http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark.html Coping with Financial Difficulties During an Economic Recession www.destroydebt.com Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:16:55 GMT webmaster@destroydebt.com webmaster@destroydebt.com http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/240-how-about-those-stimulus-checks.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/240-how-about-those-stimulus-checks.html Sun, 15 Jun 2008 04:16:55 GMT Talk about confusion, I just recently received a letter from the IRS informing me that I would be receiving my stimulus check for $1323. and some change on the 13th of June.  The letter arrived on June 13th, and since I had included my checking account routing number and account number on my re...
As to why I haven't received the check, I can only assume that since we owe the IRS for back taxes, and have been paying them on an installment contract that they have decided to put the money towards what we owe, which combined would mean that they would only owe us a total of a little over $100.  It seems the only way I am going to know for sure is to contact the IRS and speak with a live person and find out.  However, since we have been paying them $100 a month in accordance with our agreement, I don't understand why they wouldn't at least release the stimulus check to us.  I can see them applying the refund towards that balance, but since we have a contract in good standing with them it dumbfounds me as to why they would keep the stimulus check since it is intended to stimulate the economy now.  It's bad enough that I and many Americans believe it's too little too late, but something is better than nothing.  I intend to use the money to pay off debts and to catch up on already past due payments, not to get further into debt or squander the money foolishly.

It was also my understanding that we had to declare the money as income on next years tax return, but not so according to the letter I received.  It clearly states that we do not have to declare the stimulus check as income on next years return.  Again talk about confusion.  I guess the best place to check for the real scoop is the IRS website itself, and not all the media hype about these checks.  I am so tired of all the nonsense and misinformation circulating around these checks, and now on top of everything we have to watch out for scammers looking to literally steal this money from us hard working stiffs, just trying to catch up, and maybe get a little bit ahead.  The last thing we need is for someone out there who is nothing more than a thief getting a hold of money we could use to accomplish the task of paying down our debt or even in some cases getting out of debt completely.  For those of you out there who are still waiting for your checks, check out the IRS website they even allow you to find out the status of your rebate checks, and if they cannot tell you the status they give you addresses and phone numbers you can write or call to find out more information about them.

I know none of us like to pay taxes, or even have any contact with the IRS, but in this case it would behoove you to do so, especially if you are expecting enough of a check that it would really help you pay off or reduce some of your outstanding debt.  I cannot tell you how much a $1300. plus check would help us out right now, I might even be able to come close to catching up on my past due car payments and avoid repossession.]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/225-just-when-i-thought-it-was-resolved.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/225-just-when-i-thought-it-was-resolved.html Sat, 31 May 2008 06:55:44 GMT In one of my recent blogs I wrote about a situation that I thought I had resoved with Capital One on one of my auto loans.  I thought they were going accept partial payments every two weeks until my loan which was then almost 2 months behind, was caught up and current.  However, that notio...
I guess I am going to be walking to work real soon, and I am powerless to do anything to stop that eventuality.  Granted my job is only 2 miles from home, but with as hot as it gets here during the summer, 100 degrees plus, even walking at $4-5 in the morning isn't exactly going to be fun.  I may be able to use my wife's vehicle one of the days I work, and catch a ride with a co-worker the other 2 days, but I don't like relying on someone else to get me to work.  Going home, my wife would be able to pick me up as she is done with work by 5:30 pm, and I don't get off work until 6 pm.  Regardless it is going to be a bit of an inconvenience, but I must do whatever I must to keep working or nothing will get paid.  My wife wants me to find another job which would pay more, but there aren't those types of jobs out here in Pahrump.  Besides, I like my job at the hospital, and enjoy the comradery with the people I work with on a daily basis.

Therefore, I have resided myself to the fact that I will just have to awake a little earlier in the morning, so that I can arrive at work on time to relieve my co-workers.  I blame no one for this situation but myself, although I cannot realistically take all the blame, but who cares whose fault it is, that changes nothing.  The fact is that I helped us to get into this situation by losing my last job in which I was making almost double what I am currently making.  The simple truth is that we don't always know what the future will bring, we hope that whatever it brings that it's more of a positive nature, rather than negative, but one never really knows for sure.  If at the time there was a way for us to get by with one vehicle, we never would have purchased a second vehicle, but that simply wasn't the case.  Now however, we are fortunate in that we can survive although not without some impositions, with only one vehicle.  Even with a second part time job from home, I haven't really been able to reach my earning potential, due mainly to the fact that I have to babysit my grandbaby 3 of those 4 days that I would normally be able to devote to my part time job.  Hopefully that situation will change soon, and/or I will figure out a way to work around it, so that I can put in enough time to make the extra I should be earning from that position, and be able to at least afford a decent used vehicle.

Only time will tell, and I will continue to keep you updated on my progress.  If nothing else this may serve as a good learning lesson for those of you who are thinking about buying that 2nd vehicle that you may really not need.  Also, no matter how much the temptation to buy that newer, seemingly better vehicle, just keep in mind the job you do have, and just how secure you are in that job.  Companies today show little or no loyalty to its employees.  Even in places like Las Vegas, when the economy is poor, and visitation to the casinos and hotels is down, they look to lay off what they consider non essential personnel.  In times of recessions or failing economic times, no one is safe from the ax, and it can fall at any time, especially being in an "at will" employment state, you have few rights if any.]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/218-lets-retake-whats-ours-as-a-people.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/218-lets-retake-whats-ours-as-a-people.html Mon, 26 May 2008 04:38:51 GMT On this Memorial Day holiday we should reflect on all those who served in our military and gave up their lives to protect our freedoms and values.  Whether we believed in the conflicts in which they fought is not important, the price they paid was extreme, and we should pay them the respect the...
Many of us have made substantial personal sacrifices in order to retain our freedom and values.  We have paid our taxes each year, and helped to finance those conficts and wars in which we have participated and contine to participate in.  Many of us find ourselves in debt and/or facing tough financial times, but we should never forget those who made a conscious decision to fight to allow us to keep those freedoms and values, so we could make the choices in life we make.  After all, it was and is our choice to in many cases get ourselves into a financial quandry.  We can blame the government all we want for the current economic plight we face in this country, but just remember we are the government at least in theory.  We have allowed ourselves to become dependent on foreign oil, and pumped billions of dollars into helping underdeveloped nations over the years.  In the years following the end of the Second World War, we used the spread of communism as an excuse for becoming involved in conflicts in foreign nations.  Recently we are using the threat of terrorism and the 911 attacks on our soil as an excuse to be involved in foreign conflicts.

No matter the reasons, as a result of poor economic planning and the relying on foreign interests to help fuel our economy, we find ourselves in a financial dilemma.  We also have outsourced jobs and careers to people in foreign countries who are willing to work for much less than us, and as a result we have cut down on the number of good paying jobs available here at home.  We have spent billions of dollars developing the Alaskan Pipeline, and export that oil to countries like China and Japan, leaving us virtually dependent on OPEC nations for our fuel.  With rising gasoline and food prices, and anything else that is even peripherally dependent on petroleum products for manufacture or transportation, it is not surprising that most of us middle class Americans are feeling the pinch.  We are fast becoming a nation of two classes at least economically, the haves and the have nots.  Is this spelling the end of the middle class in American society?  I sure hope not, as we are the ones who keep our country going, not the big corporations or the poor.

While we provide the major support for this country in terms of taxes, I believe we should have a larger say in how that money is spent.  Unfortunately, in this writer's opinion our senators and representatives seem to think we are stupid and can't discern which projects are in our best interests.  It is definitely time for a change, but I don't think one person can do it alone.  I have listened to all the campaign rhetoric in this upcoming election, and how the candidates each think they know what we as Americans want and need to take back control of our country, and it is just as I stated rhetoric.  The same rhetoric we have heard in campaigns before, and the same never fulfilled promises we have all heard before.  Depending upon what you believe, you may choose to vote for one candidate over another, but until and unless they have the full support of the Congress, and the American people, as well as surround themselves with advisors who truly have our interests in mind, nothing is likely to change.  They may have their heart in the right place, but can they produce what they promise is the big question.  All too many times they get caught up in all the politics and pressure brought about by big business interests and special interest groups, that they lose sight of what they originally promised the American people.

