My first two late fees!

[Flamingo]

Hey, check it out! Today I got two late fees on my two Chase cards - $40 each one. Only took one day for each one. I have never had a late fee before in my life (well, not on a cc as far as I can remember). No APR increase yet and my Chase checking acct is safe. But I know I can look forward to 29.99% APR on all my cards soon.

I know its not a huge deal but it is such a weird thing for me - getting a late fee - I would have never have allowed it before. So strange a feeling to just let the bills "slide"....To me though, the late fees signify that, the ball is rolling so to speak. Of course, doesn't matter because I get my case number tomorrow and soon my 341 date and I will feel slightly "protected" in a way with that stay!

Funny how I will probably have no late fees on my Citibank account because the card I have waives late fees - don't know how long that lasts though - I think it only for the first 5 days but I have never had to find out before. I guess I will soon!

Ha! Ha! Chase and Citibank!

This calls for "I am now officially late" celebration tonight. Hmmm...
Ok, I have a slightly twisted in my sense of humor here.

Boy did you bring back memories...When the late fees started I felt awful because if the time we spent making sure things were paid on time and not late in the year prior to our filing. Prior to my hubby's job loss, we never had a late payment or bounced check ever. I believe one time we had an automatic payment made on an account and it was credited the day before the next statement was issued and that payment was intended to go to that statement period so that made the payment late. A phone call quickly took care of that as it was quite obvious what happened and just a timing error. So when those fees appear when you actually stop the payments is tough and makes you feel like all past efforts are out the window. But all that shall pass.

[time2restart]

I have never made a late payment ever (well, at least not for 10-15 years).

So, since my lawyer told me to stop making payments, it is VERY weird. Also, I'm just concerned that since I won't file until around July possibly, I'm worried about the credit card companies trying to put judgements and garnishments on my checking accounts. I hope they don't before I file.

[cantwait]

I'm sure I'm going to be the same way. Our first bill we haven't paid was Due April 26th. I have had about 3 weeks to prepare myself for not paying. Sometimes it's hard, but mostly it's not, because last week was my husband's first check with his new reduced salary. We couldn't have paid them if we wanted to. I'll be glad when these bills are gone, but I wish we would have done this before his salary got cut. We aren't going to have any more money for the month. His salary cut equals the min. payments to the CCs.Basically, it's a wash. We are planning on reaffirming our cars, and they will be paid off in 15 mths and 21 months, so at least when they are done that will help. (If they're still running. They have 130,000 miles plus on each.) I'm thankful that we will probably be able to keep them and our house. Good luck to everyone on here. This forum shows how the stereo-types of people who declare bk are wrong. Look how many of us never had a late payment. For every person who posts, there must be dozens who feel the same way, but don't post.

[Cheeseater]

I am having a hard time not paying all my bills. Watching the fees and interest rates skyrocket while my credit score plummets is difficult to say the least. Thanks to everyone hear I don't feel hopeless but I still feel lousy.

[georgiamommy]

that is awesome! I love your creative thinking!

[Seeker40]

I liked it when they would call me, I would have fun with them. Here was a typical conversation....

Them: Can I speak with Mr. Blah bah?
Me: Speaking
Them: This is such and such from Chase, I'm calling about your account
Me: Great!
Them: You are more than 30 days past due, we really need to get this account current, can you make any type of payment today?
Me: I doubt it
Them: Why not?
Me: Oh I dunno, I'm just not in the mood for that right now
Them: silence
Me: Actually I'm glad you called because I really would like it if you increased my credit limit.
Them: Sir, if you don't take care of this immediately this will be turned over to our legal dept for possible legal action
Me: You mean I might get sued?
Them: Yes
Me: So I might be on Judge Judy? Cool! She's pretty hot, dont ya think?
Click

[queenfluff]

I liked it when they would call me, I would have fun with them. Here was a typical conversation....

Them: Can I speak with Mr. Blah bah?
Me: Speaking
Them: This is such and such from Chase, I'm calling about your account
Me: Great!
Them: You are more than 30 days past due, we really need to get this account current, can you make any type of payment today?
Me: I doubt it
Them: Why not?
Me: Oh I dunno, I'm just not in the mood for that right now
Them: silence
Me: Actually I'm glad you called because I really would like it if you increased my credit limit.
Them: Sir, if you don't take care of this immediately this will be turned over to our legal dept for possible legal action
Me: You mean I might get sued?
Them: Yes
Me: So I might be on Judge Judy? Cool! She's pretty hot, dont ya think?
Click

LOL! OMIGOD! You just made my day!

Guess what? Citibank had been calling me nonstop the last few days even though they are not supposed to as I filed last week. So, even though I was pissed that they were ignoring the rules - today I decided to pickup when they called and see what happened.

They just called like 5 minutes ago and I was surprised that the guy was actually nice and I could actually understand him (no Indian accent!) and I just said that my payment was late which was unusual for me (very true) and wanted to see if I had sent payment or if there was another situation going on. I told him I filed for Ch. 7 on April 30 and that they should have gotten the notice already. I asked if he wanted the case number and he said no just my lawyers name and number. He said he put it on my records and put me on the "no call" list and said he hopes everything works out for me. And that was it - we shall see if I actually do make the "no call" list.

Good thing the guy was nice because I got major PMS today and I ain't in a dealing mood, ya know?

I just read your post now - boy, that would have been a clever thing to say!

We should have a thread of clever collector call conversations. Here is what I think I would say:

Them: You are more than 30 days past due, we really need to get this account current, can you make any type of payment today?
Me: I doubt it
Them: Why not?
Me: My horoscope told me not to give any money to strangers today.