I'm Back......:)

[DragonFox98]

Hello, everyone. I am so sorry for my unexpected hiatus. After the accident, it was Christmas and then work began to suck more than normal and there was wrestling and baton competitions and.....oh, geez, the list just goes on and on. Anyway, I see I have a lot of catching up to do. I will start reading the posts as soon as I can this afternoon (once I get settled in my new office).

I just wanted to say Hi and thanks for your support. I've been meaning to pop back on for awhile, but I just can't find the time. Kyle is at the end of wrestling season, Amy just began her baton competitions, I have physical therapy three times a week and now we're prepping for little league. UGH.....the list just goes on and on. Anyway.....

I wanted to thank everyone for their support but give a special shout out to Hobie. Hobie, I took your advice way back in September or October and contacted our local congressman about Donny's social security claim. It helped....we had our hearing on February 7th.....a year before they told us to expect it. And guess what?!?!? He won. I mean, I guess that's not necessarily a good thing that he's now disabled (the distinction is making him even more depressed), but we have income coming in now and that's the important thing (besides my salary, that is). We were told not to expect the judgment for two to three months, but the judge made the ruling before we even left the building (Donny had to be removed from the room because he suffered a massive panic attack - I think the lawyer might've planned it, but I don't blame him in the least). It was amazing. And not to have this unease and pressure is nice, too. I'll be able to catch up on tons of bills and put some money aside for a couple of trips this year (the kids want to go see the Statue of Liberty).

Anyway, thanks for your support and advice. I miss you all and will be back on full-time shortly!!!! :waves:

[hobie16]

Very cool. I'm glad I could help. It's amazing what a little political pressure can do when applied at the right point. Make sure and contact your congressman and thank him profusely. A letter to the editor of your local paper is also a good idea.

Take care of Donny and get him into a program that will identify skills that will help him become a productive worker again. He doesn't sound like someone who wants to watch TV all day and eat Doritos.

And, just a tip. Social Security doesn't like to see savings. They will ask what your financial condition is in surveys. If you're putting money away your payments will probably be reduced.

Assuming you are working, the best thing to do is keep your finances separate so SS can't claim Donny is being overpaid.

Good luck!

[DragonFox98]

Hobie, most of the retro is going to pay off bills that accrued during the Period of No Income. :/ We're not saving much, but what we do save will be in an account in my name only. And, believe it or not, the email was already sent to the congressman's office....I truly don't think we would have gotten as far as we did without their push.

Thanks!!!

[felinefan]

You could save the money in a jar and keep it somewhere safe--they won't know about it then. :D: