It’s been three months since I came clean with my whole family, and stopped trading away money I didn’t have.
Whew.
When I originally spoke with my father, he gave me until April 1st to get things figured out, or start looking for a lawyer. Well, I definitely haven’t gotten things figured out completely, but I have made alot of progress. Still a huge ways to go.
Highlights
- House situation getting figured out (should find out about short sale approval early next week), buyer ready to go
- Business revenue will be over 7K next month vs about 2K 3 months ago
- No desire to trade or use credit at all (of course, I have none to use!)
Lowlights
- No more fancy house
- Having to explain situation to roomates
- Will be living in office (or house sitting as much as possible!) come June
- 15+ voice messages a day. Kind of draining…
- Still have to tell a number of close friends…
To Do:
- Start selling crap. I need the money to make payroll and my 1K debt management plan payment.
- Keep working out. When I’m running, or playing a sport, everything goes away. I’m in darn good shape right now. Should only get better once my gym becomes my only source of a hot shower.
- Tell my closer friends. This will help my emotional state. I hate having to continue covering up and lying about my situation. It’s incredibly draining (especially after 3 years of it)
- Stay Sane.
Dealing With Creditors
I’ve gotten pretty good dealing with the creditors. I play super nice. I mean, as soon as they pick up, I’m a charmer. I’ll crack jokes, let awkward silences happen, whatever it takes to put the situation in my favor, and keep me sane.
Today I worked out payment arrangements on my two big business lines of credit with WAMU and WellsFargo. The WAMU line is 30K and Wells, 20K. Neither of those are in my debt management plan, and so I have to work them out on my own. I’m making half payment to each next week (need to sell crap!), $220 to Wells (actually already made today) and $295 to WAMU.
I’ve learned that sometimes saying nothing is best when talking with the debt collector types. As long as you are OK with silence, it can really help. Often they (especially if you are being quite nice) will outright tell you the best option for you to stay out of the next level of collections (or lawyers!).
Emotions
I was really down last night. I almost broke down in front of one of my good friends. She doesn’t know anything yet, and I can’t brake down in front of her…at least not yet.
I’m really up and down lately. I’m used to being such an even keel…(and usually very on the positive side). I don’t like feeling down, I have so many good things in my life…
OK, enough downer talk. Back to work….(need to get to 10K a month in revenue!!! I’m so close…)
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
There is a point where you can feel the corner turn, because suddenly you have a little bit of cash, that buys a little bit of leeway. At that point, all your creditors will need to be a little nicer, because you will be able to negotiate terms. It sounds like you are doing so. keep doing so. Lean hard on the spreadsheet and keep everyone at bay, until you get that little bit of leverage that lets you kick back. And keep exercising no matter what.
you can do it.
i believe in you!
Hang in there buddy.
First! (to admitting to breaking down anyways!). Hey listen – women like a little vulnerability in a man… it’s ok to show your human side. Last time I did that I got lucky if you know what I mean
As always peace and good luck…
“Keep working out.” Well, you are way ahead of me on that front!
“I play super nice.” Good strategy. The creditors probably have a protocol they are supposed to follow, but personally, if I think someone is rude or unappreciative, I tend not to cut them any breaks.
“I almost broke down in front of one of my good friends.” Don’t bottle it up–I think breaking down is understandable with what you’re going through. That said, unlike PMSPMS, the last time I did that, I got conned, so try not to be completely vulnerable with someone who is potentially more than just a friend if you can help it.
hey keep your head up man, it’s kind of sad that casey of facingforclosure fame (or should i say infamy) is getting more attention for being a jackass while you’re definitely on the right track back to salvation.
umm…it’s always darker before the dawn?
It’s seems to me that you are doing really well. It must be wearing on you though – you seem quite stressed. But it will get better! You are taking positive actions that will get results.
Hi:
Glad to read you are thinking of other options than living out of the office…..
Glad to read your sales are increasing. Keep it up. Make a goal for your self – $10K by July; $15K by December…. and keep going.
Debt Kid,
Seriously, get a paypal account up. I am certain that regular visitors and your entire cheering section over at ExurbanNation would gladly help you with groceries. I know I would, if I could.
I am impressed! Your business revenue really increased from 2k to 7k in 3 months? That is fantastic. One suggestion, please don’t say “sell crap”. While “crap” may have some values to say, a farmer, it probably has negative values to most people. Imagine if one of your clients/buyers heard you “sell crap”, they may not buy from you again.
Stay on course. I think the dealing with creditors have enhanced your negotiating skill. A skill that many people do not possess. I personally am awful at negotiation. Good luck.
You’re blog has been inspiring. I stop by IamFacingForeclosure.com every once in a while, and that kid is a train wreck. You however have shown incredible maturity, strength and discipline. I am rooting for you, and I wish you the best of luck. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Hi,
I currently work at Citifinancial and am a manager there. I can give you an idea that would help you out w/them which would in turn get them off your back but more importantly get you payment lowered and also your intrest rate dropped alot. Let me know how much you owe, unsec/secured,payment,term and current rate.
Good Luck,
~N