help me, and I would try to sell some stuff online, crafts on Etsy, collectibles on eBay, original designs on Cafe Press. I would try to start seriously blogging and see if I could pick up sponsorships or advertising revenue that way.

I would turn to the Lord and the church.

WE HAVE HAD TO MOVE IN WITH MY PARENTS FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW . BUT I HAVE STARTED A NEW JOB THIS WEEK AND HOPEFUL WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET INTO OUR OWN PLACE SOON . SO GUESS I WILL TURN TO MY FAMILY AND WORK AT WHAT EVER KIND OF JOB I CAN FIND

I WOULD TURN TO FAMILY TO HELP ME AND I WOULD WORK DOING WHAT EVER I HAD TO MAKE ENDS MEET.

I would turn to friends locally, family in the long run, but ultimately it's on me to turn things around

I would ask my family for help until I could get a job.

I would turn to my family for help and accept any job that I found.

I would turn to my family and friends for help. I would also hit the pavement hard to fins a job. I would deliver newspapers, waitress etc whatever it took to get money.

I would rely on my family and friends.

I waited tables and bartended all throughout high school, college and graduate school. I've worked in all sorts of restaurants and bars, so I've always felt pretty secure that I could ALWAYS find work and make decent money. Of course, if my parents are still around, they will always take me in! THanks for the great giveaway.

If I woke up one morning and had nothing left, I would gratefully turn to my wonderful parents for help with our family of three young children. It is a terrifying prospect, and one that unfortunately has become more plausible as the threat of a layoff hangs over our heads with nothing in savings...

I would turn to my family and to God. I would hope that he makes a way for me.

Thanks

god will make a way and he always comes through

I would most definitely rely on my faith in God!! (First and foremost) I would feel grateful to have my family! There are many resources to help people in need nowadays!

I would pray, because I know God has taken care of me through good times and bad. I also have family members that would help me if I needed them, as I would them.

I would turn to God. He leads me through each and every day and if his plans lead me to such a situation I would have faith that I would be okay

I would rely on my family. My husband and I have been short on money in the past and luckily my family is always there to give us a boost. It really makes you appreciate having a supportive family.

I'd rely on family and friends, but many others wouldn't be so lucky to be able to do that

since i have no family left, i guess i would turn to my church, and other community aid groups, ti i could get back on my feet. it's a scary thought.

This has happened before, although it wasn't when I woke up. My family and I were out of town and when we came back home, we saw firetrucks and police cars crowded on the street. As we continued pulling up, we saw that it was our own house that was fire. It was 3 days after Christmas, so we lost everything- 10 years worth. We ended up moving in with family and it was already a crowded house with 5 other people- just add 4 more. Without them, we would have had no where to go.

Unfortunately, this has happened to me. I did wake up one morning and found out that my husband had wiped out the bank account and skipped town. I literally had $72 to my name. My family was a huge help but our local social services office provided assistance as well as great information. It took me awhile before I was able to get back on track and it is frightening. I learned much from this experience and now know how to really cut corners and don't take things for granted.

I suppose that we would turn to family and if necessary sell our possessions.

We'd turn to family.

If I am all out of money, I would ask my family or friends for help.

I'm unemployed, but my husband works so other then food and shelter I don't ask for anything, the only time I really get spending money is if I win on the contests I enter or once a year I get half the income tax refund minus any money that may have been loaned to me through out the year, example on the way to our daughters wedding 1200 miles away I got my very first spending ticket, husband payed for it but it was deducted off of my half of refund check. I use to work but no longer do because I feel that since I don't ask for anything and survive on no money I can enjoy staying at home. I also feel my health is not the best for daily work outside of the house and don't collect any payment for it l simply stay home and enter contest hoping for my win, If I really had to work to survive I would as I have worked 2 jobs at one time in the past and have even cleaned bricks for 3 cents each to survive, I started babysitting at the age of 8 to help my parents out,

If I had to, I would turn to family - and they know they could turn to me for help, too.

Unlike most people. We have a savings account for emergency purposes and a 401k that we can tap into until we both find jobs.

We would have to come out of retirement and find jobs.

I'd live in a van down by the river eating squirrels and nuts.

I have a great family and support group so I would turn to them first. All of my immediate family including 5 siblings (between my husband and I) live very close together so I would ask them for help. I would also sell anything that is not a necessity to earn some quick cash.

My parents live nearby and I know they'd be more than willing to help our family out. Of course I would do the same for them if they ever needed me to. That's what family is all about.

In order to survive, I would try to find out about available resources such as public assistance. In addition, hunting and gardening would be a way to have food on the table. Shelter-- if worse comes to worse a tent can be put up or stay in the car. You have to do what you have to do when times are tough.

I would ask my family for help and I know they would be more than willing to help me out. They would provide shelter, food, etc. until I find some type of work and get back on my feet.

If I had nothing left, I think I'd go to my parents. They have a little cabin and I'm sure they'd let me live in it until I could get myself back on my feet.

I have a wonderful family. I know they will always be there for me if everything was gone. Of course, I am obligated if the same happens to them!

I would have to grab my kids and move out of state where my dad is and stay with him. I do not want to be a burden so I guess that would be the very last resort if I cannot find work .

I think it would depend on whether or not I was healthy enough to work. If I could work and if I were healthy I could survive as I would do whatever it took to make money. I have been faced with being too unhealthy to work and that presents a horrible problem. I suppose I would try to get whatever government assistance I could qualify for and I would hope for God's provisions. I have thought about homelessness and I hope I will never be faced with that but if I were and I still had common sense and my sanity, I guess I would learn how to survive. I would look for a secluded place to stay if possible to be safe. So I suppose I would look for a warm area with wildlife.

Last year my husband and I sold (nearly) everything we own to move to Florida for a job that he had waiting for him. We paid a month of hotel in advance, jumped in our $300 car and drove from Oregon to Florida.

After 2 weeks my husband woke up paralyzed on his right side. After weeks in the hospital we found he has multiple sclerosis.

I sold my wedding ring and everything else I owned to get into an apartment and wait until disability kicked in.

We are stronger for it.

I would see if I could get a job at a a fast food place or gas station or anything and see if I could move in with my mother till I made enough money to get an apartment. I would go to a food pantry or church to see if they knew any one that needed help to make money.

My mom would let me stay with her while I got back on my feet. I'd look for any job to make and save money.

I would ask my parents for help and I am sure they would let me and my family live with them while we worked things out.

I already did it, moved in with family

It would be extremely hard for me and my family to live without money because I am pretty sure none of my family would want me living with them and mooching off of them. I would do whatever I had to do to get a job and make some money to support my family.

I'd move in with my mom and dad in the country. They would have room for me and have always proven to be there for me when the chips are down.

I would clean peoples houses.

I would move in with my Fiance and combine our income.

I would go to my Mom's. She has plenty of room for us and lives in the country so we could do a lot of "fending for ourselves" with gardening, etc. I'm self employed and can always find ways to make money.

