Foristell, MO asked in Bankruptcy for Missouri

Q: I have bills that i am not able to pay. I had bankruptcy in 2017.i’m on social disability. I only make 996$.Please help

All my bills are in collections. I have bill collectors calling me every day. I have credit cards and pay day loans . Two phone bills.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Louisville, KY

A: What is your question?

David Reese Fondren
David Reese Fondren
Answered
  • St. Charles, MO
  • Licensed in Missouri

A: You don't say whether your 2017 bankruptcy was a chap 7 or 13 or if you received a discharge. Your answer to either could affect my answer.

You also don't say why you got into debt so quickly after going through a bankruptcy, especially on a fixed income with no way to pay it back. Again, your answer could change my advice.

You don't say if you are using debt just to make ends meet. If so, you are making your situation worse, not better. Debt is not your friend. It is possible you have not learned to live on a budget or control spending on non-essentials. If this is not the case, then your problem is insufficient income or excessive necessities and no emergency fund. You may have to make a drastic decision on increasing your income and/or reducing your fixed expenses for things like rent, utilities, travel, food, etc. that is the only way to get a long term solution. This is necessary regardless of the cause of your new problem.

Only after that can we deal with your new debt problem. Dealing with the debt without getting your budget under control is only a temporary fix and you will be back in this situation again.

You need to see an attorney or debt counselor (the type that does not charge up front). Be ready to answer these questions and more. Only then can a plan be created to deal with your situation. You need to be able to account for every penny you spend and why it is necessary. Even people on disability are allowed to earn some money. Be honest what you are doing about this. Don't show up blaming others or circumstances. Don't make excuses.

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