(credit to u/axrevolutionai for suggesting I make a full post for this)
This is a big one, for multiple reasons.
I am disabled, and live with my mother and stepfather, paying rent from my Social Security disability checks. To their perpetual credit, the house is paid off and they say I'll always have a home here. I am forever grateful for that. Anyway...
My stepfather needed triple (which became quadruple) bypass surgery. He was driven to the hospital early this morning, before sunrise.
However, as my mother was driving him, she turned too soon, and got two tires over the edge of the driveway. They had to call a tow truck, which had to call another to help. And because they couldn't afford it, I had to pay for them, well over $300 worth that I can't afford right now either.
Then it got worse. On the way there, they passed some homeless guy, who got so angry at them for whatever reason that he threw his flashlight at their car, and not only caused serious scratches on the door, but the back panel of a side mirror got completely dislodged, exposing the wiring. Normally Dad would go to a junkyard for a replacement part, but he's currently in the hospital, per above.
I'd share photos, but I don't want to risk self-doxxing.
On top of all this, while the surgery did go very well (thank God), he is currently intubated on a fucking VENTILATOR, for reasons I do not understand. He is expected to be in the hospital for five to seven days. I'll be visiting him once he wakes up.
We don't know what we're going to do. Can GME please fucking go TO THE MOON! already?! That's my only backup plan, and I bought in (over ten shares) because I was desperate and I trust YOU guys! Hell, even if I sold right now, it wouldn't be instantaneous--Computershare would snail-mail me a physical check, and having never done this before, I don't know if the taxes on that income would be deducted for me, or I'd have to make note of this on my 1040 or 1099 later.
Is it possible to duct-tape the back of the mirror in case we have to go somewhere when it rains? We have the car under a carport right now, so there's that. Normally Dad would order and attach the new one, but, well...
Oh, and the car's not insured. Insurance was cancelled a month or two ago because we can't fucking afford anything right now. Because of all of Dad's testing and preparation for this surgery.
Oh, and the warranty on the car has expired because it's about four years old.
God, I'm so frustrated right now. I feel powerless. Please pray for my family's well-being.
Mods, I apologize for the rant. Delete this if you must. But I don't know where else to turn.
(Update: He is OFF the ventilator!)
First of all, I wouldn't touch the GME. If you only own 10 or so, that's going to be roughly $280, and they will not withhold the taxes for you so you'll have to figure a chunk of that will need to be set aside for taxes.
Secondly, as others have said, duct tape the car. It's a bandaid. It's okay to kick that can down the road, it is just a backburner item in relation to your FIL's health and the need for your energy to be directed at him and not the other things being thrown at you right now.
Thirdly, do you have a grocery budget? You might be able to dip into that cash to offset the tow truck cost. There are typically some churches that give away free food weekly. You might reach out to a church and inquire if they know of any such local program.
As someone else mentioned, GoFundMe might be an option, and you can link that here for all of us to help.
Last resort, <strike that, AmateurExpert says don't do it!>, or sell something at a pawn shop? I honestly don't know. You can also get paid to give plasma, but ... ew, Red Cross.
Prayers for you and your family. If I brainstorm any other ideas I will come back and reply again, I'm on my way out the door.
Do NOT get a payday loan. Anybody. Ever.
If you’re online there are websites where you can sign up to do microtasks. Sites like Fiverrr and such. May be able to earn a few quick bucks there.
Payday loans are literally predatory lending, and meant to perpetually trap poor people in forever-debt.
Find another means of earning some side cash.
Magpi said to not sell them. Thine tits be too jacked, good sir.
But yes absolutely on the payday loans. Hyper predatory. Bad, bad mojo.
Edited. Read him as being fud against gme
Thanks for the warning! Those are only things I've heard about but never personally dealt with!
Definitely find out about getting boxes from your local food bank, usually distributed through churches. Some churches have their own pantry give aways. Also look into local charities/help organizations.. we have one that can sometimes offer mechanic help and such.