I would have to go live at my mom's and take care of her, so it really would not be so bad for me and actually good for her. I could turn a negative into something of a positive.

Apply for food stamps.

I'd go directly to my beloved, amazing immediate family - we love each other and take good care of each other, and I know my Mom and stepfather would help me to start anew.

i'm almost there, been disabled for a few years now, sell what i can, enter stuff like this on the net but never win much

This is scarier than any Stephen King novel! I'm no good as an outdoorswoman, so I'd probably find my way to one of my cousin's homes and then rebuild my life by doing freelance writing, copyediting, or proofreading.

I would probably end up moving in with either my mother or my sister and stay there until I was back on my feet again. I do not like depending on others, even family... it makes me feel like a leech. I'd be out pounding the pavement the very next day - each day working would be one day closer to regaining my independence.

I have been layed of for three months i like selling things on ebay and craigslist my kids go through there rooms find and clothes toys and books they dont need and we auction them.

I was laid off my job in October, 2008 and I am now getting by on very little. I have really learned to economize in a variety of ways, such as, watching for items to go on sale, then using coupons along with the "Double Coupons" that some stores offer. In this way I can save loads of money on items I use every day. I am also more careful with electricity and only run electrical items that are absolutely necessary. I have also cut down on luxuries such as eating out or going to movies and instead, opting to eat meals at home and watch movies on television. I also have signed up for the store discount cards, such as Albertsons, occasionally they will print out a coupon at the check out for $3.00 off of a $10.00 purchase, not much, but helps when on a budget. Also, make sure that the tires on your car are aired up properly and the car is tuned up to get the best gas mileage. I have also called the cable company and cut down to basic cable. In these times of recession, every bit helps!

I would have to think about moving in with my parents and combine incomes under one household until I feel that I would be able to get back on my own. During this time I was save as much as possible.

Had very good survival training, being a kid during JFK and the Cuban Missle Crisis, Dad taught us to live off of the proverbial "Fat of the Land'. Pop once told me, "Mark, if you survive the nuclear blast, I ain't gotta worry about you goin' hungry in the wilderness. You handle a knife better than Jim Bowie, skin a kill better than Daniel Boone, and love meat too damn raw for my taste ... Yep, you'll do just fine!"

Having absolutely nothing is pretty extreme. Hopefully before that happened, I'd have some sort of plan in mind. I think I'd try to gather a core group of like minded individuals and devlop a co-op or communal venture. First we'd try to find a place to live - perhaps squatting in a deserted home that some other poor soul had abandoned. A team would be responsible for finding food - perhaps hitting the "better" restaurants after closing and ransacking their trash before it was spoiled. Grocery store and bakery trash would be good too. We'd watch for people moving out of apartments, or colleges at the end of the year, and scavenge what they left behind. That kind of stuff - what wasn't needed by the group - could be sold at flea markets. Depending on the kind of group that came together, maybe some of us could get work involving physical labor - moving furniture, painting, repairing. Not much of a long term plan, I guess, but it could mean survival.

If there was absolutely nothing left anymore we would live in camp grounds working odd jobs to buy food and necessities.

I would move to the woods in the mountains because I know I can survive there

I do everything. I collect cans and bottles. I take advantage of any entitlement programs I qualify for. I ask for overtime if available. I shop with coupons and at the 99 Cents store. And even if I lost everything, I'd survive, because I can think and this is still the USA. Hope I win :)

i'll let you know in about 6 months, lol. but seriously, i'd probably end up moving in with someone to try and get my feet back on the ground.

I'd be a bum on the beaches of Maui...hahaha!

We would clean houses, babysit, yardwork, carpentry. People that still have good paying jobs are still using services. We have a travel trailer, would could live it in.

i'd go to a private charitable organization, i think private charities actually want to get you back on your feet, whereas the government folk really couldn't care less if you're on the dole for the rest of your life

Since we've lost one job, one house and one car - we're close to this question. With help from Unemployment Compensation and family and sharp changes in spending and doing extra work where we can for extra earnings we are getting by. With a job interview coming up this week, we've got our fingers crossed that our situation will change soon. However, the lessons we've learned on spending will most likely stay with us for quite some time!

Well, I've actually had quite a lot of problems myself. Mostly, I've been selling what I no longer need, sold one of our 2 cars as well. Bartering my services as a virtual assistant/personal assistant. Shopping at the 99 cent store, buying groceries that are not more than $1.50 an item. Entering sweepstakes, lol...Well, things like that. :)

First I'd make friends who had a farm, like the Amish. The simple life isn't bad as long as we have food to eat and fresh water to drink. Maybe this is the way life was meant to be!

I would probably look to sale some items that I don't use anymore on ebay

I would enter contest on the internet and then sale the prizes.

I would have to get a cardboard box and write on it "Homeless, Need Money" and visit shelters. There are food banks and churches who will donate money and libraries to look for jobs. Life can be tough w/o money but anybody can rebuild back if they are willing to do so.

I'd have to rely on the kindness of others, and family.

Like many, I have a great family that would help. My husband and I both have lots of skills, so we'd find a job doing something.

Would probably have to ask family for help. Luckily, ours is a large and supportive one. We've all helped each other out in different ways, and it's nice knowing we could ask for help if we needed it.

I would have to turn to family and friends for help.

I could live on credit for at least a couple of months. I would use this opportunity to explore my dream of living in the Caribbean and finding work down there ... a much simpler lifestyle than the one I have now.

Since I am unemplyed, I would use the money for necessities-food, car insurance. It would really take some pressure off.

Well I figure for about a month I could live on credit alone while I was scrambling and scrambling to find work. I would turn to family to help me pay my absolute minimum payments, a terrible thought but you can't be too prideful if you have nothing at all. Worst case scenario, we would move back overseas since we are guaranteed work there. Just a terrible thought, since we have very little saved (we had to dip into much of it for expected medical costs). Scary!

I would probably turn to family, as we have always been there for each other and will help each other out whenever possible. I already use coupons for almost everything, which makes my money go much longer. I recycle cans and water bottles already also, which brings in a little money. I would have a garage sale or sell stuff on ebay that I do not necessarily need or want. I would also look for any job possible, even something that I am considered over-qualified for, because I do not feel like I am above anything. I am very blessed to have a job and am doing nicely, but I am still very frugal and save as much as I can because you never know what tomorrow will bring. God bless everyone struggling out there.

I would turn to family and I would carefully use the money saved to buy food. Then I would work on staying Positive so I will recognize opportunities. I would research each possibility of generating income.

I suppose I would turn back to my family. It would be difficult, but I would do so.

That is such a scary thought since I have two young children. If I found myself in that position, I'd use every resource availablebe it governmental (unemployment benefits, welfare, etc...), private (church, food banks, etc) or family & friends.

