Our Scariest Money Fears

Seeing how today’s Friday the 13th, I thought we’d go over our darkest and deepest money fears we all have ;) Not cuz we’re sadists or anything like that, but so we can FACE these fears out in the open before they ever get too close! Sometimes just walking through some of this stuff can help make it less scary. And get you to become a little more confident in the process. That every day you’re going farther and farther away from this scary fear of yours!

I’ll go first.

I am deeply afraid of losing all my income, and not being able to provide for my family.

Like, I’m scared $hitless about this.  If the internet ever explodes, I am seriously in deep doo-doo! But since I really can’t do anything about that, I gotta focus on the stuff that I CAN control.  And here’s what I’m doing about that:

  • I’m gonna continue to save my ass off. The more cushion, the better!
  • I’m gonna get rid of ALL my debt – every last penny of it – so I don’t *need* as much money any more going forward.  Something I only recently realized after all these years…
  • I’m gonna keep on learning and reading and just devouring all things financial, and otherwise, so I can stay on the top of my game and make sure I’ll see the end of the internet coming before it gets here ;) Not to mention helping to bulk up my mental arsenal.
  • I’m gonna keep being REAL about my money – and not try and fool myself – so I can continue to make more accurate choices down the road. All based on real life numbers, and not magical ones that sometimes get stuck in my head.
  • I’m gonna love the crap out of my family.  Not money-related, but if the world goes to hell, I’m hoping all my love keeps everyone sane and happy :)  Or at the very least, not mad at me! Haha…

Most of all that is pretty vague, but I like getting it “out there” to remind myself that we’re doing okay with all this so far.  Even though I post my numbers up, and it *looks* like I’m doing well to the average reader, it doesn’t mean I still don’t doubt myself, or wonder if I need to be doing something better, or differently, or whatever the problem may be in my head. I get scared and nervous just like the rest of you! No matter how much money (or not) we have on any given day.  I think it’s only natural, and reminding ourselves of what the point of it all is every now and then helps to put things in better perspective. The more attention we pay to our finances, the more confident we’ll continue to get!

How about you guys?  What are YOUR biggest fears? And more importantly, what are you DOING about them? Let’s put it all out there so it’s not as scary anymore, okay? :)  This day belongs to folklore and Freddy Kruegers, not us.  Let’s kill it!

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(Photo by LifeSupercharger, Text by J$)

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46 Comments

  1. The Frugallery January 13, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    In addition to all of the things you mention above, I am afraid of my “wants” getting the best of me. We have lived on just my husband’s income for some time now. Now that I went back to work we want to save everything I made. However, it is getting harder and harder to tame my desires, now that the money is there.

  2. IntelligentSpeculator January 13, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    I have no doubt you could start over very quickly even if something did happen, but saving, getting rid of debt are keys, I’d also add having some type of passive income (dividends, real estate, etc) that can slowly but surely become a significant part of your income

    I would say my fears are similar but I do feel like every day I’m in a better situation in case *** hits the fan:)

    Keep up the great work:)

  3. Brian January 13, 2012 at 9:36 AM

    My biggest fear at the moment is that I am going to be a horrible dad… I wake up at night worrying about this. I come from a very small family where there were no babies around for me.

    I’m reading some of the “baby books” and talking to my dad and her dad. They both assure me they had no idea what they were doing as well and my dad claims I turned out Ok.

    I’ll do the best I can, but I won’t stop worrying about this until after the baby comes (6 months from today if the due date is correct!)

  4. Joy January 13, 2012 at 10:18 AM

    I worry about paying for my future children’s college education. (Have you looked at tuition prices, lately??)

    I worry about getting back in the work-force even though I have 8 years of education under my belt.

    I just keep trying to save the most I can!

  5. Leah January 13, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    Sometimes, I get petrified that the stock market will crash and burn completely. Like, 2008 style all over again…only worse!

    Seeing as how I’m in my early 20s with no debt, I have a lot of money in the stock market through 401(k) and Roth IRA and even outside investing accounts, and I DEFINITELY qualify as an “aggressive” investor (70% in equities, 30% in bonds/cash).

    If there were a financial meltdown, I’d lose nearly everything.

