as it is far too personal, but since I am experiencing what many in the middle class are, even though I still have a job, I thought I would at least give a sense of what financial stress is like.
I have in the past mentioned that I have had my pay for this year cut 8,800 - 5,000 in county stipends for being National Board certified, the 2,000 state match on that, and the four furlough days. No COLA or step in increase last year or this (my anniversary date is midyear). Meanwhile some costs keep going up.
We have hit a wall temporarily. Had we been able to get our act together and do our taxes a month ago, and thus have gotten our state refund before having to pay the Feds, there would be no problem - the state refund would cover about 80% of what we owe the Feds and we could get through, especially as this is the month I get 3 paychecks and next month is when my wife does.
But the crunch hits because of cash flows, and we find ourselves having to figure out which bills we will have to pay late. It is not a pleasant position in which to be, but there is no choice. There is simply not enough cash and reserves to do otherwise. I will explore today/tomorrow what if anything I can do if I max out credit cards and perhaps avoid late fees and raised interest.
This is not a complaint. We are both employed. For us it is a temporary crunch. But I think of for how many they make these kind of choices every month. Meanwhile we give tax breaks to billionaires and do not punish people who rip off others on their mortgages.
Have a nice day.
Update below the fold
As I was driving in I began to think how lucky we really are. The way I drove this morning I came across the Roosevelt Bridge, then Ohio Drive towards Maine Ave and then onto the Expressway, avoiding the 14th St Bridge.
As I came down the ramp from the bridge, there was a homeless man with a cup by the side of the road. The Mercedes in front of me stopped and gave him some money. I only had 3 dollars in my pocket, but thinking how lucky I actually am, I rolled down my window and gave him one of those three.
I did not write this diary for sympathy. The only thing I asked from the community - to support me for a DFA scholarship so I could come to NN11 - I got. I wrote because I realize that if we are struggling, albeit only temporarily, how much more difficult it must be for others.
Already, this community this morning gave me more than I could ever need - good, cogent advise of how I can deal with the IRS without totally messing things up, for which I am grateful.
I am blessed. And then I remembered the widow's mite. I had little in my pocket, but it made sense to share it with someone who had even less.
That made me feel more human.
Thought I'd share that good news as well.
Peace.