Being Broke Bites - Big Time

My husband has a really good saying about people who lack wealth. I am paraphrasing, but essentially he says that there is a difference between being broke and being poor. People who are broke, are without wealth temporarily. Being poor is a lifestyle.

I hope that's true, and for now, I will say we are flat broke. While the "rest of the world" only noticed the economic downturn with the collapse of Lehman Brothers, we've been feeling the pinch for over a year. The cloudy skies of the economy were felt first in the real estate business and it was just about a year ago when we first started tightening our belts and cutting out expenses. There were lots of things on the market, but everyone was being careful with their money. Rich had, and continues to have, a LOT of work, but deals aren't CLOSING so the pipeline has dried up.

Truthfully, it goes way beyond broke. The financial experts always say that folks should have six to eight months of "reserves" in savings to cover expenses when something happens with work. By June of last year, we were already three months into those reserves. We've maxed out our credit limit on the cards that weren't canceled, and the creditors are calling. It isn't pretty.

We've stretched every dollar farther and farther. The boys quit gymnastics last June, and karate in December. We spend nothing on anything that isn't absolutely necessary - I don't remember the last time I bought ANYTHING other than groceries! Other than a fast food dollar menu treat once in a while, we have only eaten out for super special occasions (Richard's birthday and Mother's Day) since last November - and even those times we were very careful.

I've started selling my cards online (shameless plug) here. And trying to drum up work where I can. I even applied at (gasp!) WalMart but I don't think even THEY are hiring, because while I believe I am fairly employable, I haven't heard anything yet.

The crazy thing is that it isn't a lot of FUN to live this way, but I am kind of used to it. And even though we'd love to buy the boys new bike helmets and a new toy or two (and honestly, I could really use some new underwear - mine have far more than the required three holes), every DAY I am thankful for what we DO have. I have a loving, HEALTHY family (good thing, since we gave up health insurance in December!), we have a house to live in, clothes on our backs, (and friends with hand-me downs since the boys are growing SO quickly,) we have food to eat (thanks to the food stamps we have FINALLY been approved for - I thought I would be ashamed of it, but you know what? I'm not. My kids need to eat.) and are surrounded by amazing people both literally -our local friends - and figuratively - our friends and family all around the world.

Would I CHOOSE to be broke? Never. I much prefer to be on the giving end of things! I LIKE to play Santa, or anonymous samaritan, and help people out and I miss that. But one day, when we're flush again, I think I will appreciate the extra things just a little bit more. Like buying underwear when I need it.