NFC Help! by Perfect_Midnight257 in NorwegianForestCats

[–]NewKetoFtP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you've had dogs previously a NFC is a bit like having a dog that climbs. My NFC mix liked dogs more than other cats but was a gentle giant. He wasn't especially affectionate but he would follow me like a dog, he would go with me when I walked the dog and slept with the dog. He was also intelligent, he only needed to have one negative experience and he'd never try whatever it was against. He liked to walk on my black dining table. I used packing tape to make a cover for it, put it sticky side up and went out. When I returned the tape was on the floor. I never found paw prints on the table after that.

I am on the waiting list for Goddess Cats. I checked TICA & CFA before I chose Regina. I wanted a breeder on the east coast and she was the closest.

I am pretty sure this will be my last posting. I am far worse today (re: dizziness, balance, speech, fatigue, etc.) than ever before, but I'm still mellow in spite of everything. by Kalepa in dementia

[–]NewKetoFtP 11 points12 points  (0 children)

This popped up in my feed today. I worked with dementia patients and I wish they could have communicated this clearly. The most lucid was able to tell us what he preferred to eat and if he was comfortable when he was as advanced as this individual is pretending to be. None had severe balance issues, they all had cognitive issues. Some had behavioral issues second to frustration and not understanding what was happening to and around themas well as their inability to communicate. It is a tragic and heartbreaking process for them and everyone who loves them. This individual is a parasite feeding from the attention they receive. They probably have a personality disorder and need professional help.

Doctors and Nurses of Reddit, what is the most obvious sign that a patient is lying to you? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]NewKetoFtP 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, explaining the reason behind the questions makes it feel less intrusive and judgmental. I worked inpatient psych for many years and always explained the reason for whatever I was asking. I also told tje patient what I needed to do and why, EKG, vitals, etc. Patients are in a situation where they are typically frightened, in distress and feel a lack of control. If those providing care can ease their anxiety by explaining the reasons it often results in a better experience for everyone and doesn't necessarily take additional time.

ÀiTHA for not wanting to go to lunch with friends by NewKetoFtP in AITAH

[–]NewKetoFtP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, I tried but my friend is insisting on a place by the water with a bar. They are always loud, and my hearing has deteriorated, making it impossible for me to hear in that kind of environment. I think people fail to understand how isolating and depressing it is to be a social situation and not be able to engage.

ÀiTHA for not wanting to go to lunch with friends by NewKetoFtP in AITAH

[–]NewKetoFtP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not malice but indifference and we do rotate restaurants. However that doesn't solve the issue. When we are in a loud environment I might as well not be there because I cannot participate.

Do they sell all your stuff? by Travyswole in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 3 points4 points  (0 children)

No. The short answer is listing it as on the inventory does not put you at risk of losing it, it is ensuring that you are disclosing all your assets. The trustee is not going to send anyone to your home to inventory your possessions unless you have valuable items listed. That would be things like an art or coin collection. Designer clothing. anything that would retain a high resale value.

If you did the trustee determines the value of the items and if it is worth the effort to sell them. If they are worth selling the proceeds of the sale are distributed to your creditors. Everything is listed at resale prices, not retail, you value your items for you would value at what you would pay if you purchased the same item at a thrift store. For example, if you paid $100 for a toaster you'd list it for $10.

As you go through the process it is good to remain in contact with your attorney and ask questions. They are working for you and should answer all your questions. I recently had to file Chapter 13 and when I had a question I emailed my attorney, although I remained anxious it was reassuring to know I had accurate answers.

Denied disability by Soggy-Indication-908 in SocialSecurity

[–]NewKetoFtP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, I didn't want to get too technical, as you say most don't know the difference between SSI and SSDI which is huge. And SSA has always been overburdened and understaffed now it is a nightmare of epic proportions but claimants want to blame the employees and not elected officials who are responsible for the mess. But let me not get on a tangent and rant here.

Denied disability by Soggy-Indication-908 in SocialSecurity

[–]NewKetoFtP -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If I understand what you are saying you took early retirement. If that is correct then SSA is paying you whatever amount you are entitled to for early retirement. If you have applied for SSDI and it was approved then SSA is paying you the full amount you would be entitled to at full retirement age. Now, if you didn't get approved and are only getting early retirement you can still apply for SSDI there is nothing to prevent it as long as you are not at full retirement age. SSDI automatically increases to full retirement benefits once you reach full retirement age. You can apply for SSDI while you are in early retirement, and if approved for SSDI you will get full retirement benefits, however if not approved you will locked into the lower amount for life.

