• Date Started: Jul 9, 2020
• Entries: 9
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Feeling a little down

8 Responses to “Feeling a little down”

1. Petunia 100 Says:
   July 16th, 2020 at 09:15 pm 1594934126
   1594934126
   Ignore the trolls, Raquel. They don't matter. Many of the regulars here have felt just as you do now; I know that I have. You can do anything you decide you will do. You got this.
   
   

2. Lucky Robin Says:
   July 16th, 2020 at 09:43 pm 1594935818
   1594935818
   I'm sorry you found some discouraging people. That is not the norm, but there are one or two that pop up from time to time. Just take it one step at a time. Work on getting that lowest balance card paid off and then your income will align with your bills. You are not off by that much. By the way, Netflix will let you suspend your account for a few months if you need to, if that will help at all.

3. Lots of Ideas Says:
   July 16th, 2020 at 11:11 pm 1594941116
   1594941116
   I am sorry you are feeling down, but in reality, you are in a tough place. Your reaction is reasonable. But you are going to have to make changes to get out of debt. You owe a year’s worth of income.
   
   If it is medical debt or from a time of unemployment, then buckling down and digging out will work provided it doesn't Happen again.
   
   If it is from too much indulgence - travel, eating out, buying stuff - again, a period of deprivation can get you out. But your life will need to drastically change.
   
   But if it is because you have to charge to meet day to day necessary expenses, you have to be able to earn more money or way lower expenses or it is like trying to fill up a bucket with a hole in it.
   
   You haven’t said what you charged. Do you have anything you can sell? Do you or your partner have any way to bring in extra income?
   
   I ask again about the equity in your house. Maybe you should sell and rent for a while.
   

4. LifeBalance Says:
   July 16th, 2020 at 11:59 pm 1594943964
   1594943964
   Once you get a plan down, focusing on the end-goal will lift your spirits when you're feeling deprived. When I see my checking account balance low during an expensive month, I look at my retirement account to remind myself that I am not poor. Or I'll look at the slope of the net worth graph and project it forward to see where I'll be if I stay the course.
   
   On comments, if you feel they're nasty or personally attacking you, just delete them. And forget them - you want to surround yourself with positive supportive people. But also know that most folks here are genuinely trying to help when they don't sugarcoat the advice. If a suggestion seems extreme to you or not your style, don't do it. But be thankful for the advice and try to be open-minded.

5. jokeabee Says:
   July 17th, 2020 at 12:45 am 1594946744
   1594946744
   I think that people who are not used to making not a lot of money or are in jobs that have a lot of earning potential don't understand how hard it is for people who are in low paying jobs. IMO you can't lift yourself up by your bootstraps if you don't have boots to begin with. Reading your last couple posts it seems like you know one area you can definitely work on-food (it is my Achilles heel, too!) So just take it one day at a time and build on different decisions. You have a good timeline to pay off your debts, even if it feels like forever. I know you can do it! We are rooting for you!

6. crazyliblady Says:
   July 17th, 2020 at 12:49 am 1594946977
   1594946977
   No judgment here. I have certainly been in the same place you are. It is a difficult place to be, but it is not impossible to get out.
   
   One way I use to track my budget is to use a 4x6 index card. I write out my budget at the beginning of the pay period and note all of the expected expenses. I make a note when I buy something from a category so I can keep track of how much I have left. I like index cards because they are low tech and portable. It is also possible to use some kind of app on a phone or program on computer. While I am paying minimums on debt, I personally use any "extra" money to put money into savings.
   
   Also, I am wondering if it is possible to get tv service and internet from the same company? If yes, is it less expensive? Have you explored asking for any discounts, etc. from your car insurance company? My car insurance company gave me a $30 discount due to COVID on top of other discounts, but I am not sure if it is a one-time thing or not. Are you currently employed? If not, are you able to get any government assistance? Anyone who puts you down is just not being nice. Keep your chin up.

7. CB in the City Says:
   July 17th, 2020 at 12:17 pm 1594988234
   1594988234
   Don't listen to those people! I have gotten stupid negative comments, too. This community, the people who post regularly and interact with each other, is overwhelmingly supportive to anyone trying to get out of debt. Don't feel down. Get excited that you are taking steps on an awesome journey!

8. rob62521 Says:
   July 19th, 2020 at 08:30 pm 1595190608
   1595190608
   I'm sorry there are trolls who are wanting to make you feel bad about yourself. The fact you joined SA and are trying to figure out ways to help save money is a good thing. Don't give up!

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