Help a guy out?

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Alright guys and gals, I didn't want it to come to this, but it has.

As some of you know, I lost my job in early November 2013. I was making $19 an hour and almost always had nearly-unlimited overtime. On weeks where there was no overtime, the straight $19 an hour for 40 hours was not enough to make ends meet. We really lived on the overtime. The only problem at that shop was that my boss and I weren't seeing eye to eye, and despite my best efforts to remain calm and work with him, he got the better of me, as did my temper. We clashed a few times, then came the final blow of me telling him how I felt. The next day I was walked out. They paid me for 2 weeks and a few remaining vacation/sick days.

The first thing I did was apply for unemployment benefits, knowing that the machining hiring market here was slowing down and I felt it may be a little while before I found steady work again. My request for unemployment was denied, and despite my questions, I never received a complete answer as to why. Getting a hold of somebody real to speak with there is nearly impossible. I suspect my old boss knows something about this, but that's a different matter. Either way, I was denied unemployment benefits and never received a single cent from them.

I spent the next 3 weeks applying to every shop I could find, only to be told that I'd be making considerably less money, that they weren't hiring, that they didn't think they were on-par with my skill set or that I don't have the necessary qualifications. I'm talking at least 16 shops here. I wound up working for my wife's aunt and uncle, 35 miles away in Hinsdale NH at their garage. It's a very small place that doesn't over-charge their customers for parts or labor - $58 an hour for labor and only a 3-5% mark up (from the cost price, not list) on parts. They make just enough money to live their lives, which is easy living in tax-free New Hampshire. They have no mortgage, all the vehicles are paid off, no loans, no credit cards, nothing, no debt. Last year they grossed $36,000 from the business. From January to November last year I grossed $50,000. To put it lightly, there's no way they could afford to hire me at a rate that would work for me. They paid me $10 an hour, which I graciously accepted knowing that it was just temporary while I looked for a machine shop to work at. I had the opportunity to get licensed in the State of New Hampshire to do state vehicle inspections, which would have allowed them to feel comfortable paying me more. I knew no matter what it was just a temporary position and I didn't have the time to devote to getting licensed. I knew I wouldn't be making enough money there either way, so I declined getting licensed.

Weeks at the garage turned to months. I wasn't getting any job offers, and every shop I applied to gave me the runaround, ending in a "No thank you" and that's it. I have yet to find a job.

I went into this whole situation with about $6,500 in the bank, and another $5,000 in retirement. I've knocked my retirement savings down to about $4,000 (the rest is untouchable) and across all 3 bank accounts I'm down to about $900. My mortgage is $1,700 a month. I just charged $800 for home heating oil, nearly maxing out an already heavy credit card. My utilities, car loan, insurance, food, etc. totals about $1,400 a month. (Living in Massachusetts is damn expensive, especially here in Hatfield...) and I only have about $480 a week coming in, $150 of which goes to gas each week to get me to the garage. Allisonn makes just enough money each month to pay for the mortgage and groceries, and nothing more.

I need help, guys. I never ask anyone for money, call it being too proud or whatever you want, but I've never asked for money - I don't like the feeling. I've always been able to make things work, I've always found a way to find money, make it appear, stretch things out and just make it all work. Not this time. My debt is too great, my bills are too high, and my bank accounts are too dry. I've been wicked down lately, depressed, stressed out, worried. I haven't been eating very well, haven't been able to sleep, my mood is terrible. I'm sad, grumpy, frustrated, and scared. More than anything else, I'm scared. I feel like I'm failing my wife and son by no longer being able to provide for them, and I don't know what to do.

I need help. My parents have no extra money, they just make ends meet, always have. My sister is also stretched thin. Allisonn's parents are down to one income after my mother-in-law lost her job due to her shop closing, so they're stretched thin. Both of her siblings struggle to make ends meet as well. I have no aunts or uncles that would be willing to help me, either because they can't or they won't.

That being said, it's with a heavy heart that I turn to all of you, who are basically complete strangers, people I've never met face-to-face and have only interacted with electronically. Please, I need help. Ideas, prayers, money, lottery numbers, whatever. I need help.
 
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Macland

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
I'll definitely be praying for you buddy. This is something I most definitely fear. From the sounds of things I'd say that anything the nation can give you will be a band-aid to your situation. Your mortgage jumps out to me, it may be a difference in cost of living but you could live in a swanky joint in this area for that money. I know that you guys aren't looking to move far, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Don't move here, there's nothing here haha, but there are areas bursting with growth where someone with your experience would be appreciated.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
I'll definitely be praying for you buddy. This is something I most definitely fear. From the sounds of things I'd say that anything the nation can give you will be a band-aid to your situation. Your mortgage jumps out to me, it may be a difference in cost of living but you could live in a swanky joint in this area for that money. I know that you guys aren't looking to move far, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Don't move here, there's nothing here haha, but there are areas bursting with growth where someone with your experience would be appreciated.

