How about this? What do you think?

I am usually a sensible, level-headed, mature, responsible adult...with one singular exception...

My finances are such a pathetic mess, I have a spending addiction for which I am under treatment. My rent is overdue, I am about $1000 behind on my bills and my checking account is so deep in the hole that today is payday and my bank balance is -$36.

I don't know what to do. I already owe my parents, grandparents, and employer small sums of money. My gas tank is empty and I need groceries. I also have a child to raise on my own. My ex is $16,000 in arrears on his child support, despite all the efforts of the CSEA.

I have an additional $3500 of financial aid coming for this semester, but it won't be here for another month. I don't want to declare bankruptcy, but at this point I don't know what to do.

So I got drunk...*sigh*

I hate when I get overwhelmed like this. I hate that I just can't seem to get my sh*t together....

So what do you think???

How old are you? What are the chances that after school, you will be able to obtain a job that pays well? IF after you graduate and you dont have a job that can pay, or if your desired degree isnt a high paying job type. File for bankruptcy. Its not as bad as it used to be, with almost 50% of Americans filing. Here is what to expect...

You file, if you have a car/car loan, you can keep 1 car and thus the loan.

Pay your bills ON TIME for 12 months straight, this is key, you can NOT be late or your credit is really screwd for 10 years.

NO NEW CARDS, learn to live with cash or a debit card. Should you get a credit card (after 6 months of filing) keep the balance at 0 and the limit under $500 or what you think is a max you'll need for emergancys.

In WA state chapter 11 will cost you around $800, with the new laws you must take a credit counsleing course prior to filing, I believe it is around $50, then after you file you need to take another course. GET a lawyer, its worth the $800 to not have to deal with all your creditors.

Your studen loans will NOT be waived, you will have to pay those back even after you file.

After 12months of NEVER being late with a bill, your credit will be better then it is now, I mean a lot better.

i think i have no time to read your book


but thanks for the 2 points!

Well, you sound like you've got your thoughts straight...

Take a deep breath, cut up a credit card or two (if you've got them), and call a good law firm that does Pro-bono work to get your child support. You could apply for Welfare, if you'd like. I'm sure someone will help. Just relax and things will get better. Maybe you'll win the lottery! ;)

I think you should think about your child more, No responsible adult would get into debt with children involved. That is selfish. Thanks for the 2 points!

i agree with cutie

cut up your credit cards...

Declare bankruptcy

My parents did that when my oldest bro was born premature and it turned out a mess taking care of him.

Now we live in suburbia in a nice house in a nice town and my oldest bro is now 19.

Sucky. You're already getting help and there is nothing you can do about what's already done. So go out to the back yard and get some tan, right after you ask your neighbor to fix you a drink cuz I figure you won't have money for drinks.

Oh and you don't seem to me mature, sensible, level-headed and responsible at all! Do not kid yourself.

consult a transectional analyst. u r in debt game

Well getting drunk is not the best thing to do. You need to get in touch with one of those debt agencys that lump all your bills into one payment. sit down and look at your finances and set a budget fo yourself, I understand I too I'm a single mom and an ex who pays nothing.window shop go to second hand stores and try to control yourself, think about your daughter and the example you are setting for help, maybe some counseling will help. Good luck I hope it helps!!!

I have had similar problems. I don't know that I have the best answer, but here goes:

Try to figure out where and when you spend. What mood are you in? Are you angry? Bored? Sad? Try to find new habits to fill those times, places and moods.

Try a "48 hour rule" - no matter what it is you want to buy, WAIT for 48 hours before you do so. Online shopping was a problem for me. It's so easy. But by the time you get the package, you forgot what you ordered.

Try to get "hooked" on saving and investing. I know this is hard - it's like saying learn to enjoy carrots and celery instead of chocolate - but make goals for saving, and try to get those numbers up.

CUT UP THE CREDIT CARDS!

Make a challenge to yourself of finding inexpensive, fun things to do.

Lastly, you have no choice. You know it. Get off the road to disaster.

Again, I have been there. All I can offer you is encouragement and luck.

Go to a credit counselling agency to get your credit problems to a minimal level, second - go and find a lawyer who does pro-bono cases on and off! below are some useful links

go to one of those places that helps you get out of debt..they don't make you declare bankruptcy but they do help you get your bills together you just send them a monthly check and they put it to your bills until eventually you pay everything off and then ppl won't call you fr money anymore

I think I have been there. Im truly sorry to hear about your current misfortunes. I do understand though.
First off good for you for being on the right track and getting help!
Second, all I can say is this, if you can get another job for some extra money and there are plenty of things you can do if you need the cash that bad. (Hopefully ethical things, but is your choice.) Try to find something at home even babysit, Im older and I have done it when I need the cash.
Know this bankruptcy seems scary, but it is not that bad. There is no debtors prison and you dont have to have a lawyer you can use a legal aid or do it your self. Plenty of people do. And dont let people give you crap about it either. Some times people get into a hard spot and it happens.
My best wishes!

I think that you know what the problem is but you are not "working" your treatment. Your spending is an addiction and you need to WORK on this. You already know that drinking is not going to help for it will only mask the problem, plus you have a child at home. If you cannot do this for you, do it for your child. I don't know how old your child is but I do know that as children get older, they cost more, a lot more. By not working on your addiction now the time will come when your child will see your patterns and might mimic them when they become an adult. So you see, the problem is not only yours...Show everyone who has loaned you money how responsible you can be and PAY THEM BACK...Start right now, you can do it, just prove it to yourself. As for the deadbeat dad... see if there are private firms that will do this for a percentage of what they recover, they might be more aggressive. I did this and when they threatened to take away his business license/drivers license, he got an attorney and made arrangements to pay....