The frustration of financial strain

I'm watching opportunities slip away.

Photo by Nel Ranoko on Unsplash

The day my column on Round 2 of my financial fight was published, I received yet another attorney bill.

It took me a full day to summon the courage to open the email and see the total.

In an instant, a wave of traumatic coping mechanisms surged back. My mind shut down as I fell into old habits — avoiding, deflecting and ignoring my financial issues. Fatigue was making room for fear.

But that approach never eased my worries before, and it won’t work now. I’ve learned the importance of confronting my financial hardships head-on, no matter how heavy the load.

It turns out that after I opened my latest invoice last Tuesday, Round 3 will be a breeze.

My outstanding balance is relatively minor: $352.

Although that doesn’t negate the pain I’ve endured all year. When added to my previous legal fees, the latest invoice puts me at $2,744.50 in 2025 alone.

Fortunately, I’ve been able to cover the costs without racking up credit card debt and accruing interest fees. I’ve managed by cutting back on spending and avoiding most recreational activities.

For example, I enjoyed a sit-down meal for the first time this year during a night out over the weekend. Come back Thursday for details — it was a shocking experience, and I have strong opinions!

I knew I’d need to alter my lifestyle to absorb rising costs. Passing up pizza and putting down beer is not a big deal for me anymore.

Where I’m really hurting is being handcuffed as an investor.

My ongoing financial obligations have squeezed any surplus I would have had in the first quarter. Resources from additional revenue streams that are earmarked for assets have instead had to be put toward nagging payments.

And the timing couldn’t be worse.

The stock market has fallen into “extreme fear territory,” which is a measurement of investor sentiment.

While others might be panicking during the current market selloff, this is exactly when I want to start buying. Should the market go lower this week, I’ll regret being unable to add to my long-term positions.

This is a different feeling than FOMO. Whenever I’ve been fearful of missing out, it typically means I’m gambling.

This is more like old-fashioned frustration. Because in this instance, I know exactly what I’m seeing in the market, and I’m powerless to take advantage.

I could dip into our freedom fund, but the market has a long way to drop before I consider going that route. I learned my lesson the hard way in 2023: avoid splurging on stocks if it will leave you strapped for cash.

The good news is that our regular contributions have continued. Parker and I are dollar-cost averaging into our Roth IRAs up to the maximum amount, determined to capitalize on the vehicle’s tax-free compounding.

I’m still dollar-cost averaging $100 monthly into an index fund within my taxable account, and I’m giving Parker $167 as a monthly stipend, 100% of which she invests into her taxable custodial account.

Meanwhile, my stock options account has taken a beating. I’m down 69% on that portfolio. So maybe it’s a good thing I don’t have any additional cash. For now, I can continue learning without losing money.

I anticipate financial relief coming in April. With my legal fees scheduled to be paid off, the final three quarters should offer greater flexibility.

I can only hope that I haven’t missed the best buying opportunities of the year.