Hot Water heater needed

[quietsound]

I have no idea what the heck I'm going to do. We just declared 13 and our trustee meeting is on 1/22/06 and I think we are going to need a hot water heater and I have NO money for this and NO credit to even buy this. What am I going to do. I haven't even MADE my first payment yet.

[BK'd-Betty]

Could anyone in your family possibly help you?

I know it's hard to ask family for help - believe me - I'm 44 years old - never told my family a word about any of this, nor had I ever borrowed a penny from my parents since leaving their home at age 19.

During our BK process we ran into a snag and needed $1,000 FAST. I didn't want to tell my mother about our situation because I knew she'd freak, give me a 3 month long lecture, tell the rest of the family and tell me she told me so (she always said I should do basket weaving as I would never amount to much anyway).

Sooooooooooo, as you can see - going to my mother was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but it was necessary - and guess what? My mom surprised me - not only did she send me the money that day - she told me not to worry about paying back - and she was VERY sympathetic to our situation.

You could have pushed me over with a feather.

Family will surprise you sometimes - is there anyone you could lean on?

I have no idea what the heck I'm going to do. We just declared 13 and our trustee meeting is on 1/22/06 and I think we are going to need a hot water heater and I have NO money for this and NO credit to even buy this. What am I going to do. I haven't even MADE my first payment yet.

[aveda6]

I truly wish you the best in your situation. Unfortunately I don't have any suggestions as I'm just starting this process and just starting to learn, but what you're talking about is exactly what I am freaking out about. The unexpected expenses are my worst nightmare. My only suggestion was asking family and friends, and even that can be a stretch.

jim

[FilingOnMyOwn]

I would check around with your family, a water heater install is a relatively easy job for any mechanically inclined guy, and you can get them brand new in the 100-200 range.

[HHM]

I would check around with your family, a water heater install is a relatively easy job for any mechanically inclined guy, and you can get them brand new in the 100-200 range.

I have to agree, this is something you can probably do on your own (unless, perhaps, if the house is really old or something), but all you have to do is make a couple water connections and one gas connections (and possibly a vent connection). If you can hook up your computer, attache mouse, keyboard, monitors, speakers, etc, you can probably manage a water heater install. The hardest part will be lugging it around. Also, you do a google search for "How to install a water heater" and will find something useful in the first page of results.

At the very least, it sounds like you can limp by for a little longer with your existing heater, thus, this will be a good opportunity to put your budget to the test and see where you can reasonably cut on your discretionary spending (i.e. groceries), and start saving a little for the new water heater. Have you made cuts in other areas i.e., reduced your Cable TV to the basic package, reduced your interest access to the basic package, reduced car insurance to the minimum, etc etc. In a chapter 13, every little bit counts. There are some good post around this forum about how to stretch your dollar.

As for a plan of action, I would go out this weekend and price water heaters so that way you know what you are in for. Then, use that price as a goal, and see what you can cut in the coming weeks to try an save up the money.

Finally, you may have to get in touch with family members to assist you.

[quietsound]

I'm a woman who has lupus and cannot lug a 40 gal gas hot water heater on my back and carry it up the steps to the attic and the pulldown stairs to get to this. i would never mess with GAS ....as far as the budget, everything is cut down to the bone.

[BKOnce]

Gas and water lines installed in the attic (roof of house)? That's very dangerous & bad for any old house design by that way! Easy fire and easy water leaking down ceiling too. Difficult maintenance is another issue. Maybe the house does not have a basement for those I think?

[lrprn]

I'm a woman who has lupus and cannot lug a 40 gal gas hot water heater on my back and carry it up the steps to the attic and the pulldown stairs to get to this. i would never mess with GAS ....as far as the budget, everything is cut down to the bone.

It's very tough when you are dealing with chronic health issues on top of Ch 13 - so sorry to hear that's the case for you, quietsound.

If family help isn't an option, search online for barter clubs in your area. Depending on what skills you can offer in return for help installing a water heater, that could be a money-saving solution.

Another option is to contact a local plumber who may have a perfectly good water heater that was removed from another house that you can purchase - that would save a fair amount of the purchase price of a new one. The plumber may even be willing to set up a payment plan for the heater plus installation if you explain your circumstances. You never know what's possible until you give it a try.

If you are a member of a religious organization, often there will be people willing to help with installing your water heater as well.

Just some thoughts for you to ponder - hopefully one will work or give you another idea to pursue.

[Gone to Texas]

Another suggestion is Craig's List:

https://www.craigslist.com

It's like a nationwide classified ad. I use it all the time for home repair stuff.