#easy Personal loan bank

[fincrif]

Personal Loan Eligibility for Housemaids, Drivers, and Daily Wage Earners

Introduction

A personal loan can be a lifesaver in times of financial need, offering quick access to funds without requiring collateral. However, individuals working as housemaids, drivers, and daily wage earners often struggle to secure loans due to irregular income and lack of formal employment records. While traditional banks may impose strict eligibility criteria, alternative lending options have made it possible for low-income workers to obtain financial assistance.

This article explores the eligibility criteria, challenges, and solutions for housemaids, drivers, and daily wage earners looking for a personal loan.

Challenges Faced by Low-Income Workers in Getting a Personal Loan

1. Lack of a Stable Income

Most banks and financial institutions require proof of a steady income to approve a personal loan. However, housemaids, drivers, and daily wage workers often earn on a cash basis, making it difficult to provide consistent salary slips or bank statements.

2. No Credit History

A credit score plays a crucial role in loan approval. Many low-income workers do not have a credit history because they have never taken a loan or used a credit card, which makes lenders hesitant to approve their applications.

3. Absence of Income Proof and Documentation

Financial institutions usually require documents such as salary slips, income tax returns (ITR), or Form 16 to verify income. Daily wage earners and domestic helpers often do not have these documents, making it harder to qualify for a personal loan.

4. High-Interest Rates

Even if some lenders provide personal loans to low-income workers, they often charge higher interest rates due to the perceived risk of non-repayment. This can increase the overall burden on borrowers.

How Housemaids, Drivers, and Daily Wage Earners Can Qualify for a Personal Loan

Despite these challenges, there are several ways for housemaids, drivers, and daily wage earners to improve their chances of securing a personal loan.

1. Apply for a Loan Through Microfinance Institutions

Microfinance institutions cater to low-income individuals who do not qualify for traditional bank loans. They offer smaller loan amounts with flexible repayment options, making it easier for daily wage earners to access credit.

2. Consider NBFCs and Fintech Lenders

Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and fintech lenders provide personal loans with relaxed eligibility criteria. These lenders may consider alternate income proof such as utility bills, rent receipts, or employer verification letters.

3. Maintain a Bank Account

A bank account with regular transactions can help in proving financial stability. Even if a housemaid or driver is paid in cash, they should deposit their earnings in a bank account regularly to create an income trail.

4. Use Alternative Income Proof

Many lenders now accept alternative income documents such as:

Employer verification letters

Income certificate issued by local authorities

Bank statements showing consistent cash deposits

Utility bills in the borrower's name

5. Build a Credit Score

Opening a savings account, fixed deposit, or taking a small loan can help in building a credit score. Using a prepaid credit card or repaying small loans on time can also enhance creditworthiness.

6. Apply for a Joint Loan or Get a Guarantor

Some lenders allow joint loan applications, where a borrower with a higher credit score or stable income can co-sign the loan. Alternatively, having a guarantor with a good financial background can improve loan approval chances.

Best Personal Loan Options for Low-Income Workers

1. Government-Backed Loan Schemes

Some governments run special financial assistance programs for low-income individuals. Housemaids, drivers, and daily wage earners can check for government-backed microloan schemes with lower interest rates and flexible repayment terms.

2. Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Cooperative Banks

Many self-help groups and cooperative banks provide small loans to workers in unorganized sectors. These loans typically come with lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.

3. Gold Loans or Secured Loans

For those who own gold or valuable assets, a gold loan can be a good option. Gold loans require minimal documentation and provide instant cash at a lower interest rate.

4. Salary Advance Loans

Some employers offer salary advance loans to their domestic workers and drivers. These loans are deducted from future wages, making repayment easier.

Documents Required for Personal Loan Approval

Though formal documents may not be required by all lenders, having the following documents can increase the chances of getting approved:

Aadhar Card / PAN Card (Identity proof)

Voter ID / Ration Card (Address proof)

Employer verification letter (Income proof)

Bank statements of the last six months

Utility bills or rental agreement (For additional proof of residence)

Things to Consider Before Applying for a Personal Loan

1. Compare Interest Rates

Check and compare the interest rates offered by different lenders before applying for a loan.

2. Understand the Loan Terms

Read the loan agreement carefully, including repayment tenure, interest rates, and processing fees.

3. Avoid Fraudulent Lenders

Beware of lenders who ask for upfront processing fees or guarantee instant approval without verifying your details.

4. Borrow Only What You Can Repay

Taking a loan beyond your repayment capacity can lead to financial stress. Borrow only what you can comfortably repay.

Conclusion

Getting a personal loan as a housemaid, driver, or daily wage earner may seem challenging, but it is possible with the right approach. By exploring microfinance institutions, NBFCs, and fintech lenders, maintaining a bank account, and using alternative income proof, low-income workers can improve their chances of securing a loan. Always compare loan offers, verify lender credibility, and ensure timely repayments to avoid financial difficulties in the future.

If you're a low-income worker looking for a personal loan, explore the best options tailored to your needs and financial stability.

[frankcastled]

as someone who is more or less stable, like if I don't have the money, it's not gonna happen

don't talk to me about loans or financing

it's not gonna happen

i will not purposefully put myself into debt for something i don't need or even want!!!

so stop with all this financing when i say i don't have the money!!!

i don't want the debt!!!!

it causes me undue stress and anxiety!!!!

[afloweroutofstone]

Hannah Arendt, who fled Germany in 1933, later wrote that long before Jews, Roma, gays, Communists and others could be herded into death camps, they had to be “denationalized” — excluded from the society that guaranteed their legal rights. Enlightenment thinkers had posited that just by virtue of existing, each person has inalienable rights. Arendt, however, observed that the “right to have rights” could be guaranteed only by a political community. Without a state to claim them as their own, people have no laws, no courts and no political mechanisms for protecting rights.

Arendt once said that “the generally political became a personal fate when one emigrated.” As a stateless person, she experienced that loss of rights — unable to get papers, hiding from the police, interned as an enemy alien in France — before making it to the United States. She was lucky. Her friend Walter Benjamin committed suicide in his eighth year of exile, when the French authorities blocked him from crossing the border ahead of advancing German troops...

A country that has pushed one group out of its political community will eventually push out others. The Trump administration’s barrage of attacks on trans people can seem haphazard, but as elements of a denationalization project, they fall into place...

The message, consistent and unrelenting, is that trans people are a threat to the nation. The subtext is that we are not of this nation...

The rights the Trump administration is taking away from trans people are relatively new. Only in the past few decades, for example, have clear legal procedures existed for changing the gender marker on identity documents, and only in the past few years have federal and some state authorities made the process fairly easy. But before transgender, gender-nonconforming and intersex people were recognized as a group — or groups — of people who had rights, many could blend in, fly below the radar. Now, in their new rightlessness, they are exposed...

Living with documents that are inconsistent or at odds with your public identity is no small thing. It can keep you from opening a bank account, applying for financial aid, securing a loan, obtaining a driver’s license and traveling freely and safely inside a country or across borders. I was once detained in Russia after a routine road check because an officer thought I was a teenage boy using his mother’s driver’s license.

It’s not just American identity documents that are being scrambled. Like all things American, Trump’s denationalization campaign affects people far beyond the United States. In late February, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued visa guidelines, ostensibly designed to keep foreign trans athletes from competing in the United States, that seem to direct consular officers to deny entry to anyone whose gender markers appear different from their sex assigned at birth.

