I start summer classes today. Printed out for my online class, and checked for the in-class one, but not even a syllabus! Oh well, it will all get sorted later today....
See ya!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Debt-Collections-Bankruptcy-Computers-Credit
I had to declare bankruptcy in 2003. It was a need because the debts had taken over my life.
It started with a back injury in 1978. There wasn't much that could be done for my injury, and I was no longer viable for a long-term job. I didn't use drugs, but did other things to "self-medicate" the pain away. As a result, I didn't get better, and the injury was allowed to progress until I was totally disabled, in 1999.
Social Security didn't want to pay for me for the rest of my life, so they kept denying me the benefits I now know I should have had then. I'm now in the holding pattern to get them.
Anyway, the medical portion of my debt load grew to about $20,000. There was a little consumer debt, but not much because nobody would give me credit.
Things got really out of hand when the collection agencies got hold of the debts. By the time I finally went bankrupt, there was over $91,000 of debt. I've already told you how much I actually accrued.
The rest was the reselling of debt portfolios over and over again.
Since the debt had been reported to the credit reporting agencies by the collection agency, when the portfolio was sold, the debt stayed on my credit report - and got reported again and again and again.
Instead of my debt-record (credit report) showing only one occurrence of each debt, it showed the same debt over and over again - once at each collection agency. This reselling of debt ballooned everything out of proportion.
This really messed me up! The results --
* I couldn't get a job, because employers thought I might be inclined to steal - me???
* I couldn't get an apartment because I couldn't be trusted to pay my rent. Yeah, it got that bad.
* I couldn't get utilities in my own name.
* I couldn't get a bank account.
* I couldn't pay for my own car insurance because the premiums were unreasonably high due to my credit - not my driving record.
* I couldn't afford credit accounts, since the interest rates were unreasonably high.
* I had to pay cash for everything - including a car purchase.
So, the collection agencies continued to sell the debt portfolio, regardless of the standing of the debt. When they found an uncollectable debt, they just ignored it. They didn't clean up their database, they just passed it on to the next company, making money on the sale, even though half or more of the data they were selling was bogus.
This is just bad business!
EXAMPLES:
I was divorced in 1991. I took my name back in the divorce, but continued to use my married name until 1993, the year before I graduated college. I continue to get calls from collectors for debt apparently from 2005 or so that is in the old name. Now, for one, the bankruptcy was in 2003, another is that I no longer use that name. I don't even live in the same state anymore! How could I possibly have incurred the debt?
I got a call for my ex-husband's first wife. Now, how is it possible that a woman I knew to nod at, would be 2500 miles away at my house, and accruing a debt that has gone into collection? My house isn't that old! I was here when we broke ground.
************
The collection agencies are out of control. Everything is computerized and nothing is real anymore. At the very least, there should be a national database for debt collection, just like there is for Bankruptcy.
I don't mean that the local agencies should be abolished, although most of us might like that idea. I mean that any debt that is reported for collection is given 60 days at the agency, and then must be reported to a national database. After the initial 60 days, it cannot be reported again.
That means that a collection agency cannot change the account number to some in-house reference number and report it again to another collection agency. The agency cannot sell the portfolio to another collection agency - national or local - using that new number. Debt should only be reported to a collection agency by the original debtor.
If a collection house wishes to pursue debts in the national database, they are welcome to do so, but a debt can only be collected by one collector at a time. If the file is out to one collection house, it cannot be pursued by another collection house.
I've gotten calls from 3 agencies within the same 30-day period, for the same debt account, demanding full payment for the original amount of $12.13. Believe me, I'd already paid the original debtor that $12.13, so these calls were all really bad timing!
If nothing else, the debt collectors should check the national Bankruptcy database and see if the debt is listed. I can't tell you how many times I've had to tell somebody that a debt was discharged in such-and-so Bankruptcy action in 2003.
I would love to hear what other folks have gone through on this. It's time to reign these guys in!
I have NO debts in collection today, just to make that clear.
I'm not harping on any one company.
This is a policy change that needs to happen.
It started with a back injury in 1978. There wasn't much that could be done for my injury, and I was no longer viable for a long-term job. I didn't use drugs, but did other things to "self-medicate" the pain away. As a result, I didn't get better, and the injury was allowed to progress until I was totally disabled, in 1999.
Social Security didn't want to pay for me for the rest of my life, so they kept denying me the benefits I now know I should have had then. I'm now in the holding pattern to get them.
Anyway, the medical portion of my debt load grew to about $20,000. There was a little consumer debt, but not much because nobody would give me credit.
