Unintentional Outlaw

[Jaye]

I know plenty of people who flaunt various aspects of the law, but I've never considered myself one of them, at least not actively.

Last summer, my soon-to-be ex-wife moved out, and we arranged to have her mail forwarded to her parents' address in Virginia. Mecklenburg County mailed out bills for personal property tax at that time, and mine was mistakenly forwarded to my wife's address. She called me to tell me about it, but did not forward the bill to me to pay. I had just recently started a job, after being out of work for some weeks, and had lots of other, more important bills, so I didn't worry about it. Weeks passed, and Diana finally mailed me the bill. In the meantime, the County records her address as mine and sends another bill to Virginia.

My car was due to have its registration renewed in May. I never got the bill because I still haven't paid my taxes. Subsequent to this, my inspection sticker has also expired. A month ago, the towing company that handles things for my apartment complex left a sticker on my windshield informing me that my car was in violation of company policy, and would be towed if I didn't fix things by a certain date. I called the office, and explained my circumstances. I'd like to fix things, but I haven't had the money. They said "Okay, we'll tell them not to tow your car." I didn't worry. Two weeks passed, and my car was stickered again. I didn't call the office, because I'd been told we had an understanding. I came out a couple of days later to discover that my car had been towed.

It took $120 to get my car out of hock. That's $120 I couldn't use to pay bills or buy groceries or pay for fixing all the things wrong with my car. I came out to drive myself to work a couple days ago and discovered that my car had been towed again. I couldn't get it that day, so I had to pay $135 to get it back this time (the original $120 plus $15/day storage fee). Now my rent's going to be late, and I still don't have any money to pay for all my other fees. I just got a letter from the state saying I'm going to be fined for not getting my car inspected in a timely fashion. That's another $250. Wheeee!

I'm not looking for a handout. I don't want anyone to pay my bills for me, least of all my parents, who know nothing about any of this. I'm in trouble, and I just want people to know that I realize this, and... I dunno. I'm stressed about it all, but at the same time, I feel at peace.

[CJ]

Hi all,

Jaye,

I'm not sure how I missed this the first time around. (Maybe the forum's getting too big? )

I just want you to know that there's a pretty good cross section of the general population represented here, on the board, as far as economic standing goes. There are a number of our sisters here (myself included) who may be struggling with financial difficulties.

I know this may not be of much help, but I feel it's important that you know you're not alone. I hope things will start looking up for you soon.

Love,
Your sister-in-arms, CJ (definitely not an outlaw... and neither are you!)

[Jassmine(SO)]

Howdy Folks,

Indeed Jaye, you are not alone in your financial struggles. Ahzz and I are in the same boat.

Brightest blessings and best of luck to you Jaye, and to you CJ

*Hugs & Love*

[Gelinda]

We all have finanicial struggles to deal with I am in the same boat as you but with different reasons. So do not feel you are alone. Gee.

[Marda]

Hi Jaye, All

My Coach turns into a Pumpkin Sept 1 @ 12:00:01 AM ...

I've been on "borrowed time" since last November ...

My Employment Counsellor treats me to lunch every Wednesday ...

My mom sent me a $25 bank money order in April ... before it arrived I got the call my Dad was dying 3000 miles away ... while I was away, someone stole the envelope from my mom out of my mailbox and deposited the $mo to a bank account via atm ... due to privacy laws the bank can do nothing to the beneficiary of the stolen $mo and the amount is too small for the police and courts to get involved ... the only person who knew where I was and why I was away was my apt building mgr ... when I told him one day I'd been robbed, he showed me how one can open the mail box access with a screwdriver tempting me to acuse him of stealing ... one year ago while I was away for 2 hours having lunch with my minister, my apt was broken into and 2 precious bass guitars were stolen ... there was no sign of forced entry and the front door was unlocked when I came home ...

The police and my counsellors tell me I've had a bad luck streak


Love / Marda

[Virginia]

Marda,
Honey, a lot of us are in financial straights and we can only hope that it all works our for us. Just remember Winston Churchhill, "We shall never give up, never give-up, never give up!!"
Hang in there honey, you will make it!!
Virginia

[Jaye]

Here's a little update.

Last weekend I talked about my little problem with my brother's fiancee. We were talking about each other's troubles (her Grandma passed away the week before). Well, she talked to my brother. He, in turn, called Mom. Mom called me at work (on top of everything I have no phone right now).

The conversation boiled down to this. Mom told me that she understood I was in a little trouble, and that I was getting further and further behind. I told her that I hadn't wanted to bother her because she has troubles of her own. She said she understood, but I should have called her, and sooner. She asked me how much I thought I needed. I told her, and it arrived in the mail Friday. This morning after I get off work, I'm heading uptown to pay the back taxes, then I'm going to DMV. Afterward, if there's any more time, I'll put the car in for an inspection. I know it won't pass, but I get paid again this Thursday, so hopefully I'll have the money to cover any necessary repairs.

[CJ]

Hi all,

Good for you, Jaye!

Just stick by the intent behind your "signature" and you'll see your circumstances in a different light. Whatever else I may think of Robert Schuller, I agree with his view that "tough times don't last, but tough people do." Hang in there.

Love,
CJ

[Virginia]

Jaye,
Aren't Mom's great!!! In reading the posts and the interaction that a lot of the girls here have with their mothers and the mostly positive response is heartwarming!
Good luck honey, and I just know everyting will be fine!
Virginia