Support Robert and Gregory's Financial Recovery

Hello and thank you for reading my story.

My name is Robert Alberts. I’ve worked most of my life as a full-time musician. Because of economic reasons, I now have a part-time job at a grocery store.

My brother Gregory Alberts and I are experiencing growing financial difficulties.

Our beloved mother, Mariadel, passed away last September from cancer. Gregory and I inherited her house. We both live here now, and Greg has been paying the property tax. We agreed that I would buy our groceries so he could afford the property tax fees.

Unfortunately, our mother had let these tax payments lapse, so a debt of $5,000 was owed in addition to the monthly fees. We were doing well with our arrangement as the only bills we were responsible for, in addition to the property taxes, were our utilities.

In February of this year, while I was at work, my boss called me to the front. A customer had caused the front end of my car to be damaged. The damage was mostly cosmetic, and upon inspection, my mechanic verified this.

The other driver’s insurance declared my model 2000 year car to be ‘totaled’. Fortunately, my registration wasn’t due until June, so I was able to continue driving it until then. The cost of having it declared roadworthy by the DMV was very high. Because my car was 24 years old, the settlement I received, of course, was very low.

Several months later, the transmission on Greg’s car broke down. Upon inspection, the repair estimate was astronomical.

My brother and I shared my car for about two weeks. During this time, I was contacted by a car dealership and was able to get a car. Payments, while not extremely high, have put a strain on my finances. My brother was using my car full-time.

Of course, when the registration was due, the DMV refused as my old car was deemed totaled. Greg and I contacted the dealership that helped me, and they set him up with a decent car.

Now, in addition to the property taxes, utilities, our private debts, and costs of living, we now have car and insurance payments.

Ironically, after all this happened, the store started to cut everyone’s hours. Opening up my availability was of no consequence.

Greg and I discussed the possibility of getting a second mortgage. Unfortunately, that is not possible until we can eliminate the debt of past tax bills.

He and I also discussed selling our house, but we’re trying to avoid that. My personal stake in keeping the house is having a safe place to practice my music.

My brother and I both suffer from depression and PTSD from an emotionally abusive father. I also have a lot of anxiety. This sometimes manifests as stage fright.

The grief over the death of our mother has exacerbated our mental health conditions.

Our situation, I feel, is all too common in this day and age. We will accept all amounts; anything will help. I feel that if we are able, with your help, to make it through this current situation, we will have the best chance of starting anew.

The photo was taken on a Thanksgiving Day approximately 30 years ago. Pictured, from left to right, are myself (Robert), my brother Gregory, and our mother Mariadel Alberts, née Zuniga. Our mom and my brother are U.S. Army veterans.

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Robert “Rob” M. Alberts

Gregory “Greg” or “G” P. Alberts