I need to raise 10,000 by the end of the year

[booley]

No , I am not dying. I am not asking anyone to send me money to my pay pal account.

I'm just in debt with student loans, utitities , tax bills and credit cards payments left to me by my ex.

and now my landlord is breathing down my neck becuase he wants to raise my rent becuase he says my room mates use to much water. (weird and long story...)

I'm looking for ideas on how to raise money on my own.

If I can get rid of at least 8,000 to 10,000 of debt, I will have paid off enough of my debt to get a house and live within my means. But so far working second jobs hasn't done anything for me but give me ulcers, my room mates are even poorer then me and I can't borrow the money...

Any ideas? It's a long shot but I thought, what the hey, maybe somebody has a good idea...

[WCGreen]

1. I got nothin......

[Tom Kitten]

2. loser post, sorry.

allthgouh I must admit you have a hell of a lot of nerve!

[I Know How To Do it]

3. Embrace being an adult!

[booley]

4. Gee, why didn't i think of that?

I can just continue to hold three four jobs at the same time while going deeper into debt until i get evicted. Assuming the wrenching stress pains in my gut don't do me in.

well, how amazing unhelpful you all have been. Even more, you all took the time to type out and explain how unhelpful you were being.

I mean, i was kinda thinking somebody might know a reputable financial counseling agency or a way to consolidate debt I hadn't thought of.

[Nevernose]

5. Nope, you're screwed.

And not in the good way.

All I can give to you is my sympathy, and assure you that someone else out there knows exactly what it feels like. I'd recommend a consumer counseling agency, except the few that aren'r rip-offs tend to cater to theose who are finanically viable.

See, I know these things because I was married once, too. Bitch. Even the judge says she owes me money, and has she paid me a single dime? Hell no (although I suppose that's a different rant altogether...).

[xmas74]

6. I know that you don't want a second job

but that might be your best option. Instead of looking around for crappy minimum wage jobs you should figure out what you are good at and advertise your services in that field.
I pick up transcription occasionally and I clean houses part time(big spring cleanings or cleaning for a landlord whenever a tenant moves out). I also volunteer as a server for local caterers. Many times I can get away w/ this by getting paid under the table. At this time of year you can find people who need housesitters, pet care providers, lawn service, etc. For a little bit of extra money you can find something out there.
And before you say anything about a second job I'll let you in on a secret-many adults now have to work two and three jobs. Technically I work two jobs and raise a child by myself. I also pick up odd jobs here and there-anything to make a few bucks to pay off bills or pay for my child's expenses. For many, one job is not enough. You just have to suck it up and go to it. Put a time limit on how long you will work a second job (say 4-6 months or something like that). Save every penny you have. Cut out any additional expenses (like entertainment). And if you are having water problems, look around online on how to do simple things to conserve water in your home.

[Spinzonner]

7. Well, there are really limited options

On the income side:

1. Additional Labor
2. Investment speculation
3. Gambling
4. Criminal Activity

On the outgo side:

1. Bankruptcy
2. Disappearing

In the middle:

Renegotiate/refinance your debt obligations

It's all about risk and consequences and your tolerance for them.

Maybe you should reconsider the goal and figure out what you can manage over a longer period that is more tolerable personally.

And maybe change roommates or find a way for them to pay more of their share.

[REP]

8. Links

http://www.nfcc.org/
http://www.debtadvice.org/PersPlans/persplans_02.html

[Bossy Monkey]

9. Key words I read were "left to me by an ex-"

Is there any conceivable way you can talk to a lawyer and maybe slough these debts back onto the person who incurred them? Sorry to have no more helpful suggestion; you could maybe check with the BBB regarding whether specific credit counseling outfits have received any or many complaints. Other than that, I don't know how you would go about telling a reputable one from a disreputable one. My only other suggestions would be other brilliant shit that you know already, like 2d & 3d shift jobs often pay better. Sorry.

DU has a Personal Finance and Investing Group. It isn't very active (most recent thread is a week old) but at least you probably won't get the "Life sucks, then you die" type replies there.

All sympathies, regardless.

Edit: Here's a thread from this past March with recommendations for a number of credit counseling outfits:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=2793672

[NMMNG]

10. Get a financial advisor

See if all of the bills left by your ex are actually your responsibility. Also see about reputable debt consolidation companies that won't screw you over with high monthly fees and other gimmicks. A financial advisor will possibly charge a fee, but can save you a bundle with the advice s/he will provide.

The way I paid off my huge mountain of debt (over $20k)? Two full-time jobs and debt consolidation. It sucks but sometimes you just have to suck it up and do it.