@amberpep. I'm so very sorry what you are dealing with. At 72 you are supposed to be enjoying life and relaxing.

Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace University says the first priority in your life is to make sure you have a roof over your head, food to eat, medication for your health and then the rest of the financial concerns. Then you need to prioritize the remaining bills/obligations. You need to think about the reality if you are able to work 40 hours/week. Is that something you can physically do? is there a job that you can do without physical/emotional/mental limitations? Have you thought about being an Uber Driver? Not sure if you have a car or like to drive, but people can make some decent money doing that. You may need to thing about non-traditional jobs at this time of your life. I don't want you to think I'm telling you you are old or ancient, but you expressed some physical concerns like IBS, which you need restroom facilities nearby. Insomnia is horrible and it sounds like it is anxiety induced. If you are able to reduce some anxiety you will sleep better. You haven't said what medication you are taking, but a short term anti-anxiety med may help you. Have you consulted your doctor so he/she knows what you are experiencing?

The pain you speak of is so very true, so don't diminish the role it plays in your life. The burden you carry is heavy; have you thought about sharing it with someone. Talking will help lighten the load. The other person may not be able to help, but there is one other person in the world sharing your life. Sometimes we need that little oomph to push us to the next level. The anxiety is a terrible thing. If you are able to keep the lines of communication open with the people you owe money to that will be in your best interest. Even sending in a small payment is better than nothing, it shows you are at least trying. By not responding or discussing things with them, they think you don't care or are out to screw them. The threat of collection agencies is terrible, but sometimes a necessary evil to give time to get finances figured out.

My mom just turned 73 and my dad is 75. They had a time after they sold their business and then the buyers defaulted where they didn't know how they were going to make it. It took some time, but they did. They didn't discuss a bunch with me, they told me what had happened and how they were struggling and didn't want to get me involved, so I understand not wanting to burden your kids. I am thinking you are single and without a significant other, so then it is doubly as hard.

Sometimes it is better to write your concerns out on paper so those aren't something rattling around in your head. By just getting them out you are able to allow positive thoughts into your brain. You need to think of things other than finances and how you aren't going to be able to make it. I hope I didn't overwhelm you, I just am a type of problem solver and overthink things sometimes. Blessings!

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