I believe that we do have at least some control over our own destinies and should take control of what we can in our lives to make them better.  We have no control over what OPEC nations decide to charge us for a barrel of oil, but we can certainly choose to find and use alternative energy sources.  We can make a conscious effort to control what we spend on food, and personal transportation costs.  Instead of driving outselves to work each day, we can carpool, or use public transportation, or even work from home wherever possible.  We can recycle products, and purchase products which are environmentally friendly.  Most important we can write our representatives and senators and demand an accounting for all the tax dollars being spent overseas, and our oil being exported rather than used here where we need it more.  We can stop outsourcing jobs which would normally pay an American citizen a living wage, and importing cheaper and lower quality products from abroad.  Just because something is made cheaper doesn't mean it's as good or  better than a product made here in the U.S.  Stop all or as many of the illegal immigrants from crossing our borders and working dirt cheap, and sending the money back home instead of contributing to our economy.

These are just some suggestions and my opinion, but I think there are many who would agree at least with some of these suggestions.  I welcome your feedback, and perhaps we can put together a dialogue on this issue and see if we can't come up with some other ideas on how we may be able to make an impact on our government leaders as individuals if not a as a group.

 ]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/217-getting-out-of-debt-and-staying-out.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/217-getting-out-of-debt-and-staying-out.html Sun, 25 May 2008 03:21:49 GMT Today is another work day for me, back at the hospital, and just another day still in debt up to my eyeballs.  Oh well, I guess it is just meant to be, I owe, I owe so off to work I go.  I suppose that is the motto for a lot of us these days, who are basically living from paycheck to paych...
If I didn't have to watch my grandbaby every week for several hours on my days off, I could actually put in the hours necessary to earn some decent extra money each week, which would certainly make a big difference in our financial situation.  My problem is not credit card debt as we have only one credit card, and although we are close to maxing it out, I am still able to make at least the minimum payments each month.  The biggest problem is our secured debt of two car loans with combined monthly payments of over $700 each month.  I have negotiated with mine to accept partial payments every two weeks until we get caught up, but still have to work out a similar agreement with my wife's car loan.  Although I finally filed our taxes after receiving my grandbaby's social security number, and am entitled to a rebate of over $1100, it is doubtful we will see any of that as we owe the IRS for back taxes.  I am hopeful however, that between that amount and the $389 refund we are due, it will erase that back debt, and we will no longer have to pay the IRS $100 a month as we have been doing for the past nearly 3 years.

Even with the extra $100 a month that would only make a partial dent in what we owe otherwise, but at least it offers some help.   Better to have the extra $100 a month as income, as it will help with paying other more pressing bills, like the two car payments each month.  I guess that's at least one thing positive, although I would have rather had the $1100 plus to get both car loans current.  Oh well, I guess it took us a while to get into this mess, and it will more than likely take a longer period of time to get out of it.  What makes things worse is the continually rising gas and food prices, with no real help in terms of additional income from our employers.  Wait I forgot, my wife is scheduled for a dollar an hour raise.  That extra dollar an hour will also help, so I guess we might just be in much better shape than I thought by the end of June.  Of course that's if we can manage to get through the month of June without incurring any further debt.  Did I mention the rising gas and food prices, over which we have no control, or do we.  My job at least has me working close to home and using very little gasoline.  Unfortunately, although my wife works locally, she has clients who live quite a distance from home, and uses more than $20 in gas per week, and that doesn't even come close to filling her tank.

