12 Comments
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Katja Groesser's avatar

What an impressive but also vulnerable story. You're so brave to share this. You do what's possible for you and your family and I see that you do everything on a purpose. That's such a crucial point when it comes to finances. And we should remind us here that everyone's story is different and that seasons can change later. Thank you 😊 🙏

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Kellya's avatar

Wow, this brought tears to my eyes. So vulnerable and a reminder that the little things really matter.

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Sarah Ochoa's avatar

Yes, sister, yes. In a society where there are so few supports in place for parents, supporting each other is where it’s at. We are also in a season of debt, going on 10 years now, and recently relaxed into it. We will just have to be here until the kids are all out and on their own.

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BlackExpat25's avatar

Thank you for your honesty and transparency. As a parent, we all want the best for our children, a minimum is to have them safe while we are at work. That's not too much to ask for your child. Debt is just a situation you are managing. You are making the right decision for now. I've been where you are and as someone who now has young adult children, you will never regret spending money on your child.

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Jess's avatar

It’s so rare to read such honesty. What a generous act, and to share your guiding values too. Not knowing where the writer is located, I wonder if they have looked into daycare cost assistance programs? Some states or HCOL cities have them: https://www.seattle.gov/education/for-parents/child-care-and-preschool/child-care-assistance-program

The writer mentioned food bank support which is excellent - I wonder if they have looked into WIC eligibility as well?

Acknowledging they didn’t ask for resource ideas, it’s hard not to want to share!

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Amy Medina's avatar

Thanks for the resource ideas! Yes, we have looked into these programs on an annual basis. We always end up earning just above the limit of what is allowed to qualify for assistance that year, sometimes by only a couple of hundred dollars. But I agree - these resources would be incredibly valuable, and I wish we qualified!

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Tiffany Cartwright's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story and for talking about the kinds of resources you are already using. Many people do not know what resources are in their communities--things like diaper banks or food bank trucks--or think that they deserve to use them. We should all use the community resources that are available, because we are members of our communities!

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Jess's avatar

I wondered if that’s the case and it must be so frustrating - I wish these types of programs could be expanded in light of inflation and the number of people who are just outside eligibility and deserve more support

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Dana Miranda's avatar

Thank you, Jess! These resources could be really valuable for anyone reading who finds themselves in the same position 💖

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Ace's avatar

Wow. I really appreciate you sharing your perspective here. I’m so glad you have found something that works for y’all.

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Renee Rubin Ross's avatar

Thanks for this honest account. You and your partner sound incredibly hardworking.

Somehow your piece came into my feed along with this one: https://thenoosphere.substack.com/p/survival-of-the-greediest . Your account is the description of what inequality feels like day-to-day :(

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Amy Medina's avatar

That's quite the article as a companion piece to mine - I felt that in my soul. The inequity in the current society is unfathomable and does not serve any of us! We, collectively, have got to figure out a way to correct this path we're on so that we are no longer ruled by these greedy kings.

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