Things got really out of hand when the collection agencies got hold of the debts. By the time I finally went bankrupt, there was over $91,000 of debt. I've already told you how much I actually accrued.
The rest was the reselling of debt portfolios over and over again.
Since the debt had been reported to the credit reporting agencies by the collection agency, when the portfolio was sold, the debt stayed on my credit report - and got reported again and again and again.
Instead of my debt-record (credit report) showing only one occurrence of each debt, it showed the same debt over and over again - once at each collection agency. This reselling of debt ballooned everything out of proportion.
This really messed me up! The results --
* I couldn't get a job, because employers thought I might be inclined to steal - me???
* I couldn't get an apartment because I couldn't be trusted to pay my rent. Yeah, it got that bad.
* I couldn't get utilities in my own name.
* I couldn't get a bank account.
* I couldn't pay for my own car insurance because the premiums were unreasonably high due to my credit - not my driving record.
* I couldn't afford credit accounts, since the interest rates were unreasonably high.
* I had to pay cash for everything - including a car purchase.
So, the collection agencies continued to sell the debt portfolio, regardless of the standing of the debt. When they found an uncollectable debt, they just ignored it. They didn't clean up their database, they just passed it on to the next company, making money on the sale, even though half or more of the data they were selling was bogus.
This is just bad business!
EXAMPLES:
I was divorced in 1991. I took my name back in the divorce, but continued to use my married name until 1993, the year before I graduated college. I continue to get calls from collectors for debt apparently from 2005 or so that is in the old name. Now, for one, the bankruptcy was in 2003, another is that I no longer use that name. I don't even live in the same state anymore! How could I possibly have incurred the debt?
I got a call for my ex-husband's first wife. Now, how is it possible that a woman I knew to nod at, would be 2500 miles away at my house, and accruing a debt that has gone into collection? My house isn't that old! I was here when we broke ground.
************
The collection agencies are out of control. Everything is computerized and nothing is real anymore. At the very least, there should be a national database for debt collection, just like there is for Bankruptcy.
I don't mean that the local agencies should be abolished, although most of us might like that idea. I mean that any debt that is reported for collection is given 60 days at the agency, and then must be reported to a national database. After the initial 60 days, it cannot be reported again.
That means that a collection agency cannot change the account number to some in-house reference number and report it again to another collection agency. The agency cannot sell the portfolio to another collection agency - national or local - using that new number. Debt should only be reported to a collection agency by the original debtor.
If a collection house wishes to pursue debts in the national database, they are welcome to do so, but a debt can only be collected by one collector at a time. If the file is out to one collection house, it cannot be pursued by another collection house.
I've gotten calls from 3 agencies within the same 30-day period, for the same debt account, demanding full payment for the original amount of $12.13. Believe me, I'd already paid the original debtor that $12.13, so these calls were all really bad timing!
If nothing else, the debt collectors should check the national Bankruptcy database and see if the debt is listed. I can't tell you how many times I've had to tell somebody that a debt was discharged in such-and-so Bankruptcy action in 2003.
I would love to hear what other folks have gone through on this. It's time to reign these guys in!
I have NO debts in collection today, just to make that clear.
I'm not harping on any one company.
This is a policy change that needs to happen.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Reflections on a Family Visit
I just got back from several days visiting my most local family branch. They are are special to me, and once we lived very near each other. Today, we live closer than we have in several decades.
Well, I had not been able to figure out how to visit them, due to transportation and other things, until this service rolled into town - Megabus! What a Godsend! A cheap, fairly pleasant, although time-consuming, way to get there... The hardest part for me is the sitting for 9 hours. With my back, it's tough.
So, I got to visit them. We had a recent death in the family, and that's prompted everyone to stop and reflect. To end the suspense, it's my aunt and uncle, and 2 cousins from different uncles. So, visiting was quite a big deal, and everyone was glad to see everyone else. It was very nice. The visit was not too long, so the "fish didn't stink" and it wasn't too hard on anyone. I was actually just getting homesick the day before I left, so all is well on all fronts.
You know that old saw - "fish and family, tend to smell after 3 days..."
I got some insights into character (which always fascinates me), and we caught up a little bit about the various other branches of the family.
No photos were taken. This was not a photo-op moment. Yes, I had my camera with me. We just didn't think about it. We were too busy visiting with our hearts, eyes and words.
My 2nd cousins will be nice to see grow up. It's special to watch them. I last saw them as children, and now they are adults. I love them all, very much.
I'm glad I went. I'm glad there was no pressing need in our lives to prompt the visit. I'm glad we love each other and this visit enlarged that love.