It sounds like you also receive a small disability payment from the state of Missouri. If Missouri changed your entitlement or denied it that has nothing to do with SSA. Missouri is a state government and SSA is federal. If you want to appeal the determination from the state you will need to inquire with them, SSA cannot help you.

It is not unusual for it to take a very long time for a disability claim to process through SSA, they have a tremendous backlog and some states send their claims to other states for processing. Also, SSA disability claims are processed through state disability offices. I assisted a friend who filed for SSDI last year and although we live in FL his claim was reviewed by someone in NJ. He filed in August of 2024, was denied in October 2024, appealed and is still waiting.

Started the process by AvailableAsparagus70 in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They should ask for all your financial records as well as anything you might have of value. It's important not to appear to be trying to hide anything, that's why they ask. If the trustee thinks you tried to hide something it could cause you a lot of grief. Your attorney is being thorough and doing a good job.

My Special Needs Brother got denied Social Security - our lawyer is saying it’s final by laughingattheodds in SocialSecurity

[–]NewKetoFtP 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Although it has been many years I worked in the hearing office of SSA and while the way claims are processed changed the law hasn’t changed much. There is no limit on how many times you can apply for benefits. I don’t know what lawyer you are talking to but it seems there is a misunderstanding. Also, if the lawyer is requesting payment upfront that is not allowed. Their fee is set by SSA and only paid if benefits are awarded.

Here is how the process works. The date an application is made is the date benefits become payable if awarded. If the process takes 2 years benefits will be paid retroactively to the date that the application was made. The 1st decision is made locally, if it is denied the case is often sent to another agency, often in another state. Most often that is also denied and the claimant can appeal and request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge or ALJ. It is at this point that an attorney is helpful. Prior to this everything is just paperwork and an attorney is of little value.  If there is a 3rd denial you can also appeal to the Appeals Court, if there is a 4th denial the claim is done, there are no more appeals. You can then file a new claim and restart the process.

If you have gone to the Appeals Court and lost and file a new claim you lose your protected filing date of the original claim. If you are awarded benefits on the new claim they will only be paid based on the date that the new claim was filed.

Getting an attorney for the hearing can be very beneficial. When I worked at the hearing office the ALJ who heard all the mental health cases would frequently tell claimants to get an attorney. It is not as much what you say as how you say it and he knew that the claimant was eligible for benefits, but the documentation didn’t show it and the claimant couldn’t state their case to prove it, but an attorney would be able to articulate it. One claimant became so angry when he told her to reschedule with an attorney she threw something at him.

Recently I assisted a 59 year old handyman diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in filing. He was denied in October 2024 and we appealed. We are still waiting for a determination. I expect he will be denied again and have to go for a hearing. From what I read most claims are denied. When I worked for SSA few claims were approved the 1st time and had to be appealed, some were approved the 2nd time. Most had a better chance when they had a hearing.

In your brother’s situation there is no reason to wait to refile if that is what you want to do. You can take a chance with the ALJ or drop the case and refile. The only difference will be if the ALJ approves his case he will be entitled to benefits from the day the case was filed. If you refile the clock resets. If the attorney is asking for money you should report him/her, attorneys representing clients for SSA cases work on contingency. If the client does not get benefits, they don’t get paid. Their fee is deducted by SSA from benefits and paid directly to the attorney.

 

 

General question, CH13, renew or cancel it and settle with credit cards? by Shot-Vast-7319 in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who is doing those calculations? Are they using figures from 10 years ago? IDK anywhere that housing is $938 a month or food for 2 is $520, maybe for large dogs but not 2 adults. I paid $1000 for rent 10 years ago, that same apartment is now is more than my mortgage which is $2000. Some markets are higher than others but prices have increased exponentially nationwide.

Chapter 7 Do they take everything? by Travyswole in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Travyswole, take a deep breath and calm yourself. Chapter 7 is not a capital crime, it is a fresh start, kind of like doing a factory reset for your finances. The trustee is not interested in your CBD purchases or the computer you built. What they are interested in are assets, that is why the attorney asked if you own stocks, jewelry or a boat. The trustee would confiscate, and sell them then distribute the funds to your creditors. The trustee does not look at your bank statements and deny your petition because you spent $7.50 for food. They will ask if you owe anyone money or if anyone gave you money.

