Hi folks, my BK/financial story thus far.

[NowImDownInIt]

I just filed Ch 13 on Saturday. It was not a decision I thought very hard about. I was between a rock and hell. I am 21 years old and was never really taught much about financial responsibility, but I've been learning most things the hard way. Bought a house in 06. I was just barely 20. Sold it 6 months later just in time to see it not go into foreclosure and I mean I literally closed on the sale the DAY it was set to foreclose. I wish I had known about Ch 13 then. Before I started having all those issues I bought a car in January 07. A 2006 Chevy Malibu Maxx which was the PERFECT car for my little budding family. I didn't mention that I have a 21 month old son, but I'm mentioning it now... I was trying REALLY hard to make it work with my BUM of a husband at the time, but being the sole supporter of our little family became really hard work. He left in October of 07. I've been struggling a bit longer than that... In the short time that we were married he managed to garner me 15,000 dollars in credit card debt. That's kind of hard to do when all your credit cards have $500 or less limits. But he managed. Last Friday my car got repossessed. I am a single mother that works full time to support her child. I had to have my car. My drive each day is 50 miles, both ways!! So... Either I pay the full 16,000 dollars owed on the car (which there was NO way that I could have) or I use the great financial tool of reorganization and fix all of those credit issues in one fell swoop. The choice was easy. I should be getting my car back today or tomorrow. Drive Financial is a butt to deal with or I would have had it back yesterday. I can't say that I'll miss their antics. I am really excited about the opportunity to deal with these credit issues early in my life. I can't wait to be discharged in 2013. My payments are $400 a month for the next 5 years. That's about the same cost as my car note with an 18% interest rate. I think this may be the best decision I've made in a while.

[oldrocker]

Sounds like you've got a handle on your situation. Feels good doesn't it? Also sounds like you've got the right attitude about it. It's a shame you are having to go through all this so young, but, on the other hand when you are 28 and all this is over with and behind you, you will be so very prepared for the rest of your life with the financial lessons learned from going through a 13. Best of luck to you on your long journey through life.

[NowImDownInIt]

Thank you. I hope that when I turn 25 and I start to see the light at the end of the tunnel that I will still look back and think that I made the right decision. I've been reading a lot of horror stories on here, but a lot of good too. I am just so excited that I choose to ignore the bad ones. I see God acting on my behalf right now. I know that there is good here.

[AngelinaCatHub]

Young Lady, you are on the ball. Yes it is good to learn young as you have a lot of time to reestablish your credit. When the “Bum” left, do you have child support? I hope so and if not, get it. He had a part in it and he just can’t walk away with his consequences as he has a responsibility to his son also.

Hang in there, you are an inspiration to us older folks. ‘Hub

[NowImDownInIt]

I have an order for child support but nothing has come from it... I actually had a legal order for child support through the Texas State Attorney General's office since before he left, but I haven't received anything. Well, I received a check for $1.85 last October, but nothing since then. I have a wonderful boyfriend now. He is very supportive. I want to file for a termination of parental rights on him but in Texas that is hard to get without someone else stepping in ready to adopt. I think that will happen soon. I LOVE the quotes in your siggy, by the way.

[AngelinaCatHub]

It is a shame not to get something from the Jerk. In FL you can make him lose his DL if he does not pay child support. Also you can get a contempt of Court and lock him up. I'm not sure about TX but I wouldn't let him off the hook. I doubt he would even exercise his visitation rights if he only gave you $1.80. That is an insult and should be administered vertically into an orifice of his.

[NowImDownInIt]

He hasn't even attempted to see him since October. He actually left on his 1st birthday. He did request to see him on Father's Day. LOL. That wasn't happening. In Texas they are really HARD on deadbeat dads. All of that you mentioned and more will eventually happen to him. I think he's already lost his license, but he turned the car I gave him into a heap, so I don't think it matters to him that he doesn't have a license.

[soleprop]

i am impressed and happy to see someone young like you taking life and making the tough choices to improve it. good job! hug your son, sounds like you're on a far less stressful path now.

[NowImDownInIt]

I think so. My family and friends can already detect it. They say I'm being nicer already.

[BigJohn]

What you are going thru right now is tough on you but I got a feeling once you get thru this, you will be better (mentally and physically) then most of us.

[justplaintired]

You are very impressive and will do fine in life. What a beautiful baby, you must be so proud. You are so young with so much life ahead of you, this is just a little bump in the road, now you can get on track and I bet the next guy in you and your child's life will be a much better man!

Good luck to you, you're doing great!

[NowImDownInIt]

Thank you for all the nice words and encouragement. I'll need a lot of that. It feels real now, btw, because I just got my car back and that is the first visual that I've had of what this tool can do for me.

[liz417]

Hi there,

You sound like you are on the right path now...Good Luck and stay strong and focused!

P.S. Cute pic...you have a beautiful child...