The new regulations require visitors, when filling out the paperwork to cross the border into the United States, to indicate the sex they were assigned at birth. Lucien Lambertz, a German curator who is trans and was planning a professional trip to the United States, told me they worried that they would be denied entry if they complied, indicating a birth sex different from the gender marker in their passport, but also if they didn’t comply.

Lambertz emailed the Foreign Ministry in their country to ask for guidance. “The issue is the subject of tense discussions here at the ministry, and your concerns are absolutely understandable,” the response read, in part. Ordinarily, the Foreign Ministry would suggest asking the U.S. Embassy, but by doing so, as the letter noted, Lambertz “would then ‘out’ yourself to them.”

Trans and nonbinary Germans fear that their country’s incoming conservative government may take its cues from the Trump administration. Far-right parties, ascendant in Germany and other European countries, have made the specter of “gender ideology” a centerpiece of their politics.

“Something has changed,” Heinrich Horwitz, a German choreographer, told me. Horwitz, who is nonbinary, was recently assaulted at the main train station in Vienna. The attacker was demanding to know whether Horwitz was “a girl or a boy.” Before they could make out what the attacker was saying, Horwitz instinctively tucked the Star of David they wear around their neck inside their shirt. “I thought that would be safer.” Horwitz, who was born in Munich in 1984, is the child of a Holocaust survivor. “I grew up with this idea that I could always go to the U.S. if the Nazis came back,” they told me. That no longer seems like an option.

You know how this column is supposed to end. I rehearse all the similarities between Jews in Germany in 1933 and trans people in the United States in 2025: the tiny fraction of the population, the barrage of bureaucratic measures that strip away rights, the vilifying rhetoric. The silence on the part of ostensible allies. (Trump spent about five minutes of his recent address to Congress specifically attacking trans people and 10 minutes attacking immigrants; the Democratic rebuttal mentioned immigrants once and trans people not at all.) Then I finish with the standard exhortation: The attacks won’t stop here. If you don’t stand up for trans people or immigrants, there won’t be anyone left when they come for you.

But I find that line of argument both distasteful and disingenuous. It is undoubtedly true that the Trump administration won’t stop at denationalizing trans people, but it is also true that a majority of Americans are safe from these kinds of attacks, just as a majority of Germans were. The reason you should care about this is not that it could happen to you but that it is already happening to others. It is happening to people who, we claim, have rights just because we are human. It is happening to me, personally.

[harishloans]

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[bluecollarmcandtf]

Cash Slave, reporting in...

Good morning, master. State Trooper Hernandez reporting!

I hope you're doing well since the last time we saw each other. Again, I can't apologize enough for pulling you over on the highway. I had no idea you were such an amazing hypnotist. Thank you again for letting me get off easy and only making me taze myself twice! I was paralyzed in that muddy ditch for awhile, but you could've given me a helluva worse punishment!

Your instructions aren't negotiable, so I made sure to snap a photo before I started my shift today. As you suggested, I've been eating a box of donuts every morning, and I've packed on a hefty 30 lbs since I've started. My wife has complained, but I know you want me to look more like a cliche of law enforcement!

I'll stop by your house to drop off my paycheck tonight after work. I won't forget to pick up some pizza for you and your friends on the way: extra sausage, just like you said!

See you tonight, master!

Hello sir.

It's been a week since you came into my shop, and I've followed everything you said. I didn't agree with it at first, but you convinced me with that little pendant.

You were right! I really am beneath powerful men like you. Filthy blue-collar workers aren't worthy to lick the dirt off your shoes. You were right to point that out, and you were right to tell me to embrace it. When the world looks at me, they shouldn't see a man. They should see a grease monkey at the bottom of society.

That's why I haven't showered or changed in seven days. My BO is uncomfortable to work in, but I know it's just a reminder of what I am. I used to be proud of my job. Ha! I used to look down on suits like you, but I'm nothing in comparison; just a tool at your disposal.

Anyways, I cleaned and waxed your old car as fast as I could. I know I lent you my convertible, but you're welcome to keep it. I put a lot of sweat and blood in fixing her up, but like you said, fancy cars are meant for you to drive and me to maintain.

Stop back in my garage anytime. White-collar men like you get free service here! It's not the place of any lowly laborer to get in the way of what you want.

Thank you again, sir.

Hello boss.

Just started another long day of window washing! It's another hot one, but I'll keep my head down and sweat through it like usual.

I've gotta say, it's days like this that make me miss the comforts of my old corporate desk job. I'd kill for some AC right now, but I remember how much you made me realize I hated that career. Like you said, I'm much better suited to a life of mindless cleaning.

It turns out you're the real one with a knack for business strategy because all of your advice has been genius! The income is dependent on the hours I put in, and since I'm working for half the price of all competitors, I've gotten a monopoly on the market! I've fully booked all seven days for the next five or so weeks, so I'll be washing windows non-stop!

The business is already booming! I've been billing customers to your bank account, so you should already see all the profit in there!

Later today, I'll make a note of the minimum I need to replenish the cleaning supplies I'm running through. I'd also be grateful if you loaned me a bit for personal use, but it's understandable if you can't spare any! We agreed that I wasn't working for a salary, and I'm fine with that! I've been sleeping in the company van the last few weeks and it's more than good enough for me!

Don't worry, boss. I'll get back to work!

Tell my wife hello for me, master!

Working on a rig has been isolating. The job is brutal, the days are long, and every night I head back to our bunks covered in oil. I thought I'd at least get to bond with the other guys, but most of us are too tired to do anything but eat and sleep after our shift.

The only thing that's getting me through it is thinking about you. I know I also have a girl at home, but you were the one that gave my life purpose. I was never going to make money as an actor, and you helped me see that! You were the one that convinced me to go for this ridiculous job in the middle of the ocean, and now I'm making a ton of money!

You deserve it all.

I wouldn't have seen any of this cash if I hadn't stuck around after your stage hypnosis show. I still remember the wild look in your eyes when you came up with this idea for me. I also remember that hungry look you had when you saw my wife. It was impossible to say no.

Oh, and thanks for keeping my wife company while I'm gone. A man like you deserves her attention more than I do. Like you said, I doubt I was pleasing her to begin with. The only thing I'm good for is earning money, and I hope you're enjoying it because it sure isn't easy to earn!

I gotta get back, but I wanted to let you know that I signed up for another six months like you suggested. It's lonely, but I'm happy to do it, master!

Son, or should I still call you 'sir'?

I'm not sure if I your new title applies through text as well? Being your dad and your servant can be a bit confusing, but I don't mean disrespect you! Just let me know.

My workout is done and I'm headed back to your house. I signed the deed over to you this morning, so you officially own it now! Like usual, I'll clean the place from top to bottom. I've got all the mops and cleaning supplies in my van and ready to go. Since it's Friday, I'll start on the weekly yard work; mowing, weeding, etc... I don't want to bore you with the details, but it'll take the majority of the day to keep your place in tip top shape!

As I understand it, you are having friends over tonight, so I'll prepare a three course meal for eight. I ironed my apron this morning so I should look like a more presentable waiter than last night when I served your food!

As always, please let me know if there's any other way I can be of service today or tonight.

I'll be awaiting your return, sir.

Hey little bro,

I just finished my workout at the gym with dad. We're both hitting PRs and we're really starting to see some results! Still can't believe you hypnotized his dumb ass to think he's your butler! That man looks so stupid changing from gym clothes into a bowtie and gloves. He's constantly calling you 'sir' too, even when you're not around.

He's such an idiot.

