Desperation!

**steve-in-kville** · 01-03-2009, 04:50 PM

I thought I'd share this here hoping someone has been through this before and might have a few last minute ideas.

Next week I am talking with a bankrupcy lawyer. I am at the end of my rope. I tried debt management and they just took advantage of me. I've tried dealing with creditors myself and it didn't work.

I owe back RE taxes. I almost lost our house but a family member bailed me out at the last minute. I lost a huge part of my income due to a business failure, but I still have the business debt.

It complicated. I don't care to go into more details online but would like to converse with someone by email. I don't know what I am gonna do but I am seriously considering turning my back on the whole mess.

**brenda67** · 01-03-2009, 05:02 PM

No advice just sending you postive thoughts...Things will get better...

**Jskell911** · 01-03-2009, 05:06 PM

I hope you find the solution that works best for you.

**redmaples** · 01-03-2009, 06:11 PM

if you are open to christian help/counseling check out crown.org
i listened to their radio program for years & they used to try to match people up w/ financial counselors in their area ..i believe at no cost
i don't know anything about them now, but their teachings have helped me a lot & after a brief visit to their site it looks like you might be able to hook up w/someone via email or live chat

i haven't been in your situation, but i think you're doing the right thing looking for help...
i hope you can find what you're looking for

**homesteadmamma** · 01-03-2009, 06:14 PM

Sending good thoughts your way.

**Debbie-cat** · 01-03-2009, 07:20 PM

Here's hoping it all works out for you!

**nic4549** · 01-03-2009, 07:28 PM

Have you ever heard of Dave Ramsey? He is excellent at helping people through tough times. He give pratical finical help. You can try contacting him. Go to his website daveramsey.com. It will give you a phone # for his show, and an e-mail address to ask him a question. There are also something he does called ELP (Endorsed Local Providers). If you click on one of them, you can get names, phone #, and address of people who may be able to help. I don't know how far into this you are, but this may help.
Also, look at the testimonials from other people. There are people who have had over $250,000 in debt and payed it off without bankrupcy.
I hope this helps. I will pray for you.

**frugalbabe** · 01-03-2009, 07:42 PM

I second the Dave Ramsey suggestion also, if you go on his website you can find the name and # of one of his ELP's (endorsed local providers) this would be like a personal financial adviser that has been through all of the training of Ramsey's philsosophy etc. And a lot of times these "advisors" have btdt so there isn't judgement just help. I am really hoping that you get the help you need it. I'm sure it is such a helpless, hopeless feeling.

**Michelle68** · 01-03-2009, 08:54 PM

I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time. You're in my thoughts.

**HappyMama** · 01-03-2009, 09:27 PM

Steve,

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I hope things get better for you and you find the solution you need in the next year. I agree with the Dave Ramsey suggestion also.

**Greebo** · 01-03-2009, 09:53 PM

I also endorse the Dave Ramsey suggestion.

I further predict that the bankruptcy attorney will recommend you declare bankruptcy. Kind of like predicting the psychic reader will tell you that you have a dark aura and need her help desperately.

Turning your back on it all will only make you feel better for a short time. Then it will just get worse. You cannot improve your situation by avoiding the reality of your situation. Don't try it!

Good luck to you in figuring out your path. If you want to talk in more detail about your situation, we are here for you.

**forHISglory** · 01-03-2009, 09:58 PM

I'm so sorry that you are in this situation. Crown.org will connect you to financial counselors at no charge. It really is worth a look.

**forHISglory** · 01-03-2009, 10:15 PM

steve-in-kville, it's me again. I just went to crown.org to be sure that they still offer the free counseling. They do. On that site, the counselor is called a "money map coach". They offer two ways of contacting the coach. One is by a chat room, offered on the site. The other way is to contact the site and they will send you the name and phone number of the closest person in your area who is trained in finances. It would then be up to you to set up an appointment. Hope this helps.

Here is what I copied from the site:
If you live in the United States and want someone to help you with an in-depth evaluation of your income, spending, debt, saving, and giving, you can meet with a Money Map Coach in your area at no charge. Crown's trained Volunteer Money Map Coaches work with couples and individuals, helping them develop a personal spending plan, apply Biblical principles of stewardship, build a plan to get out of debt, and achieve spiritual and financial freedom. There is no fee for this service. Crown offers two options for Money Map coaching:

1. Online Money Map coaching

You may chat online privately with one of our available Money Map Coaches at no charge. Chat rooms are initially available for 20 minutes per session and can be extended. You may submit another question after your session is finished, but we can’t guarantee that you will be chatting with the same coach. Depending on your situation, your coach may offer follow-up appointments.

2. In-person Money Map coaching

By Email Form:
Click here to fill out the form to receive the name and phone number of a volunteer Money Map coach in your area. Important Note: Please fill out all of the information on the form so that we will be able to locate the coach nearest you. Once you receive the coach's information, you will need to call the coach to set up your first appointment. This service is only available in the United States.

We do not give referrals to a third party. Over the years, we have found that if a person is unwilling to take this first step to true financial freedom by requesting this information on their own, they are usually unwilling to follow through with any of the work needed to accomplish that goal.
By Phone:
You may request an in-person coach by calling 1-800-722-1976. Select option 3, then option 4, and then option 1. Follow the instructions on the recording. Someone will call back and give you the name and contact information for the coach nearest to you so that you can call the coach and set up your first appointment.

If you are looking for help with investing, insurance, financial planning, etc., we suggest that you contact a professional near you or visit our Referral Services page. Crown's Money Map Coaches will not help with these areas.

**kahne_9fan** · 01-03-2009, 11:14 PM

I am sorry to hear you are in this situation. My thoughts are with you. Times are tough for alot of people right now. I pray it will get betterfor you and you find the answers you are seeking.