>i tried to set up a financial plan that would allow me to sleep at night..... it hasn't been working lately. <
I'm sorry to hear that general worries are making you loose sleep. Sometimes my worst decisions have been made when I've been overly tired, and lacking in sleep.
besides the market meltdown it has to do with issues like upcoming college expenses
The costs for sending a child to college are enormous, but fortunately there are many options. From what you've mentioned, your daughter sounds like she is a bright, and talented student. There are quite a few colleges that offer academic scholarships, regardless....(or in spite of)....the financial situation of the student's parents. There are numerous programs that pay college tuition, with reasonable time frames and terms to repay student loans.
being saddled with two homes (granted they are assets but still must be maintained)
Maybe it is time to simplify your life? Two homes are assets....but maybe you'd sleep better at night if you sold one home, and invested that money into some type of secure investment. (Certificate of deposit?) Having one less home is one less "hassle" and complication in your life.
At one of the most difficult times in my life I volunteered as a crisis line worker. I took a 6 month training course before I started working the crisis phone line, and I have to say this was an experience that changed my life. No matter what problem seemed to be overwhelming my personal life, I found that listening to others made the problems I was dealing with insignificant. When you deal with someone considering suicide, a teenager who has run away from home, a woman needing shelter from an abusive husband, and a homeless family looking for shelter during record cold temperatures......you realize how lucky you are, and how insignificant some of the problems you have are compared to others who are struggling just to survive. Sometimes "backing away" from a situation allows you a completely "different view".....and you might be amazed at what you see!
It's a beautiful day here in the Bay Area....and I'm going to "sign off" and go and enjoy the day! I hope you have a good day, and a good weekend! |
