I feel like I am drowning, struggling to keep my head above water. I need a life jacket! Okay, I am having a hard time fighting the depression now. I just paid my bills and didn't have enough to cover everything. I stick to a pretty stringent budget and don't see much change in the next few months. The amounts owed on the bills just keep increasing and the revenue is not.
I am in tears because I know I have to tell my girls, we won't be having a Christmas this year. At least not with gifts. I know they'll have a Christmas with gifts with their Dad, and I know my family will send a few gifts, but I just do not see how I can do it. I make too much to qualify for any assistance and not enough to make ends meet. The sad part is, I make decent money, but it isn't enough for much more than a survival standard of living. I have been divorced for 3 years and each year gets progressively worse. I know there is no answer or solution for my problem and I know a lot of you are probably in worse positions than I am. Some of you don't have jobs or your own place to live. I hope I can get the girls to appreciate what we do have this Christmas.

I just had to get this off my chest. Thank you for this forum!

Hi netsurfr. I am in the same boat. I was in it last year too. I had just paid all of my bills a week before christmas with about $15. to spare. I sat with tears in my eyes. I had an "earth angel", my mom who gave me some money from some stock she had where she works, and was able to have some sort of a christmas. I am there again this year. Every month some bill of mine has to be paid late, and then I get charged late fees, which dont help. I know of some program in my area where you give your name, and some of the more well off families buy your kids presents. I am looking into it. I dont know if I'll qualify. I dont care about me, I just want my daughter to have some presents under our tree this year. It stinks, I know. Do they have anything like this in your area?

Thanks sane one. They do have Santa Claus programs around here, but I make too much money to qualify. That's become the story of my life. I can't get energy assistance because I "make too much money". I wish you luck with your search into the program. I know what you mean about wanting it for your daughter. I feel the same way. I don't expect or want anything for myself.

Thanks for your encouragement.

This time of year is so so draining. We want our children to have so much.
Call churches, the united way talk to them they may be able to help a bit. There are so many great programs out there.

hugs

netsurfr,

I can relate to the making too much to qualify for anything, and yet having to struggle to make ends meet. I think, I play the credit game, and hope I don't lose.

I was thinking about this yesterday, and how much different Christmas is now that I am a single parent. When I was married (with dual income) I used to buy the kids so much ... and now, I have to be very selective and careful.

I know kids like to get stuff, but I do believe they also enjoy the true meaning of Christmas. Try for things that are maybe more practical ... I'm planning to buy my son the expensive tennis shoes he wants... My youngest will be happy with stuffed animals, and things that don't cost as much.

You could try for the after Thanksgiving sale - maybe get a great deal on something!

We (middle class) are in a tough place, but as you said - there are those worse off, and we have to try to make the best of what we have.

I wish you luck ... and maybe there is someone out there that will help ... if you find them, let me know

Hey net, there is something you can do and you can get out of a difficult situation. It is possible because I have done it. I was drowning also and was able to pull out of it. Now I still have to be very careful and watch the budget, wish I could just spend, but can't.
Go visit www.daveramsey.com if you follow his program you will be able to get ahead of the game.
Best of luck and God bless.

Net,
Don't know if you checked out what the schools in your area can do. With our school distict you talk to the nurse at the school. I know the requirments for what you earn are different for the school versus public assistance. Our school district has help for providing Christmas, clothings and of course the lunches.

I'm Mormon, and my Church is helping me cover all the bills. They are also bringing in Christmas for me. I know that any local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will help you even if you aren't a member. I also realize that approaching a church that you aren't a member is really intimidating.

I know how you feel. I've had those moments myself. Try and find something that you enjoy, make an effort to still have fun. You are worth it. Just because finances are a mess doesn't mean you need to sacrifice your joy.

Charity

A friend of mine was intrduced to the "santa" program through the school nurse.
I am not mormon either, but my ex (not my daughters father.) was and I know that they do help any one that asks. They sure helped his mom who was single.