Hello,

Well I hate to ask this, but I am not seeing any other options right now. There are no other family members that can help. There are no bank loans, or credit or any of that type of thing. I have been out of work, and am just barely able to raise enough money to keep up my side of the rent/bills/car insurance etc.. and I do help out with other things whenever I manage to scrape up any additional cash.

Because of the general prices of things going up, gas prices, recent holidays etc... Grandma who just had a birthday today,has fallen behind in the payments on a large storage unit she has. She has a lot of furniture, large items that are simply to big to put in the small apartment were in now. She lost everything she owned a few years back in a really bad flood, and it would be very sad for it to happen again to her. She owes a few months and once it reaches March 1st she will lose everything. She currently owes about $500-$525.

We don't have paypal and won't ever use them (problems in the past w/ them). If there is anyone who is able to help out at all, we would appreciate it very much. I can provide the Storage Places name, unit number etc, and I am sure they can take a payment over the phone, or if someone wanted to send cash, check etc... any of that would be fine.

We are certainly willing to pay it back, but to be honest it would be very quite difficult right now and would take a while unless some financial things were to improve here.

Being today is her birthday, I did manage to arrange and pay ahead of time to get some maintenance that she needed for her car.

My car insurance payment $402 was due today and I don't have it. I will have it hopefully by the end of this week, and am told the insurance company will allow you a few extra days (grace period).
thanks for taking the time to read this,

John

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-11-2007).]

i'll be able to help in a week or so. (when i get my first paycheck) the place i am going to be working is still hiring if you don't mind a $12.50hr start off. and don't mind coming to NY.

Give me the address of the place and the unit number and the phone number and I will put 25 bucks on it tommorrow, its not much but as fellow forum members can tell you, it adds up quick around here.

P.M. sent.

Brad

hey John... you need to see this other thread about prosper.com kinda cool.

quote Originally posted by WBailey1041: Give me the address of the place and the unit number and the phone number and I will put 25 bucks on it tommorrow, its not much but as fellow forum members can tell you, it adds up quick around here.

Thank you. Everything is very much appreciated.

Safe and Secure Storage
(973) 772-8800

Unit # F306
Name Georgeanne Sconzo

TTT

What are the long term plans for storage ? Are you all looking for a place to move and get the stuff out ? I know its rough, but if you dont have plans to get it out have you considered selling what your not using ? Did she apply for any aid when she was flooded out ? Not picking on you by any means, but you need to have some kind of plan for long term.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: What are the long term plans for storage ? Are you all looking for a place to move and get the stuff out ? I know its rough, but if you dont have plans to get it out have you considered selling what your not using ? Did she apply for any aid when she was flooded out ? Not picking on you by any means, but you need to have some kind of plan for long term.

The plans are to eventually get into a bigger place so she can finally take the stuff out. The flood that happened was a few years ago and anything she received is long gone by now.

Normally she doesn't have any problem keeping up with the storage, it was just to many things all occurring during the same time.

Check my other posting for an easy way to make $50 if your a best buy reward zone member.

Since I am asking people to help us, figure the least I can do is help back some.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/F...047637.html#lastpost

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-13-2007).]

Grandma keeps asking me each day if there has been any more responses and sadly I have to keep telling her no. There are only 12 days left, and nothing here has improved so this is looking pretty bad for her.

It's so easy, even cliffw can do it .
Waiting on a return call Gecko.

Any idea what the total is down to?

Come on guys, we have a member in need here

Since I lost my Grandmas in the past can I adopt yours? Better yet, how does she feel about Fieros? We need a Fiero Forum Grandma, we already have our adopted Fiero Mom here? (fierogirls-mom) Well I adopted her on the Forum
She may have to start a screen name and post occasionally, I know it can be done, my 80 yr old grandpa surfs the net.

