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I'm an Alberta single mom responsible for 2 teenagers. Since 1998 I've been too ill to work. Prior to that I was employed and had a
secondary income from a home business (incorporated). I used up my savings and cashed my RSP's & life insurance in order feed my family of 4 kids at that time. In Sept 98 we were evicted and I finally faced the reality that I needed help. I have been on assistance from Social Services since Sept 98. I had to give back the car, cut up the credit cards, and live stictly on a cash basis.
I currently receive $500 a month plus my Child Tax Credit of $330. From that I have to pay my rent/ulitities of $500; bus/school expenses of $90; app $40 for cab fare to get to doctor's and do grocery shopping. That leaves me around $200 for groceries, toiletries, prescriptions, etc. for the 3 of us.
My girls are aware that my situation makes them different at school as they can't go with their friends even to free activities. Usually by the end of the month, I don't have that extra $3.00 for bus fare and their bus passes don't work weekends. This strains the already hard teenage years. They especially like to remind me of the freedoms their older brother and sister had when they were that age (and when I was working).
Prior to getting sick, I never had a problem paying my bills. Now I owe several creditors dating back 1997/98 when I first lost my job and lived on my credit cards. I never expected to be so sick for so long that I would not be able to meet those obligations. I'm not sure what I owe in total as I know some of my creditors have not found me since I moved in 98 - but my conscience still tells me I owe them.
Looking at your website and the info provided here, I know I have a serious problem. The calls to my extended family and letters from the collection agencies don't help my health either.
Is there anyway I can find out what I really owe, without letting my
creditors know what I'm up too? I don't want more calls from other
creditors.
I wouldn't be able to pay even to go bankrupt? How could I take the
bankruptcy fee out of the little I get? What are my options, if any?
I heard somewhere that there is a limit on how long a creditor can pursue you? Is that true for Albertans? What's that time? It's been almost 3 years since this started.
Is there anyway to get them to stop phoning my previous neighbors or my grandparents, etc?
Can they go after my children that have left home?
I used to have a business (incorporated) that also have some debts since 98. If I declared bankruptcy, could I include ALL my debts - personal and business or do I have to declare bankruptcy twice?
Is an old computer considered under the clause of $4000 for furniture?
What is the "base" level for a family of 3? One of the previous question on you Q & A gave it for a family of 4. I think I would be considered below that base amount allowed before they can garnish my income but want to confirm.
Thank you for taking the time to address my almost desparate situation. Sometimes I think life would have been better for my girls if I had died in that surgery in 98
Is there any hope for me?
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