There is hope out there

[spender]

I had been in financial trouble for so long it is hard to remember. Bankruptcy was immenint and I didnt know the first thing about it. I lurked around this forum and read alot of what everyone had to say. You all helped tremendously and I thank you for that. I never really posted to much but read alot. I recieved my discharge papers from the courts today and am happy this ordeal is finally over with.
The most important decision by far for me was to get a good Lawyer. I paid alot for him close to 3000 but it was totally worth it.
The biggest piece of advice I can give to someone considering bankruptcy is to call as many lawyers as you can today and set up a free consultation so that you weigh your options and make an intelligent decision on what is right for you and your family. DO NOT WAIT ANY LONGER...... I waited and tried to avoid the inevitable and it cost me approx 25,000 in payments that I never should have ever made. Stupid stupid stupid..... I think in retrospect I felt that if I talked to a lawyer I was admitting defeat so to speak. All I can say is that when I left the lawyers office that day it was the best feeling in the world. I hope everyone on here has better luck in the future and gets through their financial struggles quickly.

[BKOnce]

Lesson learned... life moves on...

[lrprn]

Congrats on your fresh financial start, spender! Thanks for letting us know that the forums helped you - that's why we're here. Hope you'll come back often to let everyone here know how your rebuilding is going. Best of luck to you!

[redwritingmom]

Spender, I remember that day well and you are right, it's a huge relief to know you have that shield of protection from the creditors. I also understand tht it's a personal decision as to the "when." File too quickly and you might later wonder if you could have avoided it. Wait too long and end up like you, paying lots in payments that you could have avoided.

To those considering bk, I would say there is no "perfect time." What I can say with certainty is that it is not the end of the world, as perhaps your family, friends, or general society has led you to believe. You can and will continue to function, you are still you, and you can hold up your head with dignity, despite this small blip.

There is hope for the bankrupt.

For more on the character recovery from bk, see link for "hope for the bankrupt" under "Links" on BK Forum's main page.

[B12]

So right on wasting good money.

I wasted a substantial amount of equity in my home, and I live in a no cap equity state!

Problem is, no one THINKS about BK until all avenues of money are exhausted.