A little depressed, overwhelmed, questioning elk hunting future

[pianoman9701]

John, don't give up the good fight! Hang in there and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to give me a ring. I'm only a few blocks down the road afterall. Even if it's just to chat and want some good company or maybe a vacuum bag of some more brisket for those rough nights where you don't got time to cook a good hearty meal but want something good to eat.  hope things pick up for you and your wife. Don't ever hesitate to give me a ring.

Justin

Thanks Justin. We should have a beer and talk about possible future hunts.

[SteelheadTed]

It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time.  Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.

I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it.  There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available.  There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs.  For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/

[sumpnz]

It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time.  Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.

I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it.  There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available.  There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs.  For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/

Also, you'd be surprised how high the income limits are for "charity" help from hospitals.  Skagit Valley Hospital has an upper limit of something like $160k household income.  Assuming you're under $100k you could get around 25% or more discounted from your bills.

Then, as mentioned, with your medical expenses being such a high percentage of total income you will be able to deduct that on your federal taxes.  Even if you ultimately got, say, a 30% discount from the hospitals you'd probably still get down the level not only not owing anything in personal income taxes, but also of qualifying for things like the Earned Income Credit.  I have no issue with hard working dudes like you that got their financial balls kicked repeatedly for a year taking advantage of those things (the slugs that abuse it are another story). 

[pianoman9701]

It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time.  Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.

I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it.  There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available.  There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs.  For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/

Thanks Ted. I'll look into Samaritan. I appreciate the info.

[pianoman9701]

It's good to reach out and get encouragement, we ALL need that from time to time.  Keep your head up, sounds like you are doing the right thing and plowing through the issues.

I know you don't want to hear about help but don't be too proud to ask if you need it.  There is just no reason people should suffer when help is available.  There a number of private healthcare groups that provide healthcare coverage as well as help those struggling with healthcare costs.  For instance, a group like this: www.samaritanministries.org/

Also, you'd be surprised how high the income limits are for "charity" help from hospitals.  Skagit Valley Hospital has an upper limit of something like $160k household income.  Assuming you're under $100k you could get around 25% or more discounted from your bills.

Then, as mentioned, with your medical expenses being such a high percentage of total income you will be able to deduct that on your federal taxes.  Even if you ultimately got, say, a 30% discount from the hospitals you'd probably still get down the level not only not owing anything in personal income taxes, but also of qualifying for things like the Earned Income Credit.  I have no issue with hard working dudes like you that got their financial balls kicked repeatedly for a year taking advantage of those things (the slugs that abuse it are another story).

I've asked. The best I've received was in Maine 20% for early pay. Peacehealth and Vancouver Clinic have given me 10% for early pay.

[nwwanderer]

Plan to bring Braxton for a late buck hunt, archery, on the dry side.  No worries with the hip

[SniperDanWA]

Plan to bring Braxton for a late buck hunt, archery, on the dry side.  No worries with the hip

Yep, good thinking.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Run a geni to sleep?  Let me think about this and get back to you..

[csaaphill]

Can't offer up anything to help on the money situation but as all others have said I'd go hunting if possible. Even if just a day trip helps to recharge the batteries. Wish you luck. 

Thank you CSA. I might possibly take you up on your kind offer.

[shadowless_nite]

John, don't give up the good fight! Hang in there and if you ever need anything don't hesitate to give me a ring. I'm only a few blocks down the road afterall. Even if it's just to chat and want some good company or maybe a vacuum bag of some more brisket for those rough nights where you don't got time to cook a good hearty meal but want something good to eat.  hope things pick up for you and your wife. Don't ever hesitate to give me a ring.

Justin

Thanks Justin. We should have a beer and talk about possible future hunts.

You bet! Name a day and I'll do my best to make it happen. Also I'm always down for a evening road hunt just to get in the woods with the kids and I'm no trophy hunter if I can share the experience of a hrvest with people and I usually have an open seat, so if that sounds like something you'd be interested in let me know. It's nice just to get out of town for a bit and get some fresh air maybe get lucky on a deer or grouse.

[pianoman9701]

I'm headed over to Liquid Gold this AP probably around 4 and should be there for an hour or so. You up for that? If so, see you there, Justin. 

[pianoman9701]

I've received so many personal messages and offers for help, suggestions on the CPAP thing, it warms my heart. I came to the right group of guys.

One positive note: As I was sitting having the AM short cigar just now, it occurred to me that early archery ended yesterday and I didn't spend $200+ on licenses, another $100 on arrows, $1000 on an RV rental, $200 on food, and probably another $300 on assorted hunting purchashes, and $200 on gas, equalling $2000.00. My harvest rate, however, is exactly the same as last season!  Of course, I didn't get that essential time with nature, but it did make me chuckle to myself at 5 AM!

[elkboy]

Dangerous logic, Piano, dangerous logic...   

Next fall!  And there are always turkeys, salmon, trout, bass, and lots of other things to keep us distracted until then. 

[Special T]

Keep moving forward. I belive fortitude is one of the most important traits to have
If you haven't read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" do so. If you have  reread it. What you do has some flexibility. Think outside the box and you can come up with something.

[pianoman9701]

Dangerous logic, Piano, dangerous logic...   

Next fall!  And there are always turkeys, salmon, trout, bass, and lots of other things to keep us distracted until then.

Lol, I know right! That money went to good use and will help me be more healthy in the woods next year. I've only turkey hunted one season. Called a couple fairly close but not close enough. I hope to try it again next spring. I do have a fishing license. As soon as I can walk to a nice trout spot and be able to sit on a stoll comfortably, I'll certainly be doing more of that.