Will Financial issues EVER end?????

[NYCDiane]

Okay, so I've started the Dave Ramsay steps and have about $500 of the 1K emergency fund saved. I also have $600 put aside for some car repairs (that are actually going to cost more than 1K)

Anyway..... why does it seem that whenever I get a few steps in the right direction, something comes along to bulldoze me back 500 yards?!?!?!

Like I said, I started the DR steps, have some money put aside. I go to the dentist today and need a ton of work done. Of course, I knew this already and was going to "wait" to get it done but, at this point, it HAS to be done. We're talking a few thousand, at least.

About my car... it needs a minimum of 1k in work. That HAS to be done and it has to be first priority.

Medical... I have a ton of medical issues that I need to have taken care of. Two of the operations are ambulatory, costing me a co-pay of $75 each, plus doctor follow ups of $35 each, plus meds (probably $40-$60) In addition, I need another inpatient surgery done which will cost me a $500 co-pay. There is also another ongoing medical issue that I have that will probably wind up costing me a few hundred in co-pays and meds.

Summer Camp... this is NOT optional. If my DD doesn't go to camp, I can't work. 3K ---hoping and praying for some financial aid on this from the camp.

There have been problems in the building I live in and the LL isn't taking care of them (druggie neighbors). He refuses to do anything about them at all. I can't have my child living around this and want to move. Of course, moving involves first & last month's rent, plus security deposit, and brokers fee (at least 5k)

Do I know where ANY of this money is coming from?? NO. I just don't have it and it's sooo frustrating.

 

[bumbershoot]

The llnoe.com people call it Murphy, and they say it hits in 3s. But in your case, sounds like you're getting a double-dose!

 

[ziggystardust]

i totally feel for you.

 

[Mathfailure]

As I worked hard to pay off our unsecured debt a few years ago I realized, as you are, life still goes on and troubles still happen. But you are ahead with some money to pay, and as you cut expenses and continue to choose no debt, you will get to the other side.

I am always amazed at how much farther our money seems to go when I pay attention to it, and say no to somethings and yes to others. Sometimes I need to go with plan B or even plan Q, but things get done.

I do not know the cost of living in your area, but search and search some more for ways to get the day care cheaper, and same for new apartment. Maybe second choice for camp, or another option you haven't thought of yet. Network and see what others are doing.

 

[QVCshopper]

Nearly three years ago, I fell and broke my elbow, only to find out that I also needed a new ACL in my knee. Shortly thereafter, my DD needed a tonsillectomy due to 105 degree fevers that kept coming and was then diagnosed with some learning disabilities due to the fevers. Oh, any my kids were 1 and 2 at the time.

We kept handling each issue as it came up. Life was hard, but we chipped away at each thing. Now, things are much better.

So, try to handle each thing as it comes. I'm sure you can space out the surgeries a little bit--too much at one time is too much to handle. I think moving should be a priority with the druggie issue; maybe rethink the car if you live in NYC? And there are always dental clinics; my BIL works at one linked to Penn Dental School. Good luck--wish you the best.

 

[apnep]

...car repairs ...Two of the operations are ambulatory, costing me a co-pay of $75 each, plus doctor follow ups of $35 each, plus meds (probably $40-$60) inpatient surgery done which will cost me a $500 co-pay...co-pays and meds. ---hoping and praying for some financial aid on this from the camp...druggie neighbors

Did you take your car to a dealership? If so, you can tell them you are having a really hard time, sometimes they will give you a discount and that might help. Or you shop around for different mechanics. I am always frank with the mechanics and ask them, what REALLY needs to get done asap?

Same thing with the doctors and hospital bills, ask for a payment plan. Also, if you have any hospital bills don't be afraid to ask them for a discount. They will also work with you. Can you get generic RXs? Every little bit helps.

Call the cops on the neighbors and on your LL and maybe that will get the ball rolling. If your LL knows about the druggies then isn't that tecnically aiding them? CAll the cops.

I know how frustrating saving can be and all about getting two steps ahead and taking 5 backwards. Last year we got outa debt and not one month later my husband had to go in the hospital for a week with a blood clot that nearly cost him his life after having minor knee surgery. But we got through it and just did what we had to do. Yes, it is frustrating when life gets in the way, but you pick yourself up and you just keep moving forward chipping away a little at a time. You can do it. You just have to be a little creative. One step at a time. You'll get there.

Angela

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

yes, they will

it takes a while. take things one day at a time, one bill at a time. take time off from the plan when things come up.

we've been thru the car stuff, the dental stuff, the first $4K round of braces, new heat pump, etc...and finally finished paying off a loan from 7 years ago with this year's taxes. I know more will come up, but it was nice to get the first thing paid off. I'm sure the car will explode tomorrow now that I've said this.

