Sunday, March 29, 2009

Beggin and Pleadin 101 - Part 1

When you say you have no money people assume you mean "I have no money until payday" or "I have no money until my pension check or disability check comes." But for many of you and for almost two years me also, it means I HAVE NO MONEY. No cash of any kind and no cash coming. For me, I hit rock bottom when I had to borrow money from my neighbor for bread and milk. My checking account was so overdrawn I was afraid I'd be arrested if I tried to take anymore invisible money out. All I could do was watch the calendar like a dog watching a cat. Remember when you were a little kid and you thought if you went to bed and fell asleep Christmas would come sooner? I even tried that to make my cash day come faster. Having no cash in a so-called cashless society will truly make you stagger on the right side of insane. We'd maxed out every credit card. Blown through every line of credit and even done the "check under the couch cushions" number. I went from ignoring pennies to picking pennies up from the sidewalk. Until I had no cash I didn't realize that the co-pay for my monthly medication exceeded $200 a month. Fortunately, I only ran out two days before the cash arrived.

What all this has to do with beggin and pleading is that when you find yourself in a situation similar to mine there will still be bills to pay. The way you reach out to an speak with your creditors will make all the difference in agreements that are reached. It is possible to speak to the electric company or telephone company representatives without groveling or losing your soul while at the same time giving the person on the other end of the phone their due. It took many tries for me to get this right and understand its importance. You will have to accept that you need their help. You need them. They don't need you. The best advice I received was from a young woman trying to help me work out utility payments. She said "We don't have the authority to change due dates and deadlines. Always ask for a supervisor. They'r the only ones that can really help you." In Part 2 of this blog I'll tell you exactly what words to use during those conversations.

4 comments:

  1. Hi - I just wanted to let you know that I was approached by a friend who is trying to help someone facing a foreclosure situation, and the links and information in your weblog (specifically the posts dealing with mortgage assistance) were very helpful to us in knowing where to start in recommending resources and programs to the person in need. I'm sorry for the stress and other difficulties you've been dealing with, and those that are part of so many people's lives these days, but wanted to express appreciation for the experience and information you are sharing thru this weblog. Good wishes to you in all your endeavors, and thanks again.

    A Reader

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  2. Thank you so much. It's wonderful to know someone finds this information helpful.

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  3. I have 22.00 dollars to my name --house has been in foreclosure so they should be coming anyday and utilities are due and there is nothing to pay them
    I have used every resource i think that is out there so i have no where else to go
    shame on our court system that they can't hold Ex's accountable for there actions and they even ask do you swear to tell the truth and then my Ex starts LYING --He has gotten his way all along and he is the one who has lied and he cheated on me I was a stay at home Mom for 27 years --- I helped him get that impressive resume he has---Not fair one little bit
    Watch Out World I don't know how long its going to take but maybe just maybe--if not me some other Woman is going to make it through college to be an attorney and she will make sure you lying cheating etc. Husbands pay and pay good
    Thank you

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  4. Teresa,

    Sometimes they take a long time to come ask you to move.

    When they do come, they may offer you money to move out and leave the place "broom clean." Sometimes you can ask for more; they are autorized to offer up to a certain amount, and they can start with offering the lowest amount. My husband was taking some foreclosure listings before, so I have heard about how it works.

    Susan,

    I understand the no money situation. People who still have jobs don't understand when people say they don't have any money--for gas, for food, etc.
    We've counted the pennies to pay our mortgage; I know how it feels.

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