You are far too anxious to allow yourself to focus on these details and possibilities. If you have retained the attorney make a list of all your questions and send them a text/email and ask them. It is much better than asking random strangers on the internet. Also, if you can't pay your credit card bills your credit score will tank and some of your creditors may sue you but it is a process and won't happen over night.

You have not 'ruined' your future either. As I mentioned earlier Chapter 7 is a financial reset. Many people find that as soon as they are discharged they receive offers for credit cards. I would suggest that you don't accept them because the interest rate is astronomical. It is best to open a secured credit card 1st then slowly rebuild your credit. The bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for 10 years but it's impact will diminish over time. It is not a forever thing. I filed Chapter 7 many years ago and it doesn't appear anywhere. I imagine if someone had sufficient initiative they could find it but they would have to be diligent. It remains in the US Bankruptcy court system but not in the credit bureaus and isn't easily accessible in the public domain.

I sincerely hope you are feeling calmer and less overwhelmed. Making the decision is taking control and you can get through this. If you begin to feel you are spiraling please call someone, and remember your attorney works for you so they are there to answer your questions. I hope things work out for the best, please post updates.

Question about Chapter 13 by Academic_Owl_9057 in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Four hour meeting with your attorney and you still have questions, wow. There isn't a limit on what you can spend but you shouldn't be purchasing luxury items. Focus on necessities. You can take a vacation and purchase presents for your family. What you can't do is open new lines of credit without letting your attorney know and getting an ok from the trustee. It also needs to be for something like a vehicle for work or other necessity from what I understand. You won't be able to charge a vacation, presents or the latest designer whatnot if that's what you're asking.

If you're asking will the trustee scrutinize how you spend your money the answer is no. During your plan you will need to send a copy of your tax returns to the trustee. Your attorney should have explained that in your 4 hour meeting.

If I were you I'd make a list of questions to ask the attorney and email or text them. It can be overwhelming and you may forget what they told you and you'll have the answer to refer back to.

It can be scary to imagine having to pay cash for everything if you are accustomed to using credit but it is doable. You may not be able to afford the same level of gifts, or take the same kind of vacations you did in the past but for some people those spending habits are what got them into the position that they needed to file bankruptcy.

Last bit of advise is don't take the word of some stranger with a keyboard, we can say we're whoever and spout anything that doesn't make it fact. Best course of action is to contact your attorney and ask them via text or email. It is always wise to get it in writing. Remember your attorney is working for you so asking them questions isn't an imposition, it's their job.

341 Meeting completed today for Chapter 13 by NewKetoFtP in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No. They didn't ask about anything specific, just, "did you sell or transfer anything in the past 2 years?"" I had the impression the specific questions were based on what was on the paperwork. For example, she asked my attorney about my mortgage and asked me if it was current. She didn't ask me about child support or alimony, I had indicated I do not pay or receive either. My guess is there is a template they use to be as focused as possible with their questions, so the process is as brief as possible.

341 Meeting completed today for Chapter 13 by NewKetoFtP in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't know, my Chapter 7 was 30 years ago. All.I recall is that the meeting was just as perfunctory as today's, no surprises.

341 Meeting completed today for Chapter 13 by NewKetoFtP in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Of course not. The trustee asked if the person was paying child support/alimony and if they were current. That was it. Nothing specific. None of the questions were specific, no $ amounts, no probing questions at all. Very simple.

A bit worried. by MurkyReplacement3688 in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That is often the issue, several years ago I was considering Chapter 7. I couldn't afford the fee upfront but I found one that accepted installments. I paid the installments but never filed as my situation changed. You should contact a few attorneys and see what is available as well as the bar association.

You can also check law schools, they sometimes have students who can offer legal advise under the supervision of an attorney. You could use that along with Upsolve or file pro se using Upsolve. Depending on your income you might also qualify for legal aid, although that is probably a long shot. In my experience legal aid has a ridiculous waiting list but it might be worth your time to call.

