Still Here

We are now in our final year of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. It has been difficult to get to a place where there is hope. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel and hopefully for this last year, things will go smoothly. Looking back on the last four years, I have to say that I have been miserable, worried, humbled, strengthened, and cautious. Sometimes all of these things at once. This experience has changed me and I think that is the point of the whole thing; to change your thoughts about money, change the way you handle your money. It makes you slow down and consider where every cent must go. It makes you realize that no one is really on your side and that all you really have to rely on is yourself. Lawyers don't care, trustees certainly don't care and the government just wants you to comply and pay everyone back. My adivce to anyone starting a Chapter 13 is to expect to work harder on this than your lawyer, put your head down and do whatever you are told, slow down, try to find little things that can help you feel happy because sometimes things look very dark. You are not actually sent to "debtor's prison" anymore, but you are in a prison without bars until you have paid what you owe. Remember that and push through.