I'm at a loss, can anyone help me?

[curran]

Hi everyone. I am a 24 year old, active duty military member, stationed in San Diego, CA. For privacy I will call myself Rayson..

Over the past few years, I have made a chain of bad decisions, allowing my immaturity to inhibit my personal and financial growth; ultimately resulting in my current dilemma. I have always skated by, month to month, much like many other members of society. I have avoided the consequences of my delusional life by luck alone. No matter how bad it got, I always managed to make the ends meet.
Earlier this month I was involved in a minor car accident, I was not injured, nor at fault, and my repairs are being fully covered. However, Murphy's law took effect, and I learned very quickly that life is full of surprises.

First, I received a deal on my insurance rental, placing me in a nicer rental for the insurance rate. Things seemed to be looking up. Second, I received a letter in the mail, stating that my registration was about to lapse, and I needed to contact the DMV for my Renewal. <---- I bought my car in April, and never thought to check the expiration date, assuming that it was good for a year. Third, I received a call from my body shop, stating that my tires were bald, and I would need to replace them immediately. <------ Never thought checking the tires before I drove the car home from the dealer, lesson learned. Fourth, I get a call from my rental car company, stating that an audit exposed that the rate I was being charged for my rental was inadequate, and I owe 13.99 a day backdated from my first day of renting. Fifth, I start college on Aug 29th, and I need to purchase my textbooks...

Registration: $287.00
Tires: $650.00-1300.00 (My car has factory staggered rims, P245R19, and P225R19)
Rental car rate adjustment: $347.69 for 30 days.
Books: 250.00


I won't make excuses, I acknowledge that I am at fault, and I accept responsibility for being in this position. I am not trying to receive your pity. I am asking for help. Be it financial or just advice.. I am open to suggestions. I am alone in Cali, and although I thought I was capable of managing the struggles of daily life, I was wrong.. Those numbers may seem insignificant to some, but when your available capitol is $0.00.. Those might as well say $1,000,000. In a world filled with so many scams and schemes, I have no expectations of someone actually helping me out financially.. But any help is appreciated.. Your advice may steer me in a direction so that I will make better decisions in the future. If you have questions or comments, please email me at [email protected] I can provide you with any information or documentation you may need. Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your consideration.

V/r

Rayson

[marq]

Some things are your responsibility, other things are not. The rental car company is scamming you, that's not a mistake, it's a bait and switch. It is actually illegal, and they are preying on your naivete.
What I would do is call up your insurance company, tell them about the bait and switch, and tell them you want a car from a different car rental place. Then turn that car back in, hand them the keys and walk across the street to the other car rental. Don't pay them a dime, and call up your credit card that you used and tell them any rental charges are NOT authorized. Let them sort it out with your insurance company.

By the way, it is common for rental car agencies to give you free upgrades if they are "out of stock" on the size of car that you paid for. You need to look at your paperwork and see the car that's actually on the papers, because that is what decides things in the end

As for the rest -- once the car is fixed -- sell it. Done. You're active duty military, live on base. I can't imagine your duty assignment requires a personal vehicle. If so ask them to change it. You're trying to "live large" with a big flashy consumer lifestyle which is crazy because they could ship you off somewhere and you don't get to enjoy the toys! Good grief, what kind of vehicle takes R19 rims. What, the military doesn't issue Humvees anymore, you have to buy 'em out of pocket? LOL!

You measure your life's value based on what kinda bling you got, instead of the peace of mind of financial security. Now you seeing why that don't work? Now's a great time to become an apostle of Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey or David Bach or one of those financial whizzes.

Most people don't know anything about money. Trouble is most are too proud to admit it. You got hope.