I guess we can't have everything, but at least I think I can see some light at the end of a very dark tunnel.  Rest assured with our luck something will happen over the next few weeks that will likely change all that, as we are used to just that type of thing happening.  Unfortunately, the best laid plans always seem to have a bump or dip in the road, and always at the least convenient time.  If I sound rather cynical, please forgive me, but the truth is sometimes a bitter pill to swallow.  I know that there are others out there who are probably in a lot worse shape than we are, but when it is happening to you, you really feel like you are alone.  I think that's why I enjoy this website so much, it lends different perspectives on financial problems people are experiencing, and offers suggestions to help.  You just have to find a plan that works for you and your particular situation, and put it into action.  Doing something is always better than doing nothing, and once you do get caught up, whether it be through debt counseling, consolidation, bankcruptcy, or some other means, remaining vigilant and proactive is the key to not falling back on bad habits.

Once you are current, or get some of your debt paid off, no matter how hard it may be, you need to work within your budget, and not buy impulsively.  Set a budget for yourself, and stick to it, no matter how tough the temptation to spend more then you can afford.  Do you really need a new car, or that big screen tv, or a new computer or some other gadget that is going to place you right back into that dreadful financial situation?  Put off the temptation to make those big ticket purchases, look for good deals on some of those things if you really need to have them.  Check out e-bay, and half.com, Amazon,com and others which often have many of those big ticket items for much less than retail stores.  Go to garage sales in your area, and check out some of the items that they are trying to sell.  For example, a friend of ours just picked up a practically brand new 42 inch big screen tv at a local garage sale for $200.  The set works perfectly and cost them a fraction of what a brand new one would have cost them.

Remember, the whole object of getting out of debt is to stay out, and not repeat the same mistakes of the past.  While there are some rising costs that we have no control over, we often get ourselves into this untennable situations and don't even realize it.  Then when it comes time to pay the piper, we find reasons to blame others or events that we believe caused our financial woes, when all along it was our own stupid decisions that caused the bulk of it, and were too blind or oblivious to admit our own faults and mistakes.]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/216-work-from-home-job-opportunity-part-2.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/216-work-from-home-job-opportunity-part-2.html Sat, 24 May 2008 08:05:57 GMT In yesterday's blog I told you about a work at home job opportunity that can help you to gain additional income from the comfort of your own home.  I gave you the link to the company website and my personal e-mail address, now I am going to give you my own company website you can view and apply...
http://www.employmentfromhome.net/p260894/

This is my own company provided website which allows you to apply directly with me, and I will contact you at the phone number you list on your application to conduct an interview to see if you qualify and want to proceed further with the application process.  Remember there is no cost or obligation, and I am offering you this opportunity to increase your monthly income at no cost to you.  I know that there are other job offers like this out there, but many of them are MLM or have a fee or cost attached to beginning the job with them.  With ASI there are no upfront fees or costs involved, they even have free business cards which you can download and print on your home computer, as well as flyers which you can post at grocery stores, libraries, colleges, etc. that help you to promote their discount health care programs.  Additionally, if you choose to become a Promotions Coordinator, they do have an advertising website that does cost less than $8 a month if you choose to go that route, but if you already have a website, you can attach a link to ASI's website.  If you choose the human resources position which is the one I have, they provide you with a recruiting website like mine at no cost to you whatsoever.

No matter which position you choose, you can make between $200-$400 per week depending on the number of hours you work, and if you really do work at it.  This is not a get rich quick scheme, and if that is what you're looking for, this opportunity is not for you.  However, as I mentioned in my prior blogs and this one, if you are looking to supplement your income to help lower your debt, or for just some extra spending money, this opportunity will help you accomplish both.  I know there are other similar opportunities out there with other companies, however, ASI has been in business since 1989, and has teamed up with an environmentally friendly cellular phone company called Govius which offers one the best and least expensive cellular phone services in the country and for a lot less than the other guys.  For example their plans start at $19.95 a month with a free phone and 250 minutes of service per month.  Additional minutes are only .08 cents per minute.  These are anytime minutes with no restrictions and include texting.

