...
written by tara gentile , November 19, 2009

ack! Amanda! that explains some of your tweets from the last week.
my thoughts are certainly with you & your family - but i'm sure you've got a great plan of action. and the suspense is killing me!

...p.s. don't you love how the web makes us live more accountable lives? i know i do.

thanks for your breath-of-fresh-air honesty!

...
written by Melanie Goodwin , November 19, 2009

Hang in there chica!!

...
written by Irene , November 19, 2009

Yowza! Can't wait to read next week's column!

...
written by Megan P , November 19, 2009

Bless you for sharing the good, bad and ugly! My thoughts - focus on what you can control and prioritize. I do think that things happen in bunches for a reason. Surely you are about to grow in some fantastic way.
Best of luck!

...
written by Heart Felt By Aviva , November 19, 2009

I have 100% faith you and your husband will work it out. I can't wait to read your next weeks column. I also want to thank you for your honesty and communication.

...
written by Brenda , November 19, 2009

Wow - The synchronicity of this posting is amazing. As of today, I'm in the very same boat. Can't wait to learn about your plan. I need to develop one right now too.

...
written by A M , November 19, 2009

Love the honesty! I have been there...can't wait to hear your solutions. As my good friend always says, "when you are in the fire don't stand still...keep moving forward!"

...
written by Kate Gatski , November 19, 2009

So sorry to read... that is so unbelievably frustrating. Really appreciate that you're sharing. Those are the times we all go through, but we always feel so alone. Very generous of you to share.

...
written by Rebecca , November 19, 2009

Hmmm....you had a 6 figure salary which you doubled, I presume your husband also has a salary, and $11,000 in bills threw you for a loop....

...
written by Crystal , November 19, 2009

I found myself in that position last year and thought I would of had to file for bankruptcy. But a wise financial coach helped me get my financial life back on track!
Keep your head up lady because you will get through this :)

...
written by Heather Shafer , November 19, 2009

Thanks for the honesty, I am a new subscriber and it makes me feel at ease to know that even the money experts are not perfect!
You are entitled to burry your head if you want, but you didn't stay stuck in it,that is the important part!

...
written by LobotoME , November 19, 2009

looking forward to hearing your plan....

J :)

...
written by Kate , November 19, 2009

Wait - you're a "financial expert" living a $10,000/month lifestyle, and you somehow don't have at least one months worth of expenses stashed away in an emergency savings account. We are supposed to feel sorry for you?!? I apologize for the brass tone, but this post made me want to quit following your "advice".

...
written by Laura. , November 19, 2009

this is really interesting. one of my (incorrect) assumptions about money is that if people have a lot of it, they have it together--and conversely, when i don't have money (like now), it is a result of my not having it together in life in general. i suppose it doesn't help to hear that reading this makes me feel better, but it is good to know that i'm not alone in my financial frustrations.

...
written by tina , November 19, 2009

I too am in a similar situation. I am -$548.56 in my checking account and supposed to be moving on 12/1 so that I can give my daughter a better life! Not sure its going to happen; things are very grim and its hard to keep my head up. But I believe things happen for a reason, so I'll root for you and look forward to your plan. Keep up the good work!

...
written by Amanda Steinberg (DailyWorth founder) , November 19, 2009

Thanks everyone for your support. I too know we will get through it. This is what it's all about: the good times and the bad, and not letting the bad times do you in.

For those of you doing the math on why I don't have bigger reserves, I *do* have reserves not mentioned above but they're designated for real emergencies. I don't count this an emergency and am not sure they should be depleted for my lack of planning.

@Kate As is noted in my bio and as I've discussed previously (welcome to DailyWorth!), I started DailyWorth not because I am an expert but because I am on the journey. I do not write most of what DW publishes -- I corral the experts. My vision is to create a platform for women to talk about finances honestly. That may mean me dropping the veil of "I'm perfect" for the sake of a different kind of dialog.

