Stay focused please. OP has a legitimate issue, and while some frank discussion is warranted, evaluating people's opinions based on credit history is baseless and not helpful.
@ezdoesit wrote:
@elim wrote:
@ezdoesit wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:File for bankruptcy.
Over $20,000!??!?! Don't be ridiculous.
You nor I have any idea of the OP's income, debt obligations, spending habits, family/marital situation, etc.
They came here looking for legitimate help, not some one line BS about filing bankruptcy over $20k with no supporting evidence as to why its a good idea.
+1
Constructive advice isn't don't have CC again and how does that help him in his present situation? And he never answer why he has gotten into these problem now and in the past. Until he answers those questions then we could give better advice.
And for the one who wrote people PIF and just get rewards where did you come up with that because that certain isn't the majority of people on here and definitely not the general population.
quote me... "many of us PIF"
I never said it was the majority
I use my cards as charge cards. I don't pay CC interest.
I carry a balance for 1 or 2 months on 0% cards for larger purchases.
This keeps me from spending outside of my means while adding to my income.
Why would you possess a rewards card or make a bonus spend just to give it away in interest?
"PIF" is advice to the OP of this thread.
Ok "many of us PIF" what percentage is many? Also I didn't see you do a survey poll to see many of us PIF or have seen a thread asking the question. Most of the time people on here carry a balance. So just because you do something like xyz doesn't mean everybody does or should.The advice to the OP to "PIF is advice to the OP of this thread" makes no sense if he could PIF his 20k debt do you think he would be writing to ask for advice?Would you say you have good credit? Do you have an auto loan in your name?
I think you both make valid points. PIF is the ideal, but certainly not the norm (on this board or in society in general). If it were, lenders would be making billions less in interest fees.
I think what the OP needs is two things: A budget and a system of accountability. The first one is obvious, but two prior BK indicate someone who is not living within his means and lacks personal discipline (unless there is some type of family/medical emergency or lay off situation at play). Hopefully there is someone in his life whom he respects and can share this situation with, and have that person hold him accountable.
$20,000 is a pretty big nut to crack, but it can be done. I had well over that amount (not to mention a bushel of collections, charge offs, etc) and was able to work myself out of it without declaring bankruptcy. I took an extra PT job at OficeMax and later Home Depot, cut out most of my non-essential expenses and ate a truckload of ramen and hamburger helper! 
But I came out of it wiser and more disciplined. I also had friends and family who provided lots of moral support.
OP we cannot do it alone...so be sure to reach out to someone in your life who can help you through this.
