My Story..
Date: Sun, 11/04/2007 - 16:49
My divorce was final about a year and a half ago. All I get from my ex is social security for my kids since he cannot work due to an injury. My children & I are living in the house and I am responsible for the mortgage, utilities, etc. I got into trouble after he moved out and there was no extra money that I could count on. I made the mistake of not setting up a budget and started using and getting new credit cards when I needed or thought I needed something. I also cashed 2 of those "loan" checks you get from HFC or Wells Fargo. I even took a loan out against my paid off car. I got overwhelmed by everything very quickly. I found that I could not keep up with my bills and was spending money like water. I tend to put my head in the sand rather than face things.
The thing that really woke me up was almost losing my house this past summer. I was behind on the mortgage and trying my best to pay. I had called the mortgage company to make a payment and was told that I was in foreclosure. I was never so afraid in my life. All I could picture was the sheriff coming to the door and throwing my children & me out. I was able to get a hardship loan from my 401K to save my house and I decided that from that point on I had to do something to fix things. I made an appointment with a credit counseling agency and joined their program. October was the first month they took their payment and I am hoping things will get better.
I'm still not great with my money. I am living paycheck to paycheck. I have no savings and constantly fear that something will happen. I am still very overwhelmed by money. :(
Lisv...i know how overwhelming things can get when you are behin
Lisv...i know how overwhelming things can get when you are behind on bills. Especially when you have children, you always fear the worst. I am glad to hear that you have some help with a credit counselor :)
I also know how hard it is to try and save money when you are living paycheck to paycheck, but what I started doing was 1) when i paid for something it was always with bills and ALL of my chage went in a jar for christmas 2) i made a point of taking just 1% of my check after taxes and puting it away. It doesnt sound like alot, but if you stick to it it adds up rather fast :)
I will be thinking about you and sending my prayers for wellness your way :)
chin up and huggs
Hi Lisv, welcome to the forums you'll find many people here are
Hi Lisv, welcome to the forums you'll find many people here are very supportive and understanding! is2b gives some good tips and saving just a little will add up over time you don't think so when you look at the bigger picture of all the debts you have but everything counts. You should be commended for finding a way to save your home that's very important! and you said this is it, i have to do something and you are doing it. money is very overwhelming. I hope that over time your fears will somewhat diminish and you will see that all your hard work and effort is countering your debt situation. please keep in touch with us. I know that fear always in the back of your mind but somehow you will find a way to manage, people are very resourceful especially us mommas! :) :)
I was a single mom for 18 years and know first hand how difficul
I was a single mom for 18 years and know first hand how difficult it can be. It's great you are in a couseling program...that will help a lot. I have been in one now for about 5 months and the relief is enormous!! Let me ask...does the company you work with have any budgeting classes?? Mine does and I took it...some of them are work at home classes and the books teach you what is good credit use and what is bad...and learning to budget is very important no matter what stage of life we are in. If they do not have a program or class may I suggest you go to the library or a good book store and get a couple of books on budgeting and finances...once you learn to budget and handle your money smart you will never find yourself in this situation ever again. Good uck to you!!
That's awesome Morningstarr...my company offered those classes a
That's awesome Morningstarr...my company offered those classes as well but like a dummy I never took them, I was never good with money but am learning. I am now faced with strict budgeting cause as you know, our children's needs can be expensive, not just diapers and food but medical expenses etc. Budgeting is an art and a necessary one at that and can be fun once you find out you're doing well for your family. I'm glad your program provides you some relief!