Being broke sucks!
I know a whole lot of people who say they are broke and in their own way, I guess they are. But I get angry and bitter because they still have money to buy stuff. I guess I shouldn’t judge, they could be way overextended on credit cards or whatever, but I still get mad. When my aunt tells me she is so broke that she has to sign up for Toys for Tots and then goes and buys a new wardrobe for her daughter, it really pisses me off.
I am so broke. My phone is shut off. My car is about to get repossessed (I had to take out a title loan to pay the rent), the gas and lights will be turned off any day. Rent is due next week and there’s not enough to pay that either. Christmas just isn’t going to happen at this point. I did sign up for Toys for Tots and they are a God-send.
My child support stopped. My ex lost his job because he is stupid, but that is a whole other story. I don’t get any type of support for my 2 year old. He takes her on weekends and that does help a lot, but having to buy diapers and stuff is just too much by myself, especially because I don’t have a job. I have had jobs but because of bad things that have happened, when I work I have panic attacks thinking about my kids without me. I do work part-time at a friend’s daycare, but $25 a week doesn’t do a whole lot.
I don’t know what to do anymore. I am drowning. No money coming in and way too much going out. I am in the dark and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I want to cry and scream and yell and tell everyone how bad it is over here. I am so embarrassed. I am 30! I have NOTHING to show for what I do or what I have done. I don’t know how to fix it.
Being broke sucks! It is draining trying to decide what to pay – what is important and what isn’t.
Heat or food?
A roof or a car?
These are decisions no one should have to make…
Oh sweetie. (((hugs))) I’m so sorry you are facing this right now. I’d say if you can do it, food, shelter and heat are the ONLY important things right now. Everything else will have to wait. Do you have family nearby to help you?
Sign up for liheap. They will help pay for your heat and electricity.
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/
Yes, being broke does suck!
I am hoping you have applied for WIC as well as TANF benefits. By the sounds of things, I am certain you would qualify. Look, I know how humiliating and embarrassing it is to have to ask for help. I’ve had to make 5 visits to food banks this year because I needed to spend my cash on the rent or utilities. I know humiliation and embarrassment.
And just so you know, I am 46, college educated and (under)employed full time. I scrape by. I cannot tell you the last time I bought a piece of clothing new.
Where you are financially is not necessarily a reflection of WHO you are.
Hang in there and know that you are not alone.
I know what you are going through, in my way. I was lucky enough to have a husband that was looking for work while we begged our parents to pay our rent for months & months. The grocery store actually let me leave with $50 of groceries one day even though I couldn’t pay.
I had to come home & call my mom to ask for her to send money asap so I could pay them. We are alone in a new-to-us state, so had no one here to ask for help. I’m 45, my husband is 37 and the kids are 5 and 3. Slightly different boat but I was on that same sea.
There are programs here to help keep your electricity and gas on during the winter; check into that. We have been talking about donating to them but would MUCH rather help someone who is like we were — about a week from homelessness. Please, please send me an email address. I don’t have a lot, but I could send you $ by paypal today. Really. This is a serious offer.
I can’t say I know exactly how you feel…I have (somehow) managed to pay the house payment again this month(a miracle). But I know how scared and helpless you feel. There IS some help out there. Emergency food stamps, TANIF, WIC. The food bank. No matter how humiliating these things are…you deserve them. They are there for YOU not the people who abuse them. I wish I could help. I am so sorry you are going through this right now. BIG HUGS FOR YOU! You can make it through!!
I don’t know if you have checked into it, but Wish Upon a Hero is a great web board that allows people to post their stories and generous souls like Kyouell can donate to “grant a wish”. You might be able to find help there, too.
As for one of those broke people… I’m there. Right beside you in a different boat. Payment arrangements every week. Robbing Peter to pay Paul, pay day loans, car loan deferments, layoffs, fighting for unemployment money, paying child support to my husband’s ex for children she refuses to allow us to see. It sucks. Bad.
’m checking into Wish Upon a Hero. Thanks for the tip. Maybe Anon & I can “meet” there.
You need to go to Economic Services IMMEDIATELY and get state aid – you are eligible for emergency aid. You need to go on WIC (Women, Infants, Children) if you’re not already on it.
Do you have family or friends you can stay with in an emergency?
(hugs)
Thank you so much everyone it helps when you don’t feel so alone. I do get food stamps snap whatever its called when you break it down its less than $3 a day per person to eat but it helps tremendously so I am grateful. I was on wic but we missed an appt. When I go back ill have to show proof of shots n stuff and I am having a terrible time getting them from the dr. Medical card drs suck at returning calls. I am trying every option I know of and hoping something will pan out soon. Thanks again. You guys are so awesome
’m so sorry. I am married, with a graduate degree, and due to the economy and field in which we work, my husband and I have not gotten a raise in 4 years. We are living paycheck to paycheck (if we make it. Pay Day loans here as well!) and its so nerve-racking. And there is TWO of us.
Like the PP said, there are programs out there that will help you. I have no idea if you have a functional 211 number in your state (they are in 46 states). Its like 411 except its SOLELY for social services. You can call 211 and tell them where you are and what you need and they can tell you what social services are in your area that fits that need. It helps you navigate the often confusing system of benefits.
Call your state’s Department of Human Services Department of Human Resources immediately (they do liheap and other bill paying programs) and set up an appointment. The first thing you need to do is ask for a case manager. This is someone that will help organize and coordinate any services that you need so you won’t feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, requirements, etc. Yes, I am a social worker. 🙂
I’m so sorry, sweetie.
Hey, I kind of know how you feel. First time living on my own. Little income, ballooning bills, broken car, etc.