Sigh. I just figured out DH's last two paycheques ever

[sandynd]

My DH got really sick this year, and had to stop working in January so he could get life-saving treatment every day. His disability from work is running out in two weeks, which means we have two more paycheques, and then it stops forever. I am so going to miss not having to worry about money all the time! We have been pretty comfortable for about 4 years now. We've taken two Disney trips in those four years, paid in full ahead of time, which I never thought we'd be able to do. I've got our budgets worked out for the year now and there will be no more trips anywhere for a very long time, if ever. My daughter is 9 and only remembers the good financial times. I'm sad for her too that now we'll have to say "No" a lot more, and she won't have the opportunities and hope that I wanted her to have. Being poor sucks.

 

[MinnieForMe]

I'm sorry! I wish I could give you a big hug.

 

[sharbear]

This just happened to my BIL. He got approved for long term disability. It looks like you are Canadian, does your DH have anything like that. He will also be applying for SSDI which they are pretty sure he will be approved for.

 

[QVCshopper]

Sorry about your misfortune! I hope your DH is doing alright, though. As far as your DD, I grew up poor. My parents were always worrying about money, I put myself through college, was on food stamps, the whole nine yards. I never went to Disney until my honeymoon. But, I really learned how to stretch a dollar and save money like crazy. Maybe you can work (or already do)? Maybe you can qualify for financial assistance? Good luck!

 

[cm8]

My DH got really sick this year, and had to stop working in January so he could get life-saving treatment every day. His disability from work is running out in two weeks, which means we have two more paycheques, and then it stops forever. I am so going to miss not having to worry about money all the time! We have been pretty comfortable for about 4 years now. We've taken two Disney trips in those four years, paid in full ahead of time, which I never thought we'd be able to do. I've got our budgets worked out for the year now and there will be no more trips anywhere for a very long time, if ever. My daughter is 9 and only remembers the good financial times. I'm sad for her too that now we'll have to say "No" a lot more, and she won't have the opportunities and hope that I wanted her to have. Being poor sucks.

I hope that things will turn around for your family. I hope that your husband gets better too

 

[kchughes]

Keeping your DH in my thoughts. Does Canada have anything like Social Security Disability? In the US, once approved, the disabled worker gets a monthly income and also a separate check for a minor child. It's not much, but sure helps a little!

 

[DaniB]

I'm also in Canada (Ontario). My mom had to stop working due to illness (college teacher) and is on a life-time benefit through the government. It took her a while to get it. Had to go through doctors, a review board, she needed a lawyer at one point. But she did get approved.

I'm afraid I forget the details. She's away this weekend, but I'll find out what the government benefit is and get back to you if you'd like.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Sorry to hear the bad news. Give your child lots of love, that should make up for some of the no's. Lots of hugs and kisses will be needed.

 

[sandynd]

Thanks everyone. The virtual thoughts and hugs really do help. We are applying for all the assistance we can, although none of it has come through yet. I do work, fortunately, and even though I don't like what I do very much, it pays well enough. Just not well enough to feel comfortable on one salary for three people. I know it will be okay - we have a roof over our head, food and transportation. I shouldn't complain - lots of people have a lot less. In fact I grew up really poor. If it hadn't been for compassionate grocery stores in our little town, we wouldn't have had enough to eat a lot of times. Maybe that's why this is hitting harder - we had broken out of poverty and were headed up, and now we're back perilously close to where we were. I'll be haunting the budget boards frequently for tips! First thing I am doing Monday is cutting the satellite TVplan we have. I'm going to keep the internet because it's bundled with our phone for a really good price and it provides most of our entertainment. I'm also going to ask my DH to start couponing on his good days - he is pretty interested, so hopefully it works out (not as good in Canada as the south, but every little bit helps.) Thanks again for the support guys!

 

[palavra]

Thanks everyone. The virtual thoughts and hugs really do help. We are applying for all the assistance we can, although none of it has come through yet. I do work, fortunately, and even though I don't like what I do very much, it pays well enough. Just not well enough to feel comfortable on one salary for three people. I know it will be okay - we have a roof over our head, food and transportation. I shouldn't complain - lots of people have a lot less. In fact I grew up really poor. If it hadn't been for compassionate grocery stores in our little town, we wouldn't have had enough to eat a lot of times. Maybe that's why this is hitting harder - we had broken out of poverty and were headed up, and now we're back perilously close to where we were. I'll be haunting the budget boards frequently for tips! First thing I am doing Monday is cutting the satellite TVplan we have. I'm going to keep the internet because it's bundled with our phone for a really good price and it provides most of our entertainment. I'm also going to ask my DH to start couponing on his good days - he is pretty interested, so hopefully it works out (not as good in Canada as the south, but every little bit helps.) Thanks again for the support guys!

I completely understand! Thankfully, both DH and i are still working, but we've both had several health issues in the last couple of years. Medical bills are killing us!

This is one reason I get so frustrated with others who can't understand that not everyone has the options of "working hard and getting ahead."

 

[MaryKLady]

I'm sorry. I hope things turn around for you.

 

[hsmamato2]

OP, keep your chin up,and understand that your dd's happiness over time will depend,not on how much money you have,but on how much love and joy you all bring to your lives. which,once you get past true necessities,has nothing to do with income,or vacation plans

 

[gator75]

I'm so sorry for your family ,but look at it this way EVERYONE has gone through hard times at one time or another some harder then others. If anyone says they haven't they aren't telling the truth. I hope that your husband gets well. keep us updated on how you are doing.

 

[dfchelbay]

Don't forget that Netflix is available in Canada too. It's $7.99 per month in the US, maybe it's the same there. It will give your family some viewing options since you will no longer have satellite tv anymore.

 

[sandynd]

Thanks everyone for the support and ideas. I know my DD will grow up knowing she is loved and treasured. I'm just worried all the "no's" will add up and she'll feel deprived compared to her friends, and then get herself in financial trouble trying to make up for it when she gets out on her own. That's what I did. Finally dug out of the debt I ran up, and started making more money, and we finally had things pretty good. DH will not be getting much better than this. His kidneys have failed and he's not a good candidate for a transplant, so it's years of dialysis for him. We have a very progressive hospital and he is allowed to do his treatments at home, but it still sucks the life out of him every day. And will do for pretty much the rest of his life.

Just to top things off this week, I lost my ankle bracelet he had given me many years ago. I sprained my ankle two weeks ago and had to take it off at the hospital for x-rays. I thought I put it in my purse, but I went to look tonight and it is gone. I have been to a few places with my purse since then, so I will call to see if anyone found it, but I'm not hopeful. I could just cry right now - replacing it is not in the cards (solid gold - expensive!!)

 

[cheriemek]

Pixies that your dear husband gets better.