Hi!
Filed Chapter 13 Oct 2023
341 November 2023
Confirmed: January 2024
100% repayment
I was over 40k in debt. I only filed because I received a garnishment. It turns out that it was the best thing to have happen. I was so completely overwhelmed. I'm also the sole caregiver to my disabled/elderly mother. Thankfully several creditors didn't file claims and weren't allowed. The total I had to pay back was about 23k. I kept my car out of the plan and have been paying it myself every month. My balance for the bankruptcy is just barely over 10k right now. I realize that my journey could have been so much worse and longer. I plan to pay it off in September. I seriously can't wait. I'm ready to have this chapter closed.
About 8 months into the plan I received a promotion and bonus. I got to keep the bonus since I'm already paying 100%. The pay raise from the promotion made following my budget easier.
A few things I learned for what it's worth (in no particularorder):
This can't be emphasized enough- make a budget and stick to it.
Forgive yourself - this was so hard for me. All I could see was how much I messed up.
Look for ways to lower bills (after your plan is confirmed) I lowered my cellphone bill over $180/ month just by changing my service. I also lowered my internet bill and canceled my streaming services. I was able to subscribe to a few more once I got my raise.
Build credit as soon as possible. Check your plan first- mine allows me to have up to $1500 in credit at a time. My credit has gone up over 100 points in the last year.
Research and talk to more than one attorney. I wish i would have selected a different one but I only talked to the one. That was my mistake.
Thankfully I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Does anyone have words of advice as I'm preparing to get this paid off?
Filed Chapter 13 Oct 2023
341 November 2023
Confirmed: January 2024
100% repayment
I was over 40k in debt. I only filed because I received a garnishment. It turns out that it was the best thing to have happen. I was so completely overwhelmed. I'm also the sole caregiver to my disabled/elderly mother. Thankfully several creditors didn't file claims and weren't allowed. The total I had to pay back was about 23k. I kept my car out of the plan and have been paying it myself every month. My balance for the bankruptcy is just barely over 10k right now. I realize that my journey could have been so much worse and longer. I plan to pay it off in September. I seriously can't wait. I'm ready to have this chapter closed.
About 8 months into the plan I received a promotion and bonus. I got to keep the bonus since I'm already paying 100%. The pay raise from the promotion made following my budget easier.
A few things I learned for what it's worth (in no particularorder):
This can't be emphasized enough- make a budget and stick to it.
Forgive yourself - this was so hard for me. All I could see was how much I messed up.
Look for ways to lower bills (after your plan is confirmed) I lowered my cellphone bill over $180/ month just by changing my service. I also lowered my internet bill and canceled my streaming services. I was able to subscribe to a few more once I got my raise.
Build credit as soon as possible. Check your plan first- mine allows me to have up to $1500 in credit at a time. My credit has gone up over 100 points in the last year.
Research and talk to more than one attorney. I wish i would have selected a different one but I only talked to the one. That was my mistake.
Thankfully I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Does anyone have words of advice as I'm preparing to get this paid off?
Bankruptcy Wizard
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