# GoFundMe for Former SDMB mod @Idle\_Thoughts; he needs some help after some personal challenges **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 25, 2024, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171 "2024-08-25T01:03:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/41 "2024-08-26T00:45:25Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > Thank you, all. Your accepting it is a gift to all of us. **Thank you**. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/42 "2024-08-26T01:01:57Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > “This is all wayyyyy too much”. No, no, no! It’s **not** too much! It means a load off your mind for a while, a cushion, a buffer, and that’s what we all want for you. Your story is harrowing. I feel for you so much. I’ve been broke in my life and it just adds to and compounds whatever other misery you’re going through. Losing your mom in such an unnecessary way, the drug thing, the income thing-- and then your manager saying she would **have** to take you to court. 😠 That’s what’s too much! Put the $$ in the bank for a rainy day if you don’t need it right this minute. You are not being greedy, you are not being whiny. You are giving us the opportunity to do something meaningful to each of us, not just to you. Take care and let us know how you are. Leave the GFM up. At least for a couple of weeks. Seriously. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/43 "2024-08-26T01:04:19Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > No, no, no! It’s **not** too much! It means a load off your mind for a while, a cushion, a buffer, and that’s what we all want for you. This, so very much. It’ll get you through the next month or two if SSA still can’t get itself figured out, and if it turns out you don’t need it this moment, it’s a contingency fund for the future. ---
**Author:** ![bobsmom101](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobsmom101/32/2867_2.png) [@bobsmom101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobsmom101)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/44 "2024-08-26T01:07:22Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > And I saw it was 2,100. > … > That is the most money I’ve ever had at one time, in my entire life. Jeez, @Idle_Thoughts, this made me break out in tears. Treat yourself to a nice meal and put the “extra” in a savings account for the next crisis. No one should have to go through this. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/45 "2024-08-26T03:25:12Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > I struggle with thinking “This is all wayyyyy too much” No, think instead how nice it will be (and I’m going for will, not would, because you WILL get your SSI straightened out before next rent day) to have a cushion, a rainy day fund. To not worry. I’m proud of you for quitting the drugs. You need to hear that from someone. StG ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/46 "2024-08-26T03:46:09Z")
I’m so happy for you. I can’t say. I mean, I’m sorry you’ve struggled so hard recently but I’m happy you have the money for your needs. The giver gets so much from the giving of any kind of help that your joy and thankfulness are magnified exponentially. Thank _you_! ---
**Author:** ![by-tor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/by-tor/32/266_2.png) [@by-tor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/by-tor)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/47 "2024-08-26T06:59:42Z")
Wishing you better luck @Idle_Thoughts! Also, let it run for awhile and keep the extra money for emergencies! ---
**Author:** ![Jihi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jihi/32/17768_2.png) [@Jihi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jihi)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/48 "2024-08-26T09:39:44Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > During those eight years, though, my life was mostly unchanged and not too much to complain about… > > …but the last two months have been the worst of my life. Life can be fickle. One day we can be doing perfectly fine. Riding on top of the world. And everything can come crashing down in a moment’s notice. Sometimes it doesn’t even matter if you can see it coming or not. Slow motion car crashes are real. As I alluded to earlier I’ve dealt with issues like this myself. Homelessness. Addiction. Both myself and people around me. Still am. It never goes away completely. This place has mentally prepared me to deal with some extremely harrowing circumstances in my own life in a healthier way. And it has been here for me in times when I needed a distraction, or just as a way to gain some perspective on my own life issues. We’ve never communicated directly, but I’ve read many, many of your posts over the years. And I consider you a part of this place. I’m proud of you, that you seem to be making better choices now. And I want to encourage you to keep your head up. Every day the sun comes up is a chance for things to get better. And things will get better. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/49 "2024-08-26T10:20:04Z")
Only puny Australian dollars but welcome to them. Just as an aside, I funded my donation through [Prolific](https://www.prolific.com/participants). I have been doing their paid research for years. Most are run on behalf of tertiary education institutions. Some are very brief, some quite lengthy. I only bother if I am at a loose end or the subject looks interesting. The small amount of money just goes straight into my PayPal account. All in all a painless and worthwhile pastime. I guess it is no surprise that now they have a wait list. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/50 "2024-08-26T12:29:59Z")
