Usually I love a good roller coaster. However, the one we’ve been on lately regarding our money situation has been terrifying. And just when I think we’re OK for a little bit longer, there’s a sudden terrifying drop and we’re right back at the scary part again. This week things were supposed to be better. We deposited a check that was going to get our unpaid bills caught up and pay our October mortgage payment. Only our bank is holding it. For a week. Meaning for the first time ever, in the 13+ years I’ve been paying rent or a mortgage, my housing payment will not be on time. I had to call Progress Energy and Windstream and beg for another week to pay our already past due bills. They were understanding, but that probably won’t be the case the next time.
I do not understand why the bank is holding our check. It was from a well known (and still stable!) investment firm. Our bank is in good shape, according to news reports. The amount wasn’t huge. They refused to call and verify the validity of the check. They said it was based on our account history…that if we had the money in our account to cover it in the event it was unpaid, they’d release the funds to us. Let’s ignore the fact that we’ve had an account with them for years now. That we’ve never deposited a check that wasn’t paid. Nor have I bounced a check. Of course, we’d never have had that check if we had that kind of money in the account in the first place! This was supposed to pay the bills. Instead, it’s being held hostage. I am sure that some of it is related to the financial mess our country is currently experiencing. I understand that they have to cover themselves, too. But I’ve never felt so helpless and angry. And just when I felt like things were going to be OK again for a little while, I am once again knocked down to my knees and left begging for mercy.
So as much as I love a good thrill ride, this is one I’d like to get off of…so God, if you’re listening, could you make it stop? Thanks!