Anyways, I'm all dressed and ready for my new job. You were totally right. I'm going to be so much happier as a clown instead of a wrestler. I'm about to head out to my first gig; a ten year old's birthday party. I think he's the kid of someone I used to compete with. It might be a little awkward, but it won't affect my routine. I've got an afternoon of pies in the face and self-deprecating humor ahead of me.

I made sure to tell the guy who hired me that I'm willing to stay after and clean up. Kids make a huge mess after all. I just hope he won't be too weird about me being a clown at his son's party. We may have been rivals in the past, but that was back when I wrestled. Now I'm just a joke for hire. He's technically my boss for the day, so I'll have to get used to taking orders from him.

Wish me luck, bro. I'll give you the money after the dad dismisses me. Let's hope I make a good clown!

[sgiandubh]

So now Tony is listed as director at all of Cait‘s companies. What do you think about that?

Dear So Now Anon,

What a coincidence (not!) I just answered a very similar Anon sent to @bat-cat-reader, which I suppose is clear enough.

But to make it even clearer (if at all possible) and keeping in mind what I wrote in that post about Persons of Significant Control, let's check a couple of things, shall we? For all the three other companies C owns.

They probably split 50/50 already, which would explain the rather vague 'has significant influence or control'. Why?

Here is why:

The currently available Balance Sheet, covering the period until 31 December 2023 shows there is not much in there. Barely 100 shares (1£/share), about 59K £ assets and 11 K £ of debts. May I remind you a balance sheet covers the company's assets (available funds, including incoming funds), liabilities (debts) and shareholder equity (the company's net worth, which is roughly the result of subtracting liabilities from assets and dividing them by the number of shareholders). The net worth serves to describe what each and every one of those shareholders are entitled to, should the company be liquidated and all its debts paid off. In this case, the retained earnings, which is the figure quoted between brackets (11.292 £) means the company is in debt/in the red.

Now, this is very interesting, Anon. Albeit The Happy Couple ™ are now both appointed officers in this company (and T has been so since October 1st 2024), this company's designated PSC is ... Byron Benirras. And who is Byron Benirras' own designated sole PSC? A certain Caitriona Mary B. That is normal - serious 💷💷is indirectly involved, this time, as we know the bulk of her assets is placed there. Therefore, C has full control and sole ownership of Little Nugget Films, too, via Byron Benirras. Remember (ROFLMAO): a legal person (i.e. a company, in this context) has the same rights and the same obligations/duties as the natural (meaning 'real') person behind it (C).

Let's have a look at financials:

On 31.03.2023, the company's assets were about 2.500 £ only and its liabilities around 17K£. In debt/in the red, too. But a clear will to remain in firm control of things from C's side.

This appears to be a totally, carefully planned move, too - future plans, perhaps?

This company has not two, but three appointed officers, one of which is another specialized service company (perfectly legal, in the UK), in charge of all the secretarial work (perfectly legal, too):

Not one, but two PSCs. Same mechanism as for FMN Drinks UK (see above):

Such a nice, tidy, even split. Why? Heh, indeed: why? Unless...

Let's have a look at the company's balance sheet on 31 March 2023:

Unless you do acquire real estate using your own funds (a very easy cross check with another one of C's companies reveals the exclusive provenance of those funds - sssh!), no mortgage and no bank loan needed. Property that is legally defined as investment property, which means it cannot legally be a home, nor taxed as such:

[Source: https://prosperity-wealth.co.uk/news/before-you-buy-investment-property/]

Now remind me what real estate might have been bought anytime between 31 March 2022 and 31 March 2023 and valued at about 2.120.000 £?

You'd probably be correct to guess this one:

[ For a complete tour of the GLA Taj Mahal's legal intricacies: https://www.tumblr.com/sgiandubh/764266729372368897/anon-rebelde-detecto-un-nerviosismo-muy-revelador?source=share]

Let's have a second look and, surely enough...

Some simple maths?

2.292.567 (amounts falling due within one year, which covers the 31.03.2022 -31.03.2023 period) - 2.167.392 (net current liabilities) = 125.175 £ (cash at bank). Roger that. I think there is also a second investment property, bought before 31 March 2022 for 1.6 million pounds and shown as such (valued at cost first, then at its fair value, which is evaluated at 1.9 million pounds, in 2023 - a nice appreciation of the initial investment).

I hope this answers your question, Anon. And given the very long and very emotional day that ended (whew, already?) about four hours ago, I hope I didn't miss something or make any gross mistake. You know how some other Anons can be, don't you?

[dandylion240]

The following month was spent with Robert and Patricia screening prospective nannies. They provided Casey with the ones they felt would be the best candidates for the job. Lynn a young woman with a flair for the dramatics and a gift for music. Eleanor a graduate student from business law looking to pay off her student loans. The final candidate was Pamela who had a winning smile and happy disposition. Patricia liked her best feeling she would be a good fit for Casey and Eddie. Robert on the other hand had reservations about her sincerity. She was a little too smooth and nice, he had the impression she was hiding something.

Casey reviewed the candidate qualifications and read the comments that Robert included from their interviews. He decided that the only way he was going to be able to decide which nanny would be the best fit for him and Eddie was to give each of them a trial run. Each would have one week, living in his house so that he could observe how they interacted with his son and for him to see if he could tolerate them living in his house.

The first one was Pamela, she arrived Monday morning with a brilliant smile and ready laugh that sounded like music. Casey couldn’t help but be drawn to her upbeat personality. She had been there for four days and Casey thought about cancelling the other two candidates. He enjoyed coming home evenings to the sound of his son laughing as Pamela lavished Eddie with attention. Smiling Casey went to change clothes.

Upon entering his bedroom, Casey had the uneasy feeling that someone had been through his things. He couldn’t place his finger on why, nothing looked out-of-place, just a little rumpled. Opening his dresser drawer his normally meticulously folded clothes were wrinkled as if they had been moved and put back. He didn’t have much and what little he had was in the bank, except for his rainy day fund. He had been saving, setting a little aside from every paycheck for Eddie’s birthday. Kneeling he pulled out the bottom drawer, it too looked rumpled and out-of-place. Taking out the small tin, pulling off the lid. Empty! Just the other day he had over five hundred dollars in it.

“Pam we need to talk,” he said upon entering Eddies room.

Looking up Pamela smiled nodding, she picked up Eddie placing him in his playpen. She followed Casey out into the living room “what’s up?” she asked sweetly.

Grimly Casey held out the empty tin “did you take it?”

Staring at the tin then back at Casey she shook her head.

“Don’t lie to me,” Casey said through clenched teeth “I know someone’s been through my things. You’re the only person I know whose had the opportunity to do it.”

“It wasn’t me,” Pamela crossed her arms daring him to contradict her.

“If not you, then who did you let into my house?” Casey asked refusing to back down. “I’m not stupid so don’t treat me like I am.”

With a smirk she came up to him “no you’re just an easy mark. If I had wanted to, I could have emptied this entire house. Instead I took your measly five hundred dollars.”

“I want it back,” Casey insisted.

“You’re dreaming,” she replied.

Balling his hand into fists Casey knew he’d never see his money again. “You’re done,” Casey told her. “I want you out of my house tonight.”

“But …. but I don’t have anyplace to go,” she sputtered her beautiful blue eyes misting up.

“You should have thought of that before you stole from me,” Casey said unmoved by her tears.

“You can’t just throw me out,” she protested.

“Again how is that my problem,” he shot back at her.

“What about Eddie? Who’ll watch him if you send me packing,” she smiled thinking she had him over a barrel.