It’s a community, and in many cases, a community of friends. We’ve all had our problems, at various levels. I’ve posted elsewhere some of my current issues. I made a comment to one of my friends earlier in the year that I’m not at the point where I need to lean heavily on my friends for help and support, but I know that time is coming. Your time to lean on us is now. It’s ok. It’s what friends and the community do. ---
**Author:** ![liirogue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dbc845/32.png) [@liirogue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/liirogue)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/51 "2024-08-26T17:42:49Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Leave the GFM up. At least for a couple of weeks. Seriously. Definitely leave it up for a bit - I somehow missed this thread until now and am glad I could chip in a bit. @Idle_Thoughts I don’t think we’ve ever interacted before, but I’ve read, enjoyed, and learned from many of your posts. I hope you find your way back here more often - we are poorer without your contributions. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/52 "2024-08-26T21:32:14Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Put the $$ in the bank for a rainy day if you don’t need it right this minute. Actually, he really, really, REALLY needs to be careful about that. In many cases having “too much” money in the bank can also cut you off your benefits, and it can (as we have seen) take much time to restore them. **I can not emphasize enough how essential it is to be careful not to blow asset limits** If @iiandyiiii “dispenses” the money from the Go Fund Me _as @Idle_Thoughts needs it_ then this will avoid that potential hazard. Then it’s friends helping him out, rather than a windfall that’s going to screw up his life due to the perverse rules imposed by the people making the rules. I don’t know the exact circumstances/benefits @Idle_Thoughts has, but it’s important to find out if there are asset limits involved. SSI has an asset limit of $2,000 for an individual. Some things are excluded, but cash in a bank account is not. As just one example. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/53 "2024-08-26T22:10:53Z")
Good point! If I ever get more than 200, Housing would raise my rent. Lots of rules. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/54 "2024-08-26T22:13:56Z")
Yes, that is an excellent point! ---
**Author:** ![Jihi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jihi/32/17768_2.png) [@Jihi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jihi)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2024, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/55 "2024-08-26T22:29:25Z")
Yes, excellent point. I am familiar with the idea of “asset limited” assistance, but it just hadn’t occurred to me to ask that question. Don’t let this wind fall turn into another problem. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2024, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/56 "2024-08-27T00:05:42Z")
@Idle_Thoughts — stay clean, stay strong, and be well. We thank you for the opportunity to help a little bit. And we’re happy to do it. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2024, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/57 "2024-08-28T00:22:55Z")
Maybe use the excess to get in an outpatient drug rehab. You may not be taking pills now, but it’s very easy to slip back in another addiction. You’ll need help to stay clean. It’s not an easy process. Please get help. ---
**Author:** ![Idle\_Thoughts](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/838e76/32.png) [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2024, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/58 "2024-08-28T03:19:21Z")
The last time I talked with the guy handling my case at the SSI office, I told him a fundraiser had been set up. This was two days ago and I told him it was at 2000 at the time…he said it’s fine and considered a gift/help from friends when I actually need it. He seemed unconcerned, at any rate. But that was on the phone and I can’t avoid it any longer, I have to go in tomorrow again and find out what the hold up is. The guy told me two days ago it should have come in ON THAT DAY, but it didn’t… So…I’ll just have to find out if I can get a paper again to take to the bank (again) showing them an instant payment went through and to find out where why this one didn’t work. … I can’t believe it’s at the amount it is now. I really can’t. I didn’t need that much. Someone donated 500 alone. And anonymously, of course… I wish I knew who it was to thank them, I really wish I knew who all the “anon” ones were to thank them. And even all who have their name shown…I cannot thank all of you enough. It’s really …words feel like they don’t even work for that level of caring. @Beckdawrek too, thank you. I know we’ve had history and, you showed me I was wrong about you. I was wrong. I’m sorry. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2024, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/59 "2024-08-28T03:41:03Z")
> [@Idle\_Thoughts](#): > > Someone donated 500 alone. And anonymously, of course… I wish I knew who it was to thank them I saw that. I can’t imagine being in the position to do that. (Well, I can. But it involves having had a very large windfall.) Kudos to Anon. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2024, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171/60 "2024-08-28T03:59:02Z")
🙂that warms my heart. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gofundme-for-former-sdmb-mod-idle-thoughts-he-needs-some-help-after-some-personal-challenges/1006171.md?page=4)