I would have my 1st yard sale! I also have many family members that live nearby that would help me as I would them! Thought provoking question! Great giveaway! I would love to win! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net

I would recycle cans and bottles for money, and spend 89 cents a day on food, double beef burrito at taco bell. Use the computer at a library to look for jobs or ways to raise money.

I would like to have some extra money since i'm unemployed at the present moment to take out my 82 year old mom for all she has done for me over the years.

I'm currently jobless and pregnant. I no longer spend money on things that I don't need. I only spend it on food and personal items. I can stretch $100 dollars for grocery that will last a whole month. Surviving in this rough economy is all about spending less and not eating out, going to the movies, or spending money when you don't need to.

First I would turn to family for help. My parents are usually willing to help where they are able and I never ask for help now so I am sure they would help if we really needed it.

I'd first look to family for a helping hand, grab a tent and probably live on the beach.

This actually happened to me through a series of unfortunate circumstances. It was a period of upheaval to say the least. Here are some of the ways that I got through it:

1). Grant Foundation Library- Looked up grants for individuals and was able to receive a nominal grant which helped with my medical expenses.
2). I joined an entrepreneur program for low income women and graduated. The training gave me opportunities and options to start my own small business.
3).I budgeted out my money for food very carefully. I alloted a certain amount for meat, veggies, grain, etc. I shopped at the Farmer's market and bought stuff in bulk.
4). For extra money I applied for focus groups on Craislist
5).I opened an IDA account (individual development account).

I would turn to my family first, for shelter, food. I would seek out friends and family for help with networking to find a job. There is always our church, as well. I've been close to having nothing and it's not pretty. My husband is out of work right now, so we could be in this situation at any time. I just pray it doesn't happen.

At this time I think we are all in similar boats no matter what our 'financial position' is. With nothing, I would first turn either to some great friends of ours or my brother, who lives here to seek immediate shelter. If that failed, we have other family members in other states who I am certain would welcome us with open arms. If we needed to eat but had no food nor means to purchase it, we could go to our area food kitchen or St. Vincent de Paul's. Of course, we could always sell anything we own...if not locally then on eBay. I just sold several things there recently. Out of work? I have turned that into a business wholesaling product lines to retailers. I think with Christ on your side miracles can and DO happen. We'd find a way.

Oh boy, I am living that right now and I am very unhappy about it. I got saved years ago and relied on God and my hubby/church for everything and now I have no job, health is going downhill fast and some say I am depressed. How is all happened is too long of a story to tell here but I no longer count on God, he has other things on his mind, I prayed and prayed and prayed, I cannot find a job in this small oppressive, economically depressed area I am stuck in and don't see any light at all, all the doors closed and no windows opened. Guess my luck ran out along with everyone and everything else that I cherished. Right now, I am selling my mothers old costume jewelry to survive. I have tried garage sales...........nobody here is buying and all that work for nothing. I have had to try and locate anything I can to exist and that is all I am doing........existing.

What would I do if I woke up one morning and had nothing left? I'd get myself to the employment office and find a job, visit every social service office that had benefits that would get me by till I got my first paycheck. I have never received any public assistance or borrowed money from anyone to pay my bills. I think I could make it through, though it wouldn't be any fun! I remember those days in my early 20's when I was trying to get on my feet and be an adult - it was a struggle, but I made it and I could do it again.

I'd start by looking for some support from friends and relatives. Then, I'd start looking for work, and in any spare time heading to the library to use their computers to earn some cash using some programs like Amazon Mechanical Turk.

I have a skill that can be uses for receiving money or doing trade. I am a good hair stylist, believe me that can go a long way. I would use my skills to trade for food and or money. Shelter would have to be probably be a tent until other arrangements could be met. Hopefully I would be able to have my home and just sell everything in if need be. We can all live without less. I would do what ever it took for my family. I have lived off of a lot less than what I am now, not that I would ever want to, but if push came to shove I would find away to provide. I am proud to say that I am married to a man who would do the same.

surviving without money....i'd be raiding my kids fridge instead of them raiding my fridge! I'd be frequenting happy hours with free appetizers, food samples at grocery stores, biking around town instead of driving, enjoying a cool breeze under a tree instead of running the air conditioner, trading in my cable box for a converter box and watching free tv and reading a lot more. i've saved a bit for a rainy day and have had to scratch and scroung before to survive, but with friends, family, and a bit of moxy it can be done....

I have always been a person to stand on my own two feet. If I suffered a big knock down, I'd get back up and start over. Fortunately I have job skills that are now and always will be in demand. I am employable as long as there are sick people. There are agencies that would jump at the chance to hire me, give me a place to live and money to spend.

I am a Freecycle fanatic (freecycle.org). It is a website in which people exchange things that they are no longer using, or you can ask for things if you have a need. I would sell things out of my home and if I had to go without a bed, couch, or tv, then so be it!!! I would get an additional job and slowly but surely build myself back up to where I was or better. I would do all of this, not in my power, but God's because none of it would work out without HIM!

Being a child of God, I will commit my situation to God. Then I would be careful not to waste anything. I will cook enough food for the family,whatever is leftover, I will modify and make it look good as new. I will walk and not take the car out for short distances,it will also be part of exercise.buy only what is really necessary.stop eating out,instead cook and eat at home.

I have been homeless, jobless and no money, but at various times, not all at once, Thank God!
I learned many years ago that it pays to keep everything as simple as possible. I don't have expensive hobbies and don't want or need the "latest thing". No credit cards, either! Sorry, Visa & Mastercard! HA!
I keep my pantry well stocked by buying extras, especially on a great sale. I learned how to eat "low on the food chain" and can make nutritious, delicious food with simple ingredients. I learned to grow, harvest and preserve food early in life and have specialties that people pay nicely for on occassion. I can sew my own clothes and alter things for others. I enjoy camping.
I learned to trade with others to get things that I need and share what I have. Check out www.FreeCycle.org and put in a request for something you need. Post what you have that you don't need and meet some really great people while you're at it. You will keep so much stuff out of the landfills, too.

My solution is simple, I would do what I do now..rely on my God to provide for me. He has provided for my family when we did not know how we were going to make it in the past. I have faith and as long as I pray to Him and trust in Him, we will be cared for. Obviously, I wouldn't just sit and wait, I would do my part as well, by growing what I could, living only on what is necessary, and doing my part to help others who are in the same situation. I have family and friends that I could go to if needed.

I would seek help from frends and family and then turn to the kindness of others for assistance. Shelters are great places for those who are less fortunate.

I guess I would begin to really look at what is already in my possession and I am sure I could live off it for a long while without any money.

I would surround myself with the family, friends, and coworkers who truly make waking up every day a blessing. Money and objects are not the essence of life, people are.

I would do the things my grandmother did to survive -- grow my own food in my garden, raise a hog and chickens, and barter for the things I needed that I could not grow. I am fortunate in that I live in the country and can do these things.