  6. Shannon January 13, 2012 at 10:26 AM

    Well at the moment my biggest fear is having some big emergency expense that I can’t pay for. I don’t own any credit cards (my parents spent years in credit card debt so I’m too afraid to get them), which I guess is a good thing, but I don’t have that “safety net” where if something happened I could put some expenses on my card.

    I also have a fear, as a woman, that if I end up in a relationship that I’m unhappy in I won’t financially be able to leave. At the moment since I don’t have kids and have several jobs it wouldn’t be a big deal, I could just pack up and go. However, if I had a couple of kids and wasn’t working, how could I leave? I’ve seen so many friends in this situation and its become a major fear of mine.

  7. MrsSmith January 13, 2012 at 10:37 AM

    One of my fears came to fruition this morning when I realized my CC number had been stolen. Not the card, just the number, which is somehow creepier. Now I have to go through and change the automated payments for all my bills.

    Luckily, I have USAA, so they were great about dealing with all of the particulars.

  8. Mrs. Money January 13, 2012 at 10:42 AM

    One of my biggest fears is that everything will get so expensive that we won’t be able to afford to live any more. Nuts, huh?

  9. Melissa January 13, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    My biggest fear is that I won’t ever be able to move forward and get ahead. I work in an industry that is notoriously underpaid, and I work really hard and save between 25 and 35 percent of my income but…that’s still not very much. I feel kind of stuck, and I’m scared that’ll always be the case. I’m afraid I’ll be 30 or 40 and still living in a crappy one-bedroom apartment that I can’t afford to move out of. People keep telling me I “just need to find a husband with a good job,” but that doesn’t really seem like a reasonable life plan!

    Right now I’m considering going back to school to switch career paths (currently I work in journalism) to something a little more stable and financially secure.

  10. SmartAssetTeam January 13, 2012 at 10:56 AM

    I must say I am afraid of no longer having an income and having to leave the life I have built in NYC and go home to live with my parents. It is amazing to know that my parents would always support me, but regardless of the circumstances, I would feel like a failure if this happened. I want more financial independence, but this is a tough thing to wish for as a young artist living in NYC still in school. I am trying to develop as many frugal habits as I can right now, but I don’t have time to really pursue a career while still in school. I am afraid I will have to work too much to support myself and I won’t have time to make my artwork. At least I will graduate debt free!

  11. Emmy January 13, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    When I look at my student loans, my car payment, and my credit card bill, I always get scared that they are never going to go away and I will never pay them off. I know this isn’t true. I’ve been really good at paying them off every month and little by little the numbers are going down. But when you’ve just gotten a brand new car and your private university charges an arm, a leg, and your first born child for tuition – it’s really overwhelming. The day when one of these are paid off I’m going to be so happy. I might just throw a party and invite everyone.

    I’m also afraid of someday not having a roommate and having to live on my own. Right now, I just can’t afford to pay for my apartment by myself. That’s why I have a roommate. But there are times I realize that more often than not, a roommate isn’t a permanent thing – unless your married, then you’re stuck with them for life ;). It would be great to be in a situation that I’ll never need one. But in my town, if I want an apartment that’s not the size of a shoebox, where I can be on a first floor (with my medical condition that is a MUST), and keep my dog – I need to share the rent.

  12. LB January 13, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    Money fears: Losing jobs, going back into debt, not having enough retirement, school taking 8 years and then saying wtf do I do now?

    For me I am just taking one day at a time and not worrying about the big stuff. I just try to keep my eye on the prize and move on.

  13. Bobby January 13, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    I’ve gotta say, I love reading your blog my man. I appreciate that Nate put us touch and I haven’t done my diligence in setting up a time to talk, but know that I read everything you write. I hope someday random creeps like myself can say that about work that I do without ever having met them. You’re incredibly honest, and that’s what the community needs. I appreciate the fact that you just put it all out there (save for your name, unless it’s actually legally J-Money, which would be badass). I share the same fears as yours including:

    1. Losing my job. Yes, the new thing is to diversify sources of income with side-gigs or small opportunities to get some intermittent cash to throw onto the pile. However, I don’t believe that every single person in the world should be become an entrepreneur, and that there are jobs out there that require leaders in full time roles. Luckily, I’m in a job that I love, so I’m happy investing any other “side-gig” time into my work, which in turn is my only source of income. Catch-22, hmm.

