Balance transfers vs. convienience checks

[twuoo]

Which of these is regarded as the "bigger evil" to do?

I have one more thing I need to do before I completely stop using all my cc.

I need to either do a balance transfer to amex to free up some credit on a visa and then charge the visa, or write a convienience check using amex.

I really wish I didn't have to, but I have no choice. It's not for gambling or any luxury purchases.

Thank you for any help. I'm feeling so low these days.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

They are both equal .. a balance transfer is the treated the same as a cash advance .. using one of those credit card checks is treated as cash as well. You can't escape ! I applied for a credit card and transferred the whole balance of $10,000 to pay off another credit card .. I ended up wiping out the credit card I had just paid off by the next month ! I'm a gambler

Best of Luck, CMIYC

[twuoo]

Would I raise any flags if I charged say $1000 for shingles for the roof? Hopefully, that's not considered a "luxury" item

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Hard to say, but I don't think the creditor will come for the shingles! They'd rather have the money, how long before you file ! ? ? ? They say put 60-90 days (The longer the better) between cc transactions and filing !

Best of Luck, CMIYC

[twuoo]

Intend to stop all cc usage by end of May and then maybe plan on filing October or so? Do you think that's enough time to pass?

Thanks CatchMe, you are always so helpful and answering folks questions

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Honestly, its all a risk ! They say if you know your going to file and use that credit card up its fraud or whatever. LIKE IM GOING TO ADMIT I KNEW I WAS GOING TO FILE ! Gimmmeee a break ! Filing was on my mind way back in December 05 but I held off and was getting pretty lucky at gambling and able to keep up on my debts. Than I was able to gain more credit in MARCH/APRIL of 06. $10,000 shrewww WHO would pass THAT up! Especially a gambler! Of course my intention was to use the credit to try and win. Well I had myself a little gambling spree in APRIL .. so the story goes. When I went to my lawyer, we both knew the consequences, it was a GAMBLE ! Knowing that I may have to pay some NOT all back through BK, I took the risk !

You never know what may happen, some creditors are more picky than others! Even for the smallest amount! So whatever YOU decide, know the risk is always there ! Be prepared to LOSE ! I tell myself that everytime I go gambling and tell others that too. YOU HAVE TO LEARN to lose. I brag I hit a good chunk of money but I also "*****," I've lost a lot too!

Best of Luck and thanks for the "helpful comment," that was sweet !

Catchmeifyoucan !