Crazy how expenses just compound when you're financially challenged

[bigtree]

(broke)

I've lost the use of my vehicle because of an inability to pay fines for an insurance lapse that occurred when I had a cut in income. I'm unable to pay the fines back so I'm walking and bumming rides when I'm not shelling out ridiculous money on cabs. (buses don't get me where I need to go.) I'm working to negotiate a payment agreement, but the money used for that wioll take away from my ability to pay my utility bill. That bill is doubled because of my inability to pay on time last month and their payment plan is unavailable to me for 18 months because of an earlier default on the program last year. So, I'm looking at a cutoff next week unless I spend my late mortgage payment on the bill. I've lost my home phone because of my inability to pay so I bought my first cell phone from the grocery store for a fraction of the bill I owe. Still, more money shelled out due to my delinquent situations. Everything I do seems to cost me more now that my normal ride and the rest are out of action. What's next?? I'm library blogging after filing my tax return. Even that seemed to stretch me farther than my budget would normally allow if I was more mobile and had more options. Maybe I'm whining too much . . . it's just frustrating how everything just spirals down when you're down and out. Oh, well . . . no time for my political pastime. Back on the street . . . to walk or spend money on the bus to nowhere that I need to go.

(Great to see everyone here again, tho . . . Cheers!)

[Inchworm]

1. Yup it is like juggling

And it makes one feel like a circus clown. Well, it does me anyhow.

I hope it gets better for you soon.

:hug:

[Th1onein]

2. That's happened to me before, too.

It's hard to get out of that spiral.

[Liberal_in_LA]

3. The cost of being poor (or lower middle class)

[defendandprotect]

4. Remember, it is your government which is giving license to this corporate theft ....

[Exultant Democracy]

5. And the people on Fox talk about the poor as if they are lazy and have it easy

when in fact they have it so much harder. Keep your spirits up and good luck bigtree!

[hamsterjill]

6. Your description is absolutely right on the mark!

I hope things turn for you very quickly.

[delightfulstar]

7. I've been in that same spot...

And am still there, as far as driving goes. I got behind the 8-ball on a traffic ticket when I lost my job back in KS (and was denied UI because my crooked ex-boss lied to the board, but that's another story). It may be worth it to have some legal help in straightening some things out with your driving privileges - I know it may be difficult to do that, but some lawyers are flexible with payments, and there is also pro-bono legal help out there too (check with your local bar association, or the United Way - they can help you find a good source for that). You may even be able to get some relief with your mortgage that way, and be able to make some arrangements. I was lucky to find a good traffic lawyer, I was honest with him about my financial situation, and he's giving me a lower fee ($350, instead of the usual $500+ for a retainer - every little bit helps). You may also find out if your employer has some kind of reimbursement for carpooling or using PT - mine does, and I'm able to essentially write off my PT fares to and from work, thanks to them. And there are places out there who can help with utilities, too, especially if they know you're facing a cutoff - the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and some local charities usually have some assistance available.

All the best to you...I know it's not a fun situation to deal with, but you will get through it, I promise. :)

[lldu]

8. my son couldn't pay a $170 bill and they took him .....

to a collector's agency. The agency tacked on over $400 in fees and sent him a statement that he could see them in court if he didn't pay the almost $600 bill.

He couldnt pay the $170, how the heck is he going to pay over $600.

Damn these bastitches!

[Waiting For Everyman]

9. Food and utilities first, then the mortgage.

That's "the rule" (of survival). Just so you know... usually, nothing serious begins to happen with your mortgage until you're 90+ days late. You credit rating will get "dinged", but that will happen from lateness paying the utility bills etc. too. Sometimes, it's a better choice to avoid a bunch of little problems (like you have) and just have one (the mortgage). As you noted, the little problems tend to set each other off, and become much worse, and swamp you.

I've been going through this syndrome you're describing since 2001. If I knew then what I know now - I would've been much less concerned about my mortgage(s) until after 90 days late. (I'm 2+ years late now, and still in my home - that isn't great, but it's just to give you an idea of how much longer the time frame is than you think.)

[old mark]

10. When you have little money,any extra you are suddenly forced to spend

can be a disaster. The stress of being broke is something few ever talk about, but I remember it very well-I was broke for much of my life, and it can be nerve wracking. The politicians and others who mock the poor should be thrown out of office...I'd love them to share our experience of poverty and fear.

mark

[AnneD]

11. Bill Triage.....

Food, clothing, shelter, and transportation in that order. Lights and gas are part of housing. Credit cards are absolutely last as are newspapers, mags, cable, and internet. Now this is going to sound crazy but try to set aside $500 emergency fund and later build it up to $1000. It is amazing how these emergencies stop visiting you when you have a few bucks set aside.

You may have to be bus bound until you can come up with Insurance. Arrange payments (be realistic about a scheduled repayment). It sounds like it an expense that you cannot afford at the moment

You have a mortgage in all of this? Carefully look at ALL your expenses. Maybe it is time to let go of the home (sell or short sale). Renting is not the end of the world and it may give you some financial breathing room. Try to raise money. Can you take on a roommate? Sell what you can, haunt food pantries to save money, etc. Let your friends know you are having a tough time. Maybe someone can spot you a loan for a while or even gift you.

I know you are scared and feel helpless and hopeless. I went through a really bad time in the late 80's. Things really spiraled for me. Boy was it a major attitude adjustment for me. I learned the difference between wants and needs. I haven't had cable since. ;)
This can be a time to pull together with your friends and family.

My prayers and sympathy are with you. I really know what you are going through. I started going to a good church. That was a help for me. My friends really helped me. It was almost a year before I found work, and it was through a friend. Don't isolate yourself.:pals:

[Sonoman]

12. And here i am, whining and moaning because...

I am going to have to dip into my home equity.

But I have been where you are, bigtree, with a pretty big exception.

I was on the streets.

Hang in there, man. Good things are supposed to happen to good people. I have read your stuff and firmly believe that you are one of the Good Ones.

Sonoman