    2. Being alone. My parents are in decent health, fiance is incredible, and dog is cute and happy. However, enough has happened in the last decade to prove that anything is possible, and it COULD happen to you. So, I’ve set up protected time with family (meaning no laptops, or cell phones to play angry birds) to just have that space to talk, laugh, and make fart jokes.

    3. Disease. If one thing that can financially kill someone (no pun intended), its the health care cost of treating a disease or affliction later on in life. To control this, the money I would spend in the future on healthcare costs, surgery, treatments, I invest in my crossfit gym, a paleo diet, and my personal vice, really nice workout shoes (inov-8s are the best). I figure even if I’m spending the same amount of money now taking care of myself than I would if I’m old with some nagging pains, aches, and god forbid cancer or sickness, what I would gain is more years on my life.

    4. Return to overdraft. It took me 2 years to put away $25,000 in credit card debt. That was the worst time of my life and it correlated to EVERYTHING I was doing. I wasn’t performing well at work, my credit score was low, my debt was high, my body fat was high, and my credit was insane. The reality is, I was making a decent income, which proved that my behavior was the sole reason for my demise. Only a few simple behavioral changes flipped everything and I promised myself I would never go back. Waking up everyday (length of time to be kept private) speeding through a toll, counting coins in my cigarette tray, or telling the cashier at a gas station “Put $3 on Pump 2” all the while I was a full-time salaried employee with benefits was the most shameless time of my life. I’ll cut my arm off , sell it, and throw in a low performing CD before I ever let that happen again.

    Cheers to the future. Cheers to having fears but never living IN THEM.

  14. Squeezer January 13, 2012 at 12:24 PM

    “I am deeply afraid of losing all my income, and not being able to provide for my family. ”

    I’m scared about that as well. I have a good job, but you never know when a screw up at work or a sour economy can change that.

  15. Well Heeled Blog January 13, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    My biggest money fear is that I will have made as much money as I will ever make, and that I will end up poor, with no job, no prospect of climbing the career ladder, unable to eat out at nice restaurants, unable to stay in a nice hotel once in a while, constantly stressed about money and feeling hopeless, and having no ability to be able to help out family members if they need help.

    As you can see – lots of fears!

  16. Aubrey January 13, 2012 at 12:36 PM

    I am terrified of loosing my job. I have never been fired, or without a job since I started working, but still, I know if I were to loose my job we are in no position to even remotely survive. A biggy on my todo list this year is to beef up my emergecy fund!

  17. Elle January 13, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    We’re right with you on family money fears. We’re working hard this year to pay down debt and get our monthly expenses down.We’re using 2012 to work on the last student loan (~$20k) and then once that’s done, it’s on to the mortgage(~$100k).

    We also are trying to get our financial paperwork done should something happen to one or both of us. That means we have to update wills, life insurance policies, and pick guardians for our baby girl. That’s the hard part!

    Our plan:
    We’re shopping around to try and refinance into a 15 year loan. We’ve been making extra payments to our mortgage. With the bit of money we save it’ll go towards paying the student loan down.

    50% of extra income (bonuses, tax refunds, and higher than projected income for my work) will go towards the student loan. The rest of the extra income is toward our car replacement fund. We’re hoping to get a family sized sedan this year.

    Decide on who to ask to be guardians for our baby (and then hope they say yes!) and get everything updated accordingly by the end of February.

    Whew; aw man we got stuff to do, but I’m hopeful we’ll get it done this year.

  18. Jen January 13, 2012 at 12:49 PM

    Money-wise, I fear that I’ll never be rid of my credit card debt. I’m stalled at the $2K mark for over six months (at Christmas, I helped out my sister to the tune of $450). At tax refund time, I’m obliterating it and looking forward to the rush of GLEEEEEEE at having conquered it!
    I also have a fear of being rid of my credit card debt. I’ve lived with it since 1995, and when I paid off the other cards, I frantically checked the statements every month to make sure they were paid off. I guess that’s part of a fear of change, eh?

    Generic fears:
    When I do have a child, I’ll become my mother and I can think of no worse fate :/ I’m fairly certain I won’t, as I’ve watched my niece and nephew enough and I seem to do okay.

    That I’ll die alone. That I’ll die, period (seriously, I used to get anxiety/panic attacks about it).

    That I’ll not get to the places I want to see around the world before I’m too old to enjoy them fully. In five years, I’ll have earned 4 weeks vacation/year and want to travel Europe (yes, I know that’s a huge area, I do have a plan) and Asia (I have a semi-plan).

