Hi, my name is Kat. I live in the midwest and we are really feeling the pinch with the poor economy and rising prices. And, even though I don't want my post to be one big pitty party, I really sympathize with you all, whatever your circumstances are that brought you here.
My husband and I lost our jobs with the same major corporation, mine due to the work moving to another state, and his because they dissolved his position. His work was replaced with contractors that would work for less with no benefits. Needless to say since this HUGE change in our economic status, our lives have changed dramatically. We are having the worst money crisis of our marriage. The stress and tension has made me very depressed (I have sought medical treatment), and my husband just doesn't want to talk about it. He's now working (after 6 months of looking) and making about 1/3 of what he did. I am unable to work due to arthritis of the spine, hips, and fibromyalgia, which seemed to escalate with the stress. I'm a librarian with a masters degree and I may never work again. I never in my wildest dreams, thought my life would be like this. I filed for disability and was denied, now I have filed again. We owe federal taxes, so we don't even get the economic stimulus money. Our phone rings constantly, and I have tried to explain our situation and work out agreements with our creditors, including our mortgage, but all of these obligations just increase with late charges, over limit fees, and anything else they can tack on including increasing the interest rate due to late payments. With my health, him making poverty level wages, our old and current money obligations, and the lack of support at the state level for people like us (we don't even qualify for food stamps), I feel and know that we are spinning out of control. We obviously need any monetary help possible, even just for groceries and to keep our utilities at bay so our lights and water won't be shut off.
I know there are other silent sufferers out there, just like me, just like us. I want you to know that I have my faith, and pray every day for a way out of this disaster. I won't turn down any suggestion or opportunity to turn this run-away train around.
