[DePressMe]

Money does not make the world go round, but it sure does help.

My health insurance premiums, copays and meds are all going up. This means I will have to cut back on therapy and somehow find a way to afford the premiums and meds. Winter is coming on and I have no idea how I am going to afford to heat my house. I make too much money for any type of assistance, but I don’t make enough to not worry about bills. I pretty much live paycheck to paycheck. I have a whole $2.37 in my savings. My salary raise this year is not even going to cover my increased insurance premiums. I work at a university hospital and the money is just not there for them to give me. Government cutbacks.

I am starting to really cut corners where I can. Buying store brand soda instead of coke and things like that. It frustrates me because I do work really hard—I put in my time. I have a full time job and a part time job. Also, I am trying to go to school. I am contemplating picking up another part time job for the winter to help cover some expenses that I know are right around the corner. I just question how much I have to give to have a house, car and food. I live in a modest house, drive a modest car…I don’t have any expensive habits or hobbies. I even have 2 college degrees—which means I also have student loans.

Money has never been a high priority to me, but at some point you have to make it a bit of a priority. If I get another part time job, I am not going to be able to continue in school. Education is one thing I value above all else. But it might have to take a second seat to money—at least for the winter.

I don’t know…I guess I am frustrated and just venting. I feel like I work hard and I deserve a warm house, good food, medical care and the opportunity to go to school. Its not like I am asking for a fancy sports car or a big house…just the basics. I just want the basics without having to have 3 jobs and sacrifice my education. I don’t want to work all the time—I want to enjoy life a little too.

[lenjan]

I have been in your shoes -- multiple jobs despite multiple degrees. I really should get a part-time one myself, as I also live paycheck to paycheck, and it sucks .... but my industry is dying and everybody is cutting back, including my paper -- no raises, not filling open positions, etc.

You might try PPA . Oftentimes you can get help with meds that way. And maybe your therapist will cut you a break on fees -- can't hurt to ask.

I hope you find a way to have a bit of a life and still pay your bills.

[(JD)]

I think your dilemma is quite common, and one reason why some ppl who are capable of working, don't. In their minds it doesn't pay to try.

I don't know your age, but... and don't get me wrong, there are plenty of people in dire straits just by living... but to have a home is a luxury in a sense...with all it costs to keep it up and own it. Having a computer is also extra, plus internet etc. I'm not saying this to put you down, but to help you realize, you really do have it pretty good, compared to many very poor people.

(((hugs))) I hope things turn better for you, though. TC

[biiv]

((((((((((((((((depressme)))))))))))))))))))))
im sorry this is another struggle you have to deal with.

[DePressMe]

Sky,

I have never thought that not working does pay—I firmly believe it does pay to try. That is the whole point of my post—you get out there and work your butt off, you do expect to get something for it. More than just a stack of bills that can’t be paid.

And no, I don’t feel guilty about people who are in dire straights. I don’t feel guilty for my house, my computer, my education or my internet connection. Do I feel grateful to have them? Heck yes. I am incredibly grateful. In my mind, owning a house is not a luxury. Its part of what I get for working a couple jobs. Besides, my mortgage is comparable to rent. It is much smarter for me to buy instead of rent because it is an investment for my future. Even if my house is in a crappy area and needs a new roof.

You see, I have lived in dire straights. I have been on the streets, I have literally lived in a box. I have had dinner out of a can. I know what its like to “shower” in a public restroom—to not be able to get a job because you don’t have clean clothes or transportation. I spent too many nights hungry and cold. That’s why this struggle is so meaningful to me. I am doing everything that I am “suppose” to be doing. And yes, I do expect rewards for all my hard work. I have worked my way out of poverty.

I am 36 years old and I don’t think that really has anything to do with my situation. It would not matter if I was 25 or 75. I firmly believe everybody who works hard deserves a warm house, medical care and food. It’s a shame there are so many people out there who are working hard and still can’t afford these things. To take it even further, I believe every human being deserves a home, medical care and food—regardless of employment.

I am fortunate to have all my “stuff.” Just because people out there have less than me does not mean I should stop trying. It does not mean I should not expect rewards for working.

***edit. I guess actually, I do have 3 jobs. I just picked up a small online job a month ago. I forgot about that,***edit

[lenjan]

[__zh]

it is hard in the USA to live paycheck to paycheck. often making just enough to barely scrape by yet too much to receive any kind of assistance. been there done that.

currently on disability it is a very simple life as one tends to not have room for extravagance under $10K/yr.

education is important but so is your health and shelter. good luck w/ the coming winter and the choices you will be making. you're a determined person who will find a way no matter what obstacles arise in your path.

[Perna]

Could you get a part-time job at school? That might combine things and they might give you a discount on tuition since you would work there? Refinance/consolidate the left over school bills (maybe home equity loan on your house to pay them off; that could be a low rate and tax deductible, etc.) We did that once, put our credit card bills into the refinancing of our house for 30 years, LOL. Not long-term smart but helped for the moment.

[Fuzzybear]

[seeker1950]

Depressme...
I too feel as you do...
I have my little modest house, but I really just exist paycheck to paycheck. I manage to pay my bills each month and then struggle to get to the next paycheck. I don't shop for clothes or other extravagances. Can't afford it, but i"m content in my little nest, with my teaching job and my independence.
A counselor once asked me, "What is most important to you?" to whch I answered without hesitation, "The ability to take care of myself."
That's what I strive to do, financially and emotionally.
Kudos to you for having lived on the street and "in a box!"
Love
Patty

[seeker1950]

And, by the way, I spend about $3 a week on the Powerball Lottery, always thinking I'll win! and fantasizing about what good I would do with the winnings! LOL! Naive and silly, for sure, but I go down the list of all the people I'd help, including people here on PC! with myself last.
Patty

[DePressMe]

Thanks everybody for the suggestions. I talked with my T and she told me of some places to get cheaper meds. I also wrote my pdoc a note asking him for free samples. I'll figure out a way to make ends meet. Really the most important thing is that I stay on my meds.

Patty, I too feel like the ability to take care of myself is one of the most important things in my life.

My house is also my little nest--its my sanctuary from the world. Everything in my house except a futon bed/couch is used. I prefer to think of things as broken in not broken down. My oven has not worked in 6 years but I have a small toaster oven. I make do with what I have and overall I am happy. Its the struggle towards the end of each paycheck that gets me--thats when I get frustrated.

So all and all, life is good. Its not always easy, but it is good.