...
written by jennifer , November 19, 2009

you go girl! do your thing! and thank you for your honesty.

...
written by alex , November 19, 2009

yes, I can't wait to see how this all turns out! I had a similar day of financial surprises at the beginning of this week, to the tune of about the same $$ (but no 6 figure income to be found, so double whoops!). I know all about the head in the sand approach, too. Thank you for your honesty, as it helps a bit to know that even the financially astute make very human mistakes. Money--the ultimate fair weather friend! Please, find a magical solution and share it with us, quick! ;)

...
written by scruz , November 19, 2009

Completely understand. I am in the same situation with much smaller bills but it definitely feels like I'm drowning sometimes.

...
written by Angela R. Wurtzel , November 19, 2009

Hi Amanda
Thanks for your post... your story helps explain the emotional and psychological aspects related to money as it would with food, in my opinion. What we know is right and good is not necessarily what dictates our actions. A lot of the time it is our emotional life which is at times out of our awareness. Sometimes we behave based on what we need to emotionally contain and regulate. So, I am saying even though you are an expert at money management what you KNOW isn't always what is going to dictate what you do... sometimes other things, like emotions, navigate our lives.

I have no doubt, on an intellectual level, that you will figure all of this out. Luck is not needed, nor is knowledge, perhaps a deeper psychological understanding...

Angela R. Wurtzel

...
written by dreamcatcher09 , November 19, 2009

I am just now beginning my journey towards financial security, I have made a lot of bad choices, including trusting my finances to my ex husband who left me in shambles and in a whole lot of debt. ugh. so now finally taking responsibility for my actions I am starting today, one day at a time. I can't wait until I see what you will do because it will give me hope when the table turns on me during my journey to financial freedom.

...
written by Anne Marie Ferguson , November 19, 2009

This is what financial recovery counselors refer to as "life happens," and we encourage our clients to put aside money into what is called "periodic savings," for the foreseeable and unforeseeable expenses that life hands out. The fund contains money that is intended to be spent; it's not long-term savings. Could include, for example, money for the windows, but also the unforeseeable: the taxes. Sounds as though your Emergency Fund would qualify to a certain extent -- surely the taxes are an emergency, and you could then work at building up the fund again to a comfortable level for your expense level?

...
written by Einat , November 19, 2009

We appreciate the honesty! Sometimes these major life emergencies just happen. In your case, they happened in threes. Let's hope the worst is over, as you know the ending "it always works out"

...
written by Laura , November 19, 2009

Thanks for the honesty! I can't wait to read part II and find out what you decide to do. I'm sure it will help many of us. Since I started following your blog, I've stopped casting myself in the role of 'poor artist' and have taken the first steps toward more financial responsibility.

...
written by Sandra Ramires , November 19, 2009

Amanda,I'm sorry for your situation. But I learned long time ago that you need to live beyond your meanings. I have lived like that before and beleive me you'll overcome those obstacles. Just try to live one day at a time, specially when you have small kids.

...
written by CAWink , November 19, 2009

Amanda-I'm new to DW and love the connection with women just like me. I, too, had a hmmmm moment when you mentioned a doubled six figure salary, but life is relative for each of us and your financial slap in the face feels just like mine (the one not making a six figure salary...yet). Going into the holiday season my saved up Christmas money is depleted due to an unexpected MRI and the seemingly endless bills from it, and I'm bummed there will be no end of year money to stash away. My goal for 2010 is to become a better, more independent, more sophisticated money manager, so maybe your plan will be just the thing to jumpstart my journey. Glad to be with you!

...
written by Amanda Steinberg (DailyWorth founder) , November 19, 2009

For those of you scratching your head about my income - I'll probably gross about $175k this year. That's *gross* not net. I've also put tens of thousands into getting DailyWorth off the ground -- and that's come out of my income. Before I get into more details about my actual finances (that $10k a month can actually be much higher) I have to go talk to my husband! Given my personality, I don't mind sharing details about my finances, especially if I know it can help other women. That being said, I do have to respect my husband's wish for privacy and need to talk to him more about how detailed I can be before getting into the details of our house, our childcare expenses, loans and other expenses. Note to self: Talk to husband. Create family policy "What's ok and what's not ok to discuss on DailyWorth."

