Bankruptcy was one of the most emotional things I've ever been through and I vowed to learn from my dumb mistakes and hopefully make lemonade out of lemons. Some of the changes (positive and negative) I've experienced are...
-When a strange number shows up on the caller id, I feel terrified and usually let the voice-mail catch it. If they don't leave a voice-mail, I immediately research the number online. Lord help if somebody calls from a restricted or unknown number. At that point, I have to break out the nerve pills. I am hoping this one will fade away in time, but it has been almost two years since my discharge...
-I got a crash course in fair debt collections, the law, etc. On the off-chance that it IS a creditor calling , I know how to handle them. Around six months ago, I received a call from a company who had bought a bunch of old debts and were hoping to collect. The debt they called about was discharged in my bankruptcy. Yeah, that guy hung up on me after about 10 seconds and they never called again.
-I get paid on the last day of the month and all of my bills are paid by the 3rd except for two that have to be paid at a certain time later in the month.
-I have a budget/bill book that I use to keep up with my finances. Before, I did not even open my mail. Now, it gives me great pleasure to check off the bills as they're paid. It makes me feel safe and accomplished.
-I have one credit card that is strictly for emergencies and online purchases/travel. It is capped at 500$ and will probably be the only card I ever have. Cash is king.
-I actually have an emergency fund. So, if something goes down, I at least have a good chunk of change to put toward it.
-I now have my paycheck direct deposited. Before, I would pick up my check because I was terrified that my bank account would be seized by a creditor. I had all kinds of paranoid thoughts and feelings with all the stress weighing down on me.
-The only remaining debts I have are student loans and a car loan, all of which I pay extra on every month so I can hurry and get them out of my life. When these are gone, I am throwing a serious party!
-As much as I can, I pay for all medical services up front and I am very vigilant about negotiating a cash discount. My dentist office gladly offers a cash discount because it saves them from having to pay to run your card. You never know unless you ask.
-If I can't afford it, I don't get it. Period. I live within my means and I think twice about every purchase.
The whole process was overwhelming, from the constable knocking on my door to serve me papers, the relentless phone calls and harassment, retaining an attorney, the court proceedings, waiting for the discharge, etc. As you all know, the stress is out of this world. I plan to do whatever I can to avoid being in that situation again.
Now realistically, I know that life happens. A large hospital bill or something could sink me at this point, but I pray everyday that I can make it through in order to one day experience true financial peace.
Sorry, I ended up writing a book.
So, how has bankruptcy changed you?
-When a strange number shows up on the caller id, I feel terrified and usually let the voice-mail catch it. If they don't leave a voice-mail, I immediately research the number online. Lord help if somebody calls from a restricted or unknown number. At that point, I have to break out the nerve pills. I am hoping this one will fade away in time, but it has been almost two years since my discharge...
-I got a crash course in fair debt collections, the law, etc. On the off-chance that it IS a creditor calling , I know how to handle them. Around six months ago, I received a call from a company who had bought a bunch of old debts and were hoping to collect. The debt they called about was discharged in my bankruptcy. Yeah, that guy hung up on me after about 10 seconds and they never called again.
-I get paid on the last day of the month and all of my bills are paid by the 3rd except for two that have to be paid at a certain time later in the month.
-I have a budget/bill book that I use to keep up with my finances. Before, I did not even open my mail. Now, it gives me great pleasure to check off the bills as they're paid. It makes me feel safe and accomplished.
-I have one credit card that is strictly for emergencies and online purchases/travel. It is capped at 500$ and will probably be the only card I ever have. Cash is king.
-I actually have an emergency fund. So, if something goes down, I at least have a good chunk of change to put toward it.
-I now have my paycheck direct deposited. Before, I would pick up my check because I was terrified that my bank account would be seized by a creditor. I had all kinds of paranoid thoughts and feelings with all the stress weighing down on me.
-The only remaining debts I have are student loans and a car loan, all of which I pay extra on every month so I can hurry and get them out of my life. When these are gone, I am throwing a serious party!
-As much as I can, I pay for all medical services up front and I am very vigilant about negotiating a cash discount. My dentist office gladly offers a cash discount because it saves them from having to pay to run your card. You never know unless you ask.
-If I can't afford it, I don't get it. Period. I live within my means and I think twice about every purchase.
The whole process was overwhelming, from the constable knocking on my door to serve me papers, the relentless phone calls and harassment, retaining an attorney, the court proceedings, waiting for the discharge, etc. As you all know, the stress is out of this world. I plan to do whatever I can to avoid being in that situation again.
Now realistically, I know that life happens. A large hospital bill or something could sink me at this point, but I pray everyday that I can make it through in order to one day experience true financial peace.
Sorry, I ended up writing a book.
So, how has bankruptcy changed you?
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