Reached the Halfway Point!

[wd2005]

I just checked the USPS tracking site and my 30th payment arrived this morning. It's so nice to know that we reached the top of the mountain and now we can begin the 2nd half of the journey. I have to say, aside from the obvious credit hit we took, filing for Chapter 13 has been the best decision I've made in a long time. Prior to filing I had zero budgeting skills and although I make good money, I always seemed to be living hand to mouth. Being forced to live within a set budget has allowed me to save money and in the 30 months we've been in the plan, I managed to put enough away that we were able to withstand a 45 day strike. I work for Verizon. My savings are basically gone now. I'm down to just my "emergency" fund but if I had been the same position 3 years ago I would have been out on the street. I have now have a 3 year contract at work so I know I'll get through the second half of the plan employed so that's a plus!

I posted this because when I was beginning my journey I read so many other's stories here and thought "I'll never make 5 years, let alone halfway" yet the folks here inspired and motivated me and I thought I'd share my success. Hopefully in December of 2018 I'll be posting a "60th payment" post in celebration!

[dmc-2008]

That is a huge milestone! You made it! Tou are on the orher side of that mountain. Woo hoo!!

[justbroke]

We wish the same for you... a posting in December 2018 informing us of a Chapter 13 discharge!

A Chapter 13 is certainly a journey and I'm glad that you are able to budget and save. Those are the two most important behaviors required to stay in and complete a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Best wishes!

[sophieanne]

Congratulations for getting to where you are. You've come a long way and have learned the tools for success. The second half should be all downhill! Your note should be an inspiration to many.

[bobcat216]

WD2005, well done making it half way! I am 2.5 months from completing my plan. It seemed like the first few year flew by but these last 6 months are dragging!!! I have to remind myself to its the lessons learned through the journey not the destination that is most important.

Keep up the good work and good attitude.

You can do this!

B.

[spidge]

Congrats on your progress and new knowledge for your future. I was going nut at the halfway point looking for any angle to get out early, but in the end I had to finish the plan as set up.

A watch out is inflation. What seems to be looking good now could catch up to you at the end of the plan. So do what you can to make clear goals with future costs and expenses in mind so when you are finished you can grow again.

I wish you well.

[wd2005]

Just looking back out how scared I was and how uncertain things felt going when I met with my attorney its nice to know that as long as I stay on the right path, I can do this. Unfortunately, every single one of my creditors came forward and filed a claim so I'm not in a 100% but pretty close. The good thing is that the Trustee was good with the plan we came up with and my payments went up a whopping $10/month when confirmed. I wasn't asked to provide tax returns or refunds and my plan payment will stay the same throughout the plan.