For those of you wondering about an emergency fund -- we do have an emergency fund with enough money to cover these expenses, it's just that we've been building it specifically to fix our chimneys and the idea of draining it to pay these expenses just depresses me. But alas, it may be what we need to do.

...
written by Stephanie , November 19, 2009

Oh wow....reading this made sad and relieved at the same time...I went through this same thing about two weeks ago...my husband and I awoke to find a waaay negative bank account and unexpected bills piling up on top of regular bills...needless to say, we freaked & thought the world was going to end...but it didn't...we managed to sell over $500 worth of stuff through ebay, have a yard sale, and cut out TONS of extras we thought we 'had' to have...we aren't out yet but things are looking better :) Good luck to you!

...
written by StacyWash , November 19, 2009

Love the honesty! So many of us are going through the exact same thing and often all we need to hear is that we are not alone. Kudos to you for sharing!

...
written by Mikelann Valterra , November 19, 2009

Hurray for the honesty, Amanda. As a money coach who sometimes self-discloses her own stuff, I read all the comments with mixed emotions. Money is so *charged* and so relative. But you're doing what you intended to do-- stir up and create conversation on the old "taboo" subject for the sake of waking women up. Fabulous!!!! It makes me want to go bare my own soul some more. It's all so human and we're all on the journey towards healing our relationship to money.

...
written by double XL , November 19, 2009

Hi, I stumbled on this website a couple of months ago and have booked marked it. Now I refer to it everyday and read the articles and comments to lift me up. I too made my share of financial mistakes driven by an uncontrollable emotion and now I'm paying the price. For the longest time, over year, I have sweeped everything under the carpet and now realized these problems don't go away unless you face them head on. Love your work Amanda. As a young girl, my dad discouraged us girls from going to college and I'm glad I did because I now take care of five beautiful daughters and a son and I tell all of them that education is they key.

...
written by Cheryl , November 19, 2009

This is like a cliff hanger. I can't wait for the rest of the story. I am waiting for your solution so that I can apply it to my own life.

...
written by Anonymous , November 19, 2009

I think that, with the economy the way it is, this post did not feel right. The author and her spouse's health, home, and jobs are all intact, which is not true for those who are less fortunate. I found this post to be too much complaining from someone in a largely very fortunate situation. My advice is to pull up your socks, and start volunteering somewhere where there are people who are truly unfortunate.

...
written by Laura. , November 19, 2009

ooh, and for what it's worth (worth, haha), you look gorgeous in your photo. . . that counts for something, right? :)

...
written by Rachel McPherson , November 19, 2009

WOW!!! BOLD, Inspiring and what a leader you are!!! I know your brilliance is already at work! can't wait!

...
written by winifred , November 20, 2009

It shows how human we all are. I like Amanda's openess and sincerity about her finances, it means there is still hope for the rest of us. I like the pic on this page anyway, im sure you are on your way to recovery and even something great and better financially. Keep us posted in what you know best.
Cheers

...
written by Susan Baren-Pearson , November 20, 2009

Ditto...and some daily afirmation...You're on top of the world for sharing, caring and for your brutal honesty. Look at all these posts!!! Many of are in the same boat, many of us share your outlook, many of us have turned things around. This can only mean one thing: that you (your husband/family) are on the right track. Onward and upward...there is no place else to go. :)

...
written by dana joy , November 20, 2009

thank you for being so brave as to share this with us! I applaud your authenticity and transparency and can't wait to see you pull through!

rooting for you,

dana joy

...
written by Tabby Biddle , November 20, 2009

Thanks Amanda. I appreciate you dropping the veil of "I'm perfect" for the sake of a different kind of dialog. This entry provoked a lot of comments and feedback for good reason. So many of us can relate -- and also want to support and cheer each other on so we can be not only financially stable, but prosperous. I am sending you good vibes for coming up with a smart money plan. I really appreciate the work you are doing.

