Debt – The Crux of the Matter
Debt collectors rise to the occasion – I received a call yesterday from a less than friendly debt collector that instantly characterized me as a “professional debtor” and someone that “positions myself” to not only get myself out of my responsibilities but look to sue others. This telephone conversation went downhill fast!
First of all, I’m not exactly sure what a “professional debtor” is BUT I’m NOT one. I had been paying my bills and making steady progress with my life until 2001 when I had some very serious family issues overtake my life.
From 2001 to 2003, I went from being a full time federal employee to part-time and having to insure a family of seven. My income was cut by 2/3 in a heart beat then I became the sole financial support for this family. Then when the diagnosis came in my third child that meant a lifetime of special needs – I stopped working outside the home all together until this past September.
I am now on track to get my debts cleared up minus a few glitches with work. Over the last few weeks I’ve put in less hours at work because my third child – a kindergartener with special needs has not been cooperating with the school very well… 
which means taking time off from work to handle his issues.
I realize now that it doesn’t really matter exactly what our “intentions” are (to use the bill collector’s words from yesterdays distressing call) because sometimes life just throws you a curve ball.
I got up this morning thinking I could attend his IEP (planning his education plan with the team) then head off to work only I didn’t make it out the school door because he was having a major meltdown in the middle of the cafeteria. When I was able to scoot away from the school – I had agreed to wait to hear from his teachers to see if he settled down. He’s home now – early release day but his unpredictable behavior makes child care outside of school tricky. Today is a loss as far as work goes.
There are several ways to work your way out of debt. Make more hours to boost your pay. Parlay your way to a higher income. Spend less money. Avoid loans and credit like the plague. When you put all of these into play – you can wipe out debt at an amazing speed.
The problem is that if you cannot work more hours because of children, child care, sick spouses or ailing parents – you have to be a bit more creative. That is why I am an internet marketer in my “spare” time.
Back to the bill collector that drove me nuts yesterday – yes, I set up a payment plan and will be working to save up enough money over the next three months to negotiate a debt settlement as 75% of the debt is actually interest and penalties accrued since I stopped paying back in 2001 when I got bogged down with family “stuff.”
The bill collector that first called and her supervisor did NOT get to experience the reasonable side of me – instead they met the “emotional” me that does not respond well to people that work under the premise that all people with debts are crooks or looking to shirk their responsibilities. Some of us have had some very horrible events that make it near impossible to pay more than the bare neccessities.
Since starting Debt Crunch, I’ve become more calm about money, debt, goals and obstacles. Instead of becoming overwhelmed with my lack of income or inability to work on any given day – I stay focused on my financial goals and my commitment to stay steady and true to what I want for my life and my family – financial freedom. Financial freedom for me is living debt free with enough income to meet the needs of my family.
Oh, yea ~ The crux of the matter. Debt is a burden for me and if I can stay focused on my money goals I won’t ever have to deal with bill collectors again… ever. THAT is financial freedom.
Tammy
Tags: bill collectors, Child Care, debt, debt cellector, debt free, debt-crunch, family, financial, Goals, IEP, money, personal finance, special needs, work
