HELP! Find the best way2 handle Chapter 7

[IamOld]

Wonderful 1! It's. VERY VERY unlikely that old cut will pull ur credit...after all the only thing. You are doing is using and existing acct!

[JOBK]

It's up to you whether you reply to the messages or not. There's arguments on both sides. Some say to answer as many calls as you can, as it'd reduce the chance of a creditor trying to call other people trying to locate you (they shouldn't, if they KNOW they have the right number for you, but it doesn't mean some won't anyways). Others say to ignore them completely, talking to them won't help anything. As long as you have proper identifying information in the voicemail greeting (first/last name and address) and your situation has not changed (i.e. you didn't win the lottery and are still unable to send a payment) my OPINION is to ignore them.
The purpose of having a bank account that's not local to you is to buy you some time in case a creditor gets a judgement against you. With a judgement, a creditor can turn right around, go to any banks that are local to you, and tell them they have a judgement against John Doe and wish to levy any accounts he has there. Now, they could do this at any bank, but they're going to try the obvious banks first (i.e., the ones with a physical presence near you). If you have an account at an out of state bank, then it "MAY" be harder to find; you'd still have to disclose its existence at a debtor's exam, but you'd have some warning. Personally, I'd pick one that does NOT pull your credit (ChexSystems would be ok), as that's a huge flag to a creditor that you may have an account there (i.e. they'll see an inquiry on your credit report from First Third National Bank of Texas, and will know you might have an account there).
A prepaid card is a good option too. Many/most allow direct deposit, and will let you use bill-pay (though not free as with a "regular" bank account). I haven't heard of anyone having one of these prepaid cards levied. Look closely at the fees, balance limits, etc. to see if one would work for you.
I haven't looked into state chartered banks in DE, that might be something else you want to look into.

Wow! You're the the man!!! Thank you again for answering the questions I have. As I am preparing to do the out of town and walmart card account. The out of town credit union will be able to utilize the co-op system here in Texas for free (ATM-deposit/withdrawal.) I hope they don't pull the credit report from my old credit union dormant savings account when I try to activate it again. With the voicemail, I will go ahead and just ingore it for now since I left a completed greetings as per your instruction in step #10. Although, their message says, “they would like to discuss Solutions to my problem?! Thanks again so much for your detailed explanations and sharing your experienced.
Have a nice day and God bless you!

[JOBK]

Hi - are you talking about a BANK account? if you're in/filed/will very soon file Ch 7, none. If you're trying to avoid a bank levy a STATE chartered (SMALL LOCAL!!!!!) bank in DE may be what you mean...DE does not allow levy's of bank accts in STATE CHARTERED!! banks. (Bank of Rehoboth, for example).

Thanks IamOld... Yes, I was talking about dman's, “ http://www.bkforum.com/showthread.ph...ep-your-sanity “ program/book. I'm from Texas now but kept a $50 savings account in California and I could easily open a checking account there also free of charge if I sign up for a paperless E-statements. Currently, I was paying my monthly minimum online through Wells Fargo but now it's down to the very last and WF is charging $14.00 monthly fee. Later on, I will be applying for disability aid soon and that's the only money to put in the bank later. So, I don't know anything about bank levy especially if the account is almost nil at WF. What do you think of my case? Thanks for your input and God bless!

[dman]

Thank you so much dman you're correct!!! All I had to do was use the IE instead of Firefox!!! Works like a charm... now, do I reply to the voice mail messages or just let it go? What's the purpose of having an account outside of the state, again? Have a good day or night!

It's up to you whether you reply to the messages or not. There's arguments on both sides. Some say to answer as many calls as you can, as it'd reduce the chance of a creditor trying to call other people trying to locate you (they shouldn't, if they KNOW they have the right number for you, but it doesn't mean some won't anyways). Others say to ignore them completely, talking to them won't help anything. As long as you have proper identifying information in the voicemail greeting (first/last name and address) and your situation has not changed (i.e. you didn't win the lottery and are still unable to send a payment) my OPINION is to ignore them.

The purpose of having a bank account that's not local to you is to buy you some time in case a creditor gets a judgement against you. With a judgement, a creditor can turn right around, go to any banks that are local to you, and tell them they have a judgement against John Doe and wish to levy any accounts he has there. Now, they could do this at any bank, but they're going to try the obvious banks first (i.e., the ones with a physical presence near you). If you have an account at an out of state bank, then it "MAY" be harder to find; you'd still have to disclose its existence at a debtor's exam, but you'd have some warning. Personally, I'd pick one that does NOT pull your credit (ChexSystems would be ok), as that's a huge flag to a creditor that you may have an account there (i.e. they'll see an inquiry on your credit report from First Third National Bank of Texas, and will know you might have an account there).

