Financial Problems
 

Hey, ladies! I'm posting here, because I knew that I would get much more positive feedback from fellow DZs than I might from posting on the Greek Life board or something, considering, as Moxie pointed out in a previous thread, all the drama that's been going on around GC lately. Anyway, I have a big problem. I knew when I pledged DZ that there would be a financial commitment, and I intended to honor that as well as I could.

In the past year or so, I've been having extreme issues with my car. It's been in and out of the shop pretty much ever since I got the thing. I just got it back last Wednesday and paid a heck of a price for it, too, because my mother has decided that she will no longer help me with any of my bills (don't ask, it's a long story), leaving me with veryyyyyyy little money. Anyway, Saturday night, I tore something else up on my car. It was dark, there had been previous road construction, and no sign saying "Bump"...I thought I'd run off the edge of the Earth for a second there. So a large chunk of something plastic is missing from the underside of my car and is lying in my trunk now. Add this issue to a few other things that need fixing on my car, and the little money left in my checking account is going to be GONE.

I've been applying for jobs all over town, but I haven't heard anything back. I mean, I've been trying to be the first person to put in applications at fast food restaurants, so that should tell you all how desperate I am. I'm not even going to have enough money to pay for my dorm next semester if something doesn't give soon.

So amidst all this drama, I received a bill last night at our chapter meeting. I did pay monthly dues, but I still owe $100, which is half of our initiation fee, before October 27, and the other $100 before initiation, which is November 14. Additionally, our formal is November 1, which I have to pay for as well, and some other charges that I'm not even sure what they are!

I almost feel bad about complaining about this, because I'm sure a lot of other chapters have to spend much more money on DZ related stuff (we don't even have a chapter house), but this is really getting to me. I'm on a full-tuition scholarship, thank God, but like I said earlier, I don't even know if I'll have enough money for housing next year. So with no job prospects coming in (and believe me, I've been trying), a very unreliable car, a father who can't afford to help me out, and a mother who is too stingy, I don't know what to do. It's looking like I'm going to have to drop out of DZ. It breaks my heart, because I do not want to!

I'm sorry this post is so long, but the question I want to ask is, who should I talk to about this problem? I haven't really gotten to know any of my sisters really well yet--I'm really shy--and I don't exactly know what protocol would be here, etc. I wondered if you all could give me some suggestions about who to talk to about possible alternatives before I do have to leave DZ. Thank you so much. :(

I understand completely hun

Talk to your treasurer. You can set up a payment plan to pay for your bill a little at a time...i think one of our members payed like 5$ extra a month to get it all payed for.

HTH---if you have any questions,this is not clear PM me!

DZ love and mine!

Have you gone to your school financial aid office & talked to someone about getting a loan? You may not qualify for any grants, but just about anyone can get federal loans that can be used to help with living expenses during college. They may also be able to provide information about emergency-short term loans. Find out if there is any work-study program you can get into (school jobs, say in the library, the student center, etc.)

If your mother is not going to support you, you need to make it clear to her that you are going to declare yourself independent, and she will not be able to claim you as a dependent on her income tax after this year (that may get her to come around, because parents DO NOT like to lose that credit). Claiming yourself independent won't help you immediately, but it will help you with financial aid next year....

Is there not a career services office you can go to & look for work-at Texas Tech, there is a board where professors post want ads for baby-sitters, people to run errands for them, etc. Check with local churches to see if any of them need nursery help on Sunday mornings...they don't pay great, but its better than nothing. Call the local newspaper and find out about paper routes (not fun getting up that early, but again, its moola!).

Another idea--maybe you can organize a fundraising activity for the pledge class--with the proceeds going to pay for various things, including your initiation fee...just an idea. I know at my kid's school, they have car washes to help pay the cost of the kids field trips & such.... When I was a collegian, the local Sonic let us car-hop & we got to keep our tips as well....

Definitely talk to your treasurer about a payment plan....and when you drop off resumes/applications at places-even fast food joints, follow up with a phone call the next day...I know when I managed a Structure store (eons ago), I got dozens of applications a week. It was the kids who kept letting me know they were interested that got the jobs.

If worse comes to worse, is there a place in town where you can donate platelets? (don't faint!). I know students who make up to $100 a month just going in a donating platelets...its not the most fun thing to do, but it can be profitable (and your helping people out, which isn't a bad feeling).

Just a few ideas--last, but not least--do you have the option of public transportation, or live close enough to campus to get rid of your car? I know that seems drastic, but may be your best move (assuming you can get around to whatever job you are able to find).

Hope something here helps....good luck & keep us informed! I do so hope you get to be initiated & have a fruitful college & DZ experience!

ETA: This was my 500th post on GC!!!

I agree with everyone above. You need to talk to your advisor and president. I know that in my chapter, we have a reduced dues payment plan for extreme circumstances. They only grant it for a semester, but hopefully that is all that you need. I am not sure if all chapters do it, though.


DZAndliloo- Congrats on your 500th post!!

I can't really say anything more because the advice given already is wonderful, but I just want to let you know I'm sorry about the way things are going lately and to wish you luck. You're the perfect new member...it seems like a lot of people just want to drop when they run into a problem instead of exploring their options and trying to work around it, but you seem to want to stick with it. Good for you! :)

hey there..i feel your situation..i do!! been here..im sorry things are soo horrible for you right now..but amidst all these bad things something good will come of it. one day..i promise. its hard being a college student,with no money and in a very demanding but rewarding soroity..as well as making sure your grades dont falter ..its hard..in fact..its really sometimes harder than the "real world" you hear people talk about..also ..ask your professors if you can fo anything..i got an awesome nanny job for a semester..aslo i dont know if you belong to a campus church or christian assocation..they can help too..also try with your treasurer..become her best friend..communicate with her as often as possible. bring up your situaton at a meeting..you dont ahve to beg for money or anything..but if people know how nad you have it right now..they may help you..so speak up girlie..dont be afraid to speak up..there were many times i should ahve said something and didnt and now i look back and wish i would have..my life may have been easier..but all these women have given you great advice..sell some books back to half price books or yes sell plasma..it stinks..but it is good money.

take care doll and if you need anything dont hesitate to email me..from one sister to anther that has been in your shoes a time or two..you are in my thoughts and i will help you as much as i can