My bankruptcy case

[malatesta1137]

Today I saw a US Bankruptcy Court trustee who was very nice and basically told me that I can keep my studio co-op, even though I have a $17,000 credit card debt that I can't pay.

I lost my job 14 months ago and have been surviving on what I can earn from buying and selling on eBay. I was an art gallery manager in NYC and thanks to Bush's failed economic policies (combined with his phony terror alerts that drove tourist away from the city) my gallery had to close.

After my unemployment checks ran out, I started using my credit cards to pay for food, gas, car repairs, hospital bills and other basic needs. The only job offers I could get were for $8 an hour jobs, that couldn't even pay for the commute. I had to surrender my car plates and I now only use public transportation.

I called my credit card companies and asked them to lower their absurd interest rates from 18% to a more humane number. They laughed at my face, as I were a member of al-Qaeda. I also tried to consolidate my debt with Cambridge/Brighton back in March, but they also mislead me. They took my money and never used it to pay my credit cards. I have asked for a refund to no avail, they laughed at me, again, as I were a member of the Gambino Crime Family.

The US Bankruptcy courts are not taking the property away from me because of pure luck. The equity on my co-op is barely below the maximum NY State law allows, so I am okay. But other families are losing their homes. That John Kerry is tied in the polls with this enemy of the people, George W. Bush, is mind-boggling. CNN is reporting that jobless claims raised sharply in the last month, surprising experts. http://money.cnn.com/2004/09/02/news/economy/jobless_claims/index.htm?cnn=yes

I beg of you, undecided voters. Please go to the polls and get this reckless leader out of office. If he gets reelected, we'll send our young to die in multiple wars, needlessly. The administration is already warning Iran. Please help, for the sake of humanity.

[MikeG]

1. Good luck. It will get better from here.

[rocktivity]

6. I felt lower than a snake's belly

the evening I left my bankruptcy lawyer's office after our first meeting. But when I woke up the next morning, it was though a ten-ton weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The next time I spoke with the lawyer, I said, "If it feels this good just to TALK about it, I might drop dead once it's actually done!"

:headbang:
rocknation

[shraby]

2. We're with you!

Hang in there..hope is on the way. The only way this administration will get back in office is if they steal it again.

[Eloriel]

3. So sorry for your misfortune

But that's a very powerful post, esp. your last paragraph included.

Best wishes for sunnier days ahead!

[brook]

4. Don't lose hope.

I lost my job and had a bankruptcy 11 years ago that cost me my house. I lost 1/2 my pension and all my medical benefits. I survived by selling many of my belongings and taking a string of low-paying jobs. I just had surgery that is keeping me from my present dead-end low wage job - have just over $1000 in debt left. I'm waaay over the hill, so a second 'career' isn't exactly in the cards. I get frustrated -even depressed at times - but consider myself luckier than many folks with more. I've got great kids, friends, interests that keep me going. I'm even getting ready to try Ebay.

I hope things get better for you soon - meanwhile - no matter how awful your day is - try to do something -go for a walk, see some sun, some kids, animals - anything that
makes you smile. It all helps.

[cap]

5. in philly people are losing their homes at the rate of 1000/month

in fact, the sheriff went to court to try and stop the process

hope and help is on the way -- ya gotta believe

[malatesta1137]

7. thank you all

for the positive messages. It's good to have DU as a friend.

[gulfcoastliberal]

8. Got laid off last Friday

Filed for UE immediately, so I'm part of the latest jobless claims stats.

If I didn't have the fortune of parents willing and able to help me out financially, I'd be declaring bankruptcy too. Hang in there buddy, best of luck.

[will work 4 food]

10. Lost mine too, on August 8th

This is the second layoff in the last three years. It took me 13 months to find this job, had it for a year and they did a layoff. AND it was retail ! This time I am less prepared as I used up all my resources the last go-round and then obtained this much less paying retail gig. I am building credit card debt as well as have one car payment and a mortgage, not to mention all the other normal type utility bills.

It won't be long and I will be filing myself. At my age, I will be near 60 before it is off my record.

Bush must not be allowed to continue his policies. Please vote him out. I, like many of you do not look forward to starting over.

[malatesta1137]

11. 13 months

that's exactly how long I have been without a paycheck. My advice to you is to file under chapter 7. You should talk to a lawyer, but if you don't have property to lose, all your unsecured debt (credit cards) is completely wiped out under 7.

And even if you own property and meet some conditions set by your state laws, you might get to keep your property.

[Fescue4u]

9. Best of luck and don't worry to much

I've been through a bk myself and worrying is worst part of it.

Heres a good board for support and questions...

http://chat-cards.com/wwwboard/bankruptcy/messages.html