One of the biggest debts many people have today is for medical expenses, not to mention the fact that many Americans are either without affordable health care benefits, or unable to afford them at all.  Employers now are very reluctant to offer affordable health care benefits to their employees, and rather expect the employees to pay a good portion of the monthly premiums, making it almost cost prohibative for most.  Still others are cutting back on the health benefits they offer, while small businesses don't offer any health benefits to their employees.  In addition to these facts, there are those who are underinsured, or only have a partial reimbursement type plan available and have to wait months to be reimbursed, and at a limited amount at best.  If you or if you know someone who is in this situation, they could really use some help, and the programs we at ASI offer, gives those people up to a 60% discount on medical, dental, optical, and prescription services throughout the U.S.

If you're looking for a part time job that you can do from home, with no selling involved, and have the desire to help others at the same time, you really should check out this opportunity.  I have researched many work from home opportunities and business ventures, and most come with strings attached or just unbelievable or unreachable promises of great wealth or income.  If you want to try them, be my guest, but there really is no quick way to overcome your debt.  It took you a while to accumulate the debt, and is going to take a lot longer for you to get caught up.  However, if like me, you believe in taking responsibility for your situation, and really want to pay it down, and replenish your good credit and name, this is one option available that won't put you further into debt and promise you the moon and the sun.  My best advice is to avoid those get rich quick schemes, and do your homework before investing or becoming involved with any work from home business or job.  Check out the company independent of its own website and referrals or recommendations.  The BBB and Secretary of State where the business is located as well as the Chamber of Commerce can be vast resources of unbiased and honest information about any company in their areas.]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/215-an-extra-income-opportunity-from-home.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/215-an-extra-income-opportunity-from-home.html Fri, 23 May 2008 06:30:36 GMT How many home based business or job offers do you get e-mailed to you almost daily?  I get a lot, and most of them are scams.  If you are looking for a job to work at from home to supplement your income and help pay down your debt, the last thing you need is to invest in something that wil...
Maybe I have more faith in the people in this country, and my personal financial difficulties are mine and mine alone.  I refuse to believe that there is no one who couldn't use at least a few extra bucks in their pockets, or affordable health care and cell phone service.  Perhaps, I am alone in this quest to become debt free, and earn enough each month to house, feed and clothe myself and my family.  Again if you are in a similar position, it costs you nothing to inquire about this job or product offer, and I strongly suggest that those of you who are in a tough financial situation at least check it out.  Below I am listing both the website address, and my personal e-mail address for more information about this opportunity.  Remember ASI has been in business since 1989 offering affordable discount health care programs to its subscribers, and Govius Cellular has one of the most reliable networks in the country and offers their services at much lower rates than the big guys for it prepaid cellular services.

 

www.ASIhealthcare.com

sacks_m@yahoo.com

 

This is a legitimate job offer if you have a home computer, internet access, and long distance phone service.  If you meet the minimum qualifications, I would really love to speak with you at length about the job opportunity and products and services we offer.  I am a recruiter for ASI, and I believe anyone who has good customer service skills, the miminum equipment, and the desire to earn additional income should take advantage of this offer.

 ]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/214-how-many-rejections-does-it-take.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/214-how-many-rejections-does-it-take.html Thu, 22 May 2008 05:40:49 GMT All too often we get ourselves into financial difficulties through no fault of our own.  In some cases it happens due to personal problems, such as divorce, death, or just an increase in the cost of living, where the cost of everyday life just out distances our income.  When the bill colle...
The lenders that you really should be more concerned with are those with secured loans, such as automobiles, homes, etc.  Even those in many cases will work with you, and allow you to work out a reasonable payment plan based on your current situation.  They trully don't want that car or home back, and have to sell it if they can avoid it.  Just yesterday, I received a call from one of my auto lenders, and had a productive conversation with them.  I told them what I wanted to do based on my current financial situation, to bring the loan current.  We discussed several options including voluntary reposession of my vehicle.  I was informed that they really didn't want to reposess the vehicle under any conditions if possible, and informed me of some other options.  One was to make a full payment within the next few days, and then a one month deferment which would bring me current.  However, I informed them that there was no way possible for me to make a full payment before the 12th of June, but perhaps a partial payment by the 30th of May.  We worked out a payment arrangement, whereby I would make a partial payment by the 30th of May, and then at least a half a payment every two weeks thereafter until caught up.