Thanks Mac, I appreciate it. And I agree, but sometimes a band-aid makes all the difference, haha. Yes, our mortgage is insane. We live on less than 3/8 of an acre, the house is barely over 1,000 square feet, and is definitely not worth the money...it's far from swanky. We paid $246,000 for it, that's just how it goes for this area. We live in a great area with a great school system, basically zero crime, etc. Hatfield is a great town, the residents of which love it, but you definitely pay to live here more than you pay for the house you live in.

We've already refinanced twice in the 5 1/2 years we've been here, our rate is as low as it's going to get. We're considering moving but there's some things that would have to be done to the house before we could sell it, as we still owe more than it's worth. At this point I'm thinking about seeing if we could take out a home equity loan, not sure if I'd be able to since I'm not currently employed. That's about our only option.


As far as work goes, I've exhausted nearly all my local options. I'm going to swing by the local grocery store(s) tomorrow or Monday, probably swing by a few automotive garages as well, and I'll likely take the very first job I'm offered, even if it's $8 an hour. It won't be enough, but it'll be better than the $30 I brought in this week by selling a few things.
 

TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
My Prayers are raised for you and your family. They might not be answered in ways we understand, but they will be answered.

Now... where is Hatfield in relationship to the Lowell, Leominster or Ayer areas? I use to live in those towns and still think I have a few contacts if that might interest/help you.
 
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KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Hatfield is Western Massachusetts, about 20 minutes North of Springfield. It's a pretty good distance from Lowell, at least an hour anyway.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers as well, I'm not a religious man but I'll take any help I can get. Thanks again.

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Macland

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
The problem with a home equity loan is you must have equity in your home in order to get one. If your upside down I believe there are some government programs for refinancing specifically to fix that problem. I heard quicken lomas advertising for it yesterday. I can't remember the name of the program but it might be worth looking at.
 

TheBlueOompa

Bought an X
macland its the HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) im not exactly sure how it works but it is specifically meant for people who owe more than the home is worth. definitely look into that. im sorry to hear about your plight and will keep you in my prayers as well
 

Macland

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
macland its the HARP (Home Affordable Refinance Program) im not exactly sure how it works but it is specifically meant for people who owe more than the home is worth. definitely look into that. im sorry to hear about your plight and will keep you in my prayers as well

That's it, for some reason I kept on thinking halo and I knew that wasn't right.
 

Intender

Wheeling
Location
Lewisville NC
is there a sams or costco in your area, I applied at sams about 6 years ago and they were paying around 12, and costco was paying about 14. I had left a job making about $12/hr, but we worked 70+ hours a week so I needed something decent, but I ended up taking a job doing electrical work for less, but with considerable overtime involved, but the overtime was cut out after about a year and that really hurt. it was tough going for a while until my wife started making money when she was done with school. I think some places like sams will also pay a little more if your forklift certified but never got the opportunity to ask them personally since I didnt take the job.

And I think to qualify for HARP you have to be something like 5 or 6 months behind on your mortgage.
 

Rammer'sX

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Sylvan Lake, MI
I hope you get out of this situation soon.

The one that quicken loans offers you do not have to be behind on your mortgage, if I recall correctly. Here in Michigan the APR under quicken loans' refinancing option is like 4.25%. When I refinanced, last year, it was 3.99%. Give them a try and talk to a financial coordinator they may be able to give you some options.

Your situation reminds me of a good friend of mine. He turned the house to the bank, moved to an apartment and went to school for nursing for 2 years or so, worked part time while studying, his wife had a part time (seasonal job) and he was able to get a big part of his education under a grant, sold as many things he owned. Fast forward 3 years, he is employed full time in a hospital making over $30 an hour and just purchased a house in a nice area. I should say, here in Michigan is not as expensive as where you live.

I wished I could help you in another way, and I am sorry I cant.

Best of luck


Ramiro Munoz

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drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
What can we do for you buddy? You have always pitched in for others so I'm willing to help anyway I can.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
I hope you get out of this situation soon.

The one that quicken loans offers you do not have to be behind on your mortgage, if I recall correctly. Here in Michigan the APR under quicken loans' refinancing option is like 4.25%. When I refinanced, last year, it was 3.99%. Give them a try and talk to a financial coordinator they may be able to give you some options.

