People who went through bankruptcy

[HakunaMatata]

I've talked fairly freely with others about my financial position and my contemplation of BK. I may not easily disclose my emotions; although, I can talk numbers! In my experiences, I've been absolutely shocked by how many people have filed. My friends, there are plenty of BKers in the ranks (ranging in SES, shapes, and sizes...none are bearing big black "Bs" on their chests)! As BTS mentioned, BK is on the rise in good 'ole Michigan (GM started the trend ). This may be a contributing factor; although, many have shared BK adventures of yesteryear. The newcomers to BK seemingly maintain a more confident position while old timers tend to whisper their tales. I definitely think the stigma is breaking down and people are regarding BK in a new, more realistic light.

I intend to use BK chatter to my advantage. When a cashier urges me to apply for a new credit card, I no longer have to firmly decline while listening to the hard-sell. Maintaining a big smile...I'll simply say "oh, I'm bankrupt".

[backtoschool]

I've talked fairly freely with others about my financial position and my contemplation of BK. I may not easily disclose my emotions; although, I can talk numbers! In my experiences, I've been absolutely shocked by how many people have filed. My friends, there are plenty of BKers in the ranks (ranging in SES, shapes, and sizes...none are bearing big black "Bs" on their chests)! As BTS mentioned, BK is on the rise in good 'ole Michigan (GM started the trend ). This may be a contributing factor; although, many have shared BK adventures of yesteryear. The newcomers to BK seemingly maintain a more confident position while old timers tend to whisper their tales. I definitely think the stigma is breaking down and people are regarding BK in a new, more realistic light.

I intend to use BK chatter to my advantage. When a cashier urges me to apply for a new credit card, I no longer have to firmly decline while listening to the hard-sell. Maintaining a big smile...I'll simply say "oh, I'm bankrupt".

Saying that will get you out of the checkout line fast! I'll have to start saying that when I want the cashier at Target to hurry up.

[2manybills]

I confided in my sister and two really good friends at work.

It's no one's business.

[AngelinaCatHub]

Viewing and reviewing this thread, my hat is off to "Debtmonster".

I have noted the common feeling of assumed shame to go bk. So many people here, as well as myself, have preached the fact that bk is a business decision, not anything to be ashamed about. Being human (speaking for myself) I have made major mistakes. So far, our wonderful Country has allowed me a chance at a new start. I have learned and will never indenture myself to any person or company again. The debtor is slave to the creditor.

As we see our economy going down, those who cast that stone at you, may just be in line at their 341 one day soon.

The cliche': "difference between recession and depression is when neighbor out of work, recession, when you our of work, depression." When we are all out of work, then we have a bit of a problem.

Not to talk politics on this thread, BUT, our money once inflated, will not pay farmers for the food stamp program that we may all be going on soon. Mrs. has had four UC extensions, and I heard that they may go for three years. Once they run out, then what? Learn a trade that will be home used, and store up canned store-able foods and the Mormons have done for years. Best situation, you eat your food and save. Worse is you eat your food and trade. Only my opinion. 'Hub

[bkmaggster]

Viewing and reviewing this thread, my hat is off to "Debtmonster".

Not to talk politics on this thread, BUT, our money once inflated, will not pay farmers for the food stamp program that we may all be going on soon. Mrs. has had four UC extensions, and I heard that they may go for three years. Once they run out, then what? Learn a trade that will be home used, and store up canned store-able foods and the Mormons have done for years. Best situation, you eat your food and save. Worse is you eat your food and trade. Only my opinion. 'Hub

I agree, debtmonster is making a great comeback.

Some of these people who have been judgmental of me are stingy at at heart, that they cannot feel empathy for someone else. I am wealthier for my generous heart. If this happens to them one day, I will be an ear and a shoulder.

Also, I just learned how to can this past week. Pickles and Peaches. I love it. Who says the younger generation can't learn to do old-fashioned things!?

[backtoschool]

Also, I just learned how to can this past week. Pickles and Peaches. I love it. Who says the younger generation can't learn to do old-fashioned things!?

Me. I say so because I got a D- in home economics in 7th grade for starting a food fight.

[liz417]

Also, I just learned how to can this past week. Pickles and Peaches. I love it. Who says the younger generation can't learn to do old-fashioned things!?

