My husband and I are eligible for a grant that is designed to help hurricane victims in their recovery. The grant is to be used to obtain permanent housing and the like. We were busy looking for a home to stay in, and contacted a loan officer to set up the mortgage. Everything was ready to go, until the loan officers pulled our credit report.
I am sad to say that our credit is AWFUL. It is worse than I thought it was. Yes, I knew that I had problems, but to be honest, I really wasn't too concerned about doing anything about it.
Until now.
It is bothering me that our credit is so bad that we cannot do simple things like buy a house or a car. Even though the sale of our house in New Orleans managed to clear both mortgages on it, we still have student loans, medical bills, and unpaid credit card balances to pay back. We don't have ANY idea how we are going to clear our credit histories, but today, I am ready and willing to find out.
I pulled some debt consolidation sites from the Internet, and I also found a legal aid bankruptcy lawyer here in Houston. My husband and I are stubborn; we had a chance to file for bankruptcy before, but were too proud to do so. The reality is that we simply are in way over our heads, and although we are paying what we can, we are nowhere near making progress. I'd like to be debt-free before I make 40. Today I am ready to examine our options. I am planning to talk to Matthew tonight with the information that I have, and hopefully we can reach some sort of agreement on what we will do next. I am planning to move forward even if he isn't willing to. At least one of us will have good credit!
As far as the grant goes, the realtor is still trying to help us any way that she can. She is suggesting seller-financed mortgages, condos, and even a motor home. I don't care WHERE we will be; I am grateful for whatever can be found for us. I am grateful for God's grace and mercy on my family; He continues to meet our needs despite what condition our finances are in. Even so, I don't believe that He is pleased when we try to run away from or ignore our problems. What's bad is that since He provides for us, we tend not to see debt as an important issue. I believe that debt is getting in the way of what He really wants to do in our lives; we aren't in a position to maintain what He truly has for us. God is able and willing to help us if we make crucial steps towards deliverance. I know that He will help us. I will keep y'all posted on our progress.
Adrian
2 comments:
I'm happy that you are eligible for a grant. You guys have been through so much. I understand about the bankruptcy thing, I was very stubborn too but about 12 years ago we had to file. It felt awful but in the end I was happy. It has taken years to rebuild credit but it is slowly happening. Good luck with everything.
Debt is terrible thing to be in, but it isn't, or needn't be the end of the road. I think we all find ourselves in this position in some degree or another. I guess you can compare it gaining weight. It didn't happen overnight & it's not going away overnight. With bankruptcy laws changed, there just isn't a quick fix. I know you all will find the right solution for your family. I'll keep y'all in my prayers and hope that you all can find resolution soon.
Always, Barb
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