Hi, I'm Betsy Walters. I have been looking for work for almost a year now. I have spent my 401k to survive. I no longer have savings, and I have opened credit cards. So, I'm getting further in debt.

I submit resumes almost every day of the week, and I look for all kinds of work. I am a software Technical Writer by training and trade. But for some reason, the market is such that I haven’t had a job offer. I’ve had several interviews, but I feel like I have flunked them. Not intentionally.

I have submitted or applied to over 300 jobs in 2024 and will probably reach that or more in 2025.

I'm 64 years old; I should be saving money for retirement. My dad had government and military pensions. People of my generation and the younger generation don’t have that luxury.

I wasn’t smart enough to save money, and now I’ve spent the little bit of 401k I had. I wasn’t raised by people who taught me about life, money, retirement, or how to have a relationship.

What I know today, I have mostly learned through recovery programs. I’m 23 years sober but still not very wise!!

I'm still hoping I can find a job, keep up with my responsibilities, and not be forced to sell my house.

I don’t have the hardest luck story but I am struggling and I’m scared. I don’t have a husband or second income; I am the only one contributing to me. And I’m failing at it.

I just need your help so I don’t lose my house/home. I don’t avoid working or paying my bills. I was denied unemployment this year.

There are lots of people who need financial help and it may just get worse in the coming years. I hope not. But I’d like to be in a position to help those people when I get back on my feet.