How did you spring back ?

Money is tightall around. And hope seems minimal these days in the wake ofinflationand thetrade war.

Between skyrocketing rent prices, rising costs, mass layoffs, and whispers of a loomingrecession— again — it’s no surprise that people are barely staying afloat. People have gone under, and more are living paycheck to paycheck. Yet, there’s so much shame wrapped around the idea of going broke, starting over, orgoing bankrupt.

And the truth is: you’re not alone, and you’re not a failure.

So today, I’m looking for stories of hope from members of theBuzzFeed Communitywho’ve faced similar hardships. If you’ve lost everything — drained your savings accounts, maxed out your cards, or had to file for bankruptcy — tell us what happened after. What did life look like in the aftermath?

Were you able to bounce back? Are you still rebuilding? How did you weather the storm?

Perhaps the financial fall was related to a business, abreakup, or an illness. Whatever your story is, it deserves to be told. And maybe it could even help someone else facing similar problems in their lives.

Your story might be the one that helps someone else feel less alone in this mess, and you might be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed article. Share your stories in the comment section below. You could also fill out thisGoogle Formif you’d rather stay anonymous.

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How did you bounce back?

Traders work at the New York Stock Exchange; one looks stressed with head in hand, while another observes a tablet screen

Gas station pump showing diesel at $5.099, regular at $5.099, plus at $5.249, and super at $5.399 per gallon

Person counting coins from broken piggy bank on a wooden table with a hammer nearby

Person at a desk, holding glasses and looking tired in front of computer screens, suggesting late-night work or fatigue

Will Smith in Pursuit of Happyness

Person placing a dollar bill into a wallet, focusing on managing finances