Brad

I don't see how throwing money at the short term problem is going to help. Not trying to be mean, but there is no place to use the stuff, maybe it's time to get rid of it. Do you have access still to the storage or are you locked out? Time for a yard sale, ebay, craig's list.... trim down. I know stuff has sentimental value, but it's costing money to have stuff locked in a box that you/she don't need and can't afford. Probably spent more on storing it than it's all worth several times over. If your not locked out yet, get the extended family to distribute what really needs saving and donate/garbage run with the rest.

quote Originally posted by Scott-Wa: If your not locked out yet, get the extended family to distribute what really needs saving and donate/garbage run with the rest.

His second sentence was "There are no other family members that can help."

What if a forum member with some space would take everything and hold it temporarily? I would be more inclined to contribute $$$ for that, knowing the next storage unit due-date doesn't just perpetuate the problem. You would be taking less risk of losing the stuff than if the storage bill wasn't paid, because that's a sure way to lose it.

[This message has been edited by Cheever3000 (edited 02-17-2007).]

quote Originally posted by Scott-Wa: I don't see how throwing money at the short term problem is going to help. Not trying to be mean, but there is no place to use the stuff, maybe it's time to get rid of it. Do you have access still to the storage or are you locked out? Time for a yard sale, ebay, craig's list.... trim down. I know stuff has sentimental value, but it's costing money to have stuff locked in a box that you/she don't need and can't afford. Probably spent more on storing it than it's all worth several times over. If your not locked out yet, get the extended family to distribute what really needs saving and donate/garbage run with the rest.

I agree, time for a little housecleaning, IF you can get into the storage area. How much is oweing now?

quote Originally posted by cliffw: It's so easy, even cliffw can do it . Waiting on a return call Gecko.

Return call? If you called the number in this posting, then you called the storage unit.

I can be reached on my cell at 650-520-5825


We can't get into it because they don't want us just going in and cleaning everything out, and then skipping on the bill or something. It is not a regular problem, therefore it won't continue to be a problem. She usually keeps up with it no problem, there were just some unforeseen problems for her that all occurred at the same time, and I have had some issues of my own (at the same time) otherwise I would have just paid it myself.

Selling the stuff is pretty much pointless, the little money she would get for it wouldn't last very long and then she would have nothing. Even if the stuff remains in storage, then she at least has the hope of someday having/using her stuff again.

oh and the forum grandma stuff isn't going to happen sorry, she doesn't use the computer at all, and has no intention of ever using one.

The amount when I originally posted this was about $500-$525. by March 1st the total due will be $600. I figure if we hit $500 then she would only be behind 1 month and she would be ok

so far 1 PFF member is sending $27, and two others have promised to send around $20 each.

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-17-2007).]

Gecko has been here a while, he's no stranger. Well, no stranger than the rest of us. Anybody in his area got a garage or an extra room or something? And access to a truck?

quote Originally posted by Cheever3000: Gecko has been here a while, he's no stranger. Well, no stranger than the rest of us. Anybody in his area got a garage or an extra room or something? And access to a truck?

Ty Cheever.

Unfortunately the garage/extra room idea will only work if were able to come up with the money to get the stuff out in the first place.

I have an idea, but am afraid it may not go over so well with some members. I have a 250GB Western Digital SE Caviar 7200 hard drive inside an external case.(probably worth about $100), however I thought that I could fill it up with tv shows (ex: Alias, 24, The Shield, X-Files, Nip Tuck, The Wire)... or maybe other type of material and trade it to someone willing to make a payment of say $200? If that is to much then please make an offer. I thought this may be good for someone with 56k, or dsl who can't download this stuff on their own.

I also have TWO of these. Netgear SC101 Storage Central. I have had them put away because they weren't quite what I really wanted, but I figured I would maybe have some use for them someday. 1 of them has never even been opened. The first was opened, used for a few days and then put away. There is absolutely nothing wrong with either of them. I just don't use them. I see they retail at amazon.com for $80 each. Make an offer please.

If any of this bothers to many people, I will remove it. There is just 8 days left and I am out of ideas.

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-19-2007).]