A prepaid card is a good option too. Many/most allow direct deposit, and will let you use bill-pay (though not free as with a "regular" bank account). I haven't heard of anyone having one of these prepaid cards levied. Look closely at the fees, balance limits, etc. to see if one would work for you.

I haven't looked into state chartered banks in DE, that might be something else you want to look into.

[IamOld]

Thank you so much dman you're correct!!! All I had to do was use the IE instead of Firefox!!! Works like a charm... now, do I reply to the voice mail messages or just let it go? What's the purpose of having an account outside of the state, again? Have a good day or night!

Hi - are you talking about a BANK account? if you're in/filed/will very soon file Ch 7, none. If you're trying to avoid a bank levy a STATE chartered (SMALL LOCAL!!!!!) bank in DE may be what you mean...DE does not allow levy's of bank accts in STATE CHARTERED!! banks. (Bank of Rehoboth, for example).

[JOBK]

Thank you so much dman you're correct!!! All I had to do was use the IE instead of Firefox!!! Works like a charm... now, do I reply to the voice mail messages or just let it go? What's the purpose of having an account outside of the state, again? Have a good day or night!

[dman]

Oh, by the way, I tried to call out from my new Gmail/GV and got this message “Please download the voice plugin to make a call” but I downloaded it and installed it properly but it's still wasn't able to call out? So, with that said, I probably don't want to call my creditor using my sister's cell anyway. Thanks in advance for your reply and many thanks for the “12-STEP” the best – a lot of reading but good reading! God bless you!

Lots of people have the same issue, and the error message isn't always that useful. Make sure you're using a 32bit version of the browser. For internet explorer, go to the Help menu and select About Internet Explorer; right after the version information, if it says 64-bit Edition, then the GV plugin will NOT work on that browser. Simple solution, try it in the 32-bit version, or in Firefox (it's awfully hard to find a 64-bit build of Firefox). Even if IE is the 32-bit version, if it's not working I'd try in a different browser (like Firefox or Chrome). Of course, when in doubt, reboot (even if it doesn't require a reboot, sometimes it needs one).

You can also dial in to your GV number. So dial your GV number from any phone, when your voicemail greeting picks up, press the # key. It'll ask for your four digit PIN, enter that. Once it gives you the menu of things to do, select the one to make an outgoing call (I think it's option 2). Dial the number you want to call, followed by the # key, and it will call that number for you (and your GV number is what will show on the other end's caller-id). A simpler method might be to initiate a call on the GV site; click the Call button, punch in the number, and choose which of your forwarding numbers you want to receive the call on. When you tell it to call, it will first ring your forwarding phone number, you pick up, and then it'll dial the number you chose. Just be absolutely certain you're logged into your creditor GV number, that's why I'd suggest using the call-back feature in the call history (under a voicemail or even missed call there's a Call link, click it and select the number GV should call you at like above).

[JOBK]

You will be very happy to have GV setup to field those calls just be sure to leave identifying information on your message so there is no question as to who you are. As long as you identify yourself they will have no reason to try to find you elsewhere for the time being. Buys you some time and some peace from the calls. Its all about the prep work that leads up to the filing and putting your ducks in a row. Gives you back some control in your life and feel proactive. You do not have to make all the decisions at one time but if you are even thinking it may be an option to file then you want to start with some ducks in a row stuff. Good Luck.

Yes, thank you “D” I did what dman suggested on his step 10 book. I just don't know if they will try to be at my doorstep someday and wouldn't know how to handle it!? And if there's any other input you may have for some of the questions I posted above, please let me know... thanks again and have a great night!

[Drazil65]

You will be very happy to have GV setup to field those calls just be sure to leave identifying information on your message so there is no question as to who you are. As long as you identify yourself they will have no reason to try to find you elsewhere for the time being. Buys you some time and some peace from the calls. Its all about the prep work that leads up to the filing and putting your ducks in a row. Gives you back some control in your life and feel proactive. You do not have to make all the decisions at one time but if you are even thinking it may be an option to file then you want to start with some ducks in a row stuff. Good Luck.