I am in this situation now. Keep a positive attitude about who you are no everythign does not overwhelm you. I sign on each day early, send out resumes, follow up on job leads. I look on Cragslist to see if any local job listings or temp work. I try to get temp work and am registered with 8 different agencies. I always use coupons, no eating out (one day I will treat myself), no shopping for anything but necessities. I also volunteer at companies I may be interested in working...so that they can see what I am capable of....try before you buy. I am cleaning my house of books, clothing, furniture...anything I don't need that can also offer additional money. I had to pull money from retirement...yet only pulled the bare minimum I needed for each month so I would not be tempted to live on it or spend it. Since I already have to give up a huge %. Not my ideal situation...but a temporary one.

There is always room to make cuts in the budget, so I would start there. Then I would sell everything I could, including the flowers and berries in my yard, while hitting the pavement to find a new source of income. As far as food goes, most of my family members and I use coupons to stockpile food and household items. I could easily live off the stockpile for several months, filling in with edible plants, vegetables and fruit grown in my own yard and the excess produce my family grows. I am grateful to have a family that is there if I ever need them and vice versa.

I have always been a charitable person. I was told when I was little that even a peanut has two halves so you can share. Due to some recent unforseen circumstances I have found myself quite strapped for cash. Karma has kicked in and friends have really helped me out. I still provide my services to charity free of charge and all that has changed is that instead of me always bringing the coffee and snacks to the meetings is that the people I deal with know my situation and pick up where I fall short. It's all a part of being part of a community. I would rather share hot dogs and beer with friends that I like than champagne and lobster with strangers.

I would draw from savings that I have for a "rainy day" and be looking hard for a job. I've learned that you can't spend every dime you have - some unexpected expense is bound to come. Consider the things you really need vs the things you really want.

I would couch surf and do random odd jobs for people and volunteer. Talking to people is the best because someone is always willing to help. Even hitchhiking is not always impossible. I can write, and I would share that and hope people would help me with what I needed to live.

I would have to go see me parents for help.

I've found myself in that position before and work every day to keep from going back to the situation. As a 26 year just getting into her career, it isn't easy maintaining bills on your own. The way to keep through is to first decide you will not let your situation beat you. That's what I tell myself every morning. The second thing I did, was give myself a deadline. I marked on my calendar that I would be at a new job by X date and I beat that deadline by 7 days. The final thing to do is to be willing to work hard and no matter your education or experience, don't think that anything is beneath because in tough economic times the first thing you must do is survive, the next thing you can focus on is getting your life back to where you want it.

Back a few years, I honestly had NO money. I'd been through the deaths of 2 parents, an ex husband and the loss of a job all in the period of 3 months. Our business partner had embezzled and our company dissolved. The house went to fire sale status, I loaded what I could into a paid for (by the grace of God) vehicle and headed out. I didn't know where the destination was, only that I needed to go. I found my self on the coast, with enough cash in my pocket for fuel to return to my original position, and a dozen bottles of water and some snack food. Long story short, I managed to work my way into a position with a vacation rental company, within a few weeks. The rest is history. My Real Estate license became my ticket out of dire circumstances. I can honestly say, had it not been for the kindness of strangers, lots of prayer and full on stubborn from me, I'd be another statistic. $$ does not = character.

Right now, if I lost my job I'd pull from my retirement and try to make it stretch. As it is, if I woke up this am and had no job, no savings and no house - I'd turn to family, food banks, churches - anywhere for help until I could "Get back on my feet."

In that circumstance we would be able to pay all the bills for 3-6 monthes without income so we would use that time to find a job - any job.

If i found myself in the position that i suddenly had no job and no income..I would immediattly go to my closet and have an in home "closet sale"I have enuff clothing for the next millenium..and id also get an auction of things i dont need on ebay..id also go thru all my gold jewlry ..as gold is extremely high right now..i had to do this last month and all i turned in were about 20 charms(nuttin sentimental)and a broken bracelet and a broken chain and i was handed 350 dollars at the pawn shop..id also not be stupid..id go to the local food pantry that i have helped for many years and get a load of groceries..without hesitation..Id also find domething to do..like send out a ton of resumes,,and its summer so there are yard sale or flea mkt possibilities..i wouldnt give up or turn over and die..depressing as that would be..being a temp this happens all the time!you have to go with the flow..im not above a pt time job either..you gotta make do with what u have..thanks!

I don't know that I could say for sure until I was actually in that situation what I would do. I would think that my first course of action would be to find a job - any job so that I could get back on my feet.

Fortunately, a few years ago I got certified to teach English to non-English speakers, so if everything falls apart here I figure I'll go off to Asia where there are tons of jobs and no prejudice against over-60 women. An alternate plan is to go live with my daughter and her husband...I've given them financial assistance in the past, and he has assured me that he'll be happy to build me a cabin on the property, at least as fancy as the "Chicken Condo" where my daughter's flock lives in happy luxury. Always have a backup plan!

This was a realistic situation for me. In 1999 I lost my job and had no money saved to survive on. My 2 sons and I were evicted from our apartment and was referred to a family shelter. The shelter then referred us to public housing. I went to Social Services and applied for financial assistance which included food stamps and medicaid. Living in public housing my rent was only $50 dollars. I thought that it wasn't going be a pleasant situation but it was a roof over our head and a lot of resources associated with living in public housing that I took advantage of. I went back to school and got my degree and eventually found a great job. I got off of public assistance and moved out of public housing. I am stable today and have learned from my past experiences. I now budget my money wisely and I opened a savings account that I don't touch. It's there in case I'm put in that situation again, I will have some money to get by on. There is always a silver lining to every cloud!

use coupons and only get things that are free with them

First I would go to Welfare, then check out the Christian Organisations to find out about soup kitchens. If I had nothing to sell, I would have to sell my body to feed my children or try to shoplift from the supermarket. I would do anything to keep my children fed and clothed.

Well, we always make sure to build our savings so hopefully we'd have something to fall back on in the event of loss of job and home, but assuming everything disappeared all at once, we'd turn to family, then friends, then community resources.

To survive without money, you are careful with the little bits you do have. You learn to keep expensive indulgences to a minimum and save for the things you really want.

I've been surviving with no money for years. As a freelance writer, you get good at that sort of thing. I've often said that the only difference between me and the lady pushing a shopping cart containing all her worldly belongings is that I've got a better FICO score. Credit cards have enabled me to maintain the necessities in life more often than I care to admit. The down side is the accumulation of the proverbial "mountain of debt," which I will never live long enough to climb down off of. Then again, I have no assets and no heirs, so when I die the debt dies with me. Do I feel badly about this? Not so much. In good times, barely a day went by without at least one offer of easy credit. Maybe had they not made that $5,000 cash advance as simple as signing my name, I would have gone to work in a Dairy Queen and lived within my means. At least I'm not alone. There are thousands of people up here on this mountain with me. Pretty nice folks, too.

save more,buy on sale,budget the depenses,buy second hand furnitures or clothing

I have such a big family (9 siblings) so you would think I would pick my wealthy brother...but I rather move in with Mom/Dad so I can care for them...they are very elderly.