Wanting nothing more than to wipe that irritating smile from her face he pulled his phone out. “Hey Rob, how’s it going?…. Good ….. Hey I need a favor. The nanny isn’t working out and I’m in need of a babysitter for the rest of the week ….. That’s great, thank you …. The next nanny starts on Monday … I’ll talk to you later …. ok good night.”

Smiling back at her “as you probably already heard Eddie’s taken care of. Now get out!”

Early Monday morning the new nanny arrived, smiling at Casey as he opened the door. “Hi I’m Eleanor,” she held out her hand.

Taking her hand Casey liked what he saw so far “come in Ms….”

“Just call me Eleanor,” she suggested walking past him.

“Ok,” Casey agreed a little put off by her informal ways. Frowning as he watched her inspect the room she was in. Not one word or question about his son had Casey wondering why she was there.

Completing her circuit around the room she pointed towards the easel “do you paint?”

Shrugging Casey said “yes” to her question.

“Oh these are lovely,” she said looking at the many paintings spread throughout the room. “Did you paint them?”

“Yes,” Casey crossed his arms as his irritation grew at her many questions. “Aren’t you the tiniest bit interested in knowing anything about my son? You know the one you’ll be watching.”

“Oh we have all day to get to know each other,” waving his question away. “You’re really good, have you thought about getting a manager and setting up an exhibit?”

“No,” Casey shook he head “look you’re here to care for my son, not to be my manager. Don’t you think you should be asking me relevant questions about Eddie’s care instead of my artwork?”

“What else do I need to know? I’ve read his file, he doesn’t have allergies, disabilities or illnesses. He’s a kid, what else is there to know?”

“Spoken like someone who doesn’t have kids,” Casey mumbled. Glancing at his watch “damn I’m going to be late.” Looking at Eleanor he wasn’t sure he wanted to leave his son in her care.

Smiling sweetly at him “go don’t worry about Edwin, he’ll be just fine.”

Letting himself be pushed out his own door, Casey stood outside rubbing his neck. Sighing he went to the car and pulled out his phone “Rob would you mind checking on Eddie throughout the day? …. No I don’t like the new nanny …. She’s more concerned about my lack of a manager then Eddie’s welfare …. She didn’t even know his name, called him Edwin …. Thanks Rob I owe you one.”

Coming home that night, it was unusually quiet. He’d gotten so used to coming home and hearing his son’s laughter that worry creased his forehead as  unpleasant memories of the past came to mind.  Eleanor jumped up from the couch as he entered the room.

“Oh good you’re home,” she clapped her hands “I’ve made a few inquiries …”

“Where’s Eddie?” Casey asked cutting her off.

“Taking a nap,” she said “now as I was saying…..”

“He shouldn’t be sleeping now,” Casey walked into his son’s room. “He’ll never sleep tonight.” Turning on the light, Eddie popped up from his crib “daddy home.” He lifted his little arms up to Casey.

Cuddling his son Casey felt the unmistakable dampness in his son’s diaper.

“How long has he been in this wet diaper?”

“How should I know when he wet himself?” Eleanor shrugged. “He wasn’t wet when I put him down.”

“and when was that?” Casey asked feeling his anger rise as he changed his son’s diaper observing the unmistakable evidence of a rash beginning from a dirty diaper that had been on too long.

Shrugging “I don’t know maybe an hour or two. I was busy and he was fussy so I put him down for a nap.” Making a face as the smell from the soiled diaper reached her nose, “besides I was working for your best interests in setting up an art exhibit at the gallery. I know what I’m doing, that is what I went to school for ….”

“I don’t need an exhibit or manager,” Casey said snuggling Eddie to him. “What I need is a good nanny to take care of the best interests of my son.”

“You’ve got it all wrong. You’re an amazing artist, you just need the right person to be your manager. I can be …..”

“You don’t get it do you?” Casey said his tone low and steady, his anger bubbling under the surface. “What if I don’t want to be famous?”

“Of course you do, everybody does,” she looked at him like he had grown a second head.

Scowling at her “I already have notoriety, I don’t want or need to be famous. I like what I do. I enjoy being an art critic. Painting is my hobby not my life.”

“But it could be so much more,” she said enthusiastically only hearing what she wanted to hear. Her eyes sparkling as she continued to try to persuade him to her way of thinking “Just one exhibit that’s all I ask and you’ll see how good you really are.”

“Weren’t you listening?” Casey asked his voice harsher than he expected. Eddie looked up at him in surprise beginning to whimper “Shhh it’s ok little man, Daddy’s not upset with you,” he comforted his son hugging him close.

“I don’t understand,” she said voice quivering on the verge of crying. “I only wanted to help.”

“You could have helped by doing your job and taking care of my son,” Casey sighed “look I’ll do the exhibit but this,” waving his hand “isn’t going to work. I need someone I can rely on to look after my son. I need someone I’m confident will have his best interests first not have their own agenda. I’m sorry.”

“I could stay until the end of the week,” she offered “I promise this won’t happen again.”

“I appreciate the offer but no I’ll make other arrangements.” Casey watched as she walked dejected into her room to pack.

Tossing Eddie into the air he wondered if he’d ever find the right nanny to watch his son. “Two down one to go,” he said out loud “What do you think little man, will the next nanny be a keeper?” Eddie giggled nodding his head “I hope you’re right.”

The last Nanny was due to arrive any minute and Casey could feel his anxiety sky rocketing. Would this one be the right fit for him and Eddie? He reviewed the comments Robert had written down for him. He noticed that this one was Robert’s first choice. Maybe he should have started with her instead of wasting his time with the other two.

A soft knock on the door jolted him out of his thoughts as he went to answer it. A young woman with bright red hair stood in front of him. Looking up she smiled holding out her hand “Hi I’m Lynn Matthews and you must be Mr. Bennett.”

He smiled as he took her hand, noting she was friendly and confident. “Please come in Ms. Matthews,” he stood aside to let her pass, closing the door behind them.

Turning Lynn smiled again “you mentioned in your son’s profile that he doesn’t have any allergies but I was wondering if there are any foods he doesn’t like. You know like beets, I hate beets and won’t eat them, no matter how they’re disguised.”

Chuckling a little “my son’s not a picky eater but thank you for asking.” Casey found himself drawn to this young woman and her obvious interest in getting to know his son by asking thought out questions.

“I love children and I helped my mom run a daycare in our basement when I was growing up.” She glanced around the room and Casey braced himself for the next question to be about his artwork. “You have a lovely home Mr. Bennett. Do you mind if we sit?”

Surprised that she hadn’t mentioned his artwork and a little embarrassed that he hadn’t invited her to sit, he motioned towards the sitting area “please sit make yourself at home.”

“Thank you,” she said after settling done on the couch and waiting for Casey to sit. “You mentioned that your son doesn’t have any illnesses but if he were to become ill and I have to take him to the doctor, are there any medications he’s allergic to?”

“None that I’m aware of,” Casey replied. They spent the next several minutes discussing Eddie and what he expected from her as his nanny. “Basically Ms. Matthews I want someone who will take an interest in my son and give him the attention he needs while I’m gone. At night, when I’m home I expect to care for my son myself and you are free to pursue whatever interests you have. I understand you’re into music?”

“Yes, eventually I hope to make a name for myself in the music business.”

“I hope you reach your goal,” Casey told her getting up from the chair. “I’m sorry I have to be leaving for work now. Do you have any other questions before I go?”

Smiling as she stood “yes does your son prefer being called Edward or Eddie?”

Shrugging Casey laughed “I don’t know if he has a preference yet. He answers to both.” After walking towards the door he added “just don’t call him Edwin.”

