Sat in bed last night around midnight with a ton of thoughts going on in my head. Going through my recent lay off and struggling financially has definitely put a damper on my life.
I guess I never realized just how good life really was when we were pulling in an additional 3000.00 a month while I was working, until now.
I would say I'm not a very materialistic person, I went so many years never knowing about computers, ipod's, brand new cell phones, new clothes, all the new technology basically.
Then I found myself finally on my own as a single mom with a really good career ahead of me and I was actually able to afford the finer things in life.
I felt that since I worked my butt off at work, why not spoil myself and my two daughters. I never had it while I was growing up and I want more than anything for my girls to grow up with as much knowledge of life, knowing the things they can have if they succeed and work hard for it.
So, I bought me name brand clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, etc. Got my hair done professionally every two months, mani's and pedi's every two weeks....and did the same with my girls and so on. My girls and I moved into a small home with a tiny monthly payment and just utilities to pay for, I took advantage of the spending.
But I made our lives happy and I couldn't have asked for more.
About a year after we moved into our little home, I met the man of my dreams!! He spoiled me even more financially and when I should have been saving my money, it was into my bank account and seconds later after the bills were paid, it was spent.
Thinking back, it wasn't the best lesson to be teaching my girls but I was caught up in the moment.
The company I was working for was the best job I've had in my life. I met great friends and was able to advance in my career with the help of my CFO. I went back to school to pursue my accounting degree, became a public notary and now that I had a new perfect romance in my life,
it was the highlight of my past.
it was the highlight of my past.Myself along with many more were laid off because the company took a dive and ever since then, it has been a roller coaster looking for the best job. I somehow kept working on and off through a temp agency making great money and my boyfriend got a raise at work and worked as many hours as possible for us.
A year later, we got married, got our first home and have a house full of nice things. My life was heading in my dream come true world. We bought our first brand new vehicle's together, he had his own SUV and I had my own. Three months later, I was in a bad car accident and totalled my SUV. I was ok, thank the Lord, but the SUV was not. Fortunately after looking for a new SUV, I ended up with smaller car that I later on fell in love with. Both of us together we pulling in over 4-5 grand after taxes so we sat very comfortable.
Until, a year ago, I was hired at another great company. This time I had my own office, how much better can you get than that to start off; It was perfect.
After working with that company for a year, I started noticing things around me were falling apart. I was again laid off and after my husband's hours were cut and pay was cut back, we found ourselves in the biggest financial rut ever. We lost both vehicles, we're starting to get behind on the house payment, have bills up the wazoo that we just can NOT pay for and our marriage started getting a little rocky.
The best thing about any relationship is good communication. Which is the one thing that my husband and myself have. Since the day we met we just understood each other. One night after a huge fight about money and where we would end up at the next month, we made a pact never to fight about money. Even though now, I can not go and buy whatever I want, when I want, I have learned several things out of all of this.
My true friends, you know who you are, all the comments made to me about just having faith and staying positive have really helped. No matter what happens in my life, I know that having great friends and a wonderful family that are there makes all the hard times worth something in the end.
I am penny pinching now more than ever and it's been the hardest thing I have had to learn how to do but I am taking it as a growth and dedication.
My husband's work is picking up and he has his hours and almost his whole pay back. His work sold us one of their newer trucks, so we have another new vehicle. My parents have let us borrow their jeep until we can get another vehicle for me to drive but it gets me from point A to B and really that's all that matters. Our house payments are slowly getting paid off but we're getting them paid and everything else is slowly pulling right back together.
I find myself now thinking alot more positive and clearer about finances. You'd think being in accounting I would have known all about how things work financially, but we all live and learn.
Life goes on, right? Another lesson learned through all of this is that I'm not going through this alone.
If you are struggling financially, look around your hometown for help. Churches, Family Assistance, etc...there are so many people out there that can help.
If you are in Tucson surrounding areas:
Food Pantry- Abounding Grace
2450 S. Kolb Rd
520-747-3745
Rental/Utility Assistance & More - Tucson Urban League
Other Assistance - Info & Referral
520-325-2111
If you have any questions, please ask me, I'll do what ever I can to help as well.
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