Quite a dilemma

[Embalmer]

Ok i am faced with a really tough decision. Over a year ago, fell 20 ft from a ladder at work, landing directly on my right leg with all weight (230 pounds) and all momentum. surprisingly didnt break any bones, but caused significant bone bruising, damage to the tendons, and my right leg is now a inch shorter than my left. Since then been plagued with constant pain that increases the longer I stand and walk, and hampered by a never ending limp. Being classified as physically disabled, ontop of a ****ty job market has rendered finding work in what I did/do impossible. Job I had at the time screwed me out of the job to get out of the workmans comp stuff 6 months later, while still sidelined. ATM got 2 dif lawsuits going against them ect, to reinstate workmans comp, as well as another for the damage done. Well ive been scraping by with what little income I now get (220 a week down from 800 a week) and now my car faces reposession...


heres my options..

I can sell my 1903a4, 1919a4, m1, m1 carbine for a good chunk of $$ to get me out of a hole, and suffice for a couple months tops, but will be back in same problem at that time as things are still a long way off of being settled. Id also loose atleast 2 very hard probably impossible to reobtain firearms both in avalibility and costs...

Or just say F it keep the guns and let them take the car ect, and one big expense gone a month, still got my collectible and fun toys, and can continue living without being so far in the red... But will be vehical less for god knows how long.

What would you do in this situation??

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[JB White]

Keep the guns. If things are as bad as you say you'll only delay the car repo by a month or two. The guns will then be gone as well.

When I was sidelined for a few years, my reserves ran out and I had to re-fi my house to boost them back up. It was enough to hold me over until I qualified for my pensions. I still have my guns.

[GasMan]

Matt, I am sorry to see that you are in such a tough spot. Your question is difficult (for me) to answer without knowing more about you. Are you single? Married? Children? Are you renting or do you own your home? How badly do you need the wheels? If your car goes do you at least have a way to get to the grocery store? If you have a family then of course there is only one answer. But if I were single with no dependents, I think things would have to get pretty tough before I let go of any guns. I have had vehicles I was attached to, but more so with guns. I think I would rather replace the wheels than the guns, especially if selling them would only temporarily forestall the situation for a month or two. This is not that great of an answer; I guess it's a matter of your priorities and your outlook. I feel for you bud, I hope you find a way out soon. GasMan.

[n64atlas]

are there other sources for money like a 401K or other retirement account. Being disabled may allow you to draw on those accounts now. check into this for added income.

[Embalmer]

I am single, and got a son, whom I have on weekends. I do have fam nearby if I do need a ride places. Only thing I wouldnt like is being trapped, as there are days id just hop in the jeep and cruise just to get out. I dont own, and rent where I am. As for 401k ect, being 29 when this happened, want built up that much, and did tap it when I lost my job, as they fought to block unemployment on me too, which was overturned 2 months later by the state.

I know its a really rough road atm, but from what I hear the light at the end will be worth it (back pay from workmans comp alone will be 5+k once reinstated). Just getting there that is hard.

Fam and a couple friends said to sell the guns ect, but they dont understand that they arnt exactly run of the mill modern readily avalible and affordable pieces. Sure I can replace the carbine somewhat easily, and the garand, but the garand was my first firearm and have alot of sentimental value, and the a4, 1919 ect those cost a pretty penny to replace, and arnt easy to get any more.

Thanks for your input.

[M1Riflenut]

Keep the guns,it is a hobby you will always enjoy,if you still have them. Dump the car payment,it's one of the worse investments a person can make. This of course does not include classics or vintage muscle cars. Those vehicles appreciate unlike the modern day garbage which is nothing more than a fire pit to through your hard earned money into. Collectible guns also appreciate in value.
Find a cheap clunker to run until things get better and learn how to do your own repairs.

"A wise man adapts himself to circumstances as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it."

[RayP.]

Something you might want to check into with Soc. Sec. Office,just call Soc. Sec, and reuest info mailed to you about .S.S.I. benefits,it's a form of supplemental income,don't remember everything about it any more,been years since my son signed up for it,it's a temp. thing but every little bit would help,don't know if you would qualify,laws changed over the years but it wouldn't hurt to look into it.

RayP.

[Embalmer]

I thought about that, and seeing as many people as I have abuse it, I wouldnt feel right. I had no intentions of touching that till was retirement time (though prob long gone by then).

talked to my parents and grandparents, they too are all struglging, but they are willing to try to help so I can keep both. Its yet another thing I dont want, as I never asked for help from anyone or anything... Mybe its just my pride of being able to be totally self sufficiant but may have to swallow pride at this point...

[jon_norstog]

Matt,

what I'd do is lose the car, get a bicycle and some rain gear. Think of the guns as your ace in the hole, for when you **really** need the cash.

If I lived on N. Shore Mass, I'd consider doing some fishing. I knew guys in Philly did that, they'd go to the Jersey shore with rod and reel, catch a big mess of fish, then sell them in the neighborhood. Maybe buy some too, off the guys coming in from party boats.

Just a thought. Lot of people make a pretty good living subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping, gathering wild plants for sale. It's all off the books.

Anyway, good luck.

jn

[Rick S]

If you were hurt and you can't work you have every right to apply for Social Security Disability. You were charged for this coverage and you don't need to feel bad about collecting.

Believe me they don't just give this to people. It could take up to four or five years to collect. Get the paper work going and hopefully you will get better and be able to return to work. If not you have a plan B for the long haul. Most likely they will turn you down the first or second time then you will have to hire an attorney. Social Security will give him a cut of you settlement and if he loses he doesn't get paid.

Bad part is Social Security doesn't pay enough to support much of a life style.