  19. Long January 13, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    My greatest fear echoes yours J. Not having any income to provide for my family. I also fear that even if I could pay off my mortgage completely, my home value will never rise.

    I still have an employer at this time, but someday…when I am completely independent and working for myself I will make disability insurance a top priority.

  20. retirebyforty January 13, 2012 at 1:27 PM

    Hey J$, my greatest fear is similar to yours.
    I’m also afraid I’ll die in my cubicle. That would suck big time. That’s why I’m building up various income streams so I can get out of here. Having a few income streams will help if one source dries up for some reason. You’re doing great.

  21. brooklyn money January 13, 2012 at 1:44 PM

    That will be old and sick and not have enough $ to support myself. That I will lose my job and not be able to get another one. That I will lose my job when I am in my 50s and be forced to retire early before I am ready to. Oy vey! I guess the key is to not be controlled by these fears.

  22. Angella January 13, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    My greatest fear is repeating my parents mistakes. Not planning for retirement, medical debt, needing 2-3 jobs to keep my head above water. It’s very important to me to do better for my family. I am busting my a$$ to get out of debt. :)

  23. Foxie January 13, 2012 at 2:12 PM

    My biggest fear is that I’ll never work for anything more than minimum wage in my life, despite being on the verge of graduating with my bachelor’s degree. I’m tired of having retail jobs while being a student, I want a CAREER. It’s hard to get started, though, being military and all. :/

    That fear ties into the fact that I get to pay off about $45,000 for said bachelor’s degree. I want to pay it all off in three years or less, but it’ll be hard if I never get to make more than $12,000 in a year.

  24. Cassie January 13, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    In all honesty, my biggest fear right now is that I won’t be able to have children. The women on my mom’s side of the family have a lot of difficulties with conceiving and having a baby make to term. My mom had me at 22 and my only sister at 24, but she was pregnant 7 times. My sister had her daughter recently at 25, after being pregnant 6 or 7 times. I had a test turn positive, then lost it before even going to the doctor. Approaching 28 years old, I’m afraid that I won’t have the time to have multiple miscarries before I start losing the ability to actually carry children. The problem is that this is a two person decision, and the wonderful person I’m with isn’t ready for kids. Money problems I know how to fix, but this one I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place on.

  25. Donna Freedman January 13, 2012 at 4:16 PM

    I’m fearful of being a financial burden on my daughter and her husband when I get older. Since they both have chronic health problems and his parents have already moved in with them, the last thing I want to do is add to the stress.
    I’m funding retirement and saving, saving, saving.

  26. Yazmin January 13, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    My biggest money fear is not being able to reach my potential in my career… as in not making any money and having to go back to school to spend more money to find something else to do to make money.

  27. J. Money January 13, 2012 at 6:16 PM

    I told myself I wasn’t going to respond to everyone’s comments cuz it would take me a good hour or two, but I couldn’t resist ;) I just love y’all! So here you go – my thoughts to all your situations. Happy un-scary day!

