I spent much of my youth struggling with addiction and alcoholism in a single-parent household, without the financial resources to be responsible. My grandmother worked diligently throughout her adult life to purchase a home. I was incarcerated in 2012 at the age of 24, while actively struggling with addiction, and served a 10-year prison sentence. My grandmother passed away that same year, leaving her home to my mother. Three months after my release in 2022, my mother passed away, leaving me to cope with my grief and the responsibility of handling her estate. After settling the estate, I sold the house, as it was located in a less desirable area of my childhood city. Between my mother's passing and the sale of the house, I found love with a wonderful woman. Over the next year and a half, in an attempt to make up for lost time, I spent money rather freely to show my affection. That money is now gone, and due to my lack of budgeting skills and real-world financial experience, I've fallen behind financially. I am now concerned about meeting my upcoming rent and car payments, and I also have credit card and loan debt. Because of my past struggles with addiction and incarceration, my support network is limited to my 12-step program sponsors, whose support, while greatly appreciated, is understandably limited. I have never used GoFundMe before, and I am unsure whether I should simply accept my circumstances and do my best, or if seeking assistance in this way is appropriate. To anyone who reads this and chooses to help, I offer my sincerest gratitude.
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