“Why would I do that?” She laughed confused.

Shaking his head Casey sighed “the last nanny kept calling him Edwin and didn’t seem to notice there was a difference.”

Laughing harder Lynn snorted “I bet I know who that was, Eleanor right? She probably was more interested in you and managing your artwork than in watching Eddie.”

“Do you know her?” Casey asked.

“You could say that,” Lynn smiled at him “she was my room-mate. When she found out I was a musician she offered to be my manager. When I refused she took offense and moved out.”

Chuckling a little Casey said “I could see her doing that.” Glancing at his watch he knew he had to leave or he’d be late for the third Monday in a row. He enjoyed talking with Lynn and how she was able to be herself. How many girls would snort while laughing? In a way he found it endearing and totally not what he would have found attractive a couple of years ago while he was in college. He had a tendency to go for the more sophisticated ladies but his luck with that left him with a son and an ex-fiance. Shaking his head he was about to close the door when Lynn’s voice stopped him.

“Mr. Bennett?” Lynn called “how do I reach you if something comes up and I have to reach you?”

Coming back inside he wrote his contact information down for her than ran out of the house. He arrived at his desk without a minute to spare but at least he wasn’t late. Sitting down he realized that this was the first time he’d come to work without the familiar worry of leaving his son. He was confident that Eddie was in good hands.

A weight was lifted from his shoulders and he sighed in relief. He got through work with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face and a mind preoccupied with a pair of pretty green eyes. Shaking his head he tried to concentrate on appraising the artwork in front of him and not on his son’s new nanny. A smile crept across his face as his mind once again drifted off.

Coming into the house he heard the unmistakable sound of his son giggling in his room. Walking to his son’s door he watched as Lynn tickled his son sending Eddie into fits of giggles. Eddie looked up and squealed “Daddy’s home.” He lifted his little arms out towards him. Lynn seeing Casey standing in the doorway walked over to him.

Taking Eddie from her, Casey snuggled him close. “So how was your day?”

“Lynn fun. She play with me,” Eddie said with a brilliant smile on his face. “Like Lynn.”

“Do you think she should stay?” Casey asked him. Nodding his head enthusiastically Eddie squealed in delight as Casey tossed him in the air. It felt good to come home from a long day at work and be able to enjoy time with his son.

After feeding Eddie his supper and settling him in his playpen Casey joined Lynn in the living room. Lynn was softly playing a guitar, the melody soft and soothing. Something Casey hadn’t heard before, tearing his eyes away, Casey went to his easel and began to paint. Inspired by the music he was listening to and the easing of the anxiety he had been carrying around with him. He had no awareness of the passage of time until Lynn asked from behind him “would you like something to eat?”

Shaking his head he tried to bring his mind back to the present but all he could do was stare dumbly at her. “I’m sorry what did you say?” he managed.

Laughing softly “I’m not much of a cook but I made a salad. There’s enough if you’d like some.”

“Um thank you,” Casey said as he began the tedious task of cleaning his brushes and putting his paints away so they wouldn’t dry out. Sitting down Casey asked “that song you were playing earlier, did you write it?”

Nodding Lynn looked down at her plate “I wrote it after my mom passed away.”

“I’m sorry,” Casey mumbled. “I didn’t know.”

“It’s ok,” Lynn told him. “She always encouraged me to go after my dreams. Without her support I doubt I would be here today.”

“Sounds like an interesting story,” Casey said smiling to encourage her to continue talking.

“Not when it’s your story. You see when I was younger I went through a rebellious period in my teens. I felt like I was going to self destruct. You know drinking and wild parties, stuff like that. I put my parents through hell but I eventually turned my life around.”

Listening Casey couldn’t help but think of his younger brother, Gene. Maybe he should have been a little more supportive instead of brushing him off, thinking his dreams were foolish. Tuning back into Lynn’s voice he heard her say.

“When my mom got sick I told her about my dream of being a musician. I remember telling her I wasn’t sure if I was strong enough to resist the temptations of the lifestyle. That maybe I should just listen to all the doubters and give up before I even tried.” Looking up with tears in her green eyes she asked “do you know what she told me?”

Shaking his Casey wished there was something he could say to comfort her.

“She told me to never quit just because it’d be easier than facing my fears.” She smiled wiping tears from her eyes. “She told me I was stronger than I gave myself credit for.”

Reaching across the table Casey took her hand in his “your mother was right.” Squeezing her hand, Casey promised himself that he would be more understanding and supportive of Gene in the future. He wondered if it was too late to tune into Sim Idol and see how Gene was faring on the show.

Previous/Next

[fincrif]

How to Get a Personal Loan Against Your Salary Account

A personal loan can be a convenient financial tool, especially when you have an immediate need for funds. If you have a salary account, securing a personal loan becomes even easier, as banks often offer special benefits to account holders. In this article, we will explore how to get a personal loan against your salary account, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the application process.

Benefits of Taking a Personal Loan Against Your Salary Account

Quick Approval and Disbursal – Banks have pre-approved offers for salary account holders, ensuring faster processing.

Lower Interest Rates – Preferential interest rates may be available to those who maintain a salary account with the lending bank.

Minimal Documentation – Banks already have your financial details, reducing paperwork.

Higher Loan Amounts – Your salary account history helps in determining your creditworthiness, increasing your chances of approval for a higher loan amount.

Flexible Repayment Terms – Banks provide better repayment options based on your monthly salary credits.

Eligibility Criteria for a Personal Loan Against Your Salary Account

You must be a salaried individual with a stable income.

Your salary should be credited to the same bank where you are applying for the loan.

A good credit score (typically above 700) increases approval chances.

Your monthly income should meet the bank’s minimum requirement for loan eligibility.

Some banks may require a minimum job tenure with the current employer.

Steps to Apply for a Personal Loan Against Your Salary Account

Check Your Loan Eligibility

Log in to your bank’s net banking portal to check if you have a pre-approved offer.

Use the bank’s loan eligibility calculator to estimate the amount you can borrow.

Compare Interest Rates and Offers

Research various banks and financial institutions to compare interest rates.

Look for promotional offers and discounts for existing customers.

Gather Required Documents

Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)

Address proof (Utility bills, rental agreement, etc.)

Salary slips for the last 3-6 months

Bank statements reflecting salary credits

Employment proof (offer letter, employee ID, etc.)

Apply Online or Visit a Branch

Many banks allow you to apply through their website or mobile app.

Alternatively, you can visit the nearest branch and submit your application in person.

Loan Approval and Disbursal

The bank verifies your documents and assesses your credit profile.

Upon approval, the loan amount is disbursed directly to your salary account.

Factors Affecting Loan Approval

Credit Score – A higher score results in better interest rates and approval chances.

Salary Account History – Consistent salary deposits improve loan eligibility.

Employer’s Reputation – Employees of reputed organizations may receive preferential terms.

Existing Liabilities – If you have multiple loans, your debt-to-income ratio affects approval.

Pros and Cons of a Personal Loan Against Your Salary Account

Pros:

✔ Easy access to funds with minimal documentation. ✔ Competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. ✔ Faster processing and approval due to existing bank relationship.

Cons:

✖ Limited to the bank where your salary is credited. ✖ A poor credit score may lead to rejection or high-interest rates. ✖ Borrowing beyond your repayment capacity can lead to financial stress.

Alternative Options

Credit Cards – Suitable for short-term borrowing but with higher interest rates.

Salary Advances – Some employers offer salary advances as an alternative to personal loans.

