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lizardlady · 06:01 PM

Maven, when hubby and I started looking around to buy a place of our own we had absolutely no credit rating. We did everything either by check or cash. We built our rating by borrowing for things we knew we could pay off. Like you are doing with the Dell computer. We didn't buy anything on credit unless we knew we had the money in savings or coming in to pay the bill. Getting a credit card and disciplining yourself about what you charge would be a good way to build your rating. On the other hand, if you don't think you can control your spending don't get the card! I refused to have a credit card with hubby because he would have charged us into the poor farm. My first credit card was in my name only. I got it at my T's urging to help make myself more independent of hubby.

Someone mentioned vocational rehabilitation. Have you contacted your state Voc Rehab to see what sort of assistance they can offer you? I think the idea of contacting your local DV group for information is also a good idea.

If you decide you want to move out and be on your own, it doesn't have to be done overnight. Start with baby steps. Can't remember if I ever said, hubby was abusive. My T used to push me to move out. It would put me in a complete panic. I was terrified to be on my own. I didn't think I could survive on my own. I started with steps like getting a credit card in my name only. Man that one scared the crap out of me! I would daydream about what it would like to be on my own. I was slowly coming around to believing I could survive on my own when hubby was killed in an accident at work. Living on my own was no longer and option. It was forced on me. Guess what? I survived. As a matter of fact I love the life I have now.

edited to add
Maven, you mentioned seeking financial advice. What about contacting AARP or a similar organization? You could even read up on their financial advice at the library. The idea of speaking to someone at your bank also makes sense.