Virgil, I've been there too. 5 years ago I was so far in the hole I didn't ever think I would get out. My wife and I went to a class they offered at our church for 6 Sunday mornings based on Larry Burkette's(sp?)christian financial management book. We sat down and went through the plan and stuck to it. Everybody got paid and we avoided bankrupcy. It took us a while to accomplish and it was tough at times but I didn't leave anyone holding the bag. We're not financially independant yet but don't have any long term debts other than our mortgage. It's still hard once in a while to resist getting spread too thin and tying up all our money in everyone's materials and being left with nothing to live on. We were headed there last month with over $12,000.00 owed to us, $500.00 in the bank and $9000.00 due by 11/30. We ended up with just enough collected to pay bills and buy next weeks groceries by the deadline. On Monday I let the 2 GCs that owe me know that I'm at a stand-still on their jobs until they are paid up. I've been doing service work that pays immediately this week. The 2 GCs promised full payment by Friday. I'll not let them get so far again. The first thing to remember to do when you find yourself in a hole is to STOP DIGGING! I'm 43 years old and can't for the life of me understand why I can't remember that sooner than I always seem to.
We're praying for you and have mailed some help. Don't even think about paying back. I wouldn't have what I do if not for the grace of God and the kindness of others. Just pay it forward.
Fred & Heather
