Comments on: From Homeless to Homeowner – How I Did It.

By: Maria T. Romero

Maria T. Romero — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:16:32 +0000

Hello Neal:
I admire the people who overcome so many hindrances in life. I just sat down to use the computer and typed in google: ” what can I do if I do not have college degree?” I was a stay home mother in Mexico and for certain circumstances I live in the US. Now, I am divorced, no skills. Well, I took a Certified Nursing Assistant program and Medical Assistant (from the second one I owe them so much plus the student loan that charges 500% of interest). I do not qualify because of my lack of good communication skills in English. Now, it is one year that I finished the MA program and because I do not have experience, besides my good English, I can’t find a job. I have even worked cleaning homes, etc., but my bills are higher. Two of my three sons had to go to live with their dad because I could not feed them. Their dad pays the rent of the place where I live (a relief). So, what can I do? I wanted to go back to Community College but was rejected because I owe the government almost 10,000 in student fees and loan. I have $20 in my pocket. Some things to eat in the refrigerator… and my oldest son is doing foolish things and I think he is getting depressed, a little bit like me. I you advice to pay a course of something, I can’t. I am now learning to use the computer and that is another reason why companies do not hire me. So, what can I do? I lack of creativity. I can’t go back to Mexico City until my sons are ready for college. They have excellent grades and their dad helps them a lot, but they still need their mom around and I love to see them grow up… Do I have excuses to feel like this and to be in the lowest lever of poverty? What do you think? Thank in in advance for your answer. Mayte

By: Neal

Neal — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:06:17 +0000

Yes……thanks for clarifying. It’s been many years since I was 18.

By: threadbndr

threadbndr — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:56:03 +0000

SS benefits will be extended to HS graduation if the child turns 18 during his/her senior year. My son was just two days into his senior year when my husband died. We had to go to the SS office and prove that he was a full time HS student (enrollment forms) and give his date of graduation.

SS continued to the month of graduation (and then he left for the Marine Corps – a whole OTHER story there).

So check on the possibility of an extension depending on the birthday vs graduation date.

By: Neal

Neal — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:29:04 +0000

fern,

What an amazing story…..

The family that took me in was also very large – 7 kids.

It’s amazing that givers…just keep giving.

I so appreciate you sharing your story.

By: fern

fern — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:10:04 +0000

That was an interesting story and unexpectedly paralleled mine in some ways.

My parents divorced when i was 6 and after that my mom moved us around quite a bit. At one point, my father kidnpapped us and we went to live with his parents for a few months until my mother got us back, thru the courts. In my senior year of high school, i lived the whole year with my best friend’s family becus my mother was getting remarried and moving to another town. I desperately wanted to stay in the same town with all my friends, and i got my wish thru the incredible generosity of this family with 5 kids already of their own. I can honestly say that was the happiest year of my life.

You might say my childhood was unstable. So buying a home was always very important to me, becus it represented security. I lived in the basement of my sister’s house for a few years, saving my money, and was able to put down 45% on a $209,900 house 14 years ago, where i still live today.

I have remained single and so financial security has always been very important to me becus, well, it all rests on me.

Life experiences definitely impact the way we view money.