Savings are gone, now in debt...we only make so much.
How do you decide which bill to pay first? Do you try to pay a little on everything, or methodically pay off one bill at a time?
How do you pay those bills? Is a loan cheaper than a credit card?
Do you charge, knowing the total is growing beyond your ability to pay? This is so illogical, but the only way to get what you need.
Have you had a fundraiser for your family?
Downsizing is not an option. We were heading out of debt until we got sick last year. We are very frugal.
I've seen prescription programs for people without insurance, but we have insurance and are not eligible.
Please pm me with suggestions if you don't want to post your helpful hints here.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
my sister looked into all of this. she got into big trouble with credit cards -- i mean 90 grand on credit cards!!!!
nobody would consolidate with that much debt. that being said, loan consolidation sounds good.
do you have family that could help out? unfortunately we can't help my sister -- it's a compulsion kind of thing, she'd just do it over and over again.
i really am not that good financially. do you have access to your retirement account? sometimes you can borrow against it.
i'm sure there are others here with a lot of good knowledge that miht offer other suggestions.
good luck.
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
(I tried to bump it up but it appears unbumpable.)
[ 04. August 2007, 07:57 PM: Message edited by: trueblue ]
Posted by Cobweb (Member # 10053) on :
Next stop is a Shelter for me.
Although I toy with the idea of getting a tent from Goodwill and living in woods with local hoboes. I hear there's a vacancy since Joe got run over by a train.
I also volunteer at an institution that gives volunteer's meal tickets to eat in cafeteria-great perk-when you're not getting paid.
I'm too proudful to sleep on a friend's couch.
I've thought of trading my midsize car in for a bigger used van -more space in case I should decide to just live out of my car.
We had a nice big house-once-but financial strain stripped us of ability to keep it up. Sold it to the first bidder.
Be sure you have a can opener because most food you get from a local Food Pantry is canned.
It being summer-people from church give me produce from their gardens.
I refuse to get credit cards-although it's tempting-I don't want to get well and be burdened with debt.
It's all part of the challenge . Another reality show with a twist of lyme-who will be the next survivor?
Take Care, I also pray for God to show me the way, Carol
Posted by Melanie Reber (Member # 3707) on :
Do a search with the title, that will bring up the newer topic address, that one CAN be bumped! Posted by MagicAcorn (Member # 8786) on :
Hi Mom,
I would call the credit card companies today and say I have been getting offers with better rates and having been with (citicard, etc.) odd number of years would hate to start over with another creditor and lose a relationship that benefits both of us. I would like it if you'd consider lowering my interest rate before I consider the other offers.
Acorn
PS - Melanie does have a great thread on this which is why I didn't add any more.
Posted by trueblue (Member # 7348) on :
Do a search with the title, that will bring up the newer topic address, that one CAN be bumped!
Thank you, Melanie! Cool! Now I know the secret, too.
(It's funny, I did a search in support and it didn't come up. I was sure I'd seen it over here. So pulled it up from the newbie links. See, if I wasn't so lazy I'd have searched all forums. tsk tsk )
Posted by imanurse (Member # 7022) on :
Here are some resources for Iowans. Many states have similar programs.
I was so incredibly humbled by friends and family stepping in when I got really sick...just at the point where I was considering a fund-raiser or at least a jar at my neighborhood convenience store.
But having to still pay for medical insurance AND quite a bit for meds and supplements really bled us. I never stopped working, but I was down to part-part-time for months.
I own a home so took a second then a third mortgage...not something I'd necessarily recommend. I also completely decimated my retirement account.
Finally, I found bartering a fabulous thing. I cooked for someone who was able to help around the house. I did some ad writing in exchange for acupuncture treatments. Tutoring for dental work...you get the point.
for me, it was vital that there was some sort of exchange, though I realized on my part, it was usually unequal. People still wanted to help out; people can be amazing like that.
Two things I got out of being this sick: learning to ask for help and the humility to accept it.
Andie
Posted by hshbmom (Member # 9478) on :
Thank you all for your comments.
I appreciate the suggestions and feel they will help many Lymies who are struggling financially.
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