AboutRegan Shinski Expertise I can answer questions on collections, repossessions, bankruptcy, credit repair, credit counseling, FICO scores, credit planning, and the cause and effect of credit related decisions. I can also answer questions on collection settlements and preparing to sue your creditors for false debts and credit reporting.
Experience Fifteen years ago I was financially devasted due to severe health issues. I filed bankruptcy, had a foreclosure, car repossession, tax lien, and ruined credit. I immersed myself in credit law. I settled dozens of accounts and had them removed to improve my credit. I personally sued four creditors and collection agencies and won cash settlements for their false reporting on my credit reports.
Since then, I have completely recovered and have nearly $100,000 in revolving credit lines and perfect credit. I have owned a credit repair company for the past five years and have an additional three years of specific work in the collections and debt management industry.
I am fully versed in the Fair Debt Collection Practices Acts (FDCPA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and have used them successfully in collection settlements and lawsuits for myself and others. I am also familiar with and abide by the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA).
I have deleted or helped delete literally hundreds and hundreds of derogatory items from consumers' credit reports and helped negotiate many settlements with collection agencies and creditors. I have also advised people on bankruptcy at any stage.
In the current credit market, I have successfully advised numerous people on how to obtain credit and how to negotiate for better terms.
Education/Credentials BA - University of Minnesota
Question My husband and I filed late July, had our credit meeting late August and are currently waiting for discharge. We surrendered one of our vehicles through the bankruptcy (thinking we would buy an older, cheaper one to replace it with). I have a two part question. 1- Can we expect our discharge soon? It has been almost 3 months since filing and 2 months since creditor meeting. As of yet, none of our creditors have disputed our case. 2- We desperately need a 2nd car. What would happen if we purchased a car from a small buy here/pay here dealer that doesn't check or report our credit? How would this transaction be discovered? What kind of trouble could we be in?
Thank you!
Answer Vi:
I can't answer when the discharge would happen because there are just so many factors. I'm not sure how/if the transaction would be discovered but you put your entire bankruptcy in jeopardy. You will be stating that everything in your bankruptcy is true and accurate. Technically, lying not only risks your bankruptcy but is a violation of the bankruptcy law. Now, is it realistic that someone would find out or that would happen? I can't say. Who knows?
You need to explain your situation to your attorney and tell him/her you NEED a car. I also think buying a car outright would be better than financing one even at a buy here, pay here location. The court understands that life does have to go on so there are circumstances that would allow this even during the bankruptcy. It's the how, how much, when, where, etc. that is unique to your case and court and I just can't answer it.
Sorry I can't give you all specific answers but there are just too many unknown variables.