Tabby

...
written by credit union , November 21, 2009

You shared really important information here Amanda. Thanks for sharing this information. It was bit surprising to know some of the facts you posted here.. But it's a money market which is always full of surprises.

...
written by yen , November 21, 2009

to have to deal with those payments PLUS coming clean to your readers. what a terrible week this must have been for you.

i read daily worth daily. haha. you made me a bit insecure sometimes, thinking how in control you are of your finances while mine is an almost total mess. but your posts here have truly helped me take better control. i really hope that you will get this sorted out. you cheered me on, now i think it is my turn.

you can do it!

...
written by Robin , November 21, 2009

Thank you for sharing your reality! You are as real as the rest of us. My mother was the master money mover. Paying bills was a chess game because there never was enough money. You may have to take a hit and pay "some interest" but with diligent moving of the chess pieces in a very obsessive manner... it is doable. Also, times like these are why my mother always had staples on hand in pantry. Creative cooking based on grandmother's depression and wartime recipes can knock a load off a buget. If its not life and death this month, you don't need it. Of course, I suffer from "instant gratification now" and a credit card bill to match...

...
written by Cara Marcano , November 23, 2009

I think some people missed the point here about her being a small business owner. It is one thing for your business to sell $200,000 plus in revenue but that doesn't mean you the individual are making $200,000 a year. I think a lot of people on salary do not realize this or understand that those of us who are small business owners, a lot of the financial advice out there doesn't apply.. When they talk about a cash reserve, do they mean for the business or the family or both? Obviously what cash it takes to run a business is different from what it takes to run your household. In the current economic environment the name of the game is cost cutting and keeping costs down. Obviously growing sales is important though too and being working mothers (less than 5% of al women-owned businesses gross more than $1 million in sales a year and this is sad and we'd all like to see it change)To be a good working mother though as AManda has written you ahve to outsource and delegate and you also have to have to either have live in help or have a husband who honestly splits with you "The Second Shift" -- and hardly anybody's husband I know does this. I'd like more info on all of the above.Please, please provide !!!

...
written by Randie , November 23, 2009

Thank you for sharing your story Amanda. We are also in a place of plan B! My husband got laid off along with 50 of his co-workers with no severence--just 2 weeks notice. Now we are both searching for jobs not knowing even how to pay the rent. I know we all await each other's success stories of how we all pulled through!

...
written by Maritza , November 23, 2009

Hi Amanda,
I am a new to DW and love to read your posts. Love your honesty and how everybody shares their situations, I can't wait to see your plan. Amanda gracias por compartir(spanish)Keep up sharing the good and the bad situations.
Thanks a lot for sharing!!!

...
written by Monica , November 25, 2009

"on top of the $10,000 a month our lives currently cost."
Seriously? I know money trouble. I'm from a working class family with a disabled father. $10,000 a month?? I appreciate your honesty, but this is offensive.

...
written by Aspiring Millionaire @ MyMillionairePlan.com , November 30, 2009

Amanda, I'd like to thank you for your honesty. I discovered your article as a recommended read from AlmostFrugal.com. Your article touched me so much that I've decided to subscribe to your blog and put a link to you on my website, http://MyMillionairePlan.com. You will work this out. You will come out of this with a good plan. Hang in there.

...
written by Shari Weber , February 28, 2010

You will rise to the challenge I am sure of it and you will inspire us all to find & discover ways for our challenges. I have made some MAJOR mistakes as well and I am trying to find my way as well.
Keep us informed! You Rock!

...
written by BrandieHoover18 , March 06, 2010

I would like to propose not to hold off until you get big sum of money to order different goods! You should take the home loans or college loan and feel yourself comfortable