Advice from Nashville's Financial Guru Dave Ramsey
Dave Says
By Dave Ramsey
Author of Financial Peace and The Total Money Makeover
9/13/2004
Lost job, might need to move
Dear Dave,
The job I currently have has virtually evaporated. I have two job
interviews next week. The weekly pay for both is essentially the same.
One is short term: 9-12 months. It's in another state, but offers a per
diem so I wouldn't have to move there. They would just pay my travel
expenses to go back and forth. The other job will last at least three
years, but I'd have to move to another state which will throw me about
$3,500 further into debt. That's the estimated cost of having
professional movers transfer all of my belongings. I don't want to go
further into debt and the company won't pay for moving expenses.
I'm single and my only debt is two credit cards with balances totaling
about $11,500. I'm reluctant to move and both jobs are good ones, but
the longer-term assignment has a better opportunity for a permanent
position in the long run and I like what I would be doing in the job.
Michael in Paducah, KY
Dear Michael,
I'd move and I'd try to negotiate to see if I couldn't get them to pay
some of it. I know they've said they won't pay for moving expenses, but
they sure won't if you don't ask. Let them know you really want to do
this and the only thing standing between you and taking this job is
$3,500 in moving costs. Ask them if they will help you so you can take
the job. Honestly, if I'm sitting looking at a guy I want on my team and
he says, "Hey, look, I'm here and I want to do this. I'm excited about
being on your team. The pay is good and I like what I'll be doing. I
could start immediately. The only thing holding me back is this move.
Can you help me with this moving expense? I'm trying really hard to get
out of debt. I don't know how you feel about debt, but I'm really
excited about being debt-free. And going further into debt to make this
happen is almost more than I can swallow. Can you help me make this
decision?"
You might be surprised. They might offer to pay $1,000 of it. You never
know. I would ask again, but I would make this move.
Dave
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