New Year, Better Year?

So far, the new year seems to be starting out on a more positive note than last year. I am happy to report that my Adsense  account has grown substancially and I am excited about that. I am not making tons of money, but my sense of accomplishment makes me feel so good. I have now come to a point where my blogging earns something almost everyday, so I am proof that it can be done, even by someone who just writes about my life and my experiences. Anyone who is considering blogging and using Google Adsense should definitely go for it! Other financial matters seem to be less critical for the moment, but I am still longing to find a way to get my family out of the stupid Chapter 13 by paying it all off at once. I know it sounds crazy, but I really think I can eventually find a way. In the meantime, I am going to keep blogging away and I have also found a new site that pays you to post. It is called List My Five. I haven't earned anything yet, but I believe it will only be a matter of time. If you want to check it out for yourself, go to www.listmyfive.com. Cheers for a happy 2011!

Thinking of Filing for Bankruptcy? DON'T!

If you are currently considering filing for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, my simple advice to you is this: DO NOT DO IT! Without going into the stupid, gory details of my own ridiculous situation, let me tell you a few things I have learned.

1. Do not trust lawyers. They may think their intentions are good and noble. "I love helping people like you get out of situations like this!" That is good, old-fashioned bull crap. The lawyer is there for one reason, and that is to make money.


2. Do not trust the initial calculations for the "repayment plan." It looks very "do-able" in the beginning, but, as in our case a $1200.00 per month payment plan has now been tinkered with by the lawyer and the trustee so much that the monthly payment is $6000.00. We will now be living below the poverty level for a family of six, but we will not qualify for any school lunch or other assistance.

3. Do not believe for one minute that anyone (your lawyer, the trustee, the judge etc.) is on your side.

4. Do not expect that anything will be done quickly or easily. Everything ends up in turmoil.

5. Do not expect that you and your spouse will ever be the same after this. It is an enormous strain, especially if one spouse has incurred most of the debt.

6. Try to do everything you do with cash only.

7. Pray every during every available minute that a miracle will happen for you.

If there is any possible way for you to avoid filing for bankruptcy (either Chapter 13 or 7) please, please consider it! Bankruptcy sucks and it is ruining what should have been a wonderful life.