Your situation reminds me of a good friend of mine. He turned the house to the bank, moved to an apartment and went to school for nursing for 2 years or so, worked part time while studying, his wife had a part time (seasonal job) and he was able to get a big part of his education under a grant, sold as many things he owned. Fast forward 3 years, he is employed full time in a hospital making over $30 an hour and just purchased a house in a nice area. I should say, here in Michigan is not as expensive as where you live.

I wished I could help you in another way, and I am sorry I cant.

Best of luck


Ramiro Munoz

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We're down to 3.15% fixed 30 year right now IIRC, when we first got the house it was 5.5%; still not a bad rate really. I'd still like to see if there's anything a financial institution could do for us, they're on my list of people to contact tomorrow. As much as I like my house, it's not great - it needs work, the neighborhood is great right now but in the next couple of years it could really change negatively, and it's obviously too expensive. Going back to apartment life would sort of suck for us, but we could make it work. Thanks for the suggestions.

I completely understand not being able to "help in another way" as you said, and I respect that. I really, really don't want to borrow/accept money from others, I'd rather ask and have everybody tell me "Sorry, I can't". That would be much easier for me to deal with, honestly.

What can we do for you buddy? You have always pitched in for others so I'm willing to help anyway I can.

Like I said above Dave, I don't want to borrow/accept money from "strangers", but I guess in this instance I would. It's either that or I default on any number of payments. IF anybody wants to help out financially, I WILL pay it back as soon as I'm able.
 

Rammer'sX

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Sylvan Lake, MI
I just thought of something.

The way i can help is by selling some things I have.

The items are used, the prices are not great but it is for a good cause.

Items:
Second Gen Chilton book $15 shipped
2007 stock non-RF radio $50 shipped
2007 silver roof rack cross bars $75 shipped
2nd gen Nissan seat covers (black/silver) $75 shipped
Made in the USA sticker $5 shipped
1st gen cargo cover $60 shipped

Those whom may be interested please send me a PM

Thanks
Ramiro Munoz


Ramiro Munoz

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drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Church what's your Paypal.

And to any of you newer cats on XN.. Kyle is a great guy that has been in the community for a long time.. And Kyle has done for many others in need
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
I just thought of something.

The way i can help is by selling some things I have.

The items are used, the prices are not great but it is for a good cause.

Items:
Second Gen Chilton book $15 shipped
2007 stock non-RF radio $50 shipped
2007 silver roof rack cross bars $75 shipped
2nd gen Nissan seat covers (black/silver) $75 shipped
Made in the USA sticker $5 shipped
1st gen cargo cover $60 shipped

Those whom may be interested please send me a PM

Thanks
Ramiro Munoz


Ramiro Munoz

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As much as I appreciate your willingness to help, don't go and sell all your stuff man, haha. I'm already trying to do that locally.

That is such a great interest rate. I may look into refinancing again too.


Ramiro Munoz

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It really is a great rate. It saved us for a while, but our damn property taxes keep climbing, which is pushing the mortgage payment higher again.

Church what's your Paypal.

And to any of you newer cats on XN.. Kyle is a great guy that has been in the community for a long time.. And Kyle has done for many others in need

kchurch86@gmail.com

I really appreciate the kind words Dave, thank you
 

Rammer'sX

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Sylvan Lake, MI
As much as I appreciate your willingness to help, don't go and sell all your stuff man, haha. I'm already trying to do that locally.

No problem at all, I figured someone may need some of these parts, so it will be a win win situation.


Ramiro Munoz

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

gorillamel

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Location
Idaho!
How is the renting market around there? Would the possibility of moving out and renting your home work at all?

As someone who redlines every month and watches every penny and dime, and has also been denied unemployment at one time living off of savings, I can totally relate to your dilemma. I unfortunately, do not know anyone in MA to suggest to you.

Have you thought about applying to become a referee? I did that, became a high school basketball referee for a few years and that extra money helped me out tremendously. And you can get reimbursed for your gas/miles traveled to games if you keep track of mileage/receipts.

What skills are your strengths? What ones are your weakest?

If you want help compiling a resume and cover letters, I'd love to help. I have quite a bit of experience helping others with those things.

Good luck!
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
How is the renting market around there? Would the possibility of moving out and renting your home work at all?

As someone who redlines every month and watches every penny and dime, and has also been denied unemployment at one time living off of savings, I can totally relate to your dilemma. I unfortunately, do not know anyone in MA to suggest to you.

