What should I do with this money I received today?
By scorpiobabes
@scorpiobabes (7225)
United States
April 22, 2013 5:01pm CST
As pretty much everyone in the USA knows, many homeowners were caught up in the mortgage crisis, often did to unscrupulous actions by the banks. In the last couple of years, many of those banks were sued, and it led to a massive class-action against them. My last mortgage was held by CitiMortgage; I provided the documents requested and they gave me a mortgage I couldn't pay.
I already was part of an investigation involving the loan officer for fraud; I believe he lost his job. This class action was bigger, so i filled out the required paperwork and returned it. To be honest, I forgot about it. A few weeks ago, I received a postcard from the company handling the settlement; I did a Google search and it appeared legit, but since I usually have bad luck, I just put the card aside with the others (I'm eligible for 2 or 3 others, and just learned of a fourth today!).
Jim picked up the mail-mostly junk, but there was an official-looking envelope. At first I didn't have my glasses on, but I spied the name Rust on it. It was a thin envelope too-probably nothing, right?
It held a check for $300.00! I only had to short sell my home; I think if it had gone into fore closure or sold at sherif f'd sale, it might have been higher , but hey, it's money I didn't have before! Now I'm torn-right now my boyfriend knows nothing about it, and I'm not sure how to spend the money. Our computer went out, and I'm pretty reliant on it-should I pick up a new laptop for less than $300, or buy the used desktop his friend is offering Jim? We also are expecting our water bill to come in next week (ugh!). I'm so messed up!
I rarely have any money for me, but something has to give. I can squeeze the money for the desktop computer out of grocery money, but that would be Jim's computer, and frankly, I'm tired of getting used computers. I know I'm being selfish but we also suspended our Internet service for a few months. So what should I do-use the money to buy myself a new laptop, or use it to buy the desktop for $50, pay our water bill and pay something to the cell bill?
2 people like this
8 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
22 Apr 13
While it would be really nice to be able to get a new laptop, it sounds as if you need to spend the money elsewhere. If you're behind on your bills or will be soon, it makes more money sense to pay them. If you keep getting farther behind, it makes it harder to catch up.
You said you could pay for the used computer out of the grocery money, so why not use that amount next time or whenever you can to set aside for awhile until you have enough to buy a new laptop?
1 person likes this
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
The last three computers we've had have all be used; and this happens anytime it's become critical. I'm frustrated using such old equipment-and it would become his anyway. I gave up my computer because of him (loaded with student versions of Office and Adobe Creative Suite), plus my laptop.
We are behind on bills in large part because he cannot manage money-and even though I shop and cook the groceries, he won't take a lunch!
I suppose you're right, but I'm not telling him about the check. And that is because I'm trapped here 99% of the time, running his errands and such. I'm supposed to be saving money for me now-my bills aren't being paid!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160952)
• United States
23 Apr 13
In your situation it seems that although you try to be responsible, you get sabotaged. Probably unknowingly, but it happens just the same. Happens at my house as well. Go for all the lawsuits or settlements that are owed you and get yourself into some other earnings.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
I'm trying to be. The recession coupled with an MS relapsed caused my financial problems. I am so ready to move past all of that, get a decent job and start paying back some money! It just seems that every time I think I'm getting ahead, someone else is there to make my life worse-I can't catch a break!
@BannedHelsing (693)
• Philippines
23 Apr 13
If it was me, I will buy the laptop. Then reinstate my internet connection. This way I can earn online. If I can earn I can pay bills. Otherwise, it will be bills piling up and no income.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
24 Apr 13
Unfortunately, the valve stem on one of our tires recently went bad, so we have to fix it. It seems when it rains, it pours, ya know? So we'll get the desktop for now, and get me signed up at college.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
I considered that too. It wouldn't be used for play, and I'd love to go back to school again. But seeing as water is an essential, I'll pay the bill and stash the rest away until I can get the laptop.
@BannedHelsing (693)
• Philippines
24 Apr 13
That is a good choice too. Hope you buy that laptop real soon.
@celticeagle (168269)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Apr 13
I am having trouble with mine right now and if I had the funds I would buy me a new one. I would advise you to do that. You need something for you. It would be great wouldn't it? I hope you decide to do that.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
I'm seriously considering it. When I moved here, Jim never helped me go back and get my computers, and many of my personal things. It's hard to recall that without being angry. But if we don't pay the water, our landlord might get angry and threaten eviction. I'll set some money aside in a new account with just my name on it-and start putting my earnings there.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168269)
• Boise, Idaho
23 Apr 13
I would be angry too. Smart idea to set some aside in your own account.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
23 Apr 13
If it were a larger amount, I would say put it away in a savings account that is in your name only. However, since it is a smaller amount, the better investment would be in a new netbook for yourself. You should stash any remaining money and not mention it to your boyfriend.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
24 Apr 13
A net book won't meet my processing needs. However, we need to replace a tire on the car, so I didn't have much choice but to let him know about the check. Part of the money will be for me to apply to college.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
Oh, the list of 'must pay now' things has grown exponentially! I would be using the computer to find a job, earn money, and possibly go to school. But in the face of practicality, I'm required to pay the water bill first. I try to do everything to conserve water-do you have to pay for water?
@profmuhammadakhtar (103)
• Pakistan
23 Apr 13
its better for you to spent some money in the name of God and then see you what you need essential and never take loan again
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
24 Apr 13
Right now, I don't belong to a church, but our needs are too great to give money away. And we are starting to pay back our loans, one at a time.
@GardenGerty (160952)
• United States
23 Apr 13
My gut says get the laptop. Not buy something from Jim's friend. With a laptop you can earn more money online. As I have said before, I am sure you could write for Textbroker. I only do articles I feel confident of and I still am bring home more than $20 per week. They pay weekly with PayPal. Legit site in business for at least five years. Do not tell Jim about the money and settlements. It is time for you to do something for you.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
I'm so torn right now. I am thinking I'll wait until after I see how these employment tests go-I gave my minimum hourly rate and my availability today, and Kristen was pleased that I have my AS degree. It should be interesting to get some professional help with my résumé and cover letter too.
Please send me some info about Textbroker in a PM. I talked to the librarian in town today, and they have ten computers there. Maybe I could dedicate some time to online earnings and buy myself a laptop!
@triplejazzm51 (1373)
• Philippines
23 Apr 13
Hi! i would suggest you use your money to pay all the bills. At least you don't have to worry anymore on unpaid bills. The rest of the money can be spend on something that you really need. You know we should always prioritize the things that we need in order to live rather than luxuries. Good luck.
@scorpiobabes (7225)
• United States
23 Apr 13
Tell that to my boyfriend! Right now, he's got a tremendous number of bills that went unpaid-sometimes for years! I'll put it towards the water bill, but I wish he'd do something to conserve water!