I would live with my family and try to get back on my feet.

I would probably go to live on a property that my mom owns. I'd find work to do for her and my stepfather in exchange for rent. We could grow some of our own food. Beyond that I don't know.

I would have to move back home and live with my mom.

I would start to sell off my items. I've amassed quite a collection of electronics, shoes, and clothes. That would be a good amount. i could move in with my friend and help with the rent and food. I could turn to my aunt who lives in another state. Hopefully the economy will get better because I shudder to think how much worse it can get.

The recession brings depression but every day I have to believe that things will change. My husband has been on workers compensation for 1 year and I lost my job about 6 months ago. Unemployment checks arent coming in and we are living way below imaginable. Its amazing how much you can survive on. The bills are climbing but we have faith that one day all this will change and the job market will rise and I can find a job and my husband will return to work full time. This money would help tremendously - school clothes for my daughter and supplies for next year. Thank you.

I'd turn to the local organizations like a food bank and clothing giveaway groups. So it is important to support these groups, as we never know if we might need them.

i would have to move in with the significant other, family, or friends... and find a new job to support myself!

have a large garage sale.

I would have to move in with my father.

Thank God I was alive and teach people that it's Friendship and working together that really get you through tough times.

I think we would have to move in with my parents, ebay any surplus we could live without and do our best to get back onto our feet.

I would sell everything I could and work as many jobs I could find.

Sell all my collectibles

I would turn to my church and my family and do the same for any family member or friend who found themselves in that horrible situation!

Thank you for the opportunity to express my ideas on surviving with no money. First, I would apply to work with a property management company and possibly get free rent. Second, I would do volunteer work at locally owned restaurant in exchange for at least two square meals a day. Third, I would get most of my clothing at garage sales. Fourth, I would help another person in need. Sometimes a little listening is all one might need. At the end of each busy day, I would (as I always am) be grateful for all that God has provided for me. Bllessings!

I would sell anything I had left of value and then would work somewhere even if for minimum wage.

First, we would exhaust all of our savings and retirement - all while looking for work and receiving unemployment. After that, who knows.

i would ask my dad for help, and re-group

I've had to face this, this past December. Two weeks before Christmas, my husband and I both got laid off form different jobs. We couldn't pay our rent and had nowhere to go. We ended up moving from VA to PA to live with my parents. We are still here re-grouping until we have enough money to move our family into a house of our own up here. My husband has been working odd jobs because he has yet to be able to find a steady job and I just started a new job this month that I love. I was always told family will always be there for you, and in our time of need, they were.

I would have to go home to my Mom, regroup,..go from there

I'd go to family. Just as they'd be welcome in our home, I'd hope they be happy to help us in a time of need.

my sister would be hearing from me. she might not want to, but hey.

(she has actually come to my rescue many times in small ways)

Well, I'm already kinda surviving with no money, or very little. I would grow my own food, and pick up change

Relatives---They owe me

if I had no money, I would probably ask relatives if I could do some work for them and maybe even ask a few neighbors if i could mow their lawn, clean their house, walk their dog etc...

I might have to ask family for help, but would do my best to get back on my feet like so many others are probably doing right now. Thank ou for the giveaway.

hello friends

I would first go to my sons home for immediate shelter..Then start over with whatever I had to do. Learn something new, coupons, see if friends need any help until I could find another job.

I guess I would have to run home to my Mom. I have no other ideas other than to bust my butt and find another job, any job.

If I had nothing - no savings, nothing left to sell, no way to earn money - I would have to turn to friends and family for help until I could get back on my feet. But I would move wherever I had to move to find a job and find a way to support my family.

We'd have to depend on our families & close friends. I'd do my best to contribute though, even if it meant picking up cans or contributing to household chores & duties. I'd have to focus on the beauty of nature & the things in life that are free during such a difficult time. I'd still try to find some type of work or means to obtain an income. When I got back on my feet, I'd never forget those who helped us & do my best to help them whenever they needed me.

I guess I might have to move in with a relative. Maybe my grandmother. I would use what money I do have/earn sparingly and be very careful to seperate wants & needs.

i would move back in with my mom for the umpteeth time!

If I woke up and had money I would probably first move out of my apartment and back home with my parents. I also have a lot of things I've been gathering around the house to get rid of so I would immediately list them on ebay for sale. I also do freelance writing so I would do that more frequently to be sure money was coming in each day. If I still had savings in this situation I would use that for living on. I'd also call my student loan lender and be put into deferral so I could stop making payments until I had enough money coming in.

I just lost my job last Friday. But, I've been in the no income situation before. As a matter of fact I've been in not income many many times and I have always survived. I am a proverbial optimist. I have many skills and abilities to rely on. I've never been married and am 59 years young. I don't look my age or act it. I am very resourceful when I have to be. I use coupons for everything. I take movie dvds, cds, books to the resale shop where they give me money for them. I have numerous garage sales. I look on the internet for whatever freebies they are giving away. I go into the cosmetics department in stores and get all the free samples I can get. Weekends I go to garage sales. I love to shop, but when money is short I can still get a cheap thrill on someone elses no longer treasured possessions. I can face the future with a smile, because I know that this too shall pass. It is only money. Health, family and friends are definitely more important.

I would find a way to make some.

I don't think I would survive with no money.

I would coordinate efforts with my family -- we've always been there for each other.

I'm actually 7 dollars away from no money. I am married (almost 7 years!) and I just had our third daughter in March. My hubby stayed home for family leave and his boss fired him and gave him severance to keep him quiet. We're now 3mos. into three children and one income. My business is failing due to the economy. I own a photography studio and I'm a "luxury" service, so not many sales these days. We've sold all of our furniture except for the girl's beds. We have our '01 family car and we're considering selling the 90's sedan so we can pay our bills. Our rent is almost a month late and our utilities will be turned off on Friday. I'm supposed to get paid on Sunday, so hopefully we can keep the power and water on. We're using every canned/dried/frozen food item we have to live off of, but that's almost gone. We're using our last $'s to buy diapers and wipes tonight. The car is on empty, so hopefully we'll make it back home. We could definitely use the $250 to get food and gas.

I would go to the food pantry, take any job I could get and if I had to, I would panhandle on the street.

I would head over to costco, sneak in, and get all the free samples i can get!

I am very lucky in that having no money has never been a concern for me. I am currently "poor" (according to the stats, but it doesn't feel that way to me), and there have been times when I have been very, very poor. Either way, it has never bothered me. Sure, I would love to have nice things like anyone else, but not having them doesn't affect whether I am happy or not. My three kids, my husband, and I are all very resourceful, hard-working, and reasonably bright, so if we were left penniless, we'd figure it out, and we'd deal with it.

