A Personal Appeal: How You Can Help Me Continue to Create, Despite Life's Challenges
Dear Readers,
I’m reaching out today with a deeply personal message. For those of you who have followed my work through the years—whether from my time as a columnist at the Des Moines Register or now through Paragraph Stacker—you know that I’ve always strived to write authentic, thoughtful stories and columns for my readers.
However, life has taken a difficult turn recently, and I find myself in a position where I need to lean on the very community that’s supported my work over the years.
Why I’m Reaching Out
At the moment, I am behind on car payments and rent, and I’m dealing with substantial back taxes owed to the state of Iowa. On top of that, I’m struggling with thousands of dollars in medical bills, all while balancing reduced hours at my second job and ongoing challenges adjusting to my life as a teacher. My financial situation is in a precarious place, and I need your help to get back on track.
Additionally, my ongoing mental health struggles — recently compounded by a diagnosis of ADHD Inattentive, depression, and anxiety — have made these challenges even more difficult. Rest assured, I am actively pursuing treatment, but the burden of these conditions, combined with the financial pressures, has made it hard to keep up with everything.
How You Can Help
To help cover these immediate costs and get back to a stable place, I’m aiming to raise $5,000. While I know this is a big ask, I’m hopeful that with your support, I can weather this storm and continue to create columns, comedy, and stories that you value.
If you’ve enjoyed my writing, thought-provoking pieces, and updates on the state of our world, I encourage you to consider upgrading to a paid subscription. Your support means the world to me—not only financially but emotionally as well.
As a paid subscriber, you’ll get access to:
Exclusive, meaningful storytelling and humor you won’t find anywhere else.
Early access to upcoming articles and behind-the-scenes insights.
A special place in my ongoing efforts to keep producing the high-quality stories, columns, and humor you’ve come to expect.
I promise to keep delivering the kind of thoughtful analysis and engaging writing that I’ve always aimed to provide, and with your support, I’ll be able to continue doing so without distraction.
Other Ways to Contribute
If you prefer to contribute outside of Substack, you can donate directly via PayPal at paypal.me/paragraphstacker, Venmo at @newsmanone, or CashApp at $paragraphstacker. If you'd prefer to send a check, my home address is 1217 24th St., Apt 36, Des Moines, IA 50311. Every little bit helps, and your generosity is deeply appreciated, no matter the amount.
If you have concerns about this online appeal, I completely understand. I’ve been scammed and hacked online. Please feel free to contact me directly to verify my situation or ask any questions. You can reach me by email at newsmanone@gmail.com or by phone at 515-371-9453. I’m more than happy to provide any further details to reassure you.
My Commitment to You
Despite the challenges I’m facing, my dedication to writing stories that matters to you remains unwavering. I am committed to navigating these tough times with grace and resilience—and I’ll keep writing, no matter what.
If you’re unable to contribute financially, please know that your ongoing readership and support are more than enough. I’m grateful for every one of you who continues to engage with my work.
Thank you for your understanding, for being part of this journey, and for considering a contribution to help me through this tough time.
With gratitude,
Daniel Finney
i am a subscriber, Dan. i regret i cannot help financially. I have been treated for mild depression for many years by my local physician/ Using medication but not "talk therapy" that was essential at the begining of treatment. I rely on my female friends for advice and feedback.
Your columns about growing up with numerous challenges were courageous and inspiring. I hope the process of writing of your survival, helped you find the strength you need for each day. And perhaps there will financial help for you from sources you do not yet know about.
Keep on writing, for those of us who have walked in similar shoes.
very sorry about the difficult time you are going thru. I have read your columns for years. I also have a weight problem and depression Medicine has helped with my depression. If I sign up for your column will you be able to use that money.