Quote Originally Posted by icedog View Post
Having been out of work for over a year now I am very worried about the financial situation. There is no money in any bank account with my name on it. I am grateful for the help and patience of my girlfriend but my pride has me slipping into depression as I realize my retirement plan is basically to drop dead. Perhaps a stroke because of my blood pressure will end it mercifully for me. But I don't want to sound too blue. All is not yet lost. I do have a plan I am putting into effect this afternoon. However, the lack of money is still my biggest stressor. I am not talking about lambo-bucks. I am talking about the daily phone calls from bill collectors and the IRS bill increasing by 18% per year. I am talking about the lien on my car and the fear of eviction from the new crib. I would love to be rich but more than that I would love to be able to sleep at night, just one night.

Someone said, "Money can't buy happiness." That may very well be true. However, a few bucks in the right places might make my misery a lot easier too bear.
Hang in there. It's been 3 going on 4 years since I last worked. After the employer shut down the production line, my Dr advised me to file for disability, since I was for all intents and purposes "unemployable". I've been fighting the system ever since. From what I've been told, Social Security turns people down time after time in hopes the person gives up (or dies).