maggie88 Tracker

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:50:17 GMT

I can feel you're predicament and all that you're going through at the moment. I won't say I'm the wise owl here who knows all...because I am not and to suggest something, may just not fit you and your case.

Yet It appears you may have to file bankruptcy. You don't have much of a choice, it seems your backed up to a wall. The attorney's can help you, at least get these people off your back in the meantime. Also, they may be able to work with you on a payment schedule or something. It doesn't hurt to ask. Call and find out.

Meantime, if your that ill and unable to deal with the stress of communication with the creditors or lawyers, you may want to ask a relative that you can trust, to be the spokesperson for you. ( It's just a suggestion.)

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:42:10 GMT

In Reply to Katie 22001

I'm glad that you are able to start out fresh and obtain a loan. It's different in each state and with each individual case. What was done to me may not be done to another; and that is all I am referring to. If you're working that is a big plus.

Don't get me wrong here...I appreciate the fact that you allowed me to see another side and how you can rise up from the so call bankruptcy flames like a phoenix.

:smileywink: I wish you good luck.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:34:58 GMT

When you go for Bankruptcy, all your credit is listed, whether paid or not.

Whether the company wishes to keep you or not is "up" to them really.

Usually a few will let you maintain your status with them to help you rebuild credit, but not always. It depends on the retailer and/or credit card company.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:06:45 GMT

I don't know what those 12 factors are.

If the creditor/creditors in the bankruptcy felt you didn't keep up your end of the bargain then maybe they may play a factor in how you obtain future credit.

As I see it, one such creditor is doing this to me as we speak. GM BANK for instance, has many entities in the credit world, or has taken over many of the faltering companies. I say this because every retailer has had or is affliated with them. Just the other day Pay Pal offered to give me a chance to have a credit card. But GM rejected it. I'm not going to apply for anything else because of this.

Other things, such as how you went bankrupted and why? In my case - why did I go on a short vacation before I decided to go bankrupted? It looked like I planned it all and left them holding the bag?

When really that wasn't the case...I had a death in the family - Yet I struggled to work with the BOA bank ..nothing worked. It was my last resort.

I am however, going to defend myself and hold my head up and not between my legs against people who want to make life hard on me. This is causing me not to get employment and also to find a place to live.

Re: Trying to Establish MySelf Again

maggie88 — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 21:23:10 GMT

Thanks everyone for being there for one, and for your help for another. I have taken the advise wisely.

As for credit cards and other things. I was lucky to salvage some things. I treat it with upmost respect and never overstep my boundaries. Today one doesn't know what the CC or these Banks will do and so each month I pay off my balances. I'll just take it a day at a time and let it be. Again thanks everyone.

Re: Trying to Establish MySelf Again

maggie88 — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 22:12:50 GMT

Booner72 - :smileyvery-happy:

Like that ...

Now for the things you mentioned. Thank you for that "Opt Out." I'm going to do that first thing in the morning. Plus the one for the telemarketers as well.

I've been getting junk from car dealers that are unworthy, old creditors that wish to have my business and mortuaries etc.

Credit: A few companies that were understanding kept me, like Amex and Target and just recently I got a Masercard. They gave me a huge line of credit. I called and told them limit me and they were glad to do it. So as far as that kind of credit. I'm fine.

I was told to get "secure" credit...I guess like a car or land or as you said a secured credit card? My husband wants to get a old car to go to work and put it in my name, I'm a bit leary of doing this after all I went through in bankruptcy court.

"Falling into a Trap" -

Well I paid off all debts before the bankruptcy. I just do not wish to deal with banks anymore and falling into their traps. That's what I mean.

Especially with the Bank of America and the traps they laid out for not so ideal clients, that at the time, and with their greed, thought it was time to give us a chance. We'll they did. Only they, the banks, knew that if something was to happen, we'd have no way out except to go bankrupted.

Everything was fine, I had been paying down my bills regardless, except them. The rest is history...

Thanks for listening and the advise.

Re: Trying to Establish MySelf Again

maggie88 — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:25:26 GMT

Yes I was venting and that I appologize for. The second answer is yes I want to know how do you establish yourself once this has been done?

