I moved to Oregon to get away from Florida heat and humidity.  I also needed to get away from my crazy family. But when my dad called to say this might be his last Christmas, I knew I had to go back.

As everyone knows, airfares are out of control now due to petroleum prices. That plane ticket to Pensacola, round trip with lots of connections, would cost $650.  I don’t have any spare money. I had to file bankruptcy last year because of problems with my ex-wife, so I have bad credit and no credit cards.  

I didn’t have other ideas. But then I thought about an auto title loans store I pass almost every day on Burnside Street in Rockwood. I wouldn’t go to that kind of place – I don’t want to stand in line to talk to someone through bulletproof glass.  But I did a Google search for “auto cash title loans” and “fast cash” and I found Car Title Loans in Portland. They said my 2001 Subaru Forester was good enough for that $650 – and I could get it in 24 hours. That was key: One day later, those fares all went up $110.  Because I could act fast, I could save some money. 

The online application took about 15 minutes – I did it while eating lunch. The cash was in my bank account the next morning, so I bought the ticket online through my debit card. Who would ever think that old vehicle could get me across the country?

Crazy family or not, being able to choose to do this was important.  I know it’s worth it.

- Ben B.