My cats missed me as much as I missed them. They all came for cuddles in my chair last night after they ate.
I'll get a massage today to work out the kinks, and get about the business of living again. I have many chores and things to do today.
Well, I had not been able to figure out how to visit them, due to transportation and other things, until this service rolled into town - Megabus! What a Godsend! A cheap, fairly pleasant, although time-consuming, way to get there... The hardest part for me is the sitting for 9 hours. With my back, it's tough.
So, I got to visit them. We had a recent death in the family, and that's prompted everyone to stop and reflect. To end the suspense, it's my aunt and uncle, and 2 cousins from different uncles. So, visiting was quite a big deal, and everyone was glad to see everyone else. It was very nice. The visit was not too long, so the "fish didn't stink" and it wasn't too hard on anyone. I was actually just getting homesick the day before I left, so all is well on all fronts.
You know that old saw - "fish and family, tend to smell after 3 days..."
I got some insights into character (which always fascinates me), and we caught up a little bit about the various other branches of the family.
No photos were taken. This was not a photo-op moment. Yes, I had my camera with me. We just didn't think about it. We were too busy visiting with our hearts, eyes and words.
My 2nd cousins will be nice to see grow up. It's special to watch them. I last saw them as children, and now they are adults. I love them all, very much.
I'm glad I went. I'm glad there was no pressing need in our lives to prompt the visit. I'm glad we love each other and this visit enlarged that love.
My cats missed me as much as I missed them. They all came for cuddles in my chair last night after they ate.
I'll get a massage today to work out the kinks, and get about the business of living again. I have many chores and things to do today.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Travelling Today
I'm off on the Megabus to Virginia today. If you follow me on Twitter, I may even Tweet if I find something interesting. The worst part will be sitting for 9+ hours. My back is already stressed and painful.
Ah well... I've got my tunes, my crochet, and a good book coming with me. Not to mention the MP3 player with some good speaker tapes on it.
I'll have the laptop, so I may post while I'm away. Not sure. Visiting family, so it depends on how things go. I won't be in control of my own schedule. That may be a good thing!
I get to give a couple of presents for Mother's Day to my aunt and cousin. And I have a fabulous present for my uncle that I've been holding on to for several years - just kept forgetting to pass it on!
I'm all packed, just need to shower and dress.
Ah well... I've got my tunes, my crochet, and a good book coming with me. Not to mention the MP3 player with some good speaker tapes on it.
I'll have the laptop, so I may post while I'm away. Not sure. Visiting family, so it depends on how things go. I won't be in control of my own schedule. That may be a good thing!
I get to give a couple of presents for Mother's Day to my aunt and cousin. And I have a fabulous present for my uncle that I've been holding on to for several years - just kept forgetting to pass it on!
I'm all packed, just need to shower and dress.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
God Is Good!
I returned my textbooks yesterday, and was able to get cat food and gas.
Today, I checked the bank balance, like I do every morning, and Whoa! There was money there!!! It turned out it was a refund for the class I dropped.
So, I got to pay a month's utility bills. That's cool! The second month is already on my credit for the internet/phone, and I saw the meter-reader yesterday for the lights & water.
I'll go talk to everybody today and tell them what's up. I guess I'll have to let them know when my next student loan payment is coming in, too.
Confirmed with my cousin on my trip this weekend. Everything is going as planned.
Got a call yesterday on a job I signed up for, for today. She said the supervisor would call me with details. He never did, so I didn't work today.
I'll use the time to clean up my suitcases, and get the laundry done so I have clothes to take with me.
God is Good! That money came just in time (as is God's way), and now I won't have to worry about the lights getting cut off while I'm on my trip. I had no idea that money was coming...
Today, I checked the bank balance, like I do every morning, and Whoa! There was money there!!! It turned out it was a refund for the class I dropped.
So, I got to pay a month's utility bills. That's cool! The second month is already on my credit for the internet/phone, and I saw the meter-reader yesterday for the lights & water.
I'll go talk to everybody today and tell them what's up. I guess I'll have to let them know when my next student loan payment is coming in, too.
Confirmed with my cousin on my trip this weekend. Everything is going as planned.
Got a call yesterday on a job I signed up for, for today. She said the supervisor would call me with details. He never did, so I didn't work today.
I'll use the time to clean up my suitcases, and get the laundry done so I have clothes to take with me.
God is Good! That money came just in time (as is God's way), and now I won't have to worry about the lights getting cut off while I'm on my trip. I had no idea that money was coming...
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Oy! Computerized Registrations!
