I want you to know how much I hate (HATE!) doing this & how embarrassing this is & how exposed I feel... However, this year has absolutely been the worst & I need help. Ed & I need help.

I know there are people worse off--I am aware of what is going on in the world--but I am not interested in participating in the Poverty Olympics or competing in whose situation is worse.

This is my (& Ed's) story.

On January 1, 2023 my mom gave me some devastating news (which I choose to keep private because it is hers to share), I had to travel Feb & April to help (leaving me to work in March--which I had to rob Paul to pay Peter in Feb so I was making no money), in May we had to move & also in May my disability got denied (or suspended depending on which Social Security admin you talk to--I've been talking to Cheyenne & Sheridan for 6 months), my work has not been as good as it has been prior (which is not just me--other businesses are/have been suffering), then my dad died, I had to buy a plane ticket at the last minute which is pricey, our car broke down (& we had to spend a small fortune to get it towed--go figure, small towns in the middle of nowhere), we had to get a rental (another small fortune but I had to get to the funeral) & now, here we are...

Ed & I have tore through our savings (which was never anything remarkable to begin with but we got by) & I have $100 left on my credit card, Ed has left a little over $1000 (ask us how much his debt is!) & our checking is about $264...

Yes, we've been living paycheck to paycheck. But, after rent, there is barely enough to pay bills...& there are plenty. (Ever had to discuss if your spouses meds are more important than yours or if you should eat or buy the dog her food? Ed & I have been fighting nonstop because...well...decisions.)

Now, I've been hysterically crying since Jan... (I'm starting to cry right now.) This year is the worst (I know there are a couple months left but I'm calling it--2023, GTFO).

I know people say money can't buy happiness & ok, sure, but it certainly can pay rent & bills & groceries & it can allow extras like being able to buy a last minute plane ticket or get your car towed & a new car rented & purchase a new (used, but new to us) car which *does* bring happiness/peace of mind...