    @The Frugallery – I bet! Maybe you can give yourself a “splurge” account which will let you spend spend spend when you want, but not over the budget you put in there :) Nice medium?
    @IntelligentSpeculator – Thanks man, that’s a great way to think about it :) That I still have my skills to “do it all over again” if needed. Very true… and def. working on that passive income part, it’s a great goal to have!
    @Brian – Awwww, you’re gonna be fine bro!! I know it! We’ll both be becoming one at pretty much the same time, so I can just tell you all the stupid stuff I’ve been doing to make you feel better, haha… sucks you’re having the dreams though, I hope they go away soon :)
    @Joy – I wonder what we’d be worrying about, if all those were covered? I think there’s always something :)
    @Leah – Hmm… I used to think that too, but then I realized that if the market just imploded – like, hardcore with everything going to $0.00 – then that means the whole world is in trouble. And money doesn’t matter anymore. Things like shelter and food/water and protecting your property does ;) haha… does that scare you even more?
    @Shannon – You know, that is a VERY VERY good observation you make there – a lot of women don’t think about that! So I think the fact that you are will help you to continue making smart moves that keeps you “safe” in that regard :) As for credit cards, that’s tricky. What if you got approved for one, and then cut it up but kept the numbers for emergency-only? Or burried it in your backyard or something? You’d only go find it if you really NEEDED to ;)
    @MrsSmith – Oh jeez, freaky! Great job catching it so early, and using USAA – they can nip a lot of that stuff SUPER fast before it causes much trouble :) It’s annoying as hell when that happens, but it could always be worse!
    @Mrs. Money – Oh yeah. Not nuts that you’re worried about it though, but that things DO keep getting more expensive! As long as you have your core items paid off, or working towards it, I think you should be fine though :) Most of the “needs” can be taken care of, it’s really all the “wants” that suck up a lot of our money.
    @Melissa – Hmmm… yeah, that can def. be tricky. Could you get any cool side gigs w/ your writing skills online? For other blogs or sites or companies? At least that can be applies all over the place, and without commuting anywhere :) But going back to school is a cool idea too. Or, even just taking free classes online through tutorials and what not. That’s one of the best parts of the interwebs! So much awesome, and FREE, information – woo!
    @SmartAssetTeam – Well debt-free is good! And you know what? You can change your mind with anything at any time too :) Maybe you work your ass off for a year, then take a break, and chill? Or make tons of money, then stop, and go it again later? That’s the one thing about life that I like – you can always do something to change it. And sometimes, it does it for you, haha… I have faith in you though :)

    @Emmy – Awww, it’s all just a phase right now my friend! The “everything takes all my money” phase that will get better as time goes on :) A lot easier for me to say since I already went through all that, but it’s still so very true! And I have a feeling you’ll find *that* kind of love too in the near future, you’re too adorable to not! But for now, you keep rockin’ your shit and spreading that positivity across town, and it’ll soon be your time to soar far far away like you were always meant to do :) I love you, girl!
    @LB – Hey, that does the trick ;) And every year we get a handful of nice surprises on the way!
    @Bobby – Wow, thanks man – that means a lot! Truly. I do my best to “keep it real” so it’s nice to hear that it’s coming across as genuine as I’m trying to be. So thank you! And HILARIOUS commentary too btw, haha, you freakin’ crack me up yo. I love your style – and I’ma email you here in a bit to see if you might want to guest post for me on that $25k scenario you conquered – it sounds miserable! But man, you freakin’ crushed it and came out a champ. Good for you, that’s awesome :)
    @Squeezer – Exactly! And I’ve learned that a few times unfortunately ;) Gotta get that Plan B in order early so you’re prepared for whenever that fateful day may come – even though we never think it’ll happen to us.
    @Well Heeled Blog – Yikes! I got sad there for a hot second, haha… I don’t worry about you at all though, if I’m being honest. You’ve got the drive and smarts to freakin’ rock anything! Maybe we can find a way to transplant my happy thoughts into *your* brain? ;)
    @Aubrey – Yes! Smart! Not to scare you even more or anything, but all of us get fired/laid off at some point :( Just a matter of when, and how prepared you are. So I say keep workin’ on that emergency fund and always be playing at the top of your game @ work! The more you learn, the more you earn. (oooooh, I like that! haha… must. make. a note.)
    @Elle – Haha, yeah – lots of stuff, and a lot of it boring! Haha… but CRAZY SMART :) Keep at it! I think you’ll beat me to doing all that paperwork too, but now that el bebe is on its way, I’m gonna have to smart up even faster. I need you to complete it so I can know it’s possible! ;)
    @Jen – Awwww, all healthy fears to have, my friend! And incredibly exciting too, once you knock them off like that credit card!! That would be super hot, yo. Traveling too – one of my faves. The dying part you can’t really control much, haha, but I do see your point ;) Here’s to living!!
    @Long – Hey, one step at a time, right? And even if your house never DOES go up in value, it’s not like you didn’t still owe all that money anyways ;) That’s how I’m looking at it now. At some point down the line I have to pay it all back… might as well get it over with.
    @retirebyforty – I like the plan! Dying anywhere to be honest would suck though ;) How funny would it be if you worked 100% for yourself, and then paid a visit to someone in a cubicle and left the world there? Haha… okay, so that wouldn’t be funny, but still. You better let me know as soon as you make out on your own! :)

