29F, had about over $110k in loans – $60k in federal student loans and around 45k consumer debt (personal loans, private student loans, cc debt).
I was tired of finances controlling my entire life.
I grew up low income and was taught no financial literacy but I didn’t want to remain within that excuse forever. The truth is, I’m an adult now and it was up to me to take control and change my finances/poor financial habits or else.
So I researched, read stories, watched bankruptcy Tiktoks (lol), let go of any negative stigma (and pride bc what good was my pride doing for me anyways) and made a decision. I was filing. I was planning to file in Feb but my grandfather passed away so it pushed things back. I stopped making payments around then as suggested online and reached out to a lawyer. I was fortunate enough to use that money for a lawyer (paid around $2300ish in total – $300 something to file, $40 for both debt counseling courses, the rest to the lawyer).
I filed on 3/21.
My first 341 meeting scheduled was 4/13 but my zoom mic failed when it was my turn and I had to attend the next one on which was 5/11.
I was told it would still be 60 days from the first date which should’ve been 6/13 but I have no complaints!
About $45k consumer debt gone, just like that. I’m not as worried about the rest of my loans bc I can finally make payments towards that now.
I truly never want to find myself in that situation again, and I’m glad I learned about bankruptcy and gave it a go. This time will be different for sure. My credit score is already higher than it was before filing (high 400s and low 500s) and now it’s around 680 and climbing!
I’ve already got a card from Mission Lane, Concora, and Ollo to help me rebuild and I’m starting to save more seriously. Hoping to save $5k by the end of the year!! I wanted to pay it forward by posting and sharing my experience.
Bankruptcy can be the fresh start you need. Do it now for your current and future self! I’m thankful for making that choice and I’m super happy and relieved. Life seems more possible and less suffocating. I hope it can bring that for others who are interested! Wishing everyone the best.
submitted by /u/badaawaves
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