Have you thought about applying to become a referee? I did that, became a high school basketball referee for a few years and that extra money helped me out tremendously. And you can get reimbursed for your gas/miles traveled to games if you keep track of mileage/receipts.

What skills are your strengths? What ones are your weakest?

If you want help compiling a resume and cover letters, I'd love to help. I have quite a bit of experience helping others with those things.

Good luck!

The renting market isn't great really, it's run by the larger realtors and from what I've heard, pretty difficult to break into yourself. I haven't looked that hard into it just based on what I've seen and heard.

Never thought about being a ref, I'm really not athletic at all so I'd have to spend time and money to learn a sport well enough to referee it first. I can post my resume if you want, or email it to you, whichever. I feel like it's pretty strong, but it never hurts to have another set of (experienced) eyes look it over.
 

Xado89

Skid Plates
Location
Ocala, FL
Man, your mortgage almost gave me a stroke. I'm lucky if we pay $900 for ALL our monthly expenses, including mortgage. I guess that's the difference in cost of living between FL and MA. If this business of mine gets up and running this spring like I hope it does, I'll be sure to send more than just prayers for you and your family. However, right now, that's about all I have, myself. I'm a firm believer in karma. I hope she pays your household a visit soon with some good news for you and the family. Keep positive, buddy and stay strong through this hardship. I wish I had some way to help out other than this.

Best of luck to you and the family. I'll keep a prayer going for the Church household.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Man, your mortgage almost gave me a stroke. I'm lucky if we pay $900 for ALL our monthly expenses, including mortgage. I guess that's the difference in cost of living between FL and MA. If this business of mine gets up and running this spring like I hope it does, I'll be sure to send more than just prayers for you and your family. However, right now, that's about all I have, myself. I'm a firm believer in karma. I hope she pays your household a visit soon with some good news for you and the family. Keep positive, buddy and stay strong through this hardship. I wish I had some way to help out other than this.

Best of luck to you and the family. I'll keep a prayer going for the Church household.

Massachusetts is disgustingly expensive to live in. The more I think about it, the more I want to pack everyone and everything up and leave, it's just not worth the money here.

And yes, karma is big with me as well.

I appreciate the kind words man, thank you.
 

Xado89

Skid Plates
Location
Ocala, FL
Massachusetts is disgustingly expensive to live in. The more I think about it, the more I want to pack everyone and everything up and leave, it's just not worth the money here.

And yes, karma is big with me as well.

I appreciate the kind words man, thank you.

Well, I can say if you and your wife/gf have actual TRADES, there is some work down here. If you're looking for a plain jane customer service style job, good luck though. I'm in real estate currently and housing is about as low as it'll get, too. Find 1500-3000sqft homes for under $100k. Newer built might I add too. Best thing is, no oil heating, everything here is central AC and heat unless you buy and old 1930's house.

Regardless, you're more than welcome. Again, good luck!
 

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Church. Paypal says you can not except money.. Fix this and I will have. Little headed your way
 

TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Kyle, If this helps... I've been looking into changing jobs lately and came up on a few in the Railroad industry. Welders, mechanics, inspectors etc... Now these openings were here in Chicago for CN, but as I recall there railroad was pretty large up there in Mass.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Here is a link for for some jobs at S&W. Here is a link for you for some jobs at S&W http://www.pcrecruiter.net/pcrbin/regmenu.exe?uid=smith and wesson.smithandwesson

I don't know what positions are within you skillset, but if you apply PM the job and the job code. I have some decent contact there and may be able to help you out.

Thanks Will. I've applied there in the past and been turned away, but it's been a while so I'll give it another go 'round. Thanks for the heads up.

Kyle, If this helps... I've been looking into changing jobs lately and came up on a few in the Railroad industry. Welders, mechanics, inspectors etc... Now these openings were here in Chicago for CN, but as I recall there railroad was pretty large up there in Mass.

Thanks for the insight Greg. There are definitely some well-established RR stations up here, at least one of which is very nearby to me. I'm trying to stay in the machining industry since that's all I really know other than some farm work and a little automotive repair, but I'll look anywhere. Thanks again.
 

xterror04

Site sponsor
Founding Member
Location
Carlisle, Iowa
Railroads offer really really good jobs...

Have you considered going back to your old work place and talking to them? Maybe you could go back for a while until something better comes up
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Railroads offer really really good jobs...

Have you considered going back to your old work place and talking to them? Maybe you could go back for a while until something better comes up

I did. I talked to my old manager who said he'd be willing to give me a second chance, though it's not up to him. He talked to the owner who surprisingly enough said he'd think about it.

