October 31, 2007


Dear Ask Helen
    I’ve been reading your column for a while now and I like what you say. I have a question that I’d like you to answer if you would. Can you please tell me if you see my finances improving any time soon? I am so far in debt I don’t know which way is up. I’m starting to think that I might have to declare bankruptcy. I’ve also had a few disturbing thoughts of ending it all. Do you see any light at the end of the tunnel? Please just sign me  S. O. L.

SOL,
    I’m so glad you wrote to me. It shows me that you are trying to reach out for a life line and I’ll do my best for you my dear. First let me say,  don’t give up. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Look, it’s easy for me to sit here and say Oh, everything is going to be just wonderful, just peachy keen, don’t worry, things will be fine or any other of the pat responses to someone who is going through I difficult time. But I won’t! I will tell you what I saw for you in my cards though.  I see that you are going to have to get some professional help with your spending. Under shopaholic there is a picture of you. I think you are on a first name basis with everyone who works at Visa and Master Card. You can’t have champagne taste on that beer budget. It don’t work I know. Been there, done that myself. So I’m going to give you the same advise I took myself.  I would suggest that you call the credit counseling people. There is one in St Catharines that is very good,  or you can simply look in you telephone book. These people are wonderful and they can help honestly.  They can help you stave off your creditors. Let’s face it. No one wants you to go bankrupt, because they won’t get their money or very little of it. At Credit Counseling, they can help by setting up a payment plan between you and your creditors that won’t leave you totally broke. They can also get the creditors to back off and stop the harassing letters and phone calls if needed. You need someone  to help you do up a realistic budget and to follow it faithfully. I can tell you is there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just going to take some time and effort to get things all sorted out. I see a good future for you if you seek out the help you need and heed the advise. Hang in there friend. There are many of us (including myself) who have been in the exact same position you are in now and thought that we weren’t going to make it but we did with help, and so will you.  Call them right now as soon as you finish reading this letter!
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Dear Helen
    I read your column faithfully and think you have good advice. I wondered if you could see anything for my future with my boyfriend, and will my finances improve. Most of all my daughter is to undergo surgery, will everything go okay and be good for her. Do you see the year 200 good for us. Sincerely, Hoping.

Hoping,
    When I held your letter I felt a wonderful warmth and caring coming from  You really are a sweet lady.  You are a blessing to those around you. Your daughter is a very special girl. She has an inner strength that runs very deep. She will do fine because she is a fighter. I feel that this is necessary surgery that will make her feel so much better once it’s over and done. Your daughter has a strong Guardian Spirit watching over her as well as her angel. I believe she has inherited their stubbornness and tenacity and that’s okay. Your daughter has things to do, and places to go in this life time, so try not to worry.  She is one of God’s special kids and she will do fine, just you wait.  I feel 2000 is a time for you to grow spiritually and emotionally. It will be a time for you to reflect and think (honestly) what direction you want your life to go in. I feel that your relationship with your boyfriend may hit some troubled waters, but you will make it if you choose to. As for the money situation, I don’t see there being too much change around this situation unfortunately. It’s going to be the better part of the year before you can breath again. Your going to have to keep pinching pennies for a while longer I’m afraid. 
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Please send your Hand written letters to; Ask Helen Overend, P.O. Box 1129. Ridgeway On. L0S 1N0. Letter are kept confidential and answered in order received. I can be reached at 905-894-3263 for appointments. See you next week, the good Lord willing.