I have tried to figure this out, and it seems to just baffle me.
It is taking SOOO much more effort being poor, than it EVER took having a little bit of money.
When I paid my bills in the past, I sat down, logged on, made the payments and was done in 15 min. I did this 2x's a month, the rest of my time was mine.
Now... I spend hours on the phone begging forgiveness, and asking for good graces to allow me to keep my electric on, while I pay half of what I owe instead of paying it all off in full.
Groceries were, run into the store, get what we wanted, pay and go. Now it takes me hours to find all the coupons, clip them, organize them, and shopping is well traumatic these days. I take a calculator, and count every freaking penny.
I used to spend my days working, and laughing, going out to dinner, shopping, or what ever. Now I spend my days, trying to more customers, a job, or at least money. I avoid the phone, because well, it is just another collector anyhow.
And when I do answer it I spend a minimum of 15 - 45 minutes explaining why we haven't made the full payment. And trying to figure out why these collectors all think I have a secret STASH of money I am simply not sending to them. Idiots....
And let's not even talk about the medical bills!
I used to have free time, now all I do is mange the lack of money.
I need stimulus package!
Oh well at least I am still working, even if I am not getting paid. I should count my blessings, and put on more coffee, the phone is ringing