TL:DR; Got a dui and legal fees have wiped me out. Have $100 to my name and scared to do anything. Need advice on how to grow up and get financially fit.
Throwaway because reasons.
I’m a man, in my 30’s, living in the Midwest. I live alone. Associate’s degree but no other education. About 4 months ago I was charged with a dui and was able to avoid jail/probation. The legal fees associated with that charge wiped out all my savings. I work as a server in a restaurant and I make a little money on the side selling stuff online. I just had to borrow money from my family to make bills for the month and I’m feeling really ashamed of myself. I feel like I’m an adult man who can’t fend for himself, and I have a fear that I’m always going to be broke. As of right now I have $99 in cash and no money in any other accounts (although I have 1K in a vanguard Roth IRA).
I make ok money at my restaurant but the summer is always slow. I know it’s going to pick up in a couple of weeks but I’m worried I’ll be broke between now and then. I’m also worried I can’t actually make ends meet in general. I’ve started tracking all my income and expenses and I’m going to a local store tomorrow to see if I can sell some musical equipment I have to start an EF.
I know I’m better than this. I was raised better. I know what someone is supposed to do to be financially responsible, but when I was drinking (I’m 6 months sober in a week, still going to AA) I just didn’t care about money or life. I probably was secretly hoping to get hurt emotionally or physically. It’s like I’ve woken up and (financially speaking) it’s like I’m 400 lbs overweight and everything looks so impossible from that starting point.
Basically I’m here looking for any advice on where to start piecing my life back together. I’m willing to do the work and I’m willing to change as a person, but I don’t feel like I have the support or the tools to do it. I feel like I’m going to be broke forever.
If anyone could offer me words of advice or encouragement, I’d really appreciate it. I’m in a really dark place right now and I’m worried I won’t be getting out anytime soon.
Thanks in advance.
Submitted August 04, 2018 at 01:08AM by startover2009 https://ift.tt/2LPzgTI