Sell everything, move to a place I can live outside and off the land!

I would get a job and get money

I've never been without a house but when my husband started a new job and moved us to a new area and I didn't have a job yet, we went one month without a paycheck. We only had about $100 tops to make us through the month. I did a lot of online coupon clipping and shopping sales, adding more rice/pasta instead of meat, using leftovers to make completely different things to make them stretch farther. I only used real milk for drinking and cereal. Baking/cooking and coffee we used powered stuff. Only drive where we had to an combine trips. Use the library for movies instead of Netflix. Printing at the library since even in the long run it was more expensive, 10 cents a copy was cheaper that trying to find money for printer ink. So if we were in that situation again, I would do all of that again. Been there, done that. I survived quite nicely.

I've been in that situation before - so I can tell you what I did (and would do): stay in a shelter. Find any job that will pay - especially cash (waiter/waitress) - as soon as you have enough money, rent a room from someone. Get a better job. Save enough money for an apartment.

I would use my seller account on ebay to sell off 90% of material posessions I didnt need and i'd also spend my days "sweeping", entering everything i can.. i've won alot of necessities by entering online contests

I'm afraid that would mean looking for any kind of work to bring in some money. Cutting back on all expenses is a given, but it would take the whole family to survive.

I would sell of everything I could and take any job I could possibly land. And go on a diet.

First I would hit my husband over the head and say, "SEE! This is why we should have kept our money under the mattress!" Once I calmed down, I would take stock of what we have. I have "just a little" fabric. I could start sewing things and selling them to make money. We could start selling a lot of stuff we don't use on Ebay instead of giving it away to charities like we do now. We already have a vegetable garden, so we would just need to expand it, which would help a lot on food costs.

I'd seek out religious charities first - For one thing, I'm pretty sure I'd been in need of spiritual comfort too.

I've lived in San Francisco my entire life and one of my greatest talents is finding free food in the city. Even though it wouldn't help with shelter, I think that if I had no money I'd at least be able to live on the free samples and wild fruits/vegetables that I've mapped out in my hometown.

If circumstances ever became that dire, I would sell off almost every one of my possessions -which wouldn't be a bad thing really as I have far too much ''stuff". In the back of my mind I do have a sense of peace knowing that we (my husband and I) have a strong network of loving friends and family that would be there to help us out if we ever truly needed it. As long as we both have our families and/or friends, we would not have a problem with food or shelter until we could get back on our feet.

Plant a garden, swap produce with neighbors, frequent the thrift stores, watch sales even more than before.

I am retired and lucky enough to have a pension. However, if the fund were to go broke and I no longer had it, I would have to return to work since I am not old enough for Social Security. I may also have to move in with my children.

That is a terrifying situation and i honestly don't know what i would do other than panic and possibly have a heart attack. I have friends and family that i am sure would help me but if it wasn't for them i really don't know what i would do in that situation.

To survive, I would do what I continue to do, live with my parents, and on top of that, I would no longer spend money on frivolous things such as going out to eat or grabbing coffee, stuff like that.

I would call on the help of family and friends. Growing up without a lot of money, I have learned to save and be prepared. Our current situation will keep us safe. I'm a hard worker and would take a job I am over qualified for if it meant putting food on the table for our family.

How would I survive with no money? I honestly dont know. Plant my own garden, eat light daily, not buy any clothes, do whatever I had to do to survive......

If every single thing that I owned was gone, that would almost be impossible to make it. If I still had some possessions, I would try to sell everything that I could. If I had no possessions, I would ask all my friends and neighbors if they needed any work done, and would tell them that I also needed a place to stay and food to eat,which I would consider as part of my salary. I would also go out and ask at every business I came to if they needed any help.

We may end up with nothing very soon. We live cheque to cheque and I just got back from the hospital yesterday. When these bills start rolling in we may lose our home and everything else. I still have follow up appts and may need surgury. It's very scarey and I just may wake up soon and have not a penny left. I'll do whatever I have to, get a 2nd job, go to food pantries, ect.

Funny, I have worried about that. I've been unemployed for seven months.
I would plan a vegetable garden & sell homemade jewelry.
My parents have said that I could move in with them temporarily if I need some time to get back on my feet, so that's always a backup plan.

If I'm being honest, I really don't know what I would do, if absolutely everything was gone! It's really something that I need to think about. I have "started over" several times during my lifetime, and know how to cut back and economize......but losing EVERYTHING is an entirely different situation.

That is a really scary thought. Luckily, I have some amazing friends and family who I can lean on, and vice versa. So I would be able to stay with a friend. I would then sell my assets, and look into finding some type of work, I would also use my other skills to make money babysitting, cleaning house, etc to supplement some sort of income. I would look into taking out a loan if possible, and of course I would pray! It makes me so sad that people in this country have to do these very things daily just to survive..

I would do more gardening, share services with community and do alot of praying

I would try to sell things on ebay, and find work mowing or doing errands for others.

I would sell my decorations. fur coat, nice clothes, piano and most furniture first. I would look to my family for help and contact my church for some temporary assistance. I would even work at MacDonald's if I had too!

Take any job available and turn to community resources such as the Salvation army.

I've done it before (divorcing while working full time, going to college and with a kid in diapers) and I could do it again if I had to. I would turn to my parish for basics like food, and turn to my friends as well. Money would be borrowed and paid back promptly. I would work as hard as I could, and continue to live as frugally as possible. And I would remember that with God's help and the love of my people, I can do anything.

If we had absolutely nothing, I would move in with family or friends and do what I can to help around their house while looking for outside work.

we are on a fixed income--retired and expenses keep going up. we try to make do as best as we can

I would be persistant and try to find any help I could get.

I'm horrified by the possibility of becoming an urban homeless person but going out into the wild and living off the land intrigues me. When I was a kid I read "My Side of the Mountain" and ever since I've romanticized the concept of surviving in nature. Frankly, I probably wouldn't last a month in the wild but I'm not sure I'd last any longer on the street, either.

Not really a problem I ever had, since I was a healthcare professional and never really had to look for a job. But my children have run into the problem in this recession, and they basically cut back on everything, are on food stamps, and are working part time at whatever they can find until things get better. My older daughter is looking into going back to school for a degree in a school related specialty, since a nearby city is willing to sponsor studies into those they need.

I would turn to my family for help.

I guess I would try for any job I could get & sell some of my stuff

At my age it would be very hard espcially since my doctor has not allowed me to return to work since July of 2008. But I would do what I had to as I'm on disability insurance from my work and It pays the rent and half my utilities and other bills I'd have to rely on food stamps for us to eat and my husband would work at any job he had to to keep us afloat. His hours are up now but he did go a LONG bout of only 4 hours a week. We've had to tighten our belts most of the time.there are some things we've had to do without and we would give them and more up to keep at least a roof over our heads.

