Ugh

Sorry to hear about that man. Having gone through two major unemployment periods in my life (2000 when everybody at Mattel got laid off, and the first 8 months when I was in S.F.) I definitely know what it's like to go into debt. It is not that fun. Businesses like CashCall are teh wrost, borrow $5000 now and pay back $20000 later. There are smarter ways to go into debt. If worse comes to worse the Wamu/Citibank/etc. loans that you probably get ads for all the time are sometimes not as bad as keeping debt on your credit card.

Honestly one thing you might consider is investment. I recommend Privateer Press WARMACHINE high-quality pewter figurines. The care and craftsmanship that goes into these limited-edition items ensures that they will only increase in value, making them a fine purchase whether you want to keep them as security for your future, or pass them on to your children.