I’m Gayle, and I’m trying to raise enough money to survive this month. You may know me as the host/producer of Laugh Out Lore and Ladies Night Comedy, but after being let go from my last full-time job, I’ve spent the past 2 years trying to find work outside of part-time positions and freelance/gig work. In that time I’ve completely spent down any savings I’ve had and everything that was in my retirement account. At the end of last summer, I also suffered a car accident through no fault of my own that completely totaled my car, leaving me without reliable transportation.

I’ve been fortunate to finally land an excellent full-time position that I began at the beginning of March. However, the job is in higher ed, and payroll comes out monthly. I had enough money in the bank to cover my mortgage payment this month and that’s it. I’m completely broke to cover the rest of my monthly bills, plus expenses like food, transportation (I try to take MARTA as much as I can, but it doesn’t get everywhere, and ubers & lyfts really add up), and caring for my 10 year old dog, Rico.

I just need some help getting through March, and then I’ll be back on my feet again, able to pay off the debt I’ve accrued and start building some savings again. The past 2 years have been incredibly hard financially, which has put a huge strain on me mentally and emotionally. I’ve had to go without health insurance during this time, which has only made it more difficult to handle my long-term anxiety and depression. I know that many others are in the same boat, and I appreciate any help anyone feels comfortable to provide.