First, THANK YOU to all the members & contributors for this community, especially the attorneys!
I struggled with the stigma of filing Chapter 7. I learned that the stigma was created by people who are wealthy, and would lose if we didn’t use the protections of bankruptcy-and they actually don’t lose, because they write it off as a loss and get One Big, Beautiful Tax Break for it!
Also, I really don’t give a damn about the opinions of people who aren’t watching their credit scores tank or getting non-stop calls/texts/emails from debt collectors who believe in creating a sense of urgency and that there’s always someone who will loan you money to pay them.
My advice: DON’T WAIT!!! If you’re underwater, get the relief, as it’s a lifeline to piece of mind. It’s complex in ways, so talk to attorneys that will work with you. It’s nice not to be getting calls/texts and emails all day from debt collectors!
And the time went quick:
Jan. 31 (2026): Filed
Mar. 9th: “341” meeting
Mar. 10th: Report of No Distribution from Trustee.
May 8th: 60 day period for objections ended, no objections lodged.
May 13th: Got discharge letter from attorney, case closed.
Tip: Get a “Current” credit builder card before you file (it’s free), but don’t put any funds on it until a month after you file. That way, it won’t show up on your credit report, so its not open until you make the first charge. Then, use the time between then and your discharge to put money on the card, buy gas or groceries. You’ve already begun to get a positive credit record! By the time you get discharged, you should have 3 payments on time, in good standing.
Look to start accounts with “bankruptcy friendly” credit unions like PenFed. Get a small loan after discharge and pay it back. TIMELY!
GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY, BUT DON’T WAIT – TAKE THE JOURNEY!!!
submitted by /u/Majestic_Arachnid545
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