The Stress

[em96]

I'm new to the forum and new to bankruptcy. My attorney should be ready to file Chap 13 next week. I'd love to know how you all deal with the stress. I'm worried about what I'll be paying every month. Worried that something could go wrong with the process. Worried about what the next 3 or 5 years will be like. Nothing but worries. How do I keep from going crazy. My wife and I are filing together. We have 2 young kids. I feel like my head is gonna explode!!

[mtngirl47]

Your lawyer should be able to tell you what your payment is going to be...mine told me in our first meeting--it changed a little. The stress level is really bad for you right now because the creditors are calling and you've decided to go bankrupt. As you read thru the forums you'll see post after post where folks are relieved after they've filed...and you'll see a common thread..."why didn't we do this sooner!"

Read everything in this forum and you'll get great advice on how to budget, and how to make it through the Chapter 13. Remember that the most important things in your life are your family! Good luck!

[tigergem]

What stress?

[em96]

Fear of the unknown I guess.

[tigergem]

It's just about living on a budget and living within your means, and paying cash for stuff instead of funny money. Not really stressful, unless you are addicted to shopping.

Some months it works out better than other months, but it works. No stress. Not really.

[LadyInTheRed]

No stress here either. I deal with BK in the way I deal with life in general:

Prepare fully for what I know will happen.
Prepare as well as I can for what might happen, in case it happens.
Don't worry about what might or might not happen if I have no control over it.
When something does happen, take a deep breath, figure out how best to deal with it and calmly and methodically take the necessary steps.

[needanswers]

Good advice. I have to practice this part.

No stress here either. I deal with BK in the way I deal with life in general:

Prepare fully for what I know will happen.
Prepare as well as I can for what might happen, in case it happens.
Don't worry about what might or might not happen if I have no control over it.
When something does happen, take a deep breath, figure out how best to deal with it and calmly and methodically take the necessary steps.

[em96]

Reading your all replies makes me feel a little better. Thanks. But, like I said its still fear of the unknown at this point. This is a new experience for my wife and I. I have to admit, it was a relief to "lay it all on the table" at the lawyer's office and know that we are doing something about our debt.