Keeping Paying CC's?

[roger_221]

I have a bunch of debt. Most if it unsecured.

1. Should I pay even $10 - will that help keep the calls away?
2. I had a recent cash advance and have to wait a while to file.
3. Should I keep paying on some of the cards in case I need credit from that particular company after I file? For example, I have a Sears card. If I was able to pay it off before I file could I use it again after I file if I needed - i.e. the freezer broke or something?

[keepmine]

Stop paying all debt you wish to discharge. A token payment won't stop the collection attempts.
There is no guarantee that a company won't do an account review and see your bk and close your card anyway.
Your thinking is way wrong about post bk emergencies. Don't dpend on a cc. Depend on savings. Post bk, the best thing to do is start figuring out a way to increase your income.

[JRScott]

I would not pay token payments, I'd just let it all go. (payments less than minimum will not stop their collection calls etc as keepmine says)

I would not pay off the SEARS card, indeed if the balance is more than a certain amount then if you do pay it off the Trustee can go back and take the money from them anyway. (I think its more than 600 dollars in a particular time frame)

If you had a cash advance you need to wait at least 90 days. 6 months might be better, but at least 90 days. (Also make sure to keep receipts of what you spent it on just in case)

[lrprn]

1. Should I pay even $10 - will that help keep the calls away?

If you are sure you are going to file bankruptcy, then stop paying all of your non-secured cc's and loans. Do keep paying the secured loans for your assets.

2. I had a recent cash advance and have to wait a while to file.

As already suggested, put as much time between the cash advance and filing as you can.

3. Should I keep paying on some of the cards in case I need credit from that particular company after I file? For example, I have a Sears card. If I was able to pay it off before I file could I use it again after I file if I needed - i.e. the freezer broke or something?

The chances of your Sears card staying active after you file bk is very small. The credit cards all share information about filers in a mutual database. Even if you don't list Sears, they will find out you filed anyway through the shared database and will cancel your 0 balance card. And even if by some miracle your card did stay active, you cannot take on new debt until your case is discharged and closed. If you need to use a cc for this kind of purpose, then you are defeating the benefit that Ch 7 gives you - a fresh financial start that helps you start to live within what you make.