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How To Live On $0 A Day: A Few Telltale Signs You're Going Under

Posted: 06/18/09 04:03 PM ET

2009-06-18-goingunder.jpeg

1. You put a tablecloth over the stack of bills in the corner and are using it as an ottoman.

2. Suddenly, spending three hours on the phone with your bank demanding an explanation for a $35.00 late fee is the most profitable way of spending your time.

3. In a blind taste test of Ramen flavors, you got 100%.

4. You've sadly noted that the prevalence of cellphones makes coin returns no longer a viable source of income.

5. You occasionally wish that some hacker would steal your identity (boy, would he or she be sorry).

6. You find yourself flummoxed by decisions you would have considered obvious a year ago...like whether or not to eat the 20 year old can of beans you found in the garage next to the paint thinner.

7. You envy your pot dealer for having a viable career.

8. You're boycotting the banks and credit card companies (well... that's what you're telling everyone)

9. You don't even bother to get up and answer the phone when it rings, you just flip it the finger from your recumbent position on the couch.

10. You spend an inordinate time regretting random past opportunities missed (like not eating more of the fried chicken at the office picnic back in 1994)

11. You've discovered after all these years of insisting you'd never sell out for money, it turns out you would. In fact, you'd be willing to sell out for a piece of chicken.

12. You find hope in the possibility that Armageddon may occur during this billing cycle.

13. You've started contemptuously referring to anyone wearing this season's shoes as "the man".

14. You're on your third TARP bailout.

 
 
 
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03:11 PM on 06/21/2009
A couple of years ago I would never have stooped so low to pick up a dime on the sidewalk. Now I dive for them. I still pass on pennies, though. Unless they're heads up.
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BannedInBoston
Everyone is entitled to my opinion.
09:43 PM on 06/20/2009
The crusty Irish guy at the unemployment office started buying me drinks.
12:27 AM on 06/20/2009
I don't think I understand this "flummoxed" word as you used it. Isn't FLUMMOX that new skin treatment (derived from Swine Flu, with just a touch of Malaria) that makes your complexion shiny and glowing? It does seem a bit wasteful, since you and I both know that the same look can be gotten by just not bathing for three or four days. Going beyond four days is problematic though, since the dirt and dust that adhere to one's mug can yield a dull and dreary appearance. Hmmmm....maybe it's worth the money for FLUMMOX after all!
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HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Lesley Stern
01:42 PM on 06/20/2009
Well, you've managed to totally flummox me with this reply. Unfortunately, it hasn't done a thing for my complexion.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
soupless
01:01 PM on 06/19/2009
I think I still have some of that fried chicken from the 1994 office picnic in the trunk of my car. Thanks for reminding me.
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Lesley Stern
05:51 PM on 06/19/2009
Damn! That sounds soooo good right now.
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WomanInOrangeSweater
12:46 PM on 06/19/2009
For the past three months I’ve been praying for Armageddon to happen before the next billing cycle. I thought it was a sign that I was converting to Christianity. I’m relieved to find out that I’m just going broke. Thank you!
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Lesley Stern
05:50 PM on 06/19/2009
It’s an easy mistake for the inexperienced to confuse poverty with new-found spirituality. I’m glad you caught it in time.
12:38 PM on 06/19/2009
I've been using my stack of unpaid bills as a speaker tower. Does that count?
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Lesley Stern
05:48 PM on 06/19/2009
Lets put it this way: how much do you think you can get for your speakers?
05:56 PM on 06/18/2009
7. You envy your pot dealer for having a viable career.

ROTFLOL

Actually, this is the best argument for complete legalization... Just think how quickly we could all be out of debt... and if it takes a while... well, at least you have your stash.
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Lesley Stern
05:46 PM on 06/19/2009
It took my pot dealer years to get where he is today. I’d hate to see the government screw that up for him.
03:35 PM on 06/18/2009
Hahahaha - and I thought I was the only one who scrunched down to the gas cap as I'm filling for the inebriating fumes....stick with conoco, or 7-11 - they have the best washer fluids, too.
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Lesley Stern
05:45 PM on 06/19/2009
You’re lucky you can still afford to fill up. I have to hang out at the pump and bum fumes from strangers.