I've been lurking for a very long time, and the recent thread on bankruptcy sparked me to finally register to speak up. First, I want to give Berry a big hug. I know you have been through so much in the last year, and the important thing is that you have made it through the storm. I wanted you to know that through my many months of lurking, I have found Greebo's advice to be very helpful and not emotional. I think that can be hard to interpret the right way being in print with no voice inflection or body language. Speaking on a personal note, I wish I had found this site and Greebo's advice 3 years ago. You see, I filed for bankruptcy 3 years ago when, in hindsight and knowing what I know now, I probably did not need to do. I had an excellent credit rating prior to making this decision but felt at the time it was my only option due to a divorce and failed business all in one swoop. Due to my income, I had to file for Chapter 13. So, I'm still paying on it for 2 more years (5 years in all), and it is a thorn in my side. Yes, I have had to worry about finding a house to rent due to my credit. Luckily, my husband knows someone who manages properties and was willing to rent to us. I want you to know that it is a long haul. But you will get through it. I can tell you have made peace with the situation, and I know how that feels. It's like a huge weight lifted off your shoulders that waiting for an lawsuit (that may or may not happen) just piles on. No matter what, you can make it through this. On a side note, my sister-in-law filed for Chapter 7 at the same time I filed my Chapter 13, and she has already purchased a house within the last year. So there is hope. This isn't the end of the world.
That being said, I do wish I had taken the other road that Greebo spoke of. Having read the thread, I know his advice came from the right place. It just got a little bit escalated due to a misunderstanding. I purposfully look for Greebo's posts because he is a truthful, honest and knowledgable source for information. So to Greebo, from the bottom of my heart, thanks for all the information over the last few months.
Now what I'm doing now that I have found Dave Ramsey and from finding this website is like night and day. I just paid off my car on Monday a year and a half early, and now I'm going to be maxing out my 401k and contributing to my 8 month EF. I will purchase my house with cash when I'm able. I don't plan on using credit again even though I know I will never put myself in an upside down position again.
I don't want this to start a new debate, but I wanted to provide a little bit of input from someone who understands and RELATES to both sides. <hugs>
That being said, I do wish I had taken the other road that Greebo spoke of. Having read the thread, I know his advice came from the right place. It just got a little bit escalated due to a misunderstanding. I purposfully look for Greebo's posts because he is a truthful, honest and knowledgable source for information. So to Greebo, from the bottom of my heart, thanks for all the information over the last few months.
Now what I'm doing now that I have found Dave Ramsey and from finding this website is like night and day. I just paid off my car on Monday a year and a half early, and now I'm going to be maxing out my 401k and contributing to my 8 month EF. I will purchase my house with cash when I'm able. I don't plan on using credit again even though I know I will never put myself in an upside down position again.
I don't want this to start a new debate, but I wanted to provide a little bit of input from someone who understands and RELATES to both sides. <hugs>