Financial troubles that leads to everyday stress

by Cathy
(Jacksonville, Fl.)

I am medically disabled with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. When I feel particularly stressed out, my symptoms of IBS flare up, leaving me home-bound. My main causes of stress are finances. Being I am on Social Security, my income is very fixed and as you can imagine, just barely, and I mean barely, able to pay the bills. Hardly any left over at the end of the month.

About 3 years ago I received an inheritance from a relative. It was a fairly large chunk of money, but since I have always been able to handle finances very well, and not spend money foolishly, I thought it would be nice to enjoy two sports cars before our golden years set in. (both my husband and I have always loved sports cars). My husband's income is on the "average" side, and he also does not 'blow' any money either on himself or other things.

With this money I have been able to purchase a total of 6 cars outright (for my son as well), paid insurance on all vehicles on a twice a year basis, manage any huge unexpected bills, paid our yearly property insurance, our yearly homeowners insurance, car repairs, went on vacation three times, etc., etc. We own a small piece of property and live in a 1300 sq. ft. mobile home, which is fine for us.

I am afraid this money will be running out within the next 6 months to a year, and we both feel we have worked long and hard enough to deserve what we truly enjoy.

Do you think we will have to sell our two sportscars??