bankruptcy - anybody ever jealous

[jteezie]

The events and mental anguish leading up to bankruptcy would override any elation from "financial freedom" from debt.

A bit more abstractly... I have thought about how life would be if I lived outside the modern financial system by abused it fully - living off borrowing and never intending to pay. I think it would cause so much uncertainty and stress that it isn't worth it.

I would prefer to live an honest life, building up personal wealth and having real financial security.

[photo]

I realized the other day that I felt a little jealous when a woman at Curves was bragging about all the new expensive furniture she bought. She declared bankruptcy this summer so she "doesn't have any bills to pay anymore".

Which occurred first, the bragging or the bankruptcy?

[Shewillbemine]

"The loudest guy/girl in the room is the weakest guy/girl in the room"

-Denzel Washington, from American Gangster

I would pay no mind to anyone who has no sense but to discuss her personal bankruptcy as an accolade.

[wolfy]

Don't be jealous. Trust me on this one. My wife and I just got our discharge papers for our bankruptcy. It is nice not to have to pay the hospital or other bills that caused us to file bankruptcy, however, you feel like crap and your morale is lower than dirt because you couldn't pay the bills you owe.

Also for us bankruptcy was last resort. I would much rather have worked to pay off our debt instead of filing. I couldn't get a job to save my life and then had a major medical problem come up. If someone could have told us how to pay off $145,000 in medical and some other debt on one income I would have been happy to listen. But when the credit counselors and your attorney both tell you the only option is bankruptcy you generally listen.

Then of course there is the stereotype out there that people feel the need to share about how everyone who files is a deadbeat just skipping out on bills. Nothing more fun than hearing those conversations and feeling worse than you did before.

And lets not forget can't get credit for crap. And what you do get will be insane. It's a lot of fun to not have a credit card or whatever to pay for a vet visit or a car repair when you don't expect them and haven't saved even close to enough cover those expenses. I highly doubt the car repair people will take monthly payments and still give me the car.

So trust me you don't need to be jealous, it is no fun, and I bet that woman isn't as happy as she seems.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

No because while it's good at first, it does catch up. Imagine having to worry about repo and creditors calling.

[jpg7n16]

I don't feel jealous, but I do feel a bit of pity.

This lady obviously didn't learn the lessons from bankruptcy. She's already not paying attention to how her actions will affect her finances. I see her filing again down the line and losing everything. Again.

Can you imagine what her retirement will be like?

Do you think she paid cash for the new expensive furniture?

[MonkeyMama]

No, I have never been jealous of anybody who filed bankruptcy. I can't imagine ever being jealous of that. I don't care what material items you have that you got as a result of filing - it wasn't worth it. My reputation and morals and credit score and self-esteem are worth far more than any furniture or electronics or anything else.

Agreed.

Jealous of some new furniture? Nope. Not much jealousy for material things. Likewise, I wouldn't trade my financial security for a bunch of material stuff. No way!

[disneysteve]

No, I have never been jealous of anybody who filed bankruptcy. I can't imagine ever being jealous of that. I don't care what material items you have that you got as a result of filing - it wasn't worth it. My reputation and morals and credit score and self-esteem are worth far more than any furniture or electronics or anything else.

[KellyJef]

I realized the other day that I felt a little jealous when a woman at Curves was bragging about all the new expensive furniture she bought. She declared bankruptcy this summer so she "doesn't have any bills to pay anymore". I had an awful urge to tell her off.

I guess I felt resentful because there have been several times in my life when I've worked two full-time jobs to pay off my debts (mostly medical expenses).

I think too many people declare bankruptcy simply because it's easier than working to pay their debts

Don't get me wrong, though, I have NO problem with bankruptcy if it's due to situations that can't be helped like medical expenses, death, etc. I am only upset with those who have lived beyond their means with fancy vacations, cars, houses, etc.