Filing BK, Chapter 13, Was it a hard decision?

[up2myeyeball]

Ok, I'm in the process of getting chapter 13. I'm going over and over, calculating and recalculating whether I should go on with it. But my calculation is telling me I have too.

Have you all had the same problem as I'm having? For those that had already filed and or have been discharged. How do you feel? Do you regret filing or are you relieve?

[rrockinggramma]

I had to file a chapter 13 because I had filed a chapter 7 in 01 with my now ex. For me, I had no choice. I owed everyone under the sun and for some reason, even though I made ok money I just didn't understand how to prioritize my debts and take control. I was out of control. Once I filed, I felt born again. The calls stopped, the stress relieved itself somewhat and I am now almost at the end and budgeting is no problem for me. I finally figured out that the trustee payment and rent and utilities were more important than my kids needing those designer jeans and shoes. LOL Wow, what a wake up call for me. I have no regrets going down this road. I had no other option.

[Flamingo]

Ok, I'm in the process of getting chapter 13. I'm going over and over, calculating and recalculating whether I should go on with it. But my calculation is telling me I have too.

Have you all had the same problem as I'm having? For those that had already filed and or have been discharged. How do you feel? Do you regret filing or are you relieve?

I feel relieved we filed Chapter 13 although at the time before we filed and at the time of filing I thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown due to all the thoughts, "We should haves, what if's", and all the emotional turmoil that goes with being in a tough financial spot with no where to turn. I consider it a point in everyone's life where something major occurs (a life event) where it will change your life although you are afraid of the change. Bankruptcy forces you into a different lifestyle which, whether anyone wants to admit it or not, last for several years after filing, whether it be Chapter 13 or 7. It is on your credit reports for 7 to 10 years and even though most recover financially, it is still a stigma in your mind if you want to change jobs, get a mortgage or other credit. You live with a lot on your mind for a while also. But all in all, it brings the relief you need at that "life event" that you experience. It is your safety net. And thankfully, when needed, it is there. We would have had to sell our house and everything and lord knows where we would have ended up had we not filed Chapter 13. My philosophy in life and as I tell all my friends and family who confront me wringing their hands in doubt over decisions - "You do what is best for YOU and/or your family; no one else." Once you get past theh filing, you start to heal. It is not easy in a 13 but it is not the end of the world. You will get through it if you learn to live in a new lifestyle and learn to live witihout those credit cards as a back up. It's hard; no one will say it is easy. But you will benefit when it is all over. The fear is whether or not you are doing the right thing. At this moment right now, can you stay in the situation you are in or is there another way out? Probably not - so you do what is best for you and your family at the moment because a white knight in shining armor is not going to be galloping up your driveway this evening.

One thing - there is a lot of support on here. This is a wonderful monitored forum with a lot of experience and thoughts from what I have seen while being on here. Also, it's hard to take that first step in anything; but this step will put you in the right direction to straighten out your life.

Best of luck to you.