Boston Gal's Open Wallet

The financial strain from being unemployed for nearly two years has taken a toll. One morning she was rushed to the hospital for what was thought to be a heart attack or blocked artery, but it turned out to be chest pains from stress. Now, she’s also strapped with thousands of dollars in medical bills.

Every day is a struggle. Alcaron and her husband — who has had only intermittent work as an electrician — are living off savings and selling possessions, including two cars, a motorcycle and two boats. But they’re still behind.

They’re paying $1,400 a month for a one-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse in Camarillo. Alcaron is looking for a bigger place since her daughter moved in, but rents are too high and there are too many qualifications, she said.

“My biggest problem? Who’s going to rent to me for less than $1,500?,” she said. “We’ve looked.”