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