I make $13/hr and owe $18,900...

[Sonic]

I feel for the person who made this thread. I'm in the same boat. But I figured because I'm young enough and still a bachelor, I better make a decision now if I need to file for BK. I'm thinking about my future and accepted the fact right now it's not that great, but it'll get better as soon I make the choice and get my life in order!

Because I work in LA and work in the entertainment field (it's fun but it doesn't pay well; long hours too) I probably going to be the 'apartment' type for a while. And I'm fine with that. If I have to get a new car...A used one is okay.

I think there's always ways to survive in my eyes. But it could be naivety speaking.

[tobee43]

InT00Deep, i'm certainly with thebajan here. you are a shinning example of what can be done with so little. (sorry this is a bit untimely).

it's always easy to say you MUST budget your money, or YOU ARE NOT budgeting your money properly. all could be true, however, one must consider that FIRST and FOREMOST one must have money to budget! by the way people forget good benefits are in truth; money. money that goes directly in ones pocket. example is if you had to pay for medical insurance now costing upwards of $500 monthly, but you job provides them, that is actual money in your pocket.

you have done an exemplary job on managing what money you make. i agree, if SS will allow payments go for it.the credit effects are this your bk is on your credit report for 10 years while delinquent accounts are 7. also don't forget the clock never stops with delinquent accounts. if you have an account that the 7 years is completed and it's been removed but you fall behind on another account the time starts all over again.

best of luck and i hope you are doing well

[InT00Deep]

I am considering borrowing money from family to pay off the social security. I will try to negotiate a lower amount with them. I figure the sooner I can pay it off, the sooner the clock starts on the 7 years. Would it be possible to get that item removed from my history if I pay it off in full? One site I came across from a quick google search said "You can also lessen the effects on your score by paying it off and negotiating with the collection agency to mark it as "paid in full" or "settled." The thing is, it didn't exactly go to a credit collection agency I dont think. When I deal with making the payments, I'm dealing directly with a social security department that deals in overpayment collections. I guess all I can do is ask?

[ValleYum]

Ask them to do: "Pay for deletion". It can' t hurt to ask. Good luck!