Help!!!! - Shawnee, KS

I too got into the payday loan trap and it is the worst thing possible. I recommend filing for bankruptcy. It will wipe out your debt. Mark Johnson at the Wagoner Bankruptcy Group is wonderful. Actually the entire staff is great and they have a payment plan. You can meet with a lawyer for a free consultation. The lawyer will go over things with you and let you know your best plan of action. The number for their Midtown KC office is ###-###-####. They also have other locations if that is not convienient for you. Best of luck to you, and if you have any questions for me please don't hesitate to e-mail me.

Have you thought about refinancing your house, and taking the money out? I know a great mortgage broker who is good to work with, and can get loans through (even with bad credit).
If you ever need help with bills, often times churces will help you. You can get your children insurance through First Guard/Medicaid. Do you get child support? If not, you should.

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I agree with who posted the comment about payday loans. In my algebra class last fall, we figured out the interest on a loan and it ended up being about 1 2/3 more in interest than the original loan. Stay away at all costs! Any employer savings plan is your best bet now.

I'm also a single mom of two, who's ex gambled away ALL of our savings and any cushion we may have had. You might want to start with SRS and check out any programs they have that you qualify for. I have my kids on Healthwave and I think they also offer plans for adults if you qualify. You can also check out if you're qualified for food stamps or child care assistance. If you apply, do not go online, call the office. I applied online 3 times and was turned down for Healthwave, but when I went and talked to a counselor at the office, was approved WITH ALL THE SAME INFORMATION I HAD ORIGINALLY APPLIED WITH!!! They can also assist with getting back child support.

I returned to school last fall, after being a SAHM for 10 years, and received scholarships and student loans. I work full time, and go to class online and 2 classes a week. I figure it's my best shot to increase my income. It's too late to apply for this fall, but if you want to return to school, start applying in January.

If worse comes to worse, you can always file for bankruptcy. I know it's drastic, but if you're so stressed out, it may be an option. I have a friend who's husband specializes in bankruptcy, and his name is William Turner, and I'm sure he's in the phone book. His office is near downtown OP, on Conser, I believe.

Keep your head up, and email me if you need to vent!

Check with your company on different Flexible Spending benefits. I find a lot of people don't realize what kind of extra benefits there are through work or how the benefits work.
A Flexible Spending Account is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows you to pay for certain non-covered medical expenses with pretax income for a plan year. Examples of non-covered expenses may include: physician co-pays, prescription co-pays, vision exams, glasses, contacts, saline solution, dental exams, teeth cleanings, and orthodontia.
For more info you can ask your HR Department. You may also inquire on Flex accounts for Child care also!!!
Hope that helps, good luck!

First, payday loans are bad business. It may seem very easy to go in and get money fast, but the interest rates are not good. Look at what you are spending your money on. What expenses can be cut out or reduced. I tell my clients that sometimes you have to think about what is necessary to survive. Is it feasible to have cable television when you work eight hours a day, your drive time to and from work is an hour and the kids are in school for the majority of the day. Consider other entertainment options that are less expensive(checking out books from the library, taking walks in the evenings). If you own or you are buying your home then there is not much flexibility there, but if you are renting, look at finding somewhere cheaper to live or even try negotiating the amount you pay. Evaluate your resources. I am not only talking about income, consider family and friends. Is there any one that can watch your children while you work several hours a couple of days every week. Good Luck!

I don;t have an instant solution but my hubby and I will be doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. I found several churches offering it. I wish you the best.
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