Now, I can't say that every lender will do this, but I know from working for a bank in years past, they will do whatever is reasonable and necessary to keep from having to reposess the property.  The key word here is reasonable.  If the debtor isn't willing to at least make a reasonable effort to repay the debt, the lender is left with no options but to reposess the property.  If you are in a situation like this, and you cannot work out a reasonable payment plan with the lender or lenders, then my advice would be to contact an attorney to learn if bankcruptcy is the only other option available.  Of course this depends on whether or not you are talking about secured or unsecured debt, and just how bad a financial condition you are in.  The other alternative would be debt consolidation, or a debt resolution service, but they mainly work with unsecured debt, and if like me your debt is mostly secured, your best alternative is to work out something with the lender directly.]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/212-to-file-bankcruptcy-or-debt-counseling.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/212-to-file-bankcruptcy-or-debt-counseling.html Wed, 21 May 2008 08:03:25 GMT I suppose the biggest question facing most people in financial trouble today, is whether to seek protection under the Federal Bankcruptcy laws, or find a reputable debt counseling or resolution company.  Sometimes I think it may be better to try to work out a payment plan with the particular fi...
I sometimes wish there was a way to avoid filing bankcruptcy, but in order to maintain my good standing with my landlord, utility companies, and feed my family, I don't see much of a choice.  Making one car payment of nearly $400 a month is tough enough, trying to make a second for over $330 a month is next to impossible and still maintain a roof over our heads and food on the table.  I know I'm not alone out there, and I haven't given up on finding a second job, but it would have to be from home, and what's more I would have to make arrangements to have enough quiet time to work at it.  I do already have a second part time job working in recruitment for ASI, which I have written about in previous blogs, but the problem is having the time to work at it.  You see, I have a problem, I babysit for my grand daughter on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays for hours at a time, while both my wife and step daughter are at work.  The baby is 11 months old, and although she is a pleasure to spend time with, and has grandpa wrapped around her fingers, she can be distracting at times.  About the only time I can really get any work done is while she is napping, and even that isn't always enough.  Since my job entails calling people and interviewing them via the telephone, I can't always make contact during the baby's nap time.  It is even taking me a lot longer to complete this blog because she likes to play with the keyboard, and wants grandpa's undivided attention.

I love my grandbaby very much, and although mom works 6 days a week, she contributes almost nothing to the house, which is a big problem.  My wife works part time as a care giver for the elderly and disabled, and has been taking on more work as it becomes available, but is still far from working 40 hours per week.  I work an average of 37 to 40 hours a week at the local hospital, an occasionally get some overtime, but not enough, and not often enough.  When we purchased both vehicles I was working a job where I got all the overtime I could handle and at a higher hourly rate.  My wife was working an average of 25-30 hours per week with occasional extra hours, on a steady basis.  Now I am working less hours and for less money, and her hours have been fluctuating until very recently.  She now is working between 24-27 hours per week on a consistant basis, but again it seems like too little too late.  In order for us to keep current on our monthly bills for the household has meant falling 2 months behind on my car payment, and nearly a month behind on hers.  That's why the time has come for action.  The big decision is whether or not I really care at this point about our credit rating more, than actually taking care of the debts that we owe, and can get them caught up in a timely manner.

Of course there is another solution which I have not mentioned, and that is to voluntarily give up one of the vehicles.  Now, I realize that I would still be responsible for the difference between what the bank actually gets after selling the vehicle and the loan balance, but it would buy me some time to be able to do that and in a timely manner.  My credit rating would be adversely affected, but not as badly as if I waited for them to reposess the vehicle at their own volition.  I also know the longer I debate the issue, the worse it will be for me, especially if I need to finance another vehicle in the near future.  However, I have weighed all the pros and cons, and I know that even if I file bankcruptcy we are more than likely going to lose one of the vehicles anyway.  In actuality, the only thing that will change over a voluntary repo, is that my back debts which have been on my credit report for the past nearly 6 years, will finally be erased from my credit reports.  Not exactly a fair trade off,  but that is one of the things that you have to decide for yourself. 

