Dear Jamie, “I’m drowning financially after a major life change. What do I do first—today?”
In this week’s Dear Jamie, the question is simple and heavy:
“I’m drowning financially after a major life change. What do I do first—today?”
If you’ve been trying to budget and you keep freezing… if your brain feels scrambled when you open your banking app… if shame is sitting on your chest—this is for you.
The Principle
You don’t need a perfect plan today.
You need a protected baseline.
Baseline means keeping yourself safe and steady first—so you can rebuild without spiraling.
The 3-step “today” plan I gave in the episode
Step 1: The “Keep Me Safe” list (20 minutes).
Only four categories: Housing, Utilities, Transportation, and Food. Due dates. Minimums. Facts—not guesses.
Step 2: Lower the water level with one call.
One bill company. Ask for a hardship plan, a due date extension, or a payment arrangement. One pressure point reduced.
Step 3: A 7-day freeze with one allowed comfort.
No random spending. Bills + essentials only. And one small comfort, so you don’t rebound and blow the plan.
The boundary line (verbatim)
“I’m in financial recovery mode, so I’m not available for extra spending right now. I’m focused on stability.”
If you want to submit a question for Dear Jamie, drop it in the comments or email it in dearjamiemail@gmail.com (subject line: Dear Jamie) for a chance to be featured in my Dear Jamie advice segment.
I’m open to questions about money stress, relationships, family dynamics, boundaries, etiquette/social situations, faith after disruption, and rebuilding after loss/divorce.