Sometimes computers can be REALLY stupid!
There is no gray area. If you are supposed to have a prerequisite for one course program, then you have to have that prerequisite for all course programs - except when you don't!
And I'm in the latter category. So, they will have to "waive" the prerequisite so I can complete my course of study. Maybe I'll leave that class alone till the last semester, when I'm doing my internship....
There is no gray area. If you are supposed to have a prerequisite for one course program, then you have to have that prerequisite for all course programs - except when you don't!
And I'm in the latter category. So, they will have to "waive" the prerequisite so I can complete my course of study. Maybe I'll leave that class alone till the last semester, when I'm doing my internship....
Lots of Blog Traffic?
I'm thinking this is because of the post I made on Facebook after the announcement that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. I just can't sanction killing. It's against God's Law. When I see all the "jubilation" at his death, it saddens me.
Other than that, a busy week so far. Yesterday was the busiest so far, but today is shaping up as busy and filled, as well.
I have phone calls, outings planned, and so on. There's a Job Fair today, that I plan to attend. I have calls on both ends - to make and to receive.
Why can't I just win one of the Sweepstakes I've entered? It would make life a bit easier....
Yesterday, I had my final presentation in my last class of the semester. I hope she liked it. I did what she asked, and tried to make it work. With 3 systems at home that are not compatible with those at school, things can be quite challenging.
No matter what my financial situation, I really need a newer laptop! I need to upgrade to Windows 7, even though I hate Microsoft. I love my MAC, but the whole world lives on MS Office, so I have to keep a recent version working.
So, I guess I'll get one of the Dell's come Fall.
I've already registered for 2 summer classes, and 4 fall classes. I'm looking for more, but few are available. I need a Contract Law class, and it isn't listed. They may have changed the name or number. It would be nice to get that out of the way. I'll end up with all accounting and management classes after that.
The school accepted 43 credits from my transcripts! That was a nice surprise. Not all of them will help me in my current endeavor, but I can probably get that tutoring job at the school, now.
Kitties are good. Fluffy has some kind of yeast growth under a mat, so she will be groomed today. I have to do the job myself. It's a good thing she doesn't freak out about water! She's going to get a bath after her haircut.
Well, enough for now. I have to get ready for a busy day.
Other than that, a busy week so far. Yesterday was the busiest so far, but today is shaping up as busy and filled, as well.
I have phone calls, outings planned, and so on. There's a Job Fair today, that I plan to attend. I have calls on both ends - to make and to receive.
Why can't I just win one of the Sweepstakes I've entered? It would make life a bit easier....
Yesterday, I had my final presentation in my last class of the semester. I hope she liked it. I did what she asked, and tried to make it work. With 3 systems at home that are not compatible with those at school, things can be quite challenging.
No matter what my financial situation, I really need a newer laptop! I need to upgrade to Windows 7, even though I hate Microsoft. I love my MAC, but the whole world lives on MS Office, so I have to keep a recent version working.
So, I guess I'll get one of the Dell's come Fall.
I've already registered for 2 summer classes, and 4 fall classes. I'm looking for more, but few are available. I need a Contract Law class, and it isn't listed. They may have changed the name or number. It would be nice to get that out of the way. I'll end up with all accounting and management classes after that.
The school accepted 43 credits from my transcripts! That was a nice surprise. Not all of them will help me in my current endeavor, but I can probably get that tutoring job at the school, now.
Kitties are good. Fluffy has some kind of yeast growth under a mat, so she will be groomed today. I have to do the job myself. It's a good thing she doesn't freak out about water! She's going to get a bath after her haircut.
Well, enough for now. I have to get ready for a busy day.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Broke Week Ahead
I was unable to work last week. Not that there wasn't a little work available, but adding a sinus infection, insomnia, and pre-finals week together, along with little money for gas, make any work almost impossible. I tried, but it wasn't going to happen.
I've been raiding my PayPal account to keep going. I needed to put gas in the car, get cat food, and so on. I have some cash to put IN the bank today, so that a weekend "shop" (secret shopping) is covered.
I hate being broke, but things WILL get better. There's a bit of work this week. Next week, off to Virginia for a few days to see family. It will be nice to see them, and the trip is already paid for. Something to look forward to!
I've been raiding my PayPal account to keep going. I needed to put gas in the car, get cat food, and so on. I have some cash to put IN the bank today, so that a weekend "shop" (secret shopping) is covered.
I hate being broke, but things WILL get better. There's a bit of work this week. Next week, off to Virginia for a few days to see family. It will be nice to see them, and the trip is already paid for. Something to look forward to!
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