Overdraft Facility – Banks provide overdraft options against salary accounts with flexible repayment terms.

Conclusion

Obtaining a personal loan against your salary account is a convenient and efficient way to secure financial assistance when needed. By maintaining a good credit score, choosing a reputed lender, and borrowing responsibly, you can make the most of this facility while ensuring smooth repayment. Always compare offers and read the loan terms carefully before proceeding with your application.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

WIBTA for calling out my friend's spending habits?

✈💸 to find later

I (NB 20s) have been struggling to find employment for a long time. I've been struggling a lot with money- I'm technically indebted to my bank due to an overdraft I dipped into during my last weeks of university while paying off surprise fees, and in the entire year since have been unsuccessful in paying it off for any meaningful length of time. The stress has been immense and I've been avoiding like the plague any kind of personal purchase or leisure activity that might cost me anything. It's a mindset that's been making me profoundly miserable and that I'll probably struggle to get out of for a long time.

However, in the past few weeks, I've managed to land what I can only describe as my dream job. It doesn't start for another couple months, and the pay won't be fantastic (it's an internship), but without a doubt it will change my life. Desperate to do something nice and give myself a break, members of my family agreed to lend me money via plane tickets to do a nice trip this summer and see my best friends abroad, my last big hurrah before entering the full-time workforce for the rest of my life (and being able to pay them back). And I've been really excited! I've been saving even harder than usual, scraping up cash and politely asking grandparents. It won't be easy to support myself in another country in my financial situation, I understand that, but I'm at a point where I think I can do it for a short time and not be a burden on the people who are hosting me.

However, the only issue comes with my friend (NB 20s). I've known them for years, we're extremely close, and we've been waiting for a chance to see each other again for most of that time not knowing if it would ever happen due to my financial situation, so this is the opportunity of a lifetime. They really want to host me, for at least 2 weeks, and do all these nice things together we've been planning. But in the past month or so they've all but drained hundreds of dollars from their bank account in art commissions and room decorations for themself, all of which they've been excitedly showing off to me and our other friends, all the while running out of money entirely. They can't pick up work from their (seasonal) job anymore, either, so there's no way for them to earn back the money now, and recently they've started having to push their commissions just to cover their student loan payment this month. In ordinary circumstances I wouldn't mind and would try and help them out, but I won't be in any financial position on the trip to cover their bills as well as my own (at least not regularly), and I feel like this would have been so preventable if they'd just... picked less wildly expensive things to buy as a treat, knowing the circumstances.

They've said they're also stressed and need to buy themselves nice things sometimes, which I totally agree with! I'm not that much of a party pooper, they are in a rough situation themself right now and the stuff they bought does make them genuinely happy. But it also sucks to watch them then have to struggle to pay for bills and necessities because of it, and I feel really selfish for thinking of it in the framework of our time together later as well. I've done my absolute best to be able to spend at least a few weeks having a great time with them not worrying and pinching pennies while taking care of myself, but now I'm worried we're just going to spend the trip with both of us stressed out of our minds and stuck at home struggling to pay for gas. I'm an anxious person, and the few times I've tried to bring up my worries in a more gentle way, they've vehemently reassured me everything will be fine, but now I'm leaving in just over a week and everything seems like it's getting worse instead of improving.

I know I should be just glad to spend time in their company, even if it is just at home, but I can't stop feeling like the way they've been spending money in the leadup to this has been really irresponsible and preventable. But even if so, it made them happy in the moment so i should be happy for them too, and surely it's just straight up none of my business? It's also not like they can take it back now- it's already happened, and they can't earn the money back if they wanted to. I feel like if i called them on it at this point it'd just be a dick move and come across pointless and jealous, but I also can't help but think it's unproductive to let this gnaw at me the entire time, like I should really be communicating this kind of upset and talk it out first in case it comes to a head and boils over and ruins our whole time together.

I'm aware I'll be long into the trip by the time this posts but it'd be nice to look back and see other perspectives.

[nico-esoterica]

"But Nico, I'm broke 😭" - 50 Money Affirmations 💸💴

Affirmations are just thoughts. All manifestation is is consistently thinking in your favor. I've been changing my thoughts around money over the past year and through out the turmoil and bullshit, what kept me going was constantly believing I'd always have money coming in and I was 100% correct. The more confident I grew, the more I'd make. I once rose over $600 on Twitter to support my ex best friend who I was a caregiver for bc I believed I could make it happen. I've also manifested $500 as a lump sum that I shared proof of on my old blog. This year I will optuple that (x8) and greater.

You don't have to use any of these. This post is just meant to inspire you to come up with your own so you can make this work for you. Idc how weird or repetitive they sound. I told y'all I'm moving different.

Btw, Revision is a method where you can erase anything from your experience by deciding it didn't exist. Works wonders on people dealing with trauma but anyway -

"Money comes to me out of nowhere."

"Money flows to me from all directions."

"Holy shit I keep making so much money."

"Money (fucking) loves me."

"Money is addicted to me."

"I've always had money." (Revision method)

"I'm a money magnet."

"I'm (so/finally) financially free."

"I can afford anything I want."

"Money never bothers me."

"I never have money problems."

"I have 0 debt."

"All my debt got paid off."

"I don't have any loans/I've never had loans." (Revision)

"My rent is paid / I love that my rent's paid"

"All my bills are paid."

"I never have to worry about money."

"Remember when I used to worry about money?"

"I love money and money loves me."

"I'm money's sugar baby."

"Money loves spoiling me."

"I was born to be rich."

"Being rich is my birth right."

"I love being rich."

"Money's my best friend."

"I never stop making money."

"Money comes to me so easily."

"It's so easy for me to make money."

"People keep giving me money."

"I keep finding so much money."

"I've made enough money to pay everything off."

"I have enough money to pay everything."

"I'm so lucky with money."

"Money serves me."

"Money's my bitch."

"Money grows on trees for me."

"I keep winning the lottery."

"Winning the lottery is so easy."

"My tax refund (is/was) so fucking high this year."

"Whenever I (blink/breathe), I make money."

"Money's addicted to my bank account."

"I get paid to exist."

"My money grows everyday."

"I'm the king/queen of making money."

"Remember when I used to be broke?" (Revision)

"Money keeps finding me."

"I never have to do anything to make money."

"Making money is effortless (for me)."

"I'm a m/billionaire."

"I make money like (insert rich person here)."

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hi everyone,

I got an inbox asking to share some tips for financing when you’re autistic. I found a helpful guid from the National Autistic Society:

Budgeting

The first step to managing your money is to work out a budget and stick to it. Budgeting will help you:

* keep track of what you are spending

* help you to avoid going overdrawn on your bank account by spending money that you don't have

* decide whether you can afford to buy something that you would like

* deal with debt by planning repayments that you can manage

* work out how much money you may have to save. 

Bank, building society or post office accounts

Most people now have one of these types of account. The benefits of these are: 

* it will keep your money safe

* you can pay bills more simply by direct debits or standing orders

* internet banking is now widely available. This reduces the need to visit banks and other services that autistic people may find difficult

* benefit payments can only be paid into an account

* you can have a debit card, making it easier to pay for purchases and you can shop online 

* you may be able to earn interest on the money you have

* you can pay bills by direct debit or standing order, which are sometimes rewarded by a reduction in what you pay for services

* you can use your cashpoint card to access money easily from cash machines in the UK and sometimes abroad

* your bank or building society may be able to give you an overdraft or loan.

Debit, credit and store cards

There are a number of different cards that you can use to make a payment. These include:

* cashpoint and debit cards

* credit cards

* store cards.

