Its just a long row to hoe

[dmc-2008]

No matter how you slice and dice it five years is a long, long time. When they (we) say lots can happen, its not just money issues.

So far I have lost my mom, my daughters other grandmother, gotten sick myself, had crappy things happen at work, etc.

Now its getting to the point when I ask myself if it is worth it.

I was under water, now I am not, I had debt, in 2 more years all will be wiped out. I will have equity, if the market doesnt tank again. I will then be 5 yeas away (omg 60 more months to count) away from retirement.

I hate the number 60!!!' Lol

We have to keep perspective, its totolly worth it right?

[LadyInTheRed]

I'm sorry for your losses and all of your troubles. But, try to keep the bankruptcy part of it in perspective. These things would have happened even if you hadn't filed BK. At the five year mark, if you hadn't have filed BK, you would have had these terrible experiences and STILL be over your head in debt.

5 years in Chap 13 is totally worth it! It feels so good to have no debt other than the first mortgage and equity in my home. Sure, there is no guaranty that the real estate market won't crash, but as you know, there are worse things than an underwater home with a mortgage payment you can afford.

Hang in there, you will make it. Stop focusing on the number 60. You only have 25 months to go!

[dmc-2008]

25 25 25!!! Lol

[spidge]

I agree with you both. Being so close makes me quite anxious that something might go south, but I hope I have gone through the toughest part. I won't know what to do. How does one live practically stress free?

dmc, I am saddened by your list of losses especially your own daughters. I have two young adult daughters. I do hope that you stay the course. In the end I think you will be at a point in life you have not ever been before. A fresh start as if you were just starting in life, but wait, now you have knowledge and experience to guide your decisions. Doesn't get much better than that. I do look so forward to that. It will be akin to the removal of a nagging splinter that I cannot find on my own.

So, dmc, do you have any big or small plans for after BK?

My very pathetic small wish/reward is a fair sized flat screen TV paid for with cash. We still have a tube TV that is about 200lbs. If things go right it will be just in time for the last couple months of football season. Sad, I know, but its not that expensive and is quite realistic.

[jmac]

I feel for you DMC! My mother had been battling 3 or 4 different types of cancer, i had just told her i was getting a divorce and had to do a Bk and wasn't sure what was going to happen, but one thing for sure i needed to get a new car before i filed. She flew down from idaho and was very sick i got my new truck she flew home and passed a few weeks later, Something i will never forget. My 60 months are up so i often think about my journey and the struggles and tribulations it all hails in caparison to the sacrifice my mom made for me, I usually never keep a car very long but this one will stay with me until it stops running.

[spidge]

Sorry for your loss jmac. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt story.

[jmac]

Thanks Spidge.

[dmc-2008]

Jmac your mom was an amazing mom!

[159515951]

Perspective: Millions of people routinely take out car loans for 60 months or longer. At the end of that 60 months, they have a greatly depreciated car. At the end of YOUR 60 months, you have financial freedom. There is no better investment than your financial peace -- it's worth it.

[dmc-2008]

15951 that is so true!! Today i went on Zillow to see some property for my retirement and if there is equity when this is done I will be able to get out of this rat race! It will be the best thing For my future! We got this. Its totally worth it! Thank you!

[jmac]

Thanks DMC!

[dmc-2008]

New perspective. I have been really stressing. Chronic illness, BK and a dead end job as you age does not improve ones outlook! But!! I have been soul searching and if I have equity in 2 years, I can sell this itty bitty condo and buy one in my home state. I can get a bigger country place and that will be my forever home and then it will all be worth it.

I day dream now constantly of what my life will look like! I know I have until 2022 until retirement but just the thought of it gives me hope that I just have not had in so long.

Fingers crossed my health stays well enough to pull this off. Thank you all for listening and your input!

[jmac]

Good thoughts coming your way DMC! It will happen.

[dmc-2008]

Today i was not well so I stayed home, inside and putzed where it is cool. I found a bunch of old bills that need to be shredded from 2011, and my second mortgage was more than my whole BK payment!

I remember now looking at all those old bills the helplessness if the situation, the not being able to see the end! I see an end, heck no its not easy at all, but i can do this! My hair has taken the biggest hit, as well as my car, but hey, what a few grays!!!! Two more years and no bills! Well Mortgage and school loan. I have been paying my student loan all along so it has not incurred interest!! Not easy!!!!!

[spidge]

I'm right there with you DMC. I don't know how we lived when the mortgage was more than double what it is now, add in the second, the credit cards, car payment, and growing kids.

Lately the wife and I have failed to communicate effectively and as a result have run our account to stunningly low levels making even gas to work and back a struggle. Frustrating how even a small lapse can cause so much grief, but that's when I remind her why we did what we did. I want to have some chump change in my pocket, and hers, to do the little things without concern of how it will effect the family as a whole. I don't think I am asking for much.

Hopefully DMC, there will be some more relief for you and the student loans. I think its such a shame that I know a person who is almost 60 and still has student, STUDENT!!!!, loan payments. Maybe if the US quits subsidizing tuition the cost would stop going through the roof.

JP