What happened before is a done deal. Banks are higher and I'm just a pinon trying to salvage what's left.

What prompted me to get a credit report was two fold. First I was rejected in getting an apartment and the other a job. The other thing that prompted me was the fact after 2 years, I was rejected a JCP card. ( not that I care) But it was weird, I was able to get a cell phone credit. Anyway that started me searching, because you need the letters to get a report from the unions.

I seen on here, that there are 4 accounts that shouldn't have flags

3 are paid as agreed and one was closed down eons ago.

Everyone is right, correcting the reports is the first thing in line I should do. Second of all age doesn't matter...true. Lastly, I'm sorry I confused anyone, it's just I've got so much pent up frustration inside of me and just looking at reports and seeing all this negativity ...well you all know.

Question: How do I begin without falling into a trap?

Maggie

Trying to Establish MySelf Again

maggie88 — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:12:16 GMT

It sickens me to see my credit score so low. It also sickens me that Bank of America got it's way and ruined me.

Not only that, when I went to a bankruptcy lawyer, he demanded $4,000 upfront...and today he's in jail for swindling people like myself during a recession, people with foreclosures etc. Had to borrow from a 401K. to pay this atty off. Worst experience of my entire life. Left me sick and not trusting anyone.

I was told you can establish credit. Sure credit cards? No thanks. Banks...forget it... Buy a car they say? For what?

I'm 65 years old who is going to give me the right time of day now...No one.

BOA really got away with shafting the public and they got the help they needed, yet we the consumer never stood a chance at all. They laughed it off and took vacations, while the rest of us lost our jobs and had to eat it ...all the way. Digusted.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:37:12 GMT

Thanks Beamme up

That's good information to know. Presently after 2 years of my own, I am more choosey and think before I obtain any credit. Less to me is a whole lot better. :smileyhappy:

Re: Do you pay for FICO to monitor your score?

maggie88 — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:30:32 GMT

I was told you don't have to get it monthy, but you do need to check it every 3 months or so. Only thing is this...one needs to see all three scores not just two. This is important, because some organizations, like a credit union for example, wanted to check the score. Only they did not use the popular 2 that are here, they used Experian and they put out a bad report. Not negative, but stated there was no established history. So the person didn't get their 2.5% car refinanced loan. Even when they tried to correct the problem over at Experian, he was still denied.

So in essence of whether you should buy your score or not is up to you. I suggest you do and keep abreast of what is going on, especially if you are going to make a big ticket purchase. Knowing what is going on could save you embarrasment.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Sat, 14 May 2011 13:21:53 GMT

When you file bankruptcy the negative report remains on your file for 10 years. That's sad ...but that is how it goes. Usually after a year you can rebuild your credit again.

Rebuilding slowly credit

maggie88 — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:01:37 GMT

I'm 64, just off a fresh bankruptcy. Retired nurse. I wanted to see what my scores would be like. I wasn't surprised. I haven't established any new debts to get my credit going. Others have told me to buy a car, but that's not something I want right now. I don't wish to open too many revolving accounts. What other way can I get going without getting into trouble?

Would going back to school to train for a career and getting a loan be a wise thing or is this a bad idea?

Rather nervous in stepping into the arena again.

Credit -Loans-and other

maggie88 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:18:45 GMT

, I like to say be wary of going into jewlery stores this time of year. My husband decided to surprise me with a ring and he chose a reasonable priced one, $500.00. Yet he did not know my ring size. He brought me into the store to fitted. ( this is the wrong thing to do guys) When he did, the owner of the store, said oh she deserves better, and we all know where this goes. They checked his credit and because it was so good, decided that he deserves a set costing $2,500. When I found this out I was really ticked off. I went back to the store and returned the rings and got the $500.00 one instead. I don't like that when they push more than the budget can afford. My husband was shocked, but was glad.

So be careful with pushy sales girls who want to make commissions off you by pushing more expensive things your way and more than what you can really afford. It may look sweet then. But the bill isn't sweet, especially when the GEMB company charges 29.99% interest.

Online Banking Mess

maggie88 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:42:54 GMT

Ok I admit I was afraid of on-line banking due to the hackers etc. But once my credit union showed me, I really thought it was so easy and I began to become confident in using it. Saves stamps, not to mention trees.