Borrowing money, making payments and debt

It's easy to think of a loan or overdraft as free money, but it’s actually expensive as you have to pay back the original amount plus interest. Try to only borrow money when you need to and repay it as soon as you can. There are many ways of borrowing money, including:

* borrowing money from family or friends

* having an overdraft

* taking out a personal loan or secured loan

* applying for a credit card.

The full article will be below, as it goes into more detail. I hope this helps many of you.

National Autistic Society

[void-my-warranty]

Open House (18+)

Pairing: Victor Creed/Fem Reader Content Warnings: None Word Count: 3.2k

Safehouse Chapter 7 (all chapters here)

He lied. 

Well, technically you don’t know that at first. You go about your life that first week, floating on a rose scented cloud, secretly happy and oblivious to any problems around you. Any day now, he’ll be back. Knocking on your door or waiting for you on his porch or, hell, you’d even take a break in. But days pass and he… doesn’t. 

And then the things start happening.

Your workplace has local news always playing in the breakroom, and in the back of your mind you’re aware that they’ve been talking about some double suicide for the last two days, but it’s not until the phrase, “Friends of Humanity,” finally works it’s way down your ear canals that you actually look at the TV. There, right on the screen, is the face of the man who was addressing the crowd at the rally. On the other side of the screen is a face you don’t recognize, but the news anchor lets you know he’s some important person in the organization. 

It seems too incredible to believe. You were so angry at that man less than a week ago, so much that you wanted to hurt him, and now he’s dead. He and the other guy must have found a scrap of conscience and decided to end it. But you look at the date of the deaths, and it doesn’t make sense. You heard him speaking just the day before, saw the fire in his eyes at how firmly he believed in his cause. A suicide you can imagine, for some unrelated reason, but a double suicide? Of two people in the same organization? Incredible.  

But that’s merely the smallest of The Things. 

It’s the following week when you log in to pay your mortgage before you get a late fee, and you’re mindlessly searching around, clicking between pages, not sure what you’re actually looking for because this part has always been so automatic. You frown and actually pay attention to the screen, to where you need to click, and you finally comprehend that the button is gone. You squint incredulously at the screen, trying to decide if you just imagined that orange ‘Submit Payment’ button that used to be right there. Has the website changed? Moved the options around?

You’re stubbornly clicking around for a few minutes before you finally give up and call the bank. They go through the normal verifications and finally you get to talk to somebody. 

“Okay, yeah, so I went online to pay my mortgage and it’s not giving me the option to do that for some reason.”

“Okay,” replies the bank lady, “let me check it on my end… Okay, yes I see the loan… okay, so it’s already paid.”

“No, no, I haven’t paid it yet. That’s what I was trying to do.”

“I’m sorry—“ there’s a moment of confused silence before she says, “I’m not understanding the problem. The loan is closed, it’s been paid in full.”

Okay, so this isn’t going to be as easy as you’d hoped. “No, listen, we got this house like, two years ago. I’m just trying to make my monthly payment.”

There’s a resigned sigh, like she just can’t believe that you’re asking questions about your own financials. “Okay, let me pull it up.”

A few minutes of silence later, and, “This loan was paid in full on the seventh of this month, with a funds transfer of four-hundred ninety-two thousand dollars and sixty-four cents. Your letter of mortgage release should be in the mail very soon.” 

You just sit there, stunned, your frustration melting away to shock. “Can you…” you get out weakly, then clear your throat and try again, “Can you see who did the transfer?”

“Mmm, yes. I’m looking at it right now, and it’s got your signature.”

“Okay… O-okay, um— Thankyougoodbye.” 

You end the call and lean back in dumb shock, failing to fully process what just happened. Intellectually you know that this is not a mistake. This kind of bank error would be one in a billion on its own, but to have your own signature there… It's not a mistake. It’s real. Intellectually you know this. But you also know that there’s only one person in your life who might have the means and ability to do something like this, but the idea that he would want to is just totally impossible.

“Hey, how’s it going?”

You lift your eyes and blink up at Tyler, who in your stupor you didn’t notice approaching your desk. And that’s just great because you’ve done so well avoiding him until now. 

“Um, hi Tyler. I'm sorry, it’s kind of a bad time. I'm on my lunch break and I just got some news about… something. Just trying to process it.”

“Aww man, I’m sorry. I just, uh, wanted to touch base with you, since we haven’t talked since the date and I’m not really clear on… what happened.”

“What happened?” You repeat back stupidly. 

“Yeah. I mean, did we…? You and me?” He lowers his voice and asks, “Sleep together?”

Oh. Scenes of a very different happening that night flash unconsciously through your mind. You, naked from the waist up, getting Victor’s claws on your skin for the first time. You spilling out all of your biggest fears, and him just patiently listening. You, with nowhere to go, pressed up tight against a hard chest while he pushes you into the relief you need. 

“Nothing happened,” you mumble. 

It was nothing. Just a one night stand, and he didn’t even let you exchange phone numbers, and it meant nothing. And the fact that your mortgage page is staring at you right now with a zero dollar balance is actually, truly terrifying. There was no conversation about this. At no point did you ever consent to, fuck, a sugar relationship. There’s no way to transfer the money back, no way to ever pay him back for this. He slept with you one time, and he bought you an entire house. It’s… degrading. 

It sinks an absolute boulder of anxiety in your stomach at what he’s going to ask for in return. 

What’s even worth half a million dollars? Surely even surrogacy wasn’t nearly that much. Maybe a… kink… surrogacy? Where he impregnates you and makes you eat shit and sleep in a dog crate or something? You could see that hitting the right dollar amount, but Christ, to pay up front before you come to any kind of understanding…

“–So anyways, I’m free tonight if you want to come over. We could watch old movies or something. Do you like old movies?”

Your vision slowly adjusts back to Tyler’s face. He’s smiling a big ol’ fake smile, becoming more and more forced by the second. You can practically see the wall surrounding him, hiding who he truly is behind a plastic sheet of how he wants to be perceived. 

“No, I don’t want to come over tonight. I think we’re done, Tyler.”

The smile falters and then drops away completely. You see a nasty light in his eye that you never thought him capable of before, and he mutters, “Bitch,” before turning and walking away.

“Incel,” you mutter back, too quiet for it to carry. Your lunch break is up and you try to work, mind all a blur.

You go home that night and sit in your decorated living room and just stare. Look around at that house that’s now somehow yours. Not the bank’s, not your ex’s, yours. With that extra money every month you could decorate the whole thing. Wallpaper everywhere, a jungle of plants, a piano… Shit, you could invest. Max out your retirement fund every month and buy some stocks. 

Or you could sell it. Move to an apartment and immediately have more money in the bank than you could have ever imagined. If you invested that, things would really get going. Regardless of what you choose, regardless of what Victor wants in return, you sit there and feel a weight lift from your chest, one sank so deep into you that you never noticed its existence until it’s gone. 

It’s such a relief that when the one, final, colossal Thing happens, it totally blindsides you.

---------------------------------

You’re walking William for a little Saturday sunshine, and everything is good. The air is slightly less humid and there’s a little wind, so you go farther than you normally do. All the way to the end of the sidewalk, just like you walked that one night with Victor. It’s approaching three weeks since you last saw him, and that’s unsettling. The vague idea that something has happened to him grows more and more urgent every day, but you have absolutely no way of knowing or checking. You only have a first name and a face. He’s given you nothing, purposefully, like that’s not going to have you running what ifs through your mind for weeks. 