As I am writing this blog, I received a call from a very nice lady with Capital One, and she informed me that the bank's policy is to work with people in financial difficulty like myself.  Definitely not the impression I got a couple of weeks ago, so she offered some suggestions, as did I, and she believes that if I can make at least a partial payment by the end of the month, and follow it with a full payment the 12th of June, and partial payments every two weeks thereafter, I will work with me until the loan is current.  The only problem that I see with this, is whether or not my wife continues to work an average of 24-27 hours a week.  If she does, then we should be able to comply with the agreement, with little difficulties, otherwise, there is no way we will be able to complete this task.  Why it took so long for them to finally agree to some type of arrangements is beyond me, perhaps I finally spoke with someone who truly understands my plight.  I don't want to give up the vehicle if I don't have to, and I know the bank doesn't want to have to sell the vehicle to recoup their money.  Also I really would like to see if I can purchase another vehicle for less money, and have them pay off Capital One in full.  I am working on that aspect as we speak, and hopefully, if Capital One isn't showing me delinquent on my credit reports, I might just be able to get the breathing room I need, and lower monthly payments.

Please keep in mind, negotiating on your own doesn't always work out, but it certainly doesn't hurt to try.  Especially in tough economic times like these, where good paying jobs are scarce, coupled with outsourcing, and rising gas and food prices, most lenders will bend over backwards to work with you, if you can at least make some effort to pay them.  The days of their accepting $10-20 dollar a month payments are over, but if you can make even a decent partial payment, they will work with you.   You should still seek professional advice, if you aren't sure of your options, and make sure you leave no stone unturned.  If you do decide to go with debt counseling, make sure it is with a reputable agency, and not just one that you see advertised on television or other media.  Make sure they have underwriters, and check with the BBB to see if they are in fact legit and have no complaints filed against them.  Even better if you know someone who has used or is using a debt counseling agency, speak with them as to how they would rate the company in terms of delivering what was promised.  If you choose the bankcruptcy route, be sure the attorney is registered with the State Bar Assn, and ask for references.  Be sure they offer a free consultation, and do all the paperwork, including running your credit reports, and don't expect you to do it for them.  Attorney fees vary from state to state, however, the filing charge is the same in every state, as it is regulated by the Federal Bankcruptcy Courts. 

 ]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/202-debt-advice.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/202-debt-advice.html Fri, 16 May 2008 05:41:29 GMT Seems like everday someone you meet is giving advice on how to get out from under all the debt that you have incurred over the past several years.  For example, I have been receiving email notices regarding credit repair programs, debt relief programs, and the like.  I have also recently r...
Today, I find myself in a similar place with more outgo then income, and much of my debt is from prior years which I have no chance at all of paying off.  However, I also find myself with a more pressing problem, and that is my current monthly expenses are more than my income.  I have to pay rent, and utility bills, gas, and of course food.  My main problem is that we have two car payments totalling just over $700 a month, and insurance premiums of $170 per month.  In order for us to make do with only one vehicle would be tough since we live in a town with no public transportation, and we work different jobs and hours.  Additionally, my wife's job means she has to travel between clients, and must have a vehicle.  I on the otherhand, work at the local hospital 3-4 days a week, and could if necessary walk or ride a bicycle to work.  The problem is, that we are almost 3 months behind on my car payment, and a little over a month behind on hers.  I am strongly leaning towards filing for bankcruptcy, and am going to try to speak with a local attorney today, to see what options we have at this point.  I have tried to refinance one of the vehicles, or obtain a consolidation loan to no avail.  I am at my wits end, and feeling like I am not able to provide properly for my family.  However, I think by taking some proactive and constructive action will soon make those feelings disappear.

