[carebirdy]

It started Friday. I was rear-ended on the way home from work. The car is still driveable, I had some back pain but it went away. The other drive was insured. It should all be okay, but it just put me in a bad head space. Kind of, "I really can't deal with sort of **** right now," space. I was able to rally on Saturday and had a good encounter at work. I left feeling competent.
This morning, I wake up feeling pretty crudy. I think a side effect from a recent flu shot. I check my email. The credit card I've been relying on was cut. My credit limit is now $55 over my balance. This is the credit card that I've relyed on to put gas in my car and food in the house. I called the company and they said they won't raise my credit because my mortgage is too much in ratio to my income. They won't consider the fact that I have a roommate.
I've had this card for over 8 years, over 7 of them I've never carried a balance and just paid it off each month, but now, that things have gotten bad, that my income is minuscule, the mood is a decade long low, they cut my lifeline. I'm looking around the house for what to sell. Trying to avoid heirlooms and things with emotional value, but to me honest, there isn't a lot more that I have. I've always lived modestly.
I just don't know what to do next. Things feel so bleak. I feel so desperate. Everyone keeps saying, "Chin up," and I try to internalize it, I really do, but at every turn I feel defeated. I can't stop blaming myself for how bad life has gotten.

[missbelle]

Its always rough with financial issues. I'm having one myself this month. I had extra expense relating to my elderly cat. You probably have to find a way of cutting some expenses. Then though you may be like me and have already cut expenses.

Yes I get in that desperate mode...not a good feeling, a lot of anxiety!! Is there anyone you can borrow a couple bucks from for gas?

Also you got rear ended, don't feel well and are worrying about money...bad combination putting anxiety thru the roof. Have you ever tried the web site "Wish upon a Hero? Its a site where you can grant wishes and also ask for assistance. Its a great site. You can place a wish there.

What about churches etc...maybe if you have a church...see if they can give you a loan for a while. Other churches too help people with gas money and food. There are also food banks nd Social service agencies as well as food stamps if you live in U.S.A. Nobody wants to do this stuff, but sometimes you have too especially in this economy! Believe me you are not alone, and don't blame yourself either. It will not help. and a lot of it is where you live, jobs etc and a whole bunch of stuff we cannot control

[carebirdy]

Thank you for the suggestion. I recently requested an appointment for food stamps but the time they gave me was during work, and if I don't go to work, then I don't get paid, so I'm trying to get another time. Maybe I'll try wish upon a hero. I'm trying to see how much money I have on other cards. It's isn't much and now I'm accuetly aware that it can be cut at any time. My parents help when they can. They are OK financially, but not rolling in it. My dad took early retirement for health reasons and it just makes me feel like such a little girl to take money from my aging parents. I'm income is slowly growing, but it is so slow. It seems like I might make a little bit more each month, but it is so hard. My partner just graduated and he hasn't been able to find work in his field so it looks like in the next few weeks he will be starting at Target. It helps, but we keep waiting for them to start him and it just keeps getting dragged out.
Once upon a time, I had a job where I was comfortable. I bought a house. I even had a savings and gave a bit to charity. That seems so long ago.

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by carebirdy

Thank you for the suggestion. I recently requested an appointment for food stamps but the time they gave me was during work, and if I don't go to work, then I don't get paid, so I'm trying to get another time. Maybe I'll try wish upon a hero. I'm trying to see how much money I have on other cards. It's isn't much and now I'm accuetly aware that it can be cut at any time. My parents help when they can. They are OK financially, but not rolling in it. My dad took early retirement for health reasons and it just makes me feel like such a little girl to take money from my aging parents. I'm income is slowly growing, but it is so slow. It seems like I might make a little bit more each month, but it is so hard. My partner just graduated and he hasn't been able to find work in his field so it looks like in the next few weeks he will be starting at Target. It helps, but we keep waiting for them to start him and it just keeps getting dragged out.
Once upon a time, I had a job where I was comfortable. I bought a house. I even had a savings and gave a bit to charity. That seems so long ago.

My state has a way to apply for food stamps online or over the phone (if you want to) and you can either have a phone appointment or come in. Is there anyway you can do something online and/or over the phone?

[carebirdy]

Originally Posted by shortandcute

My state has a way to apply for food stamps online or over the phone (if you want to) and you can either have a phone appointment or come in. Is there anyway you can do something online and/or over the phone?

Unfortunately, no, in my state we aren't allowed to apply online. We can begin the process online and they can tell you tentatively if you qualify, but they won't instate benefits. I use to do some case management a few years ago and it was something we tried to get change but the state wouldn't budge. Thank you for the suggestion, though. I do have some weekday mornings where I don't work so hopefully I can just get them to schedule the appointment then.

[shinkikker]

I wish I had some words of advice, but I am pretty young and don't know much about finance at all. I know how it feels to feel desperate and trapped in a corner, though, so know that you are not alone <3

[tokiwartooth]

I can sympathize about finances. I do have food stamps, and I have had to go to food pantries and soup kitchens to eat. I just live paycheck to paycheck, and sometimes not all the bills get paid. I wish I could give you some magic words, but I don't have any for either of us. Just know that you're not alone. And the whole "chin up" thing, ugh, I have had so many people tell me that, and if I could do it I would. Better than my aunt telling me to buck up. I wrecked my car last year, and I feel like I've lost a part of me. Car accidents are traumatizing. I hope things get better for you, even though I know those are only words.