However, I just heard from a friend today who works there that he and 4 others just got laid off. That doesn't sound too bad until you hear that there are only 11 guys working there. I don't think they're an option anymore, if they ever were.

The layoff happened because they keep having problems with parts getting rejected and their work has really slowed down. Nobody is contracting them for big jobs anymore.

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KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Well, I followed up with the two most-recent places I applied to, and applied to 7 more shops...back to the waiting game I guess.

Also had a guy that was going to buy some stuff from me never show up and not return any messages. I hate that.

On today's agenda I'm going to try unemployment for a third time, though if I do I'll be going straight to the office. I want a damn explanation.


Oh, I also looked into Railroad jobs around here yesterday, and they're all too technical (I.e. no entry-level jobs) for me. Too bad, I've got friends of friends who work for the railroad and they all say it's a great place to work if you can get into it.

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Pro-2X

Suspension Lift
Location
Rockmart, GA
Church, I really wish there was something I could do for you. It really saddens me to see people go through this. As several people on here know, I recently went through a similar situation. I lost EVERYTRHING. I still haven't recovered. I will keep you in mind and prayers and if I hear anything that will benefit you I will let you know. Just remember to Drive On!
 

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
Church first let me give you a suggestion I don't know if you're a church goer but even if your not places like catholic charities are always willing to help. Even if you are not catholic.

Second you were one of the first to really welcome me into this society of awesome and you are one of the better members on this forum.

You were willing to give what you could for my polar plunge and now I'm gonna Help a Brotha Out
And lastly buddy you need to
move cause if there ain't work in your area there ain't gonna be work. Do some research figure where they are hiring for your field.
My prayers are with you brother keep us updated


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KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Church, I really wish there was something I could do for you. It really saddens me to see people go through this. As several people on here know, I recently went through a similar situation. I lost EVERYTRHING. I still haven't recovered. I will keep you in mind and prayers and if I hear anything that will benefit you I will let you know. Just remember to Drive On!

Thanks for the kind words man, and best of luck to you in your situation. If you keep your head up, I'll keep mine up.

Church first let me give you a suggestion I don't know if you're a church goer but even if your not places like catholic charities are always willing to help. Even if you are not catholic.

Second you were one of the first to really welcome me into this society of awesome and you are one of the better members on this forum.

You were willing to give what you could for my polar plunge and now I'm gonna Help a Brotha Out
And lastly buddy you need to
move cause if there ain't work in your area there ain't gonna be work. Do some research figure where they are hiring for your field.
My prayers are with you brother keep us updated


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Thank you so much for helping out man, I really, really appreciate it.

I think you're giving me too much credit though, I just follow the rules around here, that's all, haha. I wanted to give what I could to people who have it much, much harder than I do, so I sold a couple things and donated what I made on the sale to your cause. As mentioned earlier, I believe in karma, so wherever karma presents itself with a chance for me to help, I will.

Again, thank you, I appreciate your gift. Like I said to Chuck up there, as soon as I'm back on my feet I'll send it back your way; you have my word. Thank you.
 

NMTerras

Suspension Lift
Location
New Mexico
Damn just saw this - sorry Kyle, that sucks. I agree with Cameron, in all respects. For sure widen your search, there's work out there and I suspect you'll find it.
 

KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Damn just saw this - sorry Kyle, that sucks. I agree with Cameron, in all respects. For sure widen your search, there's work out there and I suspect you'll find it.

Thanks for the positive outlook man. I think I'm gonna see how my efforts of the last couple days go, and if none of my applications turn into anything I'll sit the wife and family down and make a decision. I know there are jobs out there, and living in Massachusetts is holding me back in more ways than one.
 

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
Thanks for the positive outlook man. I think I'm gonna see how my efforts of the last couple days go, and if none of my applications turn into anything I'll sit the wife and family down and make a decision. I know there are jobs out there, and living in Massachusetts is holding me back in more ways than one.

Move to Kansas lots of hard working people here and if you live in the right areas living expenses can be pretty good


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KChurch86

Banned
Founding Member
Well, I had an interview today with a staffing agency, which I thought would help a lot more than it did (so far). They told me to "keep doing what I'm doing" and that they "think that one of our big clients will be hiring a few people in a few months".

I applied to a handful more shops and have yet to hear from a single one of them, and I can't get anywhere on the phone with them either. So, I guess that's it then, that's where I stand. I'm going to keep working at the garage in Hinsdale until I hear from the staffing agency, or until I hear from one of the shops I've applied to. At least working at the garage is something.


I want to say thanks again to all of you who were able to help out a little bit, you kept me out of the red and I really appreciate the generosity.
 
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