Well my fears of on line banking were re-enforced in the past few months. I'm with California Coast Credit Union.

Errors began happening in the past month. One was a gas card bill, the other was a cable bill. My cable and gas bill statement for the month came in saying they were not paid, and that I was over due to pay immediately. The cable bills electronic check was denied supposedly due to lack of funds. ( not true) The gas card bill was paid to an account that was closed down.

First let me explain the gas card one.

The account was the wrong number, it had been closed down. Yet the payment went through to the company ( mobil who who is affliated with Citi Bank ). The electronic check passed through and the money debited out of my account. When I called both Mobil and my credit union, neither could explain what happened or why. So now the credit union put a tracer out for the electronic check, since it showed it was paid.

My question:

If the account was closed, wouldn't it have been feasible to send the electronic check back to the bank? So as the correct account could be credited and fixed? ( At least that is how I think anyway) This is still pending.

The second mistake was the cable company bill, and the credit union denying the electronic check because of lack of funds.

Angry, I go to the cable company with a check in hand to pay, they refused the check and I ended up paying with a credit card. I was then informed by the representative, if this keeps up, ( since this was the second time the credit union did this) they would shut down my cable.

I went over to my credit union ask them why they told the cable company I had no funds in my account, when I have more than enough money there. No explanation and denied ever doing this.

Needless to say, both entities passed the buck, neither would take responsibility of who made the mistake.

It's not the first time the credit union messed up payments. They caused my rent and utilities to be late. When questioned as to why, they had no answer.

It leaves me feeling that you cannot trust this credit union's online banking, even with the confirmation numbers and paying days before the due date, accounts are paid late or not at all. So I'm back to writing checks until I can find a bank I "can" trust.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:10:00 GMT

With today's credit market it's hard to either keep your score good or begin rebuilding your score after a chapter 7, it's only be a few months. I refuse any credit that is offered in the mail, especially those from car dealers who keep begging me to rebuild etc.

I don't trust the economy still, feel doubtful and never want to go through that humiliation ever again with a chapt 7 and have the creditor glaring at you as if you had a ball charging up a storm and decided to go belly up. No thanks. I'm going to chose carefully who I wish to deal with and limit what I have. It was too painful and I never want to feel like that again.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 00:17:46 GMT

No, they didn't! Technically, I suppose, a person entirely able to pay his single debt COULD file bankruptcy (though it surely wouldn't be smart). It's up to YOU, not your attorney!

No what I meant was that I wasn't behind on payments and yes it was my decision of course to go do bankruptcy. It was the attorney who told me that I had to wait a month so the debt could be deliquent one payment as they processed the case.

I had gone to a debt managment plan "before" I went to an the attorney. The debt management didn't seem to work for me. It was the same problem. I had no idea of what my income would be to state I could give them x amount of dollars. I didn't know where I stood for almost 3 months. Hope I made this clear.

Re: Bankruptcy FAQs

maggie88 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:09:10 GMT

I went to a firm, Pacific Law Firm to be exact, that have attorney's yes, but use paralegals to do their work. You do not see the attorney until the last day. You're questioned about your finances from the time you walk in to the time you walk out. I would say this is a mill so to speak. The paralegal is rude and treats you like a child. Has no time for you, will not explain things as to what exactly she is looking for. You almost have to guess and it adds to the stress. You see an attorney at the very last, providing he isn't at his golf game. He once again asks financial questions and explains the procedure. In my case it was a bit different. I only had Bank of America loans. I was on time and not late. So they had to make me late in order to do this bankruptcy. All creditors I had paid off or not sunk along with BOA.

Day of creditor meeting: I watched the procedure saw the person who was the so call "Trustee" he stated he was the FBI agent. Now I watched others with their attorney's walk through this with no problem. They're attorney's or representation spoke for them. Answered a few questions and that was all. When it came to my turn, I was ripped into for having the loans, ripped into for charging and then paying bills ( prior to my decision to go Bankrupted) I was told I had a shopping spree and then decided one day to do this. ( which was not true) I had no support ( meaning my husband was not there, he had to work that day and he was not in the bankruptcy) This Trustee so to speak ripped me apart as if I had committed a crime of sort. When he got through with me, I was so sick to my stomach. I looked at my representation, who was more interested in his blackberry than answering this FBI agent. I was very angry and upset. When he went to shake my hand, I flat out want to knock him on his butt. I ended up getting sick. This wasn't suppose to be this way. I paid $2,500 for what? To push some papers and be belittled by flunkie paralegals that need lessons in etiquette. Plus another $300 bucks to get this into court and never once saw my "own" attorney, only his friend.

