A personal update and urgent request
This isn’t what I want to write, especially during a holiday, but I try to be straightforward with the people who follow my work. I’m heading into next week in a financially difficult spot, and I need to ask for help.
I’ve lived with anxiety and depression for most of my life. One of the ways they manifest is in patterns of overspending — not on big luxuries, but on impulsive purchases that temporarily ease sadness or stress. Over the last month, I struggled emotionally, and I made a series of poor decisions that left my account badly overdrawn, wiping out a huge chunk of my paycheck.
This is a long-standing, emotional, and deeply embarrassing issue. It’s something I work on twice a month in therapy, which is the maximum my insurance allows. My parents helped me manage money for years, but that emotional urge to spend is so overpowering when the sadness sets in. They tried their best. I’ve been trying, too. Some months, I manage it; others, everything hits at once.
My dad is facing more heart surgery in the new year and is still grieving my mom, so I can’t go to him for help. I made a promise that after everything my parents did for me, I wouldn’t put that burden on them again.
My friends care about me and have helped when they could, but they have their own families and responsibilities, especially this time of year. It’s painful to admit that repeating financial struggles have strained or cost me friendships over time, but part of trying to improve is being honest about the impact.
I’ve learned it’s better to be open than silent. So I’m turning to the people who’ve supported my writing and teaching. I don’t take generosity lightly. I’m not entitled to it. I’m simply asking for help to get through a difficult moment and prevent things from getting worse next week.
I have a set of essential bills scheduled to be withdrawn from my account on Monday. These aren’t extras — they’re the basics that keep me going as a teacher and a writer. I’m trying to raise $2,800 to cover:
Rent
Electricity
My car payment
Two past-due loans
Consumer Credit
A tax payment to the state, I absolutely cannot miss
My cell phone bill
Union dues
And the overdraft amount I owe my credit union
Several of these payments are scheduled to hit Monday morning, and without help, I won’t be able to cover them.
If a one-time donation isn’t possible, a paid subscription — even the lowest tier — genuinely helps create more stability over time.
And if you can’t give financially, I understand completely. Your readership means a great deal to me.
Thank you for reading this and for being part of this community. I’m working on the deeper issues as steadily as I can, and I appreciate everyone who helps me stay on my feet long enough to keep teaching and keep writing.
With love and hope,
Daniel Finney
HOW TO HELP
➡ VENMO: https://venmo.com/u/paragraphstacker
➡ PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/paragraphstacker
(You can donate through PayPal even without an account — there’s a debit/credit option.)
➡ MAIL: Daniel P. Finney, 1217 24th St., Apt. 36, Des Moines, IA 50311.
➡ SUBSCRIBE: https://paragraphstacker.substack.com/blackfriday
(Use the Founding Member option to make a one-time donation.)
Please share this with anyone you think might be able to help.
Signed up for an annual subscription. As someone who also overspends when depressed, I understand the compulsion. I’ve always enjoyed your writing and am happy to support your work. I hope things turn around for you soon!