Doing nothing, and continuing to overdraw our checking account, or not pay bills each month definitely is not the answer, and just creating more problems.  I called a local attorney's office, and have a consultation call on Wednesday to discuss my options.  Hopefully, I can alleviate some of the debt that has been keeping me awake at night, and get a fresh start.]]> http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/198-my-way-to-hopefully-climb-out-of-debt-and-get-a-fresh-start.html http://www.destroydebt.com/blogs/sacksmark/198-my-way-to-hopefully-climb-out-of-debt-and-get-a-fresh-start.html Wed, 14 May 2008 02:52:19 GMT I know that if we put our minds to something, there is nothing in life that we can't accomplish.  Sometimes all we need is a nudge in the right direction, or a little sound advice from those who have been where your at during their lifetimes.  We all need role models or friends and collegu...
Over the years I have had to borrow money from family and friends, and with very few exceptions have managed to pay back those loans.  However, I do have some pride left, even in these difficult economic times, and needed to find a way to make some extra money so I wouldn't need to borrow from friends and family to meet my financial obligations.  After several months of seeking a part time job to work around my full time job, and hours upon hours of research, I finally found something that may just be the answer.  For a long time I have wanted to start my own business, and toyed around with different ideas, but mostly found nothing but scams and ridiculous promises of wealth and fortune.  I'd done the MLM route before, and found it to be less than promised, and don't have money to invest in a business venture at this time.  Therefore, locating a job preferably one I could do from home with my computer and internet access would be ideal, and that's just what I found.

Now, please understand, this is a job I found, and not a business opportunity.  Also working it part time, I will only earn between $200-$400 a week, but remember I have a full time job.  However, after a month or so, if I choose to work full time at this, and take on additional responsibilities, I do have the potential to earn as much as $600 per week and more.  What I find interesting about this home based job, is that I have the flexibility to work around my full time job at the hospital, it is health care related, and they pay weekly, and offer me the same benefits they offer to the public for at a discounted rate.  I am an independent contractor with this company, and I control how many hours a week I work, with no set schedules, and also have the opportunity to earn commissions without having to sell anything.  Now if you would like to participate in something like this, and have a home computer with internet access and a home phone with long distance service, and can use an extra $200-$400 per week, you really need to check out this website:  ASI Healthcare.com.  It will explain the services they offer, and allow you to fill out an online application if you are interested in working for them.  Then someone like myself will call you to interview you over the phone, and if we have a match, you will be invited to participate in a conference call training session.

ASI offers discount healthcare programs to people throughout the United States, and has been in business since 1989.  The are partnered with Govius Mobile Phone Service who offers one of the best cellular phone services in the country with prepaid plans that offer calls for as little as eight cents per minute.  If you decide to work for ASI, and you sign up for their health care plans, you get a free phone with 250 free minutes per month.  ASI has over 300,000 participating doctors and dentists, and also offers discounts on eye exams and glasses, as well as accident insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment benefits.  Just check out their website and if you are interested, fill out the online application, or contact me at sacks_m@yahoo.com, include your address and phone number, and when would be a good time for me to call you (please be sure to include your time zone), when you can spend a few minutes with me on the phone.  I will call you, and conduct a brief interview, and if we have a meeting of the minds, I will set you up for an telephone orientation session at your convenience.

If on the otherhand you are only interested in obtaining or learning more about the healthcare benefits programs ASI offers, call 1-800-929-8344 and give them this PAL Referral # 257687 when you call, and they will explain in detail the programs they offer and the costs.  You are under no obligation, and they will answer any and all questions about their healthcare programs you might have.  You can save as much as 60% on all your healthcare needs, and at a small monthly cost.  Keep in mind, you are under no obligation, and the call is free.

I just thought I would tell you about this opportunity I found, and that I have thoroughly checked out the company, and they are legit, and you can earn a decent income from working with them.  There are two position you would initally qualify for, and then after 4 weeks or so, you can request additional work and responsibilities for additional income naturally.  You will be assigned a manager who will train you and guide you and give you all the tools necessary to succeed.  All you need to do is put in the time, and just like to talk to people, and help people save money and receive good quality products and services.  You don't have to sell a thing.]]>