My wish list for 2011 - also comments have been enabled

Thanks to an alert reader who informed me that people were not able to comment. I have found the proper setting.

Not to sound like a broken record but here is what I need to address

• Housing - It is just a very tedious process - I have applications everywhere.
• Getting a Massachusetts ID - I have a valid out of state license but I can't get a Massachusetts ID or license because in the case of a drivers license, I owe the City of Cambridge close to $1,400 in unpaid tickets. The bulk of the $1,400 is just extra late fees. I get $800 a month on disability - I need a miracle. To get an ID I STILL have to pay the Registry a $100 fee and would not be allowed to drive.

Not having a state ID is hurting me in my housing search. 

To show you how whacked out the system is, Social Security docked me $45 this month because in November I got $50 from Bank of America as part of their "Keep The Change" promotion which rounds off purchases made on a debit card to the next dollar and outs the change into my savings account. Once a year Bank of America gives a 5% rebate on the total amount you put into savings - in my case $50 bucks.

Social Security considered that 'extra income."

I am just worn out. That $45 is huge on my fixed income.

Is this ever going to end???????

If anyone wants to help me out in my electronic paper cup begging for change, I would be very grateful.




GO PATRIOTS!!!!!

A long day dealing with everything

I am exhausted.

Started day with breakfast at the senior center in Central Square, Cambridge and then putting in applications for emergency/senior/disabled housing in Cambridge, Brookline and Newton. These agencies are simply overwhelmed and while Cambridge and Newton have some options they go to residents first while Brookline where my last residence was doesn't have much at all. The big headache is to get emergency housing in Cambridge or Newton I need an address in that city. Both cities offer rooms at the local YMCA which would be fine and affordable. Brookline just has nothing, not even a shelter.

Ummm IF I had an address I wouldn't be in this situation. Talk about a Catch-22.

I have been told to avoid Boston as I could wind up somewhere that isn't safe.

I was contacted by someone at Somerville Homeless and I will stop by tomorrow. I have precious little cash and I am trying to take full advantage of the Charlie Card transfer system.

Bank of America just won't budge so I made another stop in Newton at Barney Frank's office to show my bank statement that shows all the overdraft fees were caused by a deposit I made that bounced (see a previous post). Not having that $455 is crippling me right now. The person there was understanding and forward it to Washington and also told me that Barney wants this overdraft madness to stop. A court in California just yesterday slammed Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo loses debit card case

Then I had to rush back to Cambridge for the senior meal at Cambridge Hospital. I am simply physically and mentally exhausted. I am only getting about 3 hours of sleep and my body is not happy. At least Sprint says I can pay on September 3rd when I get my next check but I have NO CLUE on how I can survive for 3 weeks with nothing.

One old homeless guy in Harvard Sq says I should go to the hospital and say I am going to kill myself and that would buy me a week or more. I just can't and won't play that game.


There is a dry shelter in MARLBORO but then I would be stranded out there. The MetroWest Transit System is barebones and getting to Boston is a 10 round trip by either bus or commuter rail. Other shelters in Waltham and Cambridge are full. Pine Street I am told has a daily lottery and if you don't get in there you are bused to a place on an island off Quincy.

I just want to sleep but my 'hiding place' in Harvard Sq is not an option until after 1 AM.

The nightmare continues

Gee Thanks Bank Of America

Sunday morning and I am nursing a coffee at Starbucks and reading a Globe that somebody tossed.

I am down to less than 20 bucks for the month thanks to the insane overdraft fees that BoA hit me with.

So this morning they sent me this cheery email

You've already taken the first step to help stay in control of your money by linking your accounts with Overdraft Protection. But, starting on August 12, 2010, if you don't have enough money in your checking or Overdraft Protection account, your everyday debit card purchases or ATM transactions will be declined.

To help avoid being declined:

* Remember to keep a cushion in your linked account used for Overdraft Protection.

* Use balance management tools like Mobile Banking or Text Banking to check your available balance before you make a purchase. See all of the tools available to you and how they can help keep overdrafts under control.

Check with your wireless carrier as fees may apply. Mobile Banking available to Online Banking enrollees only. Must have Transfers and Bill Pay set up previously in Online Banking to use these functions in Mobile Banking.

This is a service email from Bank of America. Please note that you may receive service email in accordance with your Bank of America service agreements, whether or not you elect to receive promotional email.

As I said in my first blog posting, this bank nailed me for $455 in OD fees all because somebody bounced a check on me!!!!

They kept authorizing the card even though I had a negative balance and a 53 cent refill at Starbucks became $35.53. 12 of these charges plus another $35 for being overdrawn has wiped me out.

This Bank sends me emails when I get a direct deposit, my account goes under $100 but they couldn't tell me my deposit bounced????

I don't get another disability check until September 3rd???

You would think the bank could rebate some of the $455 given it was a third party deposit that caused this - but nooooooooo.

What else can happen????

Boredom

Just frustrated with Bank of America as while the branch manager was understanding the computer program they use is not. He was candid that the bank looks at overdraft charges as a major profit item. I plan to switch my direct deposit to TD Bank which offers free checking to seniors.

Only good news is Sprint will not shut off my phone as I have been a good customer.

Staying with a friend in Somerville tonight

Praying for a miracle