I know it is a risk but the storage place will have an auction on this stuff. If you can sell a few things and get a couple hundred bucks together you can bid on it. If it isn't worth much you have a chance. Then of course you will need a place to store it after.

The Netgear SC101 Storage Central (that hasn't been opened) is now spoken for. . I am going to tell grandma that money was donated. I also received the $27 from another member today. So now for the most part we have $107 out of the $500 I am hoping to reach.

Thank you to both of you.

I now also have another item to offer up. Original/Still sealed The X Files Season 8 Slim dvd box set. Retails for $35 at amazon. Make an offer please.

Only 8 days left and $393 still to go.

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-20-2007).]

quote Originally posted by pokeyfiero: I know it is a risk but the storage place will have an auction on this stuff. If you can sell a few things and get a couple hundred bucks together you can bid on it. If it isn't worth much you have a chance. Then of course you will need a place to store it after.

This is a very good idea. My sisters boyfriend has gone to several storage unit auctions. Most units go for $50 or less. The manager opens the door, doesn't let the potential buyers in (just can look in), and then takes bids. If she doesn't have anything of significant value in there (I mean of value to others, not sentimental value), it will auction off very cheap. Let it go to auction and then buy it all back. Then move it to another place. A crappy thing to do to the storage place since you're skipping out on the bill, but at least you can keep the stuff.

I would really consider this option.

[This message has been edited by ditch (edited 02-20-2007).]

Well if we don't come up with the amount needed, then I will try and find out when the auction will be and go with whatever we have.

I have only been there a few times off the top of my head, I know you can see a full size refrigerator, a nice big wood (don't know what kind) dining room table with the leaf in the middle, the chairs to go with it, some nice lamps, mattresses,large microwave, and the boxes are probably labeled on the outside giving some idea of what is in those.

Whats the current total needed? And whats the longterm plans? These storage units are a ripoff.. so will she be in the same boat in 6 months? Can you find someone who can store the stuff to get it outta there?

Fridge? Sell/donate it somewhere, its not great leaving them sitting anyways.. Table/lamps - do they have sentimental value?

With those things gone, could the storage unit be downgraded?

I feel bad for her situation and not to wanting to sound crass, but this is more a money management problem. Asking for money here will only remedy that problem for a short time, as mentioned above. You need to have a plan, and it may involved some kind of sacrifice your grandmother's part and also yours.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: Waiting on a return call Gecko.

Yes Gecko, from the storage unit. They never called and I got sidetracked.
Dag nab it, now I am out of town. Not sure how much I can help with. I am working on it.
I did like pokey's idea.

quote Originally posted by isthiswhereiputausername?: Whats the current total needed? And whats the longterm plans? These storage units are a ripoff.. so will she be in the same boat in 6 months? Can you find someone who can store the stuff to get it outta there?

I tried to address this already and maybe I didn't do so correctly. I would like to reach at least $500 of the $600 needed. so far we have $107. She will not be in the same boat in 6 months, she has managed to keep this unit for quite some time with no problems. This is NOT going to be a regular problem. There is only so much she can do on a limited income, and some unexpected things came about that set her back with this. Normally even if that happens I pay it myself, but it just so happened things have been a bit rough for me as well. Nobody seems to understand that if there was a "place to store the stuff" that we would have put it there by now. She doesn't pay this just for the fun of give away money every month. The plan is to eventually get into a bigger place, where she can finally use her stuff again. Even if she never uses it, at least she can have that hope. Heck I will continue to pay it on my own even if she can't because she has done a lot for me throughout my life. And yes, if I am unable to come up with the amount needed, I am going to try Pokeys idea as well.

7 days left.

I also have the following items for sale. (make an offer on whatever you want)

1 Netgear SC101 Network attached storage.
Season 8 DVD Slim Set of The X-Files (sealed never opened)
Terminator 3 DVD (still sealed never opened)
Matrix Revolutions DVD (still sealed never opened)
Fast and Furious, 2 Fast 2 Furious Dvd's both watched, but in great condition.
250GB Western Digital Caviar SE 7200 hard drive in a external case (possibly full of your choice of tv shows)
D-Link AirPlus Extereme G 108Mbps Router (model Di-624)

oh and for the car people with slower internet speed. I have all 6 seasons of Top Gear as avi files.

