MasConcepts Incorporated

Hey everyone,

Five years ago, I posted about starting my Chapter 13 journey: link to your original post. Back then, I was active-duty military, dealing with about $80k in credit card debt, and just beginning a 5-year, 30% plan. I was scared, embarrassed, and wondering if this was the right move.

Today, I checked PACER and saw that my discharge has been filed with the court. What an amazing Christmas present! It’s officially over, and I wanted to come back here to encourage anyone who’s in the thick of it right now.

Quick highlights from my experience:

• I was active-duty when I filed (December 2020) and didn’t lose my security clearance or face any career setbacks. I retired honorably after 20 years in 2024.
• We lived in a high cost-of-living area, so the plan was probably more favorable than it would’ve been elsewhere (likely 100% in a lower-cost state).
• Made every monthly payment on time, sent in tax info each year, and my wife (1099 income) never had a tax return during the case so didn’t have to surrender monies.
• We had stable housing and good vehicles. When we moved (military life), the bankruptcy didn’t affect renting approvals at all.
• We weren’t house-hunting during the plan, so no credit hurdles there. Now that it’s done, thanks to my VA home loan benefit, we’ll likely buy in the spring.
• My wife’s credit stayed perfect, I remained an authorized user on her cards, and my score is around 740 now.

I know my story is smoother than many—plenty of people face harder challenges, and I don’t want to downplay that. But I hope this shows that Chapter 13 can work out well, especially if you stick to the plan.

If you’re at the crossroads debating whether to file: Do it. Life is way less stressful without that debt hanging over you. The 5 years flew by faster than I expected, and now I’m set up for a solid future—no more endless minimum payments or collections.

Right now, you’re probably feeling stuck in a cycle with no end in sight. Bankruptcy gives you a clear resolution date and a path forward. It’ll be tough at times, but no tougher than staying buried in debt forever. You’ve got this.

Thanks to this sub for the support back then—it really helped. Happy to answer questions if anyone wants to chat.

Merry Christmas, and here’s to fresh starts! 🎄