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Disability and Money

I'm pretty new to FDS but not new to being on (American) disability.

I now understand that my lack of income and being raised in a working class family has led me to 1) be poor. 2) not understand money. And 3) my being financially abused repeatedly.

I know nothing here is ideal, but does anyone have any idea how to level up my money situation?

(In a way that's not traditional work. Because I will lose my health insurance.)

Or how to level the power dynamic money creates?

I'm open to ideas.

And invites to any all lady communities that might arise out of FDS.

16 answers0 replies

Comments (16)

Unknown member

Jul 02, 2023

I was not happy with the salaries of the jobs I had in my 20s, so I went back to school in my 30s. I'm taking a relatively small amount in loans. My family, my savings from my previous jobs, and my current part-time remote job cover the rest of my expenses for now.

I think the most feasible way to jump-start your earnings is to go back to school for a high-paying career. I don't know the extent of your disabilities, but I can tell you I'm introverted and easily worn out by pointless social interaction and loud, inconsistent ambient noise. Therefore, I'm planning for a career that will minimize both.

If I were you, I would plan on maximizing my academic credentials and professional skillset and minimizing my exposure to environments that trigger my disability.

Unknown member

Jul 02, 2023

Replying to

You're welcome! I took some biology classes and completed a biology internship in college, so I didn't start from ground zero. My program did not require any subject GRE scores. The general GRE, my college transcripts, some personal statements, and a couple letters of recommendation were all I needed to gain entry into my master's program.

Technically, it's never too late to go back to school, if that's what you really want to do...

Unknown member

Jul 02, 2023

Replying to

I feel the same way, and unfortunately, I have not found a way to shake the feeling of being a failure either.

An acquaintance told me if he were in my position, he would try to derive as much enjoyment as he could from being back in school. He would interact with professors and classmates and try to enjoy the benefits (both professional and social ) from these interactions. He would try to take pleasure in learning as much about his field as possible, because, after all, tertiary education is a privilege.

In my case, there is a light at the end of the very long tunnel. The endgoal is one I've looked forward to for a long time, and everything I do in school takes me one step closer to the endgoal. I guess I'm trying to say that having a sense of purpose can be comforting.

Do you mind sharing what you're studying now?

Unknown member

Jul 02, 2023

Replying to

I forgot to add I'm working as a math and science tutor through my university. My job is fully remote, and that's one of the reasons I like it.

PinkSplash

Jul 02, 2023

I’m 35 and just now starting over with my career and taking my finances and retirement savings very seriously. I was on track to having a decent career, but I really hate this industry so now it’s back to square one.

I can’t afford to go back to school for a second degree and I don’t want more debt, so I’m spending my evenings learning to program. Having a comp science degree would definitely help, but it’s not totally necessary as long as I can prove I know what I’m doing.

As far as finances go, he might not be very popular here but Dave Ramsay actually really helped me. I sort of needed someone to yell at me and tell me I was being an idiot for buying things I didn’t need while still paying off college debt. He’s an asshole, but again, it’s what I needed. He’s good for beginners.

All_or_nothing

Jul 02, 2023

If you go to school, your local community college, for example, your tuition most likely will be covered by FAFSA. They also offer free programs.

Bee

Jul 02, 2023

I have multiple disabilities.

Mental health and several forms of dysautonomia. I just had a port for fluids twice weekly installed.

Leaving my home is often too taxing and I’m concerned that going back to school would put my disability in jeopardy even if I was physically capable. Or tried virtual.

I was thinking of trying coding but I was in a bad car accident a few years ago and recently realized that I’m dyslexic. Which explains why I’ve completely lost my lifelong interest in reading. It’s hard to focus now.

Rara

Sep 24, 2023

Replying to

If you are worried you would loose your benefits, you need to research it (most likely you won't). You can also ask for accommodations at school. You could write a letter to admissions advisor at school and ask about accomodations and disability grants. Sometimes schools let you sit through lectures, but you won't be doing assignments and won't get credits. I forgot what it's called, there's a special name for that type of attendance.

amuthiga

Jul 02, 2023

Can you go to school and earn marketable skills?

NotTheOne

Jul 02, 2023

•

It's impossible to give advice without knowing what your disability is.

Rara

Sep 24, 2023

People usually hide income through businesses and trust funds. I'm not familiar with US disabilities laws, it's possible there are legal ways to keep trust fund and business income without affecting your benefits.

You can also search for local advocate groups and programs, look up Facebook, meetup groups. There could be NGO funded programs for learning skills, job placements, care aids, independent living, social activities, medical equipment, renovation, housing, etc.

You could also do aptitude test and start researching.

Unknown member

Oct 11

Ohh, I get it, bro

Disability and Money

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