Transaction reviews
After reading threw many peoples questions and answers, I find myself wondering how long one has to wait before he can file for a proposal or worst case bankruptcy. What I mean is it has been stated that the creditors look at any money you borrowed up to 3 months and/or longer from when a person files. I am a recovering compulsive gambler who borrowed money 2 months ago while I was still hard on placing bets. I am trying hard to fix my life and see the damage gambling has created over the last few years. 2 months ago before checking into Gamblers anonomous, I had seriously considered suicide as my only option to get out of this mess, that is obveously not a good option and I figured there must be another way to get my life on track. However I get the feeling that because I charged up credit cards prior to the last 2 months if I try to file a proposal or bankruptcy I will be a candadate for fraud, etc… Would you have any insight to this concern? I would rather keep going using one card to pay the other cards, to avoid any kind of legal complications, but that amount of stress will probably catch up to me again in a short time, and while I feel good about my life as being clean from gambling, I feel my bad financial situation could lead to more depression and feelings of giving up on my life on this earth.
First I must emphasize suicide is not the answer, these things can be dealt with. While there is no magic number in terms of the length of time one should wait prior to consulting with a licensed trustee, my advice is don’t wait. These types of things can often addressed when evidence of help has been provided (i.e. attendance at gamblers anonymous). The worst thing that you can do is delay dealing with the issue and fall back into old habits.
I know how stressful it is to be in debt, and I know sometimes it might seem easier to give up. Please don’t. Ultimately, there is nothing better than living, and your situation is surmountable with help.
What has helped me is (1) find out how much your debt really is and what your options are (2) pay small bits until you can act on your best option and (3) practice assertive and repetitive phrases to use on aggressive creditors: “I’m paying as much as I can.” “When I can I will pay you more.” “Please don’t try to shame me. It’s not an emotional issue; it’s just business.”
Be well.