I work THREE jobs (juggled so I can still be mostly home with my two small kids) and my husband works TWO plus we have rental properties and yet we are STILL barely getting by.
I have nearly 18k in credit card debt on four accounts, another $670 in equity accounts and at this rate it will take me 28 years to be debt free.
We still have good credit (what a joke) but we have no reserves for the regular things in life like dentists, doctors, repairs and maintenance.
I feel helpless, hopeless, and most importantly like I am putting my babies security and futures at risk (college fund? what a joke ...)
I am tired of living paycheck to paycheck but over a year ago the third job I received was a Godsend that would enable us to pay down debt in a few years!! But it didn't. Becaus each month my additional $800 some dollars just gets spent on these "other things" that crop up because, frankly, after my husband and I get our preliminary paychecks they go to bills and we have less than $500 mo budgetted for gas, groceries, and anything else. Which is, of course, totally unrealistic.
So a year+ later I have yet to make one real "extra" payment on a bill and my debt paydown plan is a joke. Meanwhile I have grown to count on income from a job that will most certainly be short term (may end this year or next).
I don't think bankruptcy is the answer since I can't lose my house(s) and freeing up some $300+/mo. in unsecured credit debt but ruining ourselves for 10 years isn't the answer. I hope.
I feel so hopeless. I am nearly thirty-five years old and have no control over my financial life or future. We live in an affordable house, don't buy fancy cars, clothing, dine out, or have anything more luxurious than digital cable. What are we doing wrong!!!
We have financed our life away and we are truly working not for our family but to pay off our debts. I feel so hopeless. big knot in my stomach. no hope.