Help Alys Get A Fresh Start

Hi, it's Alissa/Alys and as many of you already know, the last 5 years have been really hard on me. I tried starting a new law firm with a friend in late 2018. What with COVID shut down, court closures, my law partner having a major medical issue and not being able to work for over a year, and a bunch of clients who couldn't or wouldn't pay their legal fees, I simply didn't make any money at all for a long, long time.

In January, I got a wonderful new job that pays very well. But, I have a lot of built-up debt during the "no pay years" and no savings left. I have had to declare bankruptcy to get it all straightened out. Unfortunately, in order to pay off the debt and resolve the bankruptcy, I need to sell my beloved home of 25 years and move ASAP.

I've found a place I'd love to live in and that I can afford on my new salary, but there are a TON of unanticipated lead up costs that I need right now. These costs include a 2-month rent deposit, the cost of hiring movers (because I'm not 25 any more) and the costs to get my car fully repaired so that I can keep commuting safely. If possible, I'd also like to get my roommate's car repaired so she can get a job. The total I'm asking for may look crazy, but $6000 of it alone will been needed to secure a new apartment here in northern NJ, and another $5000 will be for the cars (deferred maintenance will bite you on the rear). If I'd had more notice I'd have been able to save the $ myself, but the deadlines imposed by the bankruptcy court are tight.

People who know me at all know how much I hate asking for help. I'm supposed to be the one who *gives* help, not the one who gets it. Those who were with me for the cancer remember how hard it was for me to let people love me. Well, I'm older and hopefully wiser now.

I can promise lots of pictures of the lovely new space, plus many ridiculous stories of the antics of Lucy the Cat (pictured above "helping" me work) and Frank the Cat as they explore their new territory. I thank you all in advance for any help you can give.

I also may be looking for some assistance selling off some furniture and other belongings if someone is willing to lend a hand with that.

Again, thank you for reading this, thank you for thinking of me, and thank you for anything you can pitch in.

Alissa/Alys