    @brooklyn money – Yes, that would be awesome if we could figure out how to do that! Let me know if you do, k? :)
    @Angella – Well so far it looks like you’re beating your fear then! Keep it up!
    @Foxie – Awww, you’ll be there in no time girl – it’s just a phase :) And one day you’ll look back and remember what all that hard work and no pay looked like, and be thankful you went through it. Easy for me to say since I’ve aready done all that, but it’s true ;) I got mad faith in you!
    @Cassie – Oh no!! I’m sorry, that really hits home with our new news over here :( And there’s never really anything to say to help that out, it sucks. While I don’t know what all that feels like, I do know that my wife’s family has lots of problems in their past too, and it took us 2 years to first get pregnant, so that’s kinda not ideal too, yeah? If you ever wanna talk, or bitch, about it though – I’d be glad to listen! I’m good at that :)
    @Donna Freedman – You are too sweet, Donna. I don’t think you could ever become a burden to them – esp with your fancy writing skills! If there’s anyone that can turn that into a gold mine, it’s you. And I know you’ve already started doing that ;)
    @Yazmin – Oh jeez, yeah – that would be scary! But as long as you’re truly working your a$$ off and being PASSIONATE about it, I don’t think that could ever happen :) Even if you get laid off every now and then – that kinda work ethic goes incredibly far across the board. Keep working hard!

  28. Jackie January 13, 2012 at 6:32 PM

    I’m a big fan of financial minimalism :)

    My biggest money fear (and fear in general) is one of us getting sick and needing extensive care.

  29. Edward Antrobus January 13, 2012 at 7:42 PM

    Mine is being homeless. I’ve never been living in the streets homeless, but two years ago, there was a month-long gap in between the time we had to vacate our old apartment (mold from burst pipe) and when our current place was ready. We wound up living in a budget motel for that month.

    Now our current lease is up March 20, but we can’t even APPLY for a mortgage until April 10. And the (non-financial) obstacles that made it so difficult to find a place 2 years ago are still firmly in place, meaning we could be in a motel for 2 or more months this time. But a motel, even a cheap one, is a bit above our income with my winter hours, so we could find ourselves eating into our down payment fund, making it even harder to buy.

  30. Dannielle @ Odd Cents January 14, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    My biggest money fear is losing my job. I don’t have any other income and that would be devastating. But, I’m trying to get some “side hustles” started so that if the worse happens, at least I can still survive. But just like you J. Money, I’m saving, saving, saving.

  31. J. Money January 14, 2012 at 11:36 AM

    @Jackie – I know, that’s scary as crap :( All we can do is prepare as best we can though, and continue trying to stay healthy! The rest is in the Big Man’s hands upstairs ;)
    @Dannielle @ Odd Cents – Good! You’re on the right track for sure – creating your *own* revenue models to make sure you’d still stay afloat. A like it :) And I hope you never have to leave a job until you’re ready to!

  32. J. Money January 14, 2012 at 12:18 PM

    Oh man, sorry to hear Edward! That’s scary indeed, jeez… I know you’ll overcome it like you always do though! You’re a strong person my man, I’d put all my faith in you :) Just keep saving and planning for “worst case” so it’s not a surprise!

  33. Nicole January 14, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Not money related, but BY FAR, my biggest fear is I will outlive a child of mine. I’ve known a few family members and friends who have lost a child, and I don’t think there is anything worse in this life. If that never happens to me, I will consider myself having lived a good life.

  34. Renee January 14, 2012 at 6:57 PM

    I suppose it would be my husband losing his job (he makes significantly more than I do). Or I guess he could divorce me and take his income with him. Both of these would financially devastate me.

  35. American Debt Project January 15, 2012 at 1:04 AM

    I have a really big fear of being denied for a loan or refinance…right now I want to refinance the loan on my car and I’m soo scared to apply because I don’t want to be rejected! But at the same time, I know I need to hurry up and apply because the interest rate is freaking killing me! It’s a vicious cycle, man. I think I am pretty decent credit candidate, especially since I’m paying down my debt each month and have never been late on a payment, but I’m afraid of rejection. Like the scene in the Simpsons when Homer applied for a loan at the car dealership and the siren goes off…
    Homer: Is that a good siren? Am I approved?
    Bob: You ever known a siren to be good? (Chuckles) No, Mr. Simpson, it’s not. It’s a bad siren. That’s the computer in case I went blind, telling me, “Sell the vehicle to this fella, and you’re outta business.” That’s what the siren says.

