Quote (NinjaSushi @ 14 Jan 2019 18:53)
A DUI is a huge deal in America. His car is totaled and now his wife is looking at 10k in lawyer bills, another 2k in fines, and he's out his truck. I know you mean well but don't downplay or marginalize the significance of the situation. If she got a DUI, chances are she'll do it again one day.
Just extend the budget. Doesn't matter if it's for 20 to 40 years. Get things into perspective. That's what happens to us when we lose perspective: We panic, and then the risk increases that we do further damage to ourselves.
Let's assume an average case scenario, that he has 1500$ in disability benefits each month. 1500 x 20 years or 240 months = 360 000$! Double that again for 40 years estimate. Deduct 70% for taxes and fixed life expenses = 108 000$ to spend as you want over those 20 years. All you have to do is be patient. Food, housing and electricity is taken care of.
That is just -one- person too. If they are two, and the wife has the same amount, then it's a much better story.
That 12 000$ ticket is nothing. The biggest challenge is putting this into perspective and learn from it.
Cliché, but like Gandalf says: All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us. So i think implementing some routines for self reflection and increasing communication skills is a good investment in some of that time. And trying to quit drinking. It is hard i will admit, but the benfits is no more hangovers, which often can last for more than 1 day too, often 3-4 days. Can just decide to stick with beer and maybe 3-4 times a year. It's easier to control then.