I realize bankruptcy isn't a game. It's serious and beleive me a choice I did not want. I tried everything from trying to talk with BOA to going to debt settlement companies. It wasn't my fault that the economy took a nose dive, or I loss my job and my income was decreased. It wasn't my fault I had to choose between paying the outrageous $1,200 a month loan payments or pay my rent to live. It was a hard decision and one I had no choice.

At 62 the stress of losing my nursing job, the treatment I received from these so call ambulance chaser attorneys/ paralegals, that look more like the Grisham book "THE FIRM" rather than a business of caring for their clients.

My question is this...why what this FBI agent in the meeting of creditors and siding in with the BOA instead of listening to what "I" had to say? Or was this how it was suppose to work?

Re: Using Credit Cards Dangerously

maggie88 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:38:50 GMT

Hi Haulingupthescore:

First, it was a paralegal not a lawyer that was with me at this meeting. He was more interested in his messages on his blackberry than helping his clients. And the person giving me flack was a FBI Agent.

Well not to make lightly of age here. I'm 62 ...lol so I'm the oldest in the group. :smileywink: But I'm glad I'm with all of you regardless.

Ok on a serious note and about this question of mine. Having the money is no problem. I have the money and I'm always on time with rent etc. It's just that I was always taught in financial classes not to lean on credit cards for things such as rent and groceries. Yes most are responsible and pay their balances on time. Yet there the few that carry them over and it could get out of hand. The other argument all of you could say it that it's a great way prove you've paid. I totally agree.

It's not that I have a problem with using credit cards to pay for rent. My point is this....when things are not secure, meaning job losses and other insecurities this past year, using cc would be risky. That's what I was trying to say. Not everyone is secure and not everyone has their ducks in a row and well all of you know the rest.

I like the idea of a debit card. That was a fantastic idea. Simple.

Thanks Hauling and others...this has been an eye opener. I know it will get better in time.

Have a great weekend all of you.:smileytongue:

Re: Using Credit Cards Dangerously

maggie88 — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:13:26 GMT

That would be a better Idea in my book to use the debit card to pay, but these managers where I live are not up with that, that's a great idea though. :smileyhappy: It would certainly make life more easier and keep trees from being cut down by wasting paper on checks.

Now for the gal who said she's the youngest here or the oldest ....:smileyvery-happy: I think I got you two gals beat out. I'm 62 ...

Re: Using Credit Cards Dangerously

maggie88 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:58:01 GMT

I understand that most of you must do this type of thing. It's all new to me, as a older person it's risky, but I do understand what you're saying and how you could benefit.

To Robert--> I believe there is that option to enroll in direct deposit and yes they do take it from my checking account.

I am going to look further into this. It's not that I'm trying to be a stuffed shirt or anything. It's just I had a bad experience and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm more cautious about anyone dipping into my bank account today unless I know exactly what's being done.

It was a hard pill to swallow having to go bankrupted on just Bank Accounts, sitting in the creditors meeting and being chewed out like a child, losing all credit except for a few and feeling like a total moron. Couldn't justify myself, couldn't explain, didn't have the representation that I "thought" I paid for and when I left I got sick and had to run to the ladies room. I felt so angry that I couldn't defend myself and explain. But now I feel a bit better, cleansed out so to speak of all those revolving accounts that dropped me due to the bankruptcy, made me glad to be rid of them. Now I want to be in "control" and not have creditors in control of me, especially banks, Bank of America especially.

So I truly appreciate the advice given here. Maybe I shouldn't be so fearful of things and try it out and if it doesn't work stop it and go back to the old fashion way of paying via check.

I just think at times we are too free to hand over our private information to others in a world that is so untrustworthy today.