A quick, transparent ask

Some of you have helped me out in the past, and I don’t forget that. I don’t enjoy making asks like this, and I try not to, but I’ve run into a short-term problem and I don’t have access to a loan or another backstop.

I made a mistake. I was hit with a subscription renewal I genuinely thought I had canceled. It turned out to be an annual digital service renewal that had increased to $400, and it hit all at once. I can’t get a refund, and the charge over-drafted my account badly enough that I’m now short on rent and car insurance.

I can’t ask my dad for help. Years ago, we made a rule that I would never ask him for money. It causes too much strain, and even now, that’s a line I’m not willing to cross.

I’ve filed my taxes, but the refund timeline is uncertain. At the same time, my second job recently changed how it pays, which means my next check will be smaller than usual. The timing lined up in the worst possible way.

I’m trying to raise $1,000 to cover the overdraft and stabilize things so I can make rent. This is a short-term bridge, not a recurring situation.

If you’re able and inclined, the easiest ways to help are:

• Venmo: @paragraphstacker

• PayPal: paragraphstacker

If you prefer, you can also subscribe to the newsletter for full access to the archives. And if you make a one-time contribution, I’m happy to comp a lifetime subscription — just message me.

If this isn’t something you can do right now, that’s completely fine. Please don’t feel any pressure or obligation. You can ignore this without hurting my feelings or changing how I feel about you as a reader.

I appreciate this community, and regardless of how this shakes out, the writing continues.

Thank you for reading — and for being here.

— Daniel

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