So many people are living paycheck-to-paycheck, it is easy to just make a generalization that it is just plain expensive to make ends meet and to live and support a family. If you are living paycheck-to-paycheck, you might as well just throw up your hands, and say “there’s nothing I can do to change my situation”. This situation, spending everything you earn, and then some, is not just limited to low income or middle class families. I see people from all walks of life who are drowning in their everyday life, struggling each week to keep things going.
Look at the Chicago Tribune “Money Makeover” story of Sandra Martinez, a single mother who was homeless just 6 months ago, and now she has an apartment, and a plan for the future to support herself and her son. How did she get to such a shaky situation? She made some bad choices, and ended up in a homeless shelter, dependent on food stamps. But, she started to work some part-time jobs, and learned about living on a budget. She still gets food stamps, but started budgeting to be able to afford larger purchases, and started to set aside some money for emergencies. She got a secured credit card, and had a plan to pay it off.
Most importantly, she took control of her financial life, and began to understand what was going on. She even started saving for college for her children. Instead of blowing her tax refund, she kept it in the bank to save it. Now she’s trying to get a better paying job as an interpreter. This is an inspiring story. If Sandra Martinez can turn things around, many other people can too.
I see so many people, regardless of how much money they earn, who have lawsuits, wage garnishments, or other money problems that also could stop them from getting back on their feet. Take control of your finances. People can do it if they focus on the future. Sometimes Bankruptcy, Chapter 13 or Chapter 7 can help as well. We can help answer any questions you have.
We have Offices in Chicago, Gurnee, Oak Lawn, and Skokie, Illinois.
Daniel J. Winter
BankruptcyLawChicago.com
312-789-9999
