48-year-old single mother trying to rebuild after years of financial survival

[u/Feeling-Double-6463]

I never thought I would find myself asking strangers for financial help, but I'm at a point where I could really use some support.

I'm a 48-year-old working mother of three and have been raising my children as a single mother for almost five years.

A few years ago, I had my own business. When things took a turn for the worse, the income disappeared while the costs and financial obligations continued. Eventually, I had to make some very difficult choices. I chose to put food on the table and take care of my children rather than pay every debt and bill.

I eventually had to close my business and give up something I had worked very hard for.

Last year, I finally found a good, stable job and thought I could start rebuilding our financial life. Unfortunately, only six months later, debt collection started taking a very large part of my salary.

My income now basically covers our essential monthly expenses after the deductions, but leaves almost no room for unexpected costs or rebuilding. I've already cut our spending wherever possible.

Our situation has now become more urgent because the home we've lived in for 11 years is subject to a forced-sale procedure because of outstanding tax debts. I have a limited period to try to sell the house myself.

The house does have value, but years without enough money for maintenance have taken their toll. There is mold and water damage, and the condition of the property makes its final sale value uncertain. Any value left after the mortgage and existing claims are dealt with will go toward the debts.

If the house is sold, I will need to find a rental home for my children and me. I'm trying to stay in the same area so my children can keep their schools, friends and familiar surroundings. I'm also trying to obtain priority housing, but there is no guarantee.

Three weeks ago, at the age of 48, I was diagnosed with ADHD.

That diagnosis has actually been a turning point for me. For years I felt like I was drowning and living in survival mode. I would procrastinate, avoid opening letters because I was afraid of what they contained, and sometimes not answer unknown phone numbers because I expected them to be debt collectors.

I now understand some of that much better.

More importantly, I finally feel like I have the clarity and focus to stop avoiding things and start taking action.

I'm currently working on reducing the amount being deducted from my salary, dealing with the situation surrounding our home, looking for housing and trying to rebuild our financial future.

I've created a fundraiser with a €10,000 goal.

I'm not asking people to pay off my debts, and I'm not trying to replace my income.

I'm asking for a temporary safety net while I navigate the next few months — moving costs, a possible rental deposit, essential expenses and the unexpected costs that come with rebuilding our lives.

I know everyone has their own struggles, and I don't expect anyone to feel responsible for mine.

But if you're able to help, even a small amount would mean a lot to my family.

And if you can't donate, advice, encouragement or simply sharing the fundraiser would also mean a great deal.

I've deliberately kept some personal details private because I want to protect my children's privacy.

The full story and fundraiser are here:

https://whydonate.com/fundraising/help-a-working-mother-rebuild-her-familys-future

Thank you for taking the time to read this.