I Need Your Help
Now weeks away from financial collapse...
I promise I won’t make a habit of invading your inbox with my financial trouble, but at this particular moment, it’s all hands on deck.
Here’s the link to the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/matts-life-flipped-upside-down
The rest of this letter reproduces my message from the fundraising campaign.
Friends, Family, and Kind Strangers,
I’m reaching out today because I’m in a situation I never imagined possible, and frankly, I’m running out of road. For 25 years, I’ve poured my heart and soul into my engineering career, building a life I was proud of. But a series of devastating blows – a deeply inequitable divorce settlement and an unexpected corporate upheaval – have left me on the brink of financial ruin, facing a battle I can’t win alone.
The Perfect Storm That Wrecked My World
It started with a divorce settlement that my current, highly experienced attorney describes as "the worst he's ever seen." I was, to put it mildly, hoodwinked by my ex-wife's legal team, leaving me with an unsustainable financial burden from the outset.
Then came the career shockwave. After three incredible years as part of an amazing engineering team at JPMorgan Chase – a place where my performance was consistently rated as excellent – my entire organization was suddenly dismantled due to an executive's abrupt decision. This wasn't about performance; it was about corporate politics, and I was collateral damage.
Reeling, I followed a trusted former peer to another department within the bank, hoping for stability. Just two months later, he resigned, leaving me in a precarious position. A few short months after that, despite my strong performance reviews, my role was eliminated.
From a Thriving Career to a Financial Freefall
I was thrust into one of the toughest job markets in recent memory. Companies weren't hiring remote, and relocation wasn't on the table for most. For five agonizing months, I relentlessly job hunted while simultaneously trying to spark multiple business ideas just to stay afloat and productive.
Eventually, I landed a new role. While I'm grateful to be employed, it came with a staggering $160,000 pay cut compared to my earnings at JPMorgan Chase.
The Unrelenting Financial Squeeze
Here’s the kicker: despite this drastic drop in my income, my ex-wife's financial demands remain tethered to my former JPMorgan salary. We are now eight grueling months into a legal process to try and rectify this impossible situation.
The reality is stark:
I currently owe over $14,000 a month due to the original settlement.
My current net monthly salary is less than $12,000.
Do the math. It’s simply unsustainable. Every month, I fall further behind. I’m already borrowing from family and friends, and their generosity, while deeply appreciated, can only stretch so far against this relentless financial onslaught. Chapter 13 bankruptcy isn't just a distant threat; it's knocking at my door.
Why I Need Your Help – This Is About Fairness and a Future
This isn't just about money; it's about fighting for a fair chance to rebuild my life. It's about rectifying a legal injustice that has me trapped. The funds raised here will go directly towards:
Essential Legal Fees: To continue fighting for a modification of this crippling divorce settlement to reflect my current financial reality. My lawyer believes we have a strong case, but legal battles are expensive.
Staying Afloat: To cover the overwhelming monthly shortfall while this legal process unfolds, helping me avoid bankruptcy and keep a roof over my head.
Breathing Room: To find some stability so I can focus on my new role, continue to seek opportunities to increase my income, and eventually get back on my feet.
How You Can Make a Difference
I've always been the one to help others, and asking for help like this is incredibly difficult. But I’m out of options.
Any amount you can contribute will be a lifeline. It will bring me one step closer to escaping this financial nightmare and reclaiming my future. If you can't donate, please, share this campaign with your networks. The more people who hear my story, the greater the chance I have of getting through this.
People who know me know my work ethic and my integrity. This situation is the result of a devastating convergence of events, not a lack of effort or responsibility on my part.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for your compassion, your shares, and any support you can offer. It means more than words can say.
With sincere gratitude,
Matt Stine