Just know a lot of us are right there with ya

 

[pixiewings71]

Why do you have to pay a broker fee to find a new place to live? I've never heard of that before......

I feel this way tho, seems like everytime we might be able to get ahead something happens to knock us back down...it's very frustrating. Hang in there, hopefully something will change for both of us.

 

[LoraJ]

What you need as well as your EF is sinking funds and budget for them. You know you have to pay 3K for the camp, so you set aside an amount each month for that. Same with medical and same with the car and new place. Can you find a cheaper program for her just for this summer until you can get more saved?

 

[crisi]

They will. Its tough - sometimes its two steps forward and a step back. Sometimes its three steps back. But if you weren't making the effort there would be no steps forward.

 

[wdwfan16]

Do the best you can. Giving up in not an option. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Right now it might look like a speck, but eventually it will get bigger.

Best of luck with all of your medical problems.

 

[eliza61]

Okay, so I've started the Dave Ramsay steps and have about $500 of the 1K emergency fund saved. I also have $600 put aside for some car repairs (that are actually going to cost more than 1K)

Anyway..... why does it seem that whenever I get a few steps in the right direction, something comes along to bulldoze me back 500 yards?!?!?!

Like I said, I started the DR steps, have some money put aside. I go to the dentist today and need a ton of work done. Of course, I knew this already and was going to "wait" to get it done but, at this point, it HAS to be done. We're talking a few thousand, at least.

About my car... it needs a minimum of 1k in work. That HAS to be done and it has to be first priority.

Medical... I have a ton of medical issues that I need to have taken care of. Two of the operations are ambulatory, costing me a co-pay of $75 each, plus doctor follow ups of $35 each, plus meds (probably $40-$60) In addition, I need another inpatient surgery done which will cost me a $500 co-pay. There is also another ongoing medical issue that I have that will probably wind up costing me a few hundred in co-pays and meds.

Summer Camp... this is NOT optional. If my DD doesn't go to camp, I can't work. 3K ---hoping and praying for some financial aid on this from the camp.

.

The llnoe.com people call it Murphy, and they say it hits in 3s. But in your case, sounds like you're getting a double-dose!

Never, ever mess with Murphy's law!!
Op, not to sound flippant but what you are experiencing is every day "life". My dad use to say "Some times you eat the bull, some times the bull eats you".
I know you probably can't see it but you have a plan and that is a good thing. You are being "proactive" listing priorities and taking care of business. give youreslf credit for that.
Remember, the goal of Dave Ramsey is not to stop these life events from happening but to make you better prepared to handle them.

 

[PinballFamily]

What a thoughtful and supportive group!

Loved this quote - boy, have we been there!

Sometimes I need to go with plan B or even plan Q, but things get done.

OP - good luck, keep breathing, and keep watching that speck of light. It WILL get bigger eventually!

 

[Irin997]

Just wanted to say hang in there, this kind of stuff happens to everyone unfortunately. Just when you think you're getting ahead, something happens.

Summer Camp... this is NOT optional. If my DD doesn't go to camp, I can't work. 3K ---hoping and praying for some financial aid on this from the camp.

Just curious if this is for sleepaway summer camp. If so, maybe instead you could look for a summer day camp. My daughter goes to a summer day camp through our local YMCA and I pay just over $1000 for the whole summer and they are open from 7am - 6pm. Maybe look into that option or search for cheaper options.

 

[Luvchefmic]

I can totally relate with what you are saying, this economy has hit us all hard. We've faced unemployment 3 times in the past year and only bought our house 1 1/2 yrs ago. My best advice? Prayer, meditation, anything that keeps you spiritually and mentally grounded. This is the time for families to pull together, my DH & I went through a time that we were absolutely horrible to each other because we were so scared....we're closer now, just remember things will get better you have to believe that,
God Bless you,
Ruthie

 

[punkin]

Life is HARD! Sometimes things look like they will never get better, but they do eventually. Just keep plugging along.

 

[ssawka]

I appologize to the OP as I do not have advice to offer, but after reading your message, I felt the need to drag out my soap box. Medical costs in America are out of control and are eating up the middle class. Living in one of the wealthiest countries in the world, no one should have to choose between an operation and putting food on the table. While Congress and the President squabble over what should be done, American families are going broke. It is disgusting that we allow the fat cats to get rich by gambling with people's lives.

Ok, now back to your regular scheduled broadcasting...