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AzureKit, Thanks for posting back BUT I have to agree that you should perhaps limit the amount of personal information you post whether or not other posters ask questions - don't feel compelled to answer them or explain the circumstances....

As far as Phoenix/continuing education? Well, I believe Phoenix is a "for-profit" so I would urge you to stay far away from it and any other such institution and the fact of the matter is that you might very well not be able to afford either the money, time or costs of transportation right now to continue your education. Sad but true. However, many people make a living with only high school/GED diploma's ~ so can you and your DH but only if both of you try and continue trying until you find success.

However, you need to sit down with your step-mom and DH and make a plan to make a new life for yourselves. If Jackson is the welfare city you describe with no available jobs, then I suggest that you stay put for now since the abuse isn't physical (if it is, then you all get out no matter what it takes), but if the living situation is tolerable, then make a plan to re-locate to somewhere else where jobs are available....

Start saving up the first, last and deposit for rent and then set a date for leaving. Scout out the new area as you can, interview for any available jobs ahead of the move AND, most importantly, your DH just has to find some work on his own even if it is a day-by-day through the employment office - manual labor.

I wish you well and am glad that you had your grandmother's presence in your life to give you belief in yourself. Up to you what you do with it now; I know you can make it out of the cycle in which you have been living....

Holy cow, what a situation!

I, too, definitely noticed how articulate you were and also figured you must type really fast--it would take me hours to write some of the posts you wrote--especially before going off to work.

You have a wonderful ability to communicate. College will enhance that and open more doors for your future so I do hope when the time is right, you can begin again. I don't know anything about this but I do think there are degrees you can pursue online?

Best wishes and keep us posted. :-)

Many kind hearted, well meaning people have posted advice and helpful suggestions. Yet each and everyone has been countered by an excuse from the OP why it won't work or can't be done.

This person is going to remain in the situation she is in until someone comes along to bail her out on her terms. She is willing to settle for nothing less.

I can't understand how this group can afford a mortgage, yet not a 3 bedroom apartment.

I also find it difficult to believe that there is absolutely not a single house, apartment, or trailer in their entire living area that will not meet their size requirements and budget. It might not be in the best of neighbothoods, but then...I still firmly believe this is someone who is not willing to settle and work her way up out of the sitaution she is in.

quote:

Originally posted by Becky56:

I can't understand how this group can afford a mortgage, yet not a 3 bedroom apartment.

Becky, I think the misconception that they could afford to buy a Foreclosure priced at $39,000 came from doing a simple mortgage amortization search online which shows that a loan of 39K at 5% over 20 years would cost $257.38 per month ~ an amount they can afford which is far less than any rental they might find.

Of course, that idea is pretty much out of the picture now since I think OP has realized that there are no programs available that would work in this situation. And, yes, those of us who have bought a house realize that the monthly payment is the only the beginning, that 100% financing is very rare, and taxes, insurance and routine maintenance needs to be added but individuals who have never bought before don't always know all of this which is why I believe OP posted in the first place.

She is trying to educate herself on HOW you do move forward and I commend her for doing so. I'm sure that $257.38 per month sounded pretty good....

AzureKit, Hang in there and give some consideration to re-locating to another area with better employment opportunities. I know it won't be easy to save money for the move when every cent is already spent before you even get your paycheck but it can be done. And I have faith that you can do it.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,

Does Jackson have a neighborhood revitalization program? You or your stepmother need to go back and apply for section 8 housing and then look for a landlord who will accept Section 8...Jackson has plenty of them. Even if your stepmother is over the 5 year aid she needs to apply there are exception.
You need to look at what scholarship funds are available to you and your husband...start with the community college, and go from there..you may be surprised what you can accomoplish.

Azure,
I am so wishing that you and DH continue your education but do so in a fiscally responsible way. You mentioned you owe $1,0000. Your DH may end up owing Phoenix $60,000! Who pays for all those commercials? Who creates the profits for the "for profit' university? The students do! And college debt is never forgiven - not even with bankruptcy. You might find the PBS show called College, Inc very interesting. Just Google it and you can watch it online. Your DH's wish to become a therapist and then a psychiatrist is admirable. There just isn't a college program that "let's you work up from being a therapist to doctor." He will need to take all the hard sciences courses and graduate with excellent grades with a bachelor's degree. Why not start those now locally? There may be some online if your DH likes that approach to learning. The whole of JCC can't be bad. There has to be someone there who can teach.
If he continues to be insistant on going to Phoenix, Phoenix must supply him with the statistics that says how many people who took the program he wants to enroll in, are actually working in that field. Please check that out.

Idaho Resident - I know you meant well by saying this..."She is trying to educate herself on HOW you do move forward"

But until Azure and DH realize that education may be the most viable way to move forward they are stuck living in the same stagnant situation. If DH cannot get a paying job when this is the most employable time of the year, then he can treat going to a community college as a job -- and avoid a for profit school that promises a bright and rosy future but only, in reality, leaves one hopelessly in debt.

Azure and family,
I shopped at Meijer yesterday and thought of you. I am wishing and hoping good thoughts that next year will be much better for you all. Any luck in apartment or mobile home shopping?

I too wish you much happiness and luck in your future.

I agree with Charming about searching for housing through Section 8, although I know many areas have a long waiting list, so maybe the sooner the better to apply.

You may also check on buying through local bond programs in your city who tend to help lower income families work toward home ownership. Their credit score restrictions may not be as high as FHA. Worth a try.