My husband has been out of work since November, and is doing what he can to earn money while looking for a full-time job, so this isn't too far from reality-- living on just my income has been hard.
One resource that I didn't see as I scanned the answers (of course, I didn't read them ALL) is the local library. You can use the internet for free to search for jobs (and apply online), find food banks and other social services, etc., and usually (in larger towns and cities) there is a computer center where you can do things like create and print a resume or cover letters -- and resource material is right there for you to use!
Selling possessions on ebay or at yard sales can be a source of quick cash, and I've done plenty of that in my time. If you have camping gear available, you can find inexpensive places to camp until you get back on your feet -- and you can take a shower so you can look for work all clean and presentable!

I would have to move in with my Mom

I would do my very best to find any type of work for basic needs. I know I can always count on family for support, but I'd do anything to avoid being a burden.

I would do hatever I had to by going to volunteer organizations like church or a soup kitchen. I would do all that I could to avoid help from the government and other tax payers. Volunteer is the best in my opinion

I would turn to my parents and my church for help.

If I had nothing left, I'd first try to find some quick part-time (at least) work so I'd have SOME income. I'd visit food banks and soup kitchens, because these are helpful resources for people who have nothing. I would not feel comfortable taking advantage of the charity of friends and family, but any non-monetary assistance they could give me would be welcome. If I needed to, I'd stay at a shelter until I got back on my feet again.

We are on a tight budget now. I think I would sell stuff, do any work I could and just keep expenses as low as possible. If I could stay with a friend or family for a little while that would help until I could get some money stashed. It is tough out there and hope that things get better for everyone.

wow, make my summer with the giftcard!!!

Maybe pick up cans off the side of the road, go to food banks, soup kitchens, and see if we could get help from the government via food stamps.

I would sell anything I had of value, try to look for any kind of job to bring some money in and rely on friends and family for support. I know that someone we know would take us in until we could get back on our feet.

We are on one income and we are struggling, but making it. We use as many coupons as we can, spend time together without a lot of money by talking walks to the park etc. And we make sure to plan meals so we are not tempted to go to fast food.

We're feeling it now too. We have gotten really thrifty. I know we're not alone. Hang in there! It will turn around.

I would have to move in with one of my relatives until I am able to get back on my feet.

Hey, I don't have any money now so all I can say is I need a break very much.

the barter system

I would have to go home to Louisiana to live with my parents--or to Texas to live with my brother--who makes tons on money

do what i've always done. be frugal. and pray.

In a lot of ways I feel I am already surviving with no (or little) money.....the tips I've learned is to buy laundry detergent in bulk..it saves money, esp. the Sears brand, cut back on meats at dinner tip...aim for barley/grains/and pastas a main dishes, combine trips and walk when we are close enough to the store, sign up for any and all freebies esp. online, join coupon trains, look for classifieds at local colleges businesses often advertise p/t jobs that aren't just for students, use Ebay, etsy and other auction sites and have yard sales to sell off unwanted/needed goods to make money to pay bills/expenses, sign up for discounted rates with the utility companies...they offer 10-20% discounts for low income/disabled people, stop all magazine subscriptions, recycle/reuse/barter/and trade.........I know this was long winded, but I hope it helps someone.

I would probably turn to my parents and apply for unemployment benefits.

Two summers ago, my husband's company closed its doors with no warning. We have been in the position of having no money. We sold our personal items, called in favors, and lived on our credit cards. It was awful. I never want to live like that again.

I have no money right now and I don't work. My parents pay for things and I am very thrifty, and what I dont have is too bad for me. I dont ask for much and I am not a complainer.

have to depend on friends & family, do what we can. It's pretty cold here in the winter- living off the land doesn't seem entirely plausible. It's a pretty unforgiving world out there, one of the reasons we should all get basic health coverage with our citizenship, too.

I would start selling my possessions one by one and hopefully that would last until things get better.

I would be selling off everything and doing any job I could find.

I would cut out everything that is not a necessity and sell, sell, sell.

If my husband and i lost everything and had no one to turn to for help. We would pack up what we had left if anything. Head to the mountain area and pitch tent. Hunt for rabbits, snake, quail, and eat some of the local vegitation like cactus ect. We would basically do what our fore fathers did when they first were settlers to this country and slowly, rebuild, We would make bows and arrows. Fishing lines and fishing nets. I was never the kind of woman who needed or required much in life, even though i do enjoy some of the comforts we have. It would definatly not be the end of the world for our family. We would stick together and over come. Our children would miss the video games of course, but sometimes i think we had more back than that was valuable than we do now. We basically gave up have close tight familys and communitys for more luxury and status. Some how i think we are destined for this to take us back to reality of what really counts, Family, Values, Honor, and Pride.

I would definitely have to go to family...and do my best to build back up.

Well, that's happened to us this year. Our house is in foreclosure and now worth less than we paid for it (the mortgage is higher than the amount we can get). We are struggling to keep the lights on and last week didn't have money for gas. We sold our second car and last week I sold all my jewelry. $18,000. of Tiffany jewelry and we got $2,000.00 for it. BUT, it kept the lights on. To be honest the way I survive? Read the Bible. I'm not that religious but it's the only thing that gives me comfort. A year ago we had retirement money in the bank, no credit card debt (still don't have any), we paid cash for our cars. We thought we'd done everything 'right' but now we learn there is no "right." We don't have friends in this area as we moved to take care of my ailing grandmothers who have since died. Also, my sister is ill and we've taken in her two children so we are supporting nine people. It's hard. 2 months ago my husband attempted suicide. It's hard. Really hard.

Times are hard for me and my husband right now. I can't find a job and he is on unemployment and unable to find a job. We are barely making it. We are behind on a lot of things but we just keep hoping something good will happen soon. To me the economy is really hitting us and the city I live in with no jobs.

like no job and no money? local shelter i guess. scary thought to have nothing.

I can always turn to my family.

We've been fortunate in the past and never really had any money problems, until this year. My husband always worked a full and a part time job and recently he lost his part time job. He's been trying to get a new one for the past two months, with no luck. He's even applied for jobs that is way below his qualifications.
I'm working and adding in whatever extra hours that I can. In addition, we also got all our extra stuff together that we never use or have no need for and decided to have a huge garage sale this coming weekend.
We've cut our spending down to what is needed only. No extras! It's hard for the kids to understand, but we're still trying to do fun things with them, choosing activities that don't cost anything. We're getting creative, going fishing, camping, day trips to parks on picnics, etc., and the kids seem not to realize anything is going on.
Hopefully the economy improves quickly!

I am fortunate to have a large and welcoming family & extended family. I am sure that we would all pull together and support each other

Scary, but I think I'd move back in with the folks.

sell it all and really cut back beyond what I have- shuting off inet would be stupid becasue that is my life

Go to my friends

Supposing I'd still have my travel trailer left, I would use it to get rest at night. During the day I would do anything in my power (anything that is legal and decent) to get another job. I would babysit myself, just like other participants in this chat are already doing, I would petsit, again, I would do my best to earn my living in an honest manner. I would buy all my clothes and shoes at the dollar stores, I would cook my own food to save money. More importantly, I would put my whole faith in the One who's been watching over me since my first breath in this world.

Sleep in the car. Hit up friends place for a shower and such.

I would try to live off all my "freebies" and barter my services (cooking, cleaning, sewing, laundry, etc) for things we needed.

Well if I had no shelter I would go to the Salvation Army or live in a hotel or go live with my parents . We were almost close to that scenario when my husband got laid off in January , we had to downsize our housing options , husband had to apply for unemployment and I had to apply for Welfare and Food Stamps.

Everything not essential to survival would be eliminated.

I would cut back to the BARE necessities and pick up any job I could get

I watch every dime since I was laid off 4 months ago.

I buy store brand gorceries and cook at home more often to save money.

I'm currently living that, and have been house-sitting for out of town friends and helping out my mom (and crashing with her) while getting back on my feet...it will all work out somehow. (Would love to know how!)

use coupons and find BOGO deals on the web
tvollowitz at aol dot com

I've lived longer than expected, so my savings are nearly depleted. Now I live on a SS check. First, I pay the rent, utilties and supplemental health insurance. What's left goes toward transportation, food and sundries for me and my cat (my one luxury). I do not use credit cards, although I have a debit card for emergencies. Sometimes I feel I've made full-circle from the great depression of the 30's to the present economic situation.
The Golden Years(?), I think not!

I would have to move in with my family and work from there to get back on my feet

I would do what I'm doing now, to the 10th power. I would further cut back on everything, and I would sell my car and double up with my daughter and husband. I would turn to my parents......reluctantly.

i've been thru economic downfalls before. though it is hard we've always made it to the other side. we garden more. i clip coupons. we spend evenings home, eat out less and somehow we manage.

i would just move back with a family member while looking for work.

As a recent college graduate, I am painfully aware of how scary it can be to not have a steady job. Although I gradating with high honors, people simply aren't hiring. I work part time in two different restaurants, and send out a steady stream of resumes every night hoping someone will bite.
If it got to a point where I was completely out of money, I think that I would look into moving to an organic farm communities. There are places all over the country where you go and live rent-free and in exchange for working on the farm. Lodging and food are free, so expenses would be essentially non-existent. You don't get paid much, but you could survive and save up a bit of money!

I already feel like I am surviving with no money, so this would be a real treat! We are a family of six living on a cable installer's wages.

I would ride my bicycle everywhere and recycle aluminum cans for money. I may also just take any job available.

I'd definitely be moving in with a family member.

What would I do without my parents? I would move in with them most definitely and try to find a new job around them until I get back on my feet again.

I would move in with one of my daughters especially the younger one who is doing very well these days.

I have always counted on God and my own strong back. I wouldn't be happy about some of the choices I might have to make, but I will survive! Maybe by entering contests for a living :)

I would have to depend on the graces of friends and family!

I'm in this situation now, as a matter of fact. I'm medically unable to work, unable to get SS, and basicly have no family. I have a wonderful friend who has sheltered me and provided for me for many years. Thank god for a friend like this.

If it got to the point that we were going to lose our house, we'd sell it, and move into something modest. Most likely a rental (either house or apartment). If that wasn't an option, we could move in with his mom. Since I can't work, I could do stuff around the house for her. I like cooking (and she likes my cooking), so it could be an even exchange for room & board. He could handle the outdoor work (mowing, shovel, raking). At this point, we'd stop using all our credit cards, and stash away all the cash we could.

I would go stay with my parents in New Mexico.

I would be aware of my surroundings and listen and look. I would go to every store I could to find work. I would take short naps on benches in the malls or in fast food places. I would also find a church for assistance. I hope this never happens to me, but I am a survivor and I would live.

Live on the boat and anchor for free. I would collect rainwater, use a washboard, grow veggies/herbs in pots. See if there are any innovative and "free" ways to harness solar power. Fish and crab for the main meals.

I'd probably move in with a family member (parents most likely).

Ahh, you've made me remember a book I used to have, back in the early 70s, called "How to Live on Nothing," by Joan R. Shortney. The "nothing" in the title was a bit of an exaggeration, but by following the advice in Shortney's book you could certainly live on a lot less than most people do. Not that I'd want to do all the things she suggests, but enough interest in the sport of Extreme Frugality has remained with me that to this day I make a point of knowing where I could forage, if need be, for wild edibles, and which "ornamental" trees along the public streets actually have edible fruit, even if some of them aren't particularly appetizing. Obviously, that's not the whole answer, but it's something that could help me survive a little longer while I'm trying to work out other soluitons.

My father lives 30 minutes away so we could go stay with him for a while. Then I would work at any job I could find.

luckily i have two sisters & one brother and plenty of friends to turn to. then there's government assistance programs. it would be difficult but beggars can't be choosers...

I would live with my mother who is one of the nicest people in the world. Then I would work any job where I can get at least minimum wage.

I would go and get any job I could possibly get. With that money I would pay for food and gas and medicine. I would then try to find a second job to pay the mortgage if needed.

I would rely on my parents for a place to stay. And I would look for employment everywhere. If I had a hard time finding permanent employment, I would go to a temporary service and take open jobs that they might have. I have had luck at getting permanent employment this way before, once they see that you are a good worker. Once I got employment and enough for a new place to live on my own, I would really downsize my living quarters to a very small studio apartment in order to save money. I would really super organize things and only keep the most needed and wanted items in the apartment. Other items would be stored in a self storage or at family or friends place. Once I have saved enough money, maybe a bigger living quarters could be in reach in the future.

Local Salvation army or other food pantry or DHS for food, family, local housing authority or various shelters for a place to stay and the internet at the library or a friends for job searching.

I know before it got too bad I have an uncle 3 hours away that has a huge house and garage that is completely furnished. He also has a condo in MD and a summer home. If I got into a bad situation I am pretty sure he would be there for us. My parents also have a summer trailer/winter trailer and I know they would let us stay in the one they were not in. Luckily I am a Vocational Counselor so I am pretty sure I could find myself and husband jobs (would not be super picky initially). Because of working in the field of Social Services for 20 years I know about many programs that can help with rental assistance, utilitiy assistance, food pantries, and worst case scenarios homeless shelters. Obviously, I don't wish this fate on anyone but I feel that if we were put into a horrible situation such as this we would be o.k. We are pretty frugal most of the time and have been a bit more careful since the economic downturn began.

My family is amazing and I know that they would help me get back on my feet if it got to that point. As for myself I would be out pounding the pavement every day.

I've often thought of that question since both parents are deceased and I'm stubborn as heck; I'd never impose upon anyone unless my child was involved and then I'd swallow my pride.
For myself, I suppose I'd just lie down and die. I'm not much of a fighter :(

I would work in any job available, fast food, or farm labor. what ever it would take.