First off, I would like to thank you for knowing more about me and my situation. I know many people in our world today are dealing with many issues of their own, and I appreciate you for reading about mine.
First off, here is some background information on me. My name is Mike, and I was born and raised in Boston, MA. I came from a family consisting of many relatives. The men were always diligent workers and took care of family and business. I followed suit and started working when I was thirteen, performing duties in summer jobs like cutting grass, painting houses, and running errands.
By the time I was ready to graduate from high school, I was already working as a business re modeler, tearing down and constructing new portions of buildings that needed a good refresh.
I made career changes during my thirties. I went from computer support to training people on how to support themselves when it came to technologies. My training career lasted for 21 years.
I have moved on, and I am now into my mid-sixties. So much has changed for me, and I understand that the same challenges I face now affect many people.
The burden of carrying a heavier load “maintaining what you already have, and, taking on new life events” can be overwhelming.
Eight years ago, I was diagnosed with Diabetes (Type II). It was easy to manage most of the time. But as I was told by the oncologist, it gets worse with time. For the past year it has worsened to the point that I will need to have surgery. I have had to put this issue on hold because of funds. Finances have also changed greatly. I still work (remotely at home) due to my disability. The money I make would be considered good (2 decades ago). No increases in pay now for the past 3 years. At least I still have a job. But due to the rising costs of everything, inflation does not help anyone. I mean, what used to be considered a good grocery haul for a few weeks was spending around $200. Now, it is more like $400, and you still need to eat for the rest of the month.
I have conducted other plans to stay afloat. I put a reverse mortgage on my home and used the money to survive and hopefully dig myself out of the hole. That money only lasts for so long. It goes fast.
I couldn't afford to keep up with credit bill and loans I had and went into a debt program over a year ago. That is a big monthly chunk out of my paycheck, and I really miss that cash flow. I also have medical debt because deductibles are outrageous.
So, if I can get rid of the debt, I can do what people are trying to do out there today. I keep a roof over my head, food in my refrigerator, support my health and be able to pay the usual monthly expenses. Instead of whenever a spend one penny, I end up owing 3 more.
It would be wonderful to be able to say once in life that you got out from under. Instead of always being 2 inches below the water level no matter what you do.
I have been a worker all of my life and believe in earning my way. I will not be able to retire and will end up working until the end. I am not one to ask people for money. This is the first time for me. I figured at least asking for help couldn’t hurt. I have come to a point in my life where I have literally run out of gas and options.
At this point, I know many of us are facing difficult times. Finance is always a big frustration when it comes to making all ends meet. If you are going through what I am, you have my thoughts and prayers with you. I truly understand.
Thank you for your time,
Mike