[JOBK]

JOBK, I am not an expert in bankruptcy. I am a paralegal who works in a different area of the law. Even in that area of law where I have been working for over 10 years, I am not qualified to give legal advice unless I give it under the direct supervision of an attorney. What I know about bankruptcy I've learned from this board, my own research and my own experience. My suggestion that filing now could be premature is based on what I have learned on this board. Please do not take anything you read here as expert advice. Think of it as suggestions from friends who have been in your situation or have other friends in your situation. Even the BK attorneys who post on this board do not have all of your details. The only expert advice you should rely on is the advice of an experienced bankruptcy attorney who has reviewed your situation. This board is an excellent way to get different perspectives on your situation that can help in discussions with attorneys when you go for free consultations.
Awww shucks. Thanks. I actually don't think I'd make a very good counselor. I like to help people, but tend to be heavy on the curtness, especially in person where I don't have an opportunity to read something and edit it before letting it out into the world. I'm good at looking at a situation and finding logical solutions, but not so good at providing emotional support.

Well, LadyInTheRed no matter what you say... you basically started all these threads and I'm not quite a bit lost nowadays because of you! I'm glad you took the time to respond to my initial plea – but don't cha ever leave me hanging, okay!? : ) I'm so glad that you helped me and found ways to cure my psych whether financial or mental problems. You will always be the barrister of my quan! : )
P.S. I still have to use one more credit card this December for emergency, so I must pay one more minimum payment for this cc next month before I completely default on all of them, omg!?

[JOBK]

Also, stress can/does wreak havoc on one's health. Bankruptcy is very stressful, but only for a short period of time (generally, 90 or so days from filing and you're done). Perhaps filing now, and getting rid of this cloud hanging over you, is the best thing to do from a medical (not necessarily financial) standpoint. Let's say you decide that the chance of having a big medical bill at the end of your treatment is too high for your comfort, so you decide to put off bankruptcy. How can you keep from stressing out in the meantime? Well, I'd check out the sticky in the Collections section titled "12-step plan to deal with collectors and keep your sanity!". Highly recommended, and I'm not at all biased (well, other than writing the thing). Here's the link: http://www.bkforum.com/showthread.ph...ep-your-sanity! . Spend some time in that section, the bankruptcy section(s), and others as you have time. Come up with a game plan to deal with the collectors that is as stress-free (and conducive to your recovery) as possible. Good luck!

Thanks for joining in dman... So you’re the author of the “12 step plan to deal with?” Wow, great job... I really do appreciated it, that's a great source woot woot!!! LadyInTheRed showed me that link awhile back, too! But anyway, like I said, above “I received my very first GV message.” It looks like they want to help me out and would like to call them back. But first, I would like to know your input and tell me what you think I should do?

I have a GoldCard insurance through state but I still have to pay for co-pays and prescription drugs for less money though and I will probably pile that as well, if I don't get any help from disability benefits. Which I haven't applied as of yet, so much stuff going on plus the health issue is getting in the way. Thus, at this time BK is on hold and also no money to fund the BK process – all I have is internet access.

Oh, by the way, I tried to call out from my new Gmail/GV and got this message “Please download the voice plugin to make a call” but I downloaded it and installed it properly but it's still wasn't able to call out? So, with that said, I probably don't want to call my creditor using my sister's cell anyway. Thanks in advance for your reply and many thanks for the “12-STEP” the best – a lot of reading but good reading! God bless you!

[JOBK]

One small thing you might want to do for a while to help with the impending creditor calls you expect, is to research and setup Google Voice. Its free and it can make a huge difference in dealing with the phone calls. Everything is routed through your main phone (but they dial/have a google voice number which you give them when you update or change your profile with them beforehand) and dumped into a nice neat tidy space on your computer. You can listen to them if you feel the need, you can just read them and tuck them away. But it makes it so you can tolerate this process a little easier. Good Luck to you.

Thank you so much Drazil65, you're right very nice service indeed. I just defaulted on my first cc and exactly one week, today, I got a call at my very first GV, which I just setup a few days ago, same time with updating my phone number at CC, jeez they know what's up! The message says, “We would like to discuss Solutions regarding an important business matter. Please call back today at 1(868) 953-7906 to discuss further. Again, the phone number is, 1(866) 953-7906. Thank you.” Jeez, not even 5 business days yet, I want to call them back and explain... anyone, help? It looks like this creditor is in the same area (code) as I am now... what happens when they stop by at my doorstep? Should I not answer the door or what?

[JOBK]

Thank you mountanddo for your input and sharing your experienced. By the way, did you file for your C13 after you have defaulted on your cc already? And, did you inform your creditors at all, at any time? How many cc did you have? Thanks again in advance for your reply.

[JOBK]

18k is way to low to file BK. I have over 60K in CC debt and minor medical debt. A BK in my current situation would not give me a fresh start. You need to trust your instinct and decide accordingly.

Thanks again jacko for your input and looking like I will need to hold on the BK for now.

[mountanddo]

Mountanddo, well done!

It wasn't me. I don't give that great of advice! LOL