I was already learning to be frugal!

[dmc-2008]

Before I filed, for years I tried to get ahead on my own. SO o
I have learned ans live way differently for a long time! It was just not enough to pull myself out of trouble! But I wonder if it will make it easier for me than someone who hasn't learned to live within thier means before going into a 13! I guess my point is that if you havent changed your habits you will be miserable!

[lillymarlene]

After my Dad passed away 2006, I found that he had run the family business greatly into debt with mortgages on just about everything. At that time, I tried to live frugally as possible, but it was already too late, to save myself from bankruptcy for instance. I was constantly transferring one credit card balance to another and had no real plan to get myself out of debt.

But yes, I think my "practice time" of trying live as as "cheaply" as possible has made it a little easier to be in a Chapter 13.

[angel7821]

You sound just like me lilymarlene. I was doing the transferring from one card to another too. But when my income went way down I knew there was no other choice but to file.

[Sammie]

Oh yes, transfering one balance to another, been there, done that. The one thing that we wish we had not done was take a substantial amt. of money out early out of my husbands 401k, to try and pay off cc's. The Tax Liability was astounding. We are doing much better now 6 mos. into our 13. It is now a question of need vs want, which of course, it should have been in the first place. Our beloved dog passed away quite unexpectedly the night before we had our 341. Another place and time I would have taken out the cc and gotten another, now I am saving every penny I can. The both of you sound as if you are going to have a sucessful 13, and good luck to you. sammie

[dmc-2008]

Sammie sorry about your pet! That is what i was doing, robbing Peter to pay Paul and it was all too late! Now I am proud and more than happy to shop 99cent store cash!

[lillymarlene]

The Dollar store and library are now my favorite places So many things happen all the time where I would have thoughtlessly turned to a credit card, and now I'm forced to think of something else. I also really shop hard sometimes for the best bargain. Just this weekend I needed a plumber for a leaking pipe, and my boyfriend had O.K.ed the use of his credit card. The first person I called quoted $450... if this was years ago I would have just paid it. So, I called somebody else, and was able to get it done for $275. Then I didn't even want to use a credit card, even though BF never carries a balance, so I was able to pull the money out of a couple of checking accounts.

Sammie, so sorry about your dog.

[Sammie]

Thank you so much for the thoughts of our pet, she is dearly missed. Going to our 341 meeting the following morning was extremely difficult & it was the beginning of a brand new chapter in our lives. Thanksgiving my dh had an abcess tooth & our heating/ac decided to die. We shopped around and we were able to get an energy efficient unit for under $5,000. We are learning to live the way we first did when we were first married and together we will make it work, it worked before cc's and it will work now.

Have a wonderful day everyone. sammie

[ccmisery]

Sorry to hear about your doggie Sammie, that's just terrible to hear.

I am fearful of my payout which is unknown at this time and how my wife and I will be able to live, we can be frugal but food costs which I blame for most of my debt is my biggest concern along with rent which I suspect will be going up. I look at our CC debt and I really don't have much in material things to show for it. We did not go on vacations, much of it was food, dining out, groceries, car repairs and bits and pieces of things we bought over the years, not like our place is lavishly appointed and we own the best clothes and etc.. I am also paying my wife's insurance till she can find a job which is over $500/month since my employer only covers employees, I paid way less at my previous job if not a 1/4 of that. We have a newer leased car with less than 2 years on it and a old car that will probably not last 5 years. The unknowns and fear are starting to set in, but knowing I won't be paying off my credit cards in 30 years is somewhat of a relief, because based on the info they provided that's how long it would take based on what I can afford to pay on one salary.

I knew after my job loss, that my reduction in pay and accumulated debt = me no other options. Sucks since I wish I did this 5 years ago, all that money I paid in just went up in smoke. I do not even want to own another credit card, debit cards work fine for me except with some car rental agencies which is a PITA.

[dmc-2008]

Today is a fine example of why it pays to be frugal as possible ! I opened my electric bill and it is 270.00 for my 920 square foot condo! It is three times as much and when i called i got nowhere, then my 10 year old vacume burned up and needs to be replaced, its already been repaird once, then my washer which has been acting up died completelt after some terrible clicking and grinding noise. I will get a really cheap or used vac, i will shop for washer repair person, but i have to pay for electric bill! I freaking out but vac can wait a bit! That helps! No grocery for a couple weeks, living out of pantry! We can this! But it still scarey!

[Pandora]

DMC - have you looked into budget billing? I just got our electric bill as well and its the highest its EVER been in the nearly 6 years we've lived here, but our Co-op also increased their rates last month for the first time in like 25 years or something. Was still a shock to see the amount... thank god for budget billing!

Something you might want to look into.

[dmc-2008]

I actually did but I was fearful that rhe "adjustment" at the end if the year if I go over would freak me out worse! I dont like surprises! But thanx cause it might work for others!