With the rising price of fruits and veggies, I decided to plant a big 'ole garden and lots of fruit trees I saw a "canning and preserving" book this week at Costco and was tempted to pick it up I have soooo much veggies, I don't know what to do with, so I might as well start preserving some of the stuff

[bkmaggster]

With the rising price of fruits and veggies, I decided to plant a big 'ole garden and lots of fruit trees I saw a "canning and preserving" book this week at Costco and was tempted to pick it up I have soooo much veggies, I don't know what to do with, so I might as well start preserving some of the stuff

Liz, make sure that you are super careful with veggies. You have to can them in a very specific way with a pressure canner in order to prevent botulism.

Pickles and fruit have high acidity, so you don't need the fancy equipment.

[liz417]

Liz, make sure that you are super careful with veggies. You have to can them in a very specific way with a pressure canner in order to prevent botulism.

Pickles and fruit have high acidity, so you don't need the fancy equipment.

Ohhhh, good to know. Thank you for the info. So do you think it's worth it to can veggies?!? Sounds like a lot of work, maybe I'll pick up the book and read up on it. Thanks again.

[debtmonster]

I intend to use BK chatter to my advantage. When a cashier urges me to apply for a new credit card, I no longer have to firmly decline while listening to the hard-sell. Maintaining a big smile...I'll simply say "oh, I'm bankrupt".

I think people should say that whether they've gone bankrupt or not.

I feel like I should carry my credit report with me and show it to them if they ever want to play hard ball on hounding me to get a credit card.

I just ran my credit report yesterday and I was in shock when I saw how long it was. TONS and TONS of negative items.

Like I saw on here, I think that a FICO score should not define you as a person. I need to be a CASH MAN instead of a DEBT MONSTER!

Kudo's to those of you who decide to take the bankruptcy approach. You'll sleep very well, especially after your 341 meeting. Give it 2 to 3 weeks after that and the nasty mail and invoices should begin to die down.

I am in absolute shock every time I check my mailbox and it's virtually empty other than a piece of junk mail.

[DeadManCrawling]

When I first contemplated BK three years ago, I thought I would be a pariah. I was very wrong.

I have screamed my situation from the rooftops, run from neighbor to neighbor, told friends and family.

NO ONE has offered a negative thought. In fact, our situation has led others to consider BK and foreclosure as well.

I am, in part, responsible for what has occurred. An equal share of blame mus tbe assigned to crooked mortgage brokers who did not reveal all the facts, to banks who underwrote, and to investors who bought into something that was too good to be true.

I accept my responsibility. The rest, seemingly, do not. Thus the government bailouts.

As I have gone through this journey, so many people have made similar decisions, I feel vindicated. I now know at least 20 people who are considering or engaged in bk and forecosure.

I hope the rest of the nation wakes up and agrees, once they scan their assets and debts. I believe, truly, that we are very close to a tipping point that will be the end of unbridled capitalism in its current form.

It is legalized thievery and should be ended.

I have, at this point, paid $500,000 in interest on a loan for $320,000 for my home. I currently owe $400,000.

Something is broken. It is time to let the chips fall.

Then it is time to fix this so our children and grandchildren do not endure the same situation.

How many yachts have I bought? How many have you bought?

Where is the connection between us lowly peons and the elite?

There is none, except that some of us are at the same time perpetrators and victims. Our pension, IRA and retirement accounts probably hold some of these same bad mortgages and other debts.

I think we will see the worst times in history soon. I also think we will survive, learn from these things, and eventually prosper again.

It will be one hell of a ride.

And I am grateful for all of you on this board for showing me the way, and giving me a chance to share my limited knowledge and experience with all the newbies. There are tons lately, and I think we are only at the beginning.

I do hope you and your family are well tonight, and wish you all the best.

-dmc

[debtmonster]

I think the big problem stems from improper budgeting. If you have a checking account and now use your debit card, I highly recommend that all of you check out http://www.mint.com

You can set budgets and as you spend money, it will warn you when you go over budget on your debit card and send an SMS message to your cellphone and let you know.

Check it out and let me know what you guys think.

[COgirl]

I do think that the stigma of bankruptcy is much less these days and I've found more of my friends are openly discussing it. I still have issues talking about it and I too, as a newbie, find this forum unbelieveably (sp?) helpful.
10 days to my 341...and feeling much more relaxed...thanks to you guys!

[killinstinct]

I guess in times like these you find out who your true friends and family are, or if you have any. People are so incredibly judgemental, it never ceases to amaze me. They only understand their own tiny little circle of influence...

[OhioFiler]

Well, I live in Michigan now, where bankruptcy is becoming very common. Maybe that is the difference.... In nyc I think the reaction would have been more negative.

I don't believe geography plays in role on this mindset. I think it's more a function of the quality of your friends and family and your own attitude about your future. You are doing it right.