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-21-2007).]

quote Originally posted by WBailey1041: Give me the address of the place and the unit number and the phone number and I will put 25 bucks on it...

quote Originally posted by cliffw: Waiting on a return call Gecko.

quote Originally posted by Gecko: Return call?

Yes, from the storage unit place. I needed to know where to send the money. They still ahve not called and I never seem to catch them in the office.
We might not reach this goal. I don't want to send any money to them now, I would rather send it to you. I would hate to see us putting some money to the fees and it still go up for auction. The monies we put up could have been for bidding in the auction.
A note of interest. Many storage places, when auctioning the contents of storage units, pick thru said contents and keep the best stuff before the auction. This is illegal. It is a public auction and laws govern the same. No one is allowed to profit from holding a public auction. The same as the insider trading ethical rules. Everyone gets a fair chance. Any excess monies raised over the fees must be returned to the leasee of the unit.
At any rate, I am gonna need your snail mail address. I am gonna dip into my beer drinking money account. There always seems to be money in it. .
$50.00 headed your way.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: Yes, from the storage unit place. I needed to know where to send the money. They still have not called and I never seem to catch them in the office. We might not reach this goal. I don't want to send any money to them now, I would rather send it to you. I would hate to see us putting some money to the fees and it still go up for auction. The monies we put up could have been for bidding in the auction. A note of interest. Many storage places, when auctioning the contents of storage units, pick threw said contents and keep the best stuff before the auction. This is illegal. It is a public auction and laws govern the same. No one is allowed to profit from holding a public auction. The same as the insider trading ethical rules. Everyone gets a fair chance. Any excess monies raised over the fees must be returned to the lessee of the unit. At any rate, I am gonna need your snail mail address. I am gonna dip into my beer drinking money account. There always seems to be money in it. . $50.00 headed your way.

Cliff, It's interesting that you mention that, I was talking to grandma about trying to buy the stuff at auction if we miss the deadline. When I explained to grandma what was said earlier about the procedure, she then asked me "how come when your there you see separate individual pieces for sale?". It would seem that they were separated from the auctions, or maybe just stuff people didn't want and left behind.

I am sending my address in PM.

Beer Money huh, that reminds me, my sister always buys some beer and then never drinks it. To bad I can't send it to ya LOL.
I don't drink it myself, I already have the belly that makes it appear that I do.

Another member has also anonymously agreed to help us with $50. Like you mentioned if I am unable to come up with the amount needed, I can use what we have to try at the auction, and if in the end nothing works, then I am immediately sending it all back to you guys.

thank you very much,

So with these two new donations we are at $207 (out of $500) and 6 days to go.

[This message has been edited by Gecko (edited 02-22-2007).]

I met Gecko last night... nice guy... Good luck to your goal man!

Only today and tomorrow left. $500- $207 = $293 still needed.

Time to hope for a miracle.

What happened?

------------------
91 NSX - Black/Ivory w/40K (Daily Driver)
89 ESPRIT -White/Black
00 NAVI -Black w/Ghostflames/Black
92 600SL -Red/Tan
87 928 S4 -Red/Black
86 928 S -Red/Tan
83 944 EURO -Black/Checkerboard SOLD
85 FIERO GT -Indy Clone
84 INDY -41k, 57th built
91 ALLANTE -Red/Black
85 S10 -355 V8
77 T-BIRD -Maroon/Tan
90 TROFEO -White/Burgandy
94 GMC INDY -84 500 GMC Hauler clone
69 CAMARO -SOLD 2 aid NSX fund
.
PROJECTS:
90 REATTA, 85 FIERO GT, FORMULA,
INDY, 80 MASERATTI V8