  36. Jeff Crews January 15, 2012 at 1:49 AM

    I feel at peace about my finances. I used to really worry back in college about my financial future. Luckily, I found a great career path right out of college. One thing that I use to worry about was school debt. I found out that by paying the minimum (my interest rates are low) I could put the extra towards business ventures that would bring much more return. Definitely worth it. My greatest fear would be that “I do not want money to control me…EVER!”

  37. Monica January 15, 2012 at 9:16 AM

    My biggest is fear right now is me not finding a job soon and ending up getting divorced because of the financial strife. We managed to make it through 2011 with only $2K on the credit card, but we also only have a little over $1K left in our savings account after initially having over $14K. With a little one and a teenager to take care of, it is only a matter of time before the $2K increases exponentially.

  38. Sharon V January 15, 2012 at 10:01 AM

    My biggest fear is my boyfriend getting injured or killed on the job. He’s recently had a week off because he fell backward in an unlit place and injured his back. Thankfully, that wont’t affect us until next month, when we will have reduced expenses due to moving to a cheaper place. If he ever lost his income permanently though, it could be dire. We need an emergency fund

  39. Ginger @ Girls Just Wanna Have Funds January 15, 2012 at 8:56 PM

    Gosh I loved this post but I hate discussing my fears so I just take it to God in prayer otherwise discussing them makes them all too real. Most of them I’ve made into life lessons. So if I fear something that I’ve seen happen to someone else then I try to learn from it so that I no longer fear it happening to me.

    But I am aware of them and like you I am working feverishly to make sure that whatever happens, we’re OK.

  40. J. Money January 16, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    @Nicole – That is so scary indeed!! Oh man, I hope none of us have to go through that :( Very very scary.
    @Renee – Yes, not fun at all :( Are you working on any backup plans just in case?
    @American Debt Project – Haha, that’s awesome (the Simpsons, not your situation ;)). I’m sure you already know you gotta just give it a shot once and for all and see what happens, but I totally hear ya on being afraid of that “no.” There’s gotta be another way to find a loan if it falls through though, eh? It seems from what you’ve said that you should def. be a good candidate. If the place you’re going to rejects you, start trying credit unions – they’re GREAT at auto loans.
    @Jeff Crews – Damn straight! WE’RE in control, not them. Great mindset to keep in you head – well done ;)
    @Monica – Oh no! That’s not fun at all, I’m sorry :( Are you working on any plans in the meantime? Any hustling you can do to either pay off the debt once and for all, or start building back up that emergency fund? I hope so! :)
    @Sharon V – Yes! You do! Do you work too, or just the bf? I don’t like to think about death a lot – THAT is scary (and love always comes first!!) – but the money situation can go to $hit real fast when stuff like that happens… always good to play “what if” earlier on than later. I hope you never have to deal with that though :)
    @Ginger @ Girls Just Wanna Have Funds – Good :) You’re a damn smart woman too, I don’t have any doubts you guys couldn’t overcome them. You’re crazy passionate!

  41. Nick January 16, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    The collapse of the dollar. I don’t know about everyone else but all my money is on paper. I have not started hoarding gold bars in my safe yet but sometimes it doesn’t seem like such a crazy idea.

  42. Monica January 16, 2012 at 5:17 PM

    I am substitute teaching which will help us break even if I am able to work three days a week. Unfortunately that is hit and miss and will only last us until school is out. I started selling children’s books (direct sales), but that isn’t going as well as I had hope.

  43. Shondell January 17, 2012 at 5:06 PM

    Sometimes I fear not doing everything I was placed on this earth to do.

  44. J. Money January 19, 2012 at 3:18 PM

    @Nick – You wouldn’t be the first! Check out what one of my good friends is doing – I’m also tempted to follow! (just not *that* hardcore):
    https://budgetsaresexy.com/2011/10/is-gold-the-answer-to-a-market-meltdown/

    @Monica – It all helps out though! And eventually you’ll hit a good, efficient, gig that will put you over the top :) Keep workin’ hard!!
    @Shondell – That’s def. scary for sure. We can only do our best though – remember that! And if you find yourself slacking, maybe do something that takes just 15-20 mins towards something important to you? We can all find that time each day to make small changes :) You can do it!

  45. J. Money November 1, 2012 at 11:49 AM

    Cool! Thanks :) Hope your Halloween was fun!