Today’s depressive episode is surrounding the fact that we/I need to find some way to generate more income.

We’ve never had this problem

Julie and I have never been in debt for anything other than our mortgage.  Never had any credit card debt, student loans, car payments, or other common debt that many people deal with.  Despite many years now of meager income, we’ve always been able to budget what we have in order to make ends meet.

We’ve never been wealthy, but never been destitute.   We’ve been below the poverty line, but have been able to live a life comparable to those above it because we have always made financially sound decisions.  We’ve never had to be stressed about money, and have been deliriously happy about our quality of life.

But facing the imminent reality that our home is gone, and we will likely get no funds from the insurance,  that might change.   We are facing the idea that we might no longer be able to survive on my VA disability income alone.   We will likely still be responsible for the mortgage for the home that no longer exists. We are loath to file bankruptcy.   I know that bankruptcy is common, and that most of you would suggest it for us, but we’d much rather find a way to pay off the debt.   We may end up there, but would like another way.

How to find more income?

But is there another way?  No idea.  How can I pay for the housing we currently need AND pay for the housing that no longer exists? I’m broken (mentally and physically) in such a way that employment isn’t feasible.   We still have 3 non-school age children at home that I’m only marginally able to take care of, and so having Julie find regular employment would be very difficult.

Non-Employment Options?

But what about other income possibilities that aren’t based on employment? That don’t trade time for money?   What if Julie wrote a book about being the wife of a PTSD vet?   She’s eloquent and has a degree in literature, and I’m a walking talking head case, so I’m sure she could write about her own experiences and produce a good product (heaven knows I provide enough content!).   But is there a market that would read/buy such a book?

We obviously have a blog… and some people make money from them.   I can’t imagine how many people it would take to read/follow this for it to be a source of income though.  That likelihood seems doubtful.   I don’t think I’m really that interesting.  Do people like reading about depression or depressing things? That’s questionable.

What if we took what we have remaining and pursued the idea of living on a boat?   Could we sell a TV series that follows a PTSD vet and his family of 10 as they live in the close quarters of a boat, attempt to learn to sail,  swim with sharks, try to catch our own food, and struggle to survive living at sea?  If people were willing to watch Honey Boo-Boo, they might watch me yell at a broken sail in the middle of a raging storm, right?

Sell a kidney on the black market?  I’ll keep that at the bottom of the list.  (a friend once told me that a testicle goes for about $200,000.  I think with 8 kids I’ve proven mine are fully functional, but I think I’d like to hang onto them).

I’ve read all sorts of reports that say that begging is very profitable.  I could put on some military clothing and hold a cardboard sign saying I was in need… and it wouldn’t be a lie!

 

So, give me your thoughts on the above or give me your best ideas for income generation that would allow Julie to stay in the house.