My father informed me last night that I have to take down my advertisements on the blog. "You are making too much money," were his words. I am hesitant to do it though. This money has meant so much to me like this month it is buying me contacts to get rid of these terrible glasses I wear. You see, I have to make less than $12,000 a year for all my prescriptions to be covered by the Medicare part D drug plan. My risperdal consta shot alone costs $1500 dollars a month. Add in the numerous other medications I take and the total is well over $2000 dollars a month. So, with great aggravation and depression I am going to take down the advertisements and go ad free. It is aggravating because it was so nice to get paid for writing -- something I love.
On a positive note, my check from last month is going to be $269 dollars plus the $179 I've already made this month. I am going to use that money to buy me a new digital camera and will soon have pictures and videos back on the blog. I know Cheryl will like this. I want to do a video of my new house for you all. I will try and get that camera ordered in the next day or so.
19 comments:
AHA! that's why it looked SOOOO different. but it looks good. sorry you have to lose money though... but your dad is right... the meds need to come first, and hell... that is a lot of damn money to pay out of pocket.
you could always freelance, and get paid under the table.. if your conscious would so allow :))
c ya laterz
I know this must be a huge disappointment for you. Hell! I'm disappointed for you.
You're right...I will love seeing your pictures. It's a hobby just waiting for you. Your blog does look very clean without the ads. Can you go back to them if you need them?
That certainly sucks Andrew. And such a catch 22----you need the money that the ads bring in, but if you make the money, the government takes away the money they issue. There is something seriously wrong with this picture---but typical govt crap. I feel certain that somehow life will replace what you lose, things just have a way of working like that, you know?
Sir:
As none of the monthly checks you have received would have come close to totaling $12,ooo on an annual basis, I do not understand why your father would force you to remove them. It does not make sense from a monetary standpoint. I think there are other reasons, perhaps about control, that are driving your father's edict.
PipeTobacco
I day just don't claim them on the form. The checks aren't that much money, just enought to supplement. I'd leave the ads up.
Hi Andrew, I've been reading your blog for a few months now, but have yet to comment :) I'm work in public health in Kentucky/Tennesee and was drawn to your blog because of my background in psychology and some work I did with the Kentucky Alliance for the Mentally Ill (KAMI).
Anyway, I just wanted to throw out there that it seems like your monthly google ad checks are usually $300 or less ($300 x 12 = $3600) So unless the $12,000 they are counting includes your SSI that shouldt put you over. One other thing though that you might try, is putting the ads in your fathers name, and let it come through as his income, if he'd be wlling to do that. You could offer to pay any additional taxes it would cost him, and it'd still be some extra spending money for you.
I hope that little idea helps! It's hard to turn down what is essentially 'free' money! Keep writing, you truly have a talent for it. I wish you all the best in finding what your heart desires.
I too am excited about the pictures and videos. Don't fret over the ads, you can put them up again in January can't you? Only 4 months away.
I like the new look of your blog, Andrew - soft colors and easy to read. I don't do well with much distraction. :-) I feel bad that you won't get to earn the spending money from your ads though. I know it helped you do a few things that you want and need. The camera will be wonderful - pictures for us to enjoy, and another outlet for your creativity. I bet if you put your mind to it, you can find little ways to earn some cash-only income that you won't have to claim. Damn government, nothing they set up ever makes any sense!
HI ANdrew..MM's idea sounded good. Course he'd have to claim the income on his taxes..but still..it was your version of independence..the ads. Your way of making money for yourself. Hmm, perhaps what Pipe said rings true...a bit of control from your father, and maybe envy for you having something that he couldn't even fathom...the art of beautiful writing..
Either way, I'll still stop by!! :)
Always,
Crusty~
Hi Andrew, I do like the new layout! It looks neat! And, wonderful news about the camera!! I'm looking forward to your pics!! That will be surely something to take your mind off other things...great news!!--nikita
oh, i can't to see how your house looks like, i checked your lay out earlier and i got surprised you moved the side bar to the left, it's still ok, though i preferred the white template i saw the other day, but no really, you have taken down your ads here, i think it doesn't hurt if you keep them, it really feels good to reap something from what you love-writing^^
Have you considered having the ads payable to your dad, then let him disburse the money so you will earn under the $12,000/yr.? If you want to get something like the digital camera he could buy it. Just a thought.
Perhaps you can start the ads again in Jan. 08, earn the extra money up to the limit, then stop them until the beginning of the next calendar year. I think your total income is limited to $12,000 and I do understand you wanting to keep the Part D coverage. I'm dealing with the same issue w/ my Mom.
Could you put the ads back up - and put them in Rosa's name? Would that affect any benefits she receives?
Just a thought... your father wouldn't have control - and you could still get your $$$.
Practicalities of life aside, I am glad that you will continue to write on your Blog. I enjoy the rawness of honesty in your writing. I imagine how inspirational the experiences you share must be for people. My vices are different than yours, but I still empathize with your daily struggle. Thank-you for sharing your story.
Hi Andrew,
If you donated the additional money to some cause, would that help you to reduce your income so you qualify for Part D?
Maybe when you see you have enough readers to earn a few thousand a month, you can put the ads back up again? :-)
that is soooo cool. I dont have advertisment on my blog either. I wish i had your traffic.
I'm so excited about the pictures! I've missed them!!!
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