Internet's first get-out-of-debt community - 122,000 members

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 7:04 pm Subject: A short story about FYI

Growing up my parents paid cash for everything they have ever owned with the exception of a vehicle. I understood the value of a dollar but as I grew older the instant gratification of credit grew on me as I watched my friends parents pay for things with credit cards, especialy durring Christmas. I decided I was one day going to have credit cards and be able to get things instantly and not have to wait and save for them. I was taught the value of the dollar but never the value of credit.

After about 3 years of marriage my husband and I were living fairly well we had two children and he was in the armed forces. We then got accepted for a Target, Sears and Providial credit card which we used religiously almost. We got way over our heard with those cards as well as some personal bills. They all went unpaid and not knowing anything about credit we did not realize how this would affect us later on durring our lives. Believing that these things would not catch up to us was the biggest mistake of my life.

I was contacted by several collections agencies who use scare tatics, refused to work with me and treated me with such disrespect that made me feel like the lowest of the low. One collector even advised me that I should never reproduce because I was such an irresponsible person. Tired of all of the calls and letters I simply fell off the grid. Everything was in my name and my husband and I have never purchased anyhting together so our credit was never tied which made it easy to dissapear. I was a housewife and I paid cash for everything so it was very difficult for anyone to find me.

A little over 7 years have passed now I am am just now realizing the ramifications of unpaid debt. Bad Credit.Higher Intrest. Being Denied. It is a hurtful harsh reality I face now as I am rebuilding and paying everything off. Of course it doesn't hurt that I am now a debt collector myself and am very aware of the F.D.C.P.A. Knowing and useing the law has helped me to begin to dig out a lot of the dirt off of my debt grave so that I can one day be able to purchase a home with a decent intrest rate and a nice vehicle that will not add several thousands of dollars to my purchase price.

I can begin to live and take breath each morning knowing I am going to be able to have the ability to live the life I've always dreamed of by taking care of one debt at a time. By paying these debts back on my tems and conditions and not being pressured into somehting that will take food out of my childrens mouth. I can take small vacations with all four of my children and actualy visit and maybe buy a souvineer without worry about my phone ringing with someone trying to make me do somehting I am incapable of taking care of.

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 4:52 am Subject:

FYI--Thank you for sharing your story! You are always a great help around here.

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:45 am Subject:

Thanks FYI for sharing your story. You have shown the courageous side of yourself while being in debt. Many of us do not realize what to do when contacted by debt collectors or creditors. Decisions are done in panic that can often prove detrimental. Your guidance will be really helpful especially when contacted by a debt collector who often violates the laws.

I have read almost every of your post and realize the fact that every individual has his/her own rights even when being in debt. No one should try to intimidate using wrong tactics. Your participation here is an example that will sound helpful to many. We appreciate you amidst us and show the right path. Thanks

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:06 pm Subject: my story

Thanks FYI for your story. I think we all have made some major mistakes with credit. I am glad that once again I can breathe also. It feels great to know that when the phone rings its not going to be a debt collector harassing you. KYSIDE38

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2007 8:21 am Subject:

This is a shamless bump. More like an introduction to those I don't know since I have been away for a while.

Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2007 11:38 am Subject:

FYI I REALLY LIKE TO READ YOUR STORY.
IT IS A STORY OF ONE OF GREAT MEMBERS OF THIS FORUM.

Posted: Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:40 am Subject:

It is nice to get to know you. I have been here for a couple months.
I can't believe someone would tell you to not have children. Those people will say anything tog et your stirred up. Does becoming a Debt collector yourself make you a more caring one? I don't know if I could do it myself but it seems like a smart move.

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:40 pm Subject:

I am glad you bumped it! I am glad that you are here. You are so helpful and nice to talk to! Smile

Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2007 2:43 pm Subject:

Thanks for sharing your story with us. I too, fought the rash of credit cards and ended up declaring bankruptcy bank in 04. I now have a 'clean' slate, so to speak-- and am slowly working my way back to good credit. I was able to put my house in my own name last year, and that was the best feeling ever. I'm slowly going to earn my credit back, but I'm in no way going to let what happened to me before, happen again. I'm much smarter than that now.

Posted: Mon Jul 23, 2007 6:32 am Subject:

I don't think that my having been treated badly by other collectiors or being in debt has changed how I treat debtors I call. I try by best to treat everyone fairly who is being reasonable and trying to work out the situation with my help. Those that don't.. our conversations usualy end quickly.

Guest · Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:55 am Subject:

fyi one can only wonder why you are suffering from depression--you need to get rid of the guilt baggage you have been carrying around--and this will help!

Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 4:42 am Subject:

Thanks for your story FYI! Its so hard & scary to get out of this on your own, but with help from experienced people like yourself its a little less scary.

Thanks for all your help & insight!

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 5:26 am Subject:

I didnt think personal attacks were allowed!! This is the second time I have seen a guest attacking FYI! And let alone they do it through guest...I feel if someone has a grudge or a complaint at least be man/woman enough to not hide in anonimity, but face to face or at least name to name, quit calling names and settle the complaint.
I am sorry FYI that someone is acting like that against you Sad

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:50 am Subject:

Ya know, i2, if you are referring to this post:

Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:53 am Subject:

Jeff- that's not the one she was refering to-I deleted the one before her post! It was a nasty,nasty comment from someone-something like a pimply faced teenager would make.

karen

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A short story about FYI

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