Of all those things you mentioned, I only have the cell phone, and yes, I'm one of those who couldn't come up with the $2K in 30 days.
Me and mine aren't getting a dime of help from anyone.
Still.
You have made a CHOICE to live as you do. I don’t know why you chose to live poorly, but - ultimnately - you made the decision to live as you do. Rich? Poor? That’s up to you.
I’m not judging you, but you have made a life-time of choices to get to where - in 2011, you can not come up with $2,000.
I hope you’re happy at least. Better to live happy and poor than unhappy and rich.