Looking to file in about 6 months & beating myself up

[pdxgrrrl]

Just wanted to say "Hi!" and say that I'm looking to file a Ch. 13 in June or July. I originally filed a 7 about 3.5 years ago but I'm still having financial problems due to a ridiculously high IRS debt ($25k+ and they're getting aggressive) and I got into trouble with credit cards again. I also spent about 2.5 years working for a pathetically low wage which made credit cards tempting again. (The collection calls have already begun.) I've already retained an attorney and the plan is to file after the four years after my 7 have passed (i.e. this summer). However, I'm totally beating myself up about this. I'm in my early 30's and can't believe I'm facing BK yet again. I have no real assets to speak of, I live paycheck to paycheck, and I really thought I would be in a better place at my age.

Has anyone else filed a 13 after a 7 and felt crappy about it? Surely I can't be alone in feeling this way.

[dmc-2008]

Don,t beat yourself up! As a matter of fact be kind to yourself. This is such a hard decision to make! Good luck and sometimes I try to tell myself its only money, maybe that will help! Not always but sometimes! Good luck!

[angel7821]

I filed a 7 in 2003 and got into trouble with the credit cards due to my income decreasing so I am currently in a 13 with 3 payments to go and my plan will be done. Don't beat yourself up over having to file again. We all make mistakes and learn from them. File again if you need to and I do believe being in a 13 will teach you valuable lessons on how to live on a cash basis only. I love my "paying cash" lifestyle and I know I will not get into credit card trouble again after being in a 13. I have found out that I can live without credit cards.

[LadyInTheRed]

I think you do deserve some beating up. But, only a little and it sounds like you've done that.

Now, move forward and do what you need to do. When you complete your Chap 13, don't trust yourself with any credit cards.

[dmc-2008]

Lady you are probably right, honest! I think chapter 13 does teach you to budget while a 7 doesnt do much in that regard, it just wipes the slate clean so you can do it all over again!! 13 is a real learning curve, better be ready for it! I am sitting here thinking which paycheck will aford me a car maint. Daughter wants, doesnt need shoes and she is feeling the bite too. But that is realality, credit is not! Its not easy but better to learn now before family comes.

[tobee43]

dmc, i must chime in with something you stated here.

it is not necessarily true that those that file a 7 does not exactly teach you how to "budget" your money. one needs money to "budget". many in chapter 7's were once large wage earners and now have no jobs. it's not money mismanagement per se, as much as not having enough money, now, to actually create a budget.

also, many of those in 7's don't have the income anymore to maintain a 13. those that qualify for a 13 do so because they have the income to sustain the payment plans while many that had to file a 7 can not do that.

personally for us, money mismanagement was never an issue, job loss, illness contributed to our losing our home of over 30 years and jobs of well over 20 years. credit card debt had very little do to with it.

[dmc-2008]

Tobee you are so right, i didnt think of all that!