One of my good friends has unfortunately been forced to file bankruptcy. It's not like being on a Balance Liquidation Program would help and he wasn't having a problem paying debt like his credit cards or car payment, but he did have a short sale a couple of years ago and it is now coming back to haunt him.
The bank that suffered the short sale has garnished his