@scurlock.mommy that's so smart! You remind me if my best friend from high school. Similar background, with her mom leaving and dad's financial struggles. She and her twin sister have remained good friends of mine. Even when we left home at the same time, they were way ahead of me, in having a money management strategy. 20 plus years later, they are still both very successful and financially secure. I think it makes a big impact on you, if you learn the value of money and work, at a young age. So I try to teach my kids that, without actually putting them through hardship, on purpose. We decide when to splurge, and then we enjoy it, but I still teach them how to be frugal. We all get some of our clothes second hand, and stuff like that. We fix things, before we throw them out or replace them. If they want something expensive, they save for it, even if it takes a year, or longer. My husband is also a lot like you, in that he also worked in high school to buy his own car and insurance. He was only 20 when he bought the house we live in, now. I am actually proud that we don't waste our money on showy things. That's another reason why small town-country life is nice. There is less pressure to constantly keep up with every trend and home update the neighbors are. For me, I used to be more like your husband. I had a Starbucks habit, and I maxed out a target charge card on clothes and home goods for myself, even before I had a baby. But change *is* possible, even for those of us who didn't get as good an education about money, growing up, as others did. Especially since kids growing up, today, have a harder outlook, regarding personal wealth, than their parents (because of the disappearing middle class), parents just don't know how much of a disservice they are doing to their kids, by raising them to be so entitled and spoiled. But mainly, just not prepared to succeed. It's sad. There is pride in living within your means, and not throwing your money away, like a fool, just to impress people you don't know, anyway. It's young families like yours, that are going to be better off, on the long run. Not the ones who make such a conspicuous display of how much they can spend, as fast as they make it. It's absolutely true.

@ceruleansworn The bills thing was honestly just a mess-up at first! When we were setting up our electricity, we accidentally paid two months instead of one thinking we needed a deposit. They just credit it to our account and we keep putting it back on. We decided it was a good system so we did everything like that except for our cable/internet. We still treat them like they're due, though, so we don't spend money when we don't need to. Honestly, I learned a lot about money management from watching my dad struggle. He had to file bankruptcy and they foreclosed on our house after my mom left us bc he couldn't keep up with it all on his own. So when I started working, I did everything I could to save up my money. It took me 3 years to save up enough to buy my first car, but I paid $14k in full before I even left the lot. Was 2yrs old, only had 28k miles on it. I wanted a newer car so I didn't have to worry about possibly buying something that already had a ton of work done to it so I'd possibly save money in the long run.

My boyfriend does most of the needless spending, sadly. Instead of bringing leftovers to work, he'll just get takeout, he'll spend a few dollars here and there on his games, etc. It starts to add up. The only thing I really have is my Target credit card, which I owe quite a bit on bc we never caught up after buying all the things we needed for Isabelle. Once I get it paid off, we're only using it for emergencies like these. I'm also going to get a grocery card just in case something like happens or we go a little overboard and I don't happen to have an extra $100 in cash laying around.

@scurlock.mommy can you come help me with my money management? Lol. You've got a better plan than I do. I just keep one paid off credit card, and a pantry full of ramen noodles and canned goods, for when disaster hits. I wish we were a month ahead on all bills. That's nice insurance. You're pretty cool. I hope my kids are all as sharp as you, when they leave home. It kind of terrifies me, to think about. My oldest daughter is only 6 years younger than you, and has *a lot* to learn! Don't get me wrong, she's actually extremely intelligent... But nothing prepares you for grown up problems, like grown up problems! Hopefully she's a fast learner, like you. :)

@ceruleansworn Its okay hun! When I first got the text, I honestly did think that we just went a little overboard with our spending or something and it all hit us at once. It happens every so often. But i knew something had to be up because I've never had a transaction go through that didn't at least tell me the location (publix, PayPal, ATM). I'm just happy that I still have cash left over from selling my old camera, so we still have money for groceries until he gets paid next week. We also pay all of our bills a month in advance bc we goofed when we were first setting everything up, so we don't have to worry about anything getting shut off before we get paid again.

Wow. Good job! How typical, that the bank is going to assume that you goofed up, and not them... Especially that it was probably fraud *through the bank*! I am so sorry that I talked to you like you didn't understand basic banking practices. But how many people overdraw their accounts, and deny blame?! About as many people in prison, who say they didn't commit the crime? (lots).

Because they forget things. Or they feel too ashamed to admit a mistake. It's pretty human. More often than not, that's the case. Although fraud is more and more common. But fraud through the bank? I would *like* to think that's a pretty uncommon situation!

Someone picked the wrong lady to rob, though, in your case. You've obviously got a good head on your shoulders. You don't need better money management skills. You need another bank.

I hope they catch this person and they are charged with the crime and obviously never work in a bank, again. I wonder how many others were robbed, aside from you! But you deserve your money back, now. That's unacceptable.

It's the banks job to protect your money! If anything, they broke that contact with you, and owe you compensation. Look at what JP Morgan has gone through, because of their greedy schemes. And at least that robbery was done somewhat more legitimately!

Thanks for the update. I felt kind of swept up in your story.

What I like about this site is recognizing just how strong other women are, of all backgrounds and ages.

I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of this... and probably solve a few more mysteries and crimes, in the near future! Hahaha

It makes me feel really inspired.

Well I'm glad you are at least getting some answers, and it sounds like they are taking it seriously! Best of luck to you today!

Smh

That's sucks. At least they aren't making you pay. Hopefully they give you the money back later. Definitely would get a new bank.

@beebaby she also said this isn't the first issue like this! Several people have had this problem since the beginning of April. So I'd be looking at any new hires they have 🤔 I've been at my bank for 5 years and my grandparents have been with them since they opened and this has never happened.

That is the worst and they close your card. So ridiculous