Need help...should I file?

[drowningat21]

I am 21. I started out with a credit card at 18. Did really well for a long time and was even able to get a personal loan to pay for my car. I moved out of my parents house and in with my then fiance. We broke up and I moved around quite a bit after that. I haven't been able to keep a steady job...and the ones I have had were making just a little over minimum wage. I'm jobless at the moment.

I've managed to rake up around $9000 in credit card debt...and I still owe 5 payments on my loan...at $140 a month. (Around $700 total)

I'm behind on 1 of my credit cards and on my loan by a month.

I have no assets. I've been living off my cards when I pay them as I have no cash left over once they are paid...so there are recent charges on them. I haven't been exactly responsible in using my credit cards this past year...due to my hopelessness and depression...I went out to eat a lot on them. But a lot of the things charged are necessities like groceries and gas. (I buy myself things/treat myself to make myself feel better...something I'm working on)

I'm to the point that I'm so worried about things that I can't sleep at night. I've been extremely depressed. I have two roommates and one of them is moving out soon...so that adds to the stress. I'm clueless. I don't know what to do. Even if I file for bankruptcy...how would I afford the legal fees!? Would an attorney even be willing to help me?

Any advice?

[tinroofrusted]

First of all, don't stress. I am 23 myself, and got into trouble after divorce.

Immediately stop the pity party purchases... that's not helping right now. If you don't have cash, don't get it.

Next is this; I filed by myself. I didn't find the paperwork all that difficult, or all that strenuous. I went to the library, checked out a really good book, made copies of the paperwork. (Actuall I think I bought the papers for $10.00 at Staples) filled them all out by using the book and filed by myself. Yes it was nerve wracking, and yes it was scary, but I did it, and it made me feel really good about myself.

Also, if you don't use an attorney, you can pay the filing fees in installments through most court systems. I did this. I sent them $50.00 every two weeks until it was paid off. It worked out pretty well.

You sound like you are just over your head, and Chapter 7 probably wouldn't be a bad idea.

Better to do it at 21 than 41. PM me if you have any questions.