This is not what I had in mind when I graduated from college.  I married my frat boy, we bought a house and had some kids. I even kept my career going.

Then Jed left three years ago. Next, I had emergency heart surgery this past winter, my insurance covered 30% of the hospitalization, forget pharmaceutical coverage, I was let go from my job six weeks later, COBRA will cost $1200 per month, I am waiting to find out what we can get from social security, child support from Jed just quit coming last summer, and I lost all the charge cards. Not sure if we can hold onto the house.

So how do we handle Christmas?  I wasn’t sure where the money would come from.  A few weeks ago I saw a car title loan store on Ocean View Avenue and thought about the Taurus, paid for in full in 2007.  I didn’t go in – despite everything, I still have my dignity – so instead I searched online for “auto title loans.” I’m plucky if nothing else.

I found Norfolk Car Title Loans – which is great because they have an online application and no credit checks.  I completed it and got the money in 24 hours.  I took only $250, but lemme tell you, I know how to make a grand celebration my kids will never forget with that money.   

- Wallis W.