And Mood Back Down Again

[ladysprite]

So it seems there's a 90+% chance that we're going to need a new water heater.

And that's going to cost somewhere north of $800.

And it means no hot water until tomorrow night at the earliest, in the best possible situation.

We really, really, really don't need this right now. I just had another paycheck bounce, this will empty out every penny we put into vacation savings and then some, and this is all hitting about 3 weeks before taxes are due, and that's always at least another 5-figure check I need to write.

And it means at least three days in a row with no hot shower. And I tried to do the ice-water shower thing this morning and nearly stopped breathing. Clients are going to just *love* me by the end of the day tomorrow.

Just once, I'd like to get some news and have it be good.....

Comments

[jadasc.livejournal.com]

Our place is open and available to you, should you need it.

[wcg.livejournal.com]

When I replaced the hot water heater in my house, I got it via the local utility company, which sold it to me on an installment plan. Is something like that possible?

If not, heck, I'm sure we can come up with something.

[arachne8x.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

[mermaidlady]

We're in a similar boat -- non-working water heater, which is probably going to need replacement, but I don't know when... I had to heat water on the stove for a sponge bath. That one is going to get old real fast.

So, you have my sympathies.

[matildalucet.livejournal.com]

We have hot water and I'm often home. Give a shout any time.

[multigeek.livejournal.com]

You're always welcome here, though I know it's usually out of your way.

When our hot water heater died a few years ago, we bought one at Lowes and paid for the installation through them, which worked out fairly well. The advice to check with your utility is a good one--they often have zero-interest loans available if you get an energy-efficient model (which will cost more initially, but will save money in the long run).

[crash-mccormick.livejournal.com]

I hate being too far away to help driectly. but give a call or drop a line if you want to discuss options.

[usernamenumber.livejournal.com]

It sounds like you've already got a lot of offers like this, but you're welcome at our place as well.

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

Paycheck bounce? Are they cancelling on you or are they trading insolvently? The "another" doesn't impress.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

The latter - it's a clinic dealing with a lot of their own problems, but that means they occasionally write more checks than they can cover....

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

Ouch - but at least the chances sound like you will get paid when they sort it out.

BTW, I have a book for you, but queenortart didn't get it packed before Intercon. We'll be over in the US again in a few weeks. Private-message me a physical address, and we will post it once we are over - something to look forward to!

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Oh, thank you - that's really sweet! I'll drop you a line...

I'd tell you you don't have to do this, but I'm pretty sure you already know that. Thank you. :)

[new-man.livejournal.com]

Stop working there.

You seem to be in enough demand that you can pick and choose a little bit. Having multiple checks bounce from the same place is more stress than you need.

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Ultimatum has been made.

Doubly so because of the situation - when I realized how much they owed me, I told them I would cancel all future dates unless they started steady payments. They wrote me a check, I scheduled more dates.

That would be the check that just bounced. Ultimatum has been given again today; if I cannot redeposit that check tomorrow and have it clear, there will be no future dates.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Well, it sounds like you're a vendor, not an employee, but do they need this kind of vendor frequently?

The rule of thumb I've heard is that, if there's ever a failure of payroll, the company is toast; the exceptions are so rare that you don't generally bother discussing them. In short, if an actual payroll check bounced, consider the company insolvent. Don't think "this might be one of the exceptions" unless you know - not think you know, but actually know - that they're not insolvent.

For vendors, it's a bit more complicated. Obviously, you always have to be careful about doing business with anyone who bounces checks. Businesses play fast and loose with payables all the time, trying to delay payment, claim late discounts, etc., unless they're flush. For a lot of businesses, holding on to money a few extra days is just part of the game. But an actual check, signed and put in your hands, should always be good. So, please, be careful dealing with these people.

[joannahurley.livejournal.com]

*hugs* I'd offer you shower space (heck, crash space), but, well, 3 states between us doesn't help much. I wish you some good news very very soon.

[redfishie.livejournal.com]

okay - as others said, talk to your utility on the heater, and also the local places for low rate low dollar amount loans, if needed.

As for taxes, sometimes you can work out a payment plan with the IRS if it's really needed for taxes.

I hope it works out quickly and easily.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

You're welcome to shower at our place if you need to. And check with Our Friendly Neighborhood Plumber about the water heater, if you haven't already made arrangements.

"Just once, I'd like to get some news and have it be good....."

[new-man.livejournal.com]

You got some. Your hot water heater was down, but not out. Your loving husband nursed it back to health, without even the cost of a service call from a plumber.

Are you now elated?

Re: "Just once, I'd like to get some news and have it be good....."

[ladysprite.livejournal.com]

Actually?

Pretty close. That and the sunshine are going a long way towards making the world a better place.

[evcelt.livejournal.com]

Glad I read to the bottom, since I now can congratulate you on a working hot water heater. Though I was also going to mention that utility companies will often work out a payment plan on such things.

Hope the clinic gets it's act together and gets you your check.

::hugs::