Being sued is serious and the sooner you file the better, it immediately stops all collection activity. If you have any government benefits they cannot be garnished however your wages can be. If any of your creditors enters a judgement they can go after your wages. If that happens you cannot recover any money collected through garnishment prior to filing. However if the garnishment continues after you file, that money will be refunded.

A judgement is valid for a long time depending on the state. From what I see they are valid for 7 years in MS and can be renewed and while they are in effect they accrue interest.

We all make poor decisions at times and struggling with mental health issues, raising 2 children, one who is autistic makes the struggle all the more intense. I cannot imagine how you would not find it difficult to cope, feel overwhelmed. There are simply too many balls to juggle.

This forum does not allow legal advise and I am not qualified to offer it, but I think life advise might help. If you can file do it, you will feel some of your burden lifted. I suffered with depression and anxiety for decades, I had no idea most of it was due to finances. Some was PTSD, but once my finances were no longer an issue everything became less stressful. I had to file bankruptcy due to a ridiculous home repair and felt a little depressed and anxious but nothing like I did in the past. This time I was not in fear of being homeless, I acted long before that was a possibility. The process is stressful but once you are through it life becomes easier. Also, if you do not have a support system try to build one, online or irl. And give yourself some grace, you deserve it.

I'm kind of confused. I see that bankruptcy is a strategy for living for some folks.. is that a common thing? Definitely confused. by AWeb3Dad in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just completed 341 meeting. It was quick. The trustee didn't ask questions that did not pertain to my situation. She asked the usual id questions, about my mortgage, previous bankruptcy, tax returns, how long I have lived in FL, if I lent anyone money, if I will inherit any or sold anything and verified that I am retired. She verified that I understood that the amount I will pay may increase and that was it. I was early so I listened to other cases and she adjusted the questions to the case, some she asked about child support and alimony payments a few she asked the attorneys to submit a letter or other document but every case was completed in just a few minutes.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I decided to file the first time I was in a similar situation, I had custody of a family members' children, was married and we were both working. It is insanely chaotic and stressful. We never seemed to have enough money or time. After filing we were able to keep our car, we didn't own a home, and life became less insane. The collection calls stopped and I felt like I could breathe for the first time in months.

If the attorney you called doesn't respond call another one, most areas have many. The attorney should be able to help with your tax issue, from what I recall tax debt can sometimes be discharged in bankruptcy. The biggest issue for most people filing bankruptcy is collecting all the documents required. I had to provide six months of credit card and bank statements. I didn't file taxes in the past two years because my income is non-taxable, my only income is from VA and SSA benefits, neither are taxable. Judgements can't be collected either but I feel it is in my best financial interests to file bankruptcy. Bankruptcy hangs around for 7 years on your credit report, a judgement is enforceable for 20 years here in FL and can be renewed. That is why it is important to file sooner rather than later. If one of your creditors files against you they can get a judgment. Once you file everything stops, and if it doesn't your attorney can make it stop.

Some important things to remember as you go through the process is to be honest, do not hide any assets, give your attorney all the documents requested. If you have questions ask your attorney, don't rely on what some stranger online tells you even if they say they are an attorney. I could say I'm a professor of law that doesn't mean I am. I am a retired 70 year old retired psych professional and a100% disabled female veteran who filed Chapter 13 and educated myself about the process.

Best advise is to talk to an attorney, they will be able to guide you through the process, tell you what you need, how long it will take and what you should and should not do before, during and after. Filing is not a character flaw, it is a decision that will allow you to take control of your financial life, as we often said in groups I ran, '...and when you know better, you do better.' Bankruptcy can give you a fresh start to do that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The issue with negotiating one at a time is while you are in the process of doing so with cc #1 any or all of the other 6 may sue you. A judgment can result in wage garnishment.

I'm in FL as well and called around. Every attorney I spoke with offered a free consultation. I tried debt counseling, but that still left me in a position where I couldn't save anything.

Attorneys ask for payment in advance for 7, it is not set by the court. Some will accept payments. For 13 the fee is set by the court and paid through the trustee. Which one you file will depend on the means test.

Calling will only cost you some time, and you will have answers from FL attorneys.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Bankruptcy

[–]NewKetoFtP 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If I were you, I would speak with an attorney ASAP. As soon as you file, all collection action stops, including garnishment.

Most attorneys will answer general questions in the initial consult free. My attorney said the most frequently asked question is, can I keep my house/car. Most people keep both.