((((((((((bptoo))))))))))

Boy! Can I ever relate to that. I've been there - done that - ahem, come to think of it, I'm still kinda there due to all those bills that piled up.

First things first though. The entire blame can be placed upon your parents. It's all their fault for it's not your fault you weren't born rich! I mean - it's the least they could have done. I tell my step mother it's her fault that I was born so dran good looking instead of rich - she simply asks me if I have looked in the mirrow lately. Such as it is ...

I worked at a wholesale grocer as a route saleman. I really loved the job, except that I had become to much like family and everyone enjoyed me coming, and as a result - I could never get away from them and so my days were always long.

The problem arose when the President of the company made changes that resulted in the loss of several of my customers. Finally, I was laid off due to that loss. He even cried when he told he was having to lay me off (I think I cried hardest- after I left).

Jobs here are hard to come by - even the bad ones, so it took me 2 years to finally get one that would allow me to actually pay my bills and remain at home. It was always important that I stay here - more of a sense of loyality to them, because they had raise dme and seen me through school.

And to make matters worst - the company that laid me off, sent my 401K to me, instead of a bank, which cost me bigtime in pentalities - all because of their mistake. Had they sent it directly to the bank - it would have cost me nothing!

So here I am - scratching every dollar I can, spending it all on bills and trying to get the second mortage I had to get paid off. It's not easy and very stressful. Some days are hard to make through. I get this goal of getting out of debt in my mind, and most times even refuse to eat anything during the day. I drink coffee (I will spunge for coffee) and figure if I can save $5.00 a day at 5 days, that's $25.00 a week - $100.00 a month - $1200.00 a year ... yipppee. One would think I'd be losing weight - must be that coffee?

So I know first-hand how tough it can be. One day I had several thousands in savings, and now - it's stressful just seeing the mail come.

I do send you my best wishes - will keep you in my thoughts, and hope that everything works out for you. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Your friend Sam



Anyone can say I love you, but actions speak louder than words.