Debt Questions & Answers

Ok, this may be long; I'm sorry.

I lost my (not very good but paying the bills - barely) job back in May. I found another one rather quickly but it pays a lot less. The problem is I was already in debt to begin with (lots of student loans and CC's). I had planned on filing BK this fall but now I don't have the money to do it.

Anyway, things right now are bad. My checking account is negative over $500, my rent is late by a month (not a huge deal, landlord is a friend), and I haven't paid on my private student loans in months. I never have enough money for gas or food. Going out/movies/hanging with friends doesn't happen.

I am starting a new job tomorrow but the pay is not great. I am keeping my other job as well but its really not going to give me any extra money. (I want to be a teacher so I have taken a job as a teacher's assistant to get my foot in the door)

So, my question is - would you move back in with your parents? My mother has offered several times; she knows how hard things are right now for me but is unable to help me financially. The big problem is that I have two cats that they will NOT let come. My cats are brother & sister and I've had them since they were tiny kittens (they are going to be 6 in October). I love them and fought very hard to keep them after a breakup. They are often the only living things I talk to, lol. My choice is basically give up my cats or stay (and get in more) debt.

Advice, suggestions, anything??

Oh Jamly2005, what a tough decision!

It makes sense to move back in with your parents, but it would be heartbreaking not to take the cats.  Would they let you keep the kitties confined to one room?  Or just come back temporarily?  Are they allergic? 

The only thing I can think of is to let the kitties stay with a good friend for  acouple months until you get back on your feet - someone who would let you visit them often! 

I wish I had a better solution for you - please hang in there and know that you are not alone.  Maybe someone else will post with some better ideas.

Please keep us posted and wishing you all the best!

I know our pets are like family, but you won't have anything and will lose what you do have (including a roof over your own head and the kitty cats' heads) unless you take some drastic measures to get on your feet.  My response to your question is, therefore, move back home.

That said you can check around to see if someone may be able to provide foster care for your pets while you move back home.  Both living arrangements are temporary.

I am assuming your mother or someone at home is allergic to not allow cats in the house.  My father was allergic to cats and one time we took in a cousin's cat while they were on vacation.  My father got terribly ill.  The dander or whatever it's called gets in the central air ducts of a house, upholstery and carpeting.  For months after the cat was gone, my poor father suffered.  Therefore, I learned first hand why some people are adamant about not allowing cats in their home.

Hope things stabilize for you soon.

Carolyn

Thanks for the advice. It turns out my aunt will take the cats and has also said that I could live with her too. It will be hard but I know it's what needs to be done.

Now I have to get packing, I have so much stuff!!

And just how do you expect to do right by your cats when you're homeless?

Do the responsible thing and find the cats a good home. Then move in with your parents and take advantage of your chance to recover--not given to everyone.