On the way back you walk down Victor’s cul-de-sac like you usually do, like you’ve done every day since you hooked up, and your attention is held by the SUV you see parked on the curb in front of his house. It has to belong to one of the neighbors, right? That happens. Neighbors sometimes park in front of an adjacent house, even though, fuck, the next door neighbors have completely empty driveways. 

You’re approaching his curve of the sidewalk, scanning for any clue to the vehicle, and Victor’s front door suddenly opens. Your feet come to a stumbling halt, because out walks a blonde woman. 

She’s pretty. Older than you, but prettier. She’s got nice clothes and perfectly styled hair, and you’re just so aghast that Victor has a woman in his house, you don’t notice the sign she’s got under her arm until she stops by the sidewalk and begins to hammer it into the dirt. 

She finally looks up to acknowledge your incredibly rude, open mouthed stare, and says, “Good morning! Are you looking to buy in this neighborhood?”

“U-um,” you stutter, “Maybe.”

“Well this house is fresh on the market! It’s got some nice updates inside. Open house is tomorrow at noon if you want to stop by!”

You mutter a thanks and force your feet to keep walking. It’s so unexpected and awful that you walk all the way home before the understanding fully sinks in. Victor’s not coming back. He’s fucking gone. You had a one night stand, and he knew he was leaving so of course he didn’t take your phone number, and he paid off your mortgage to soften the blow, or to maybe to keep you quiet about what you suspected. You’ll never see him again because you’re a liability. You fingered him for who he is, and he had to cut his losses. He practically told you as much– fuck– when he had his hand over your mouth. 

You’re just an inconvenience who’s too stupid to bother killing. That right there, that knowledge is what really guts you. Makes you sit down and stare numbly at the wall and ignore William’s questioning licks on your fingers. Maybe that’s what’s wrong with you, what you’ve been chasing all this time: you can’t bear to be inconsequential. The need to be someone, to do something with your life, has always lit a fire in you. And maybe all this desperate longing to be wanted by someone important is just your way of meeting that need, because it’s the only option you feel you have. You know you won’t ever have a significant job or kids or power of any kind, but for one day, you had Victor. And it felt like a little bit of consequence, for that one day.  

All night you tell yourself you won’t go to the open house, but when the time rolls around you go anyway. You can’t help it. All those months you wished and imagined getting to see the inside of your mystery man’s house, and were always denied the pleasure. Well, today you can just walk right in and snoop to your heart’s content, so you do. 

“All the furniture conveys with the house,” the realtor announces cheerily. “The kitchen and master bath have been recently renovated with subway tile.”

It’s nothing like you pictured. There are no half cleaned guns lying across sofa arms, no energy drinks or building plans spread out across the coffee table. It’s like a hotel in its bare, dull mediocrity. Normal, normal, everything is fucking normal. Not a single scuff on the walls or personalization of any kind. 

You stare down at the couch, where you had imagined so many times a scene of you right here, in his living room, straddling him on the couch and making out until he begs you to touch him. And there’s the dining table, where you fantasized about eating cereal with him while he deftly avoids your questions about what he does for work. You almost don’t want to see the master bedroom, but you do anyway because you deserve that pain. You need to see every bit of this house, and let it fully sink in what an absolute fool you are. You must feel like this so you will learn this lesson once and for all. 

Finally your allotted torture is done, and you step off the porch and look back at the house for one, final longing. The security camera is gone. Everything that ever made this Victor’s house is gone. Well, except the rocking chair. 

An idea sparks in your mind, and you head home before anyone can somehow pluck it from your thoughts. It’s literally so dumb and foolish, but your wounded heart latches onto it and won’t let it go. You obsess over it for the rest of the day, into the night, and finally when it’s late enough that most people are asleep, you go. 

With a promise to William that you’ll be back soon, you close your front door behind you and walk down the sidewalk until you get to Victor’s house. The realtor’s face is smiling brightly back at you from the For Sale sign, and it seems so wrong that all of the outside lights are on like that. The exterior is still plain, but for some reason it just looks incredibly ordinary now, and you’d never give it a second glance if you saw it tonight for the first time. 

You climb those steps and walk across the porch to sit in the rocking chair. There are little gouges at the end of the arms, like someone came by and stuck a pen knife into the wood a few hundred times. You lay your palms out flat against those imperfections and let the sensation of roughness permeate your skin. 

You sit there and look out across the lawn to the sidewalk, and in your mind’s eye you see yourself walking by. First with your old dog, looking curious and on edge at being alone in a new neighborhood. Then with William, sad but recovering, more confident now because you have little left to lose. Your hair is pulled back in a ponytail and you’re wearing that pink sports bra that always peeks out the neck hole of your shirts. There is nothing interesting or significant about you except the fact that you’re fucking annoying, barely giving the other houses a look before staring intently at this dark porch, hoping to invade someone’s privacy with your idiot eyes. 

You imagine sitting here, pockmarking the wood because you’re so pissed off at this woman. All you want is a little bit of time to relax after fucking murdering someone, and you’re giving off every possible sign that you want to be alone, and this stupid girl won’t stop walking by and perceiving you. First you’re mad. You consider killing her, nice and slow, making her apologize sweetly to you and mean it. But what kind of hitman would you be if you let someone as weak as her dictate your emotions? You change your mind. You turn the light on, let her see you and how big and dangerous you are, but she’s too pathetic to care. It only eggs her on, makes her walk by more often and stare more openly. 

So you stalk her one night. She’s started going out of the neighborhood, which is really fucking convenient for you because there won’t be as much immediate suspicion when she’s found. There’s woods there and you could snatch her so easy, gag her and make sure she feels the agony of what she’s gotten herself into. It’ll feel so good to let her see every horrible part of you, just like she’s wanted all this time, and for her to take it all back and regret every second that she ever wanted to know. 

But for some reason you don’t. You walk right back to your house and ignore the way she’s trying to get a look at your face. It doesn’t make any sense why you don’t take her, but you decide not to linger on it. There will be plenty more opportunities to make her pay. She’s just as easy to stalk the next night, and this time you’re nice and prepared. Black and menacing and bloodthirsty. You make sure she’s properly frightened even before she can see you. Normal people would run, give you a fun little game, but of course she’s too stupid for that. She runs her mouth. Explains how perceptive she’s been, gives you every fucking reason to end her. And you don’t. You still don’t understand why, but you let her go. 

She makes contact the next time. Invites you for a walk and then over to her house, gives you the perfect setup for a slow and private murder. And then she’s there in the kitchen, confessing her stupid feelings for you, and you see the perfect opening. You see how you can ruin her and then make her live the rest of her life in that wreckage. It’s the evilest thing you can imagine, so of course you do it. You touch her and listen to her and call her baby and make her cum hard. You make her feel special, like she means something to you. Like she’s somehow earned your attention. And then you fucking leave. Oh, it feels so good.  

With a deep inhale you, yourself, pull out of the fantasy. You sink your own fingernails into the wood of the rocking chair and clench your jaw hard enough to hurt. You still haven’t shed a tear on Victor’s behalf, and you’re not about to start now. You just stand up and, heart pounding, and carefully hoist that rocking chair over your head.

It’s late enough that not a single soul catches you carrying that chair, one step at a time, all the way back to your house and around to your backyard. You put it on the back deck because, though excitement is coursing through you at your crime, you’re too nervous it will somehow be recognized on your front porch. Chest heaving from the exertion of getting it up the stairs, you plop down on Victor’s stolen furniture and breathe steadily until everything slowly settles inside you. 

And you get out your phone and download Tinder.

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