BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- California has the third-highest jobless rate in the nation, with unemployment rising to 7.7 percent in August. In September, Kern County was higher than the state average with 9.3 percent, leaving many residents to scrimp and save.

Bakersfield residents filed outside the Career Services Center Friday as they waited to research job openings. It was an image similar to those in other unemployment offices across the nation.

"It's been very difficult," Dennis Banegas said. "I've been unemployed three months now. I haven't been able to pay rent, and I'm about to lose my home. I have about 10 friends in the same situation."

"Yeah, jobs now are pretty scarce," Guadalupe Gonzalez said. "It is hard to find a job. There's a lot of us out there looking; we just can't find them."

Gonzalez said for the past year and a half, her job has been looking for a job.

"Go through the newspaper, get a good night sleep, do the same thing over again," she said. "Go out looking again."

Joe Esqueda said if he can't find a job by January, he may follow in his former co-workers' steps.

"Actually, a majority of them are moving to other states where there is gainful employment," Esqueda said.

In the meantime, these folks said they're doing anything to save money.

"Just not go anywhere," Gonzalez said. "Stay home. You can't go out to eat or movies. Just stay home."

"Well, for one, I moved in with a relative and moved out of my house, so that's kind of put an umbrella over me right there," Esqueda said.

You can also cut back on car and home insurance. Also, switch to generic prescriptions.

Eliminate or downsize your cable, Internet, and cell phone service.

Negotiate with creditors to delay or lower payments.

Ask your landlord to lower your rent in exchange for performing repair or maintenance work.

Also avoid dipping into your retirement savings; withdrawals carry high penalties.

"Just think positively. Think positive and keep your faith in God," said Gonzalez.

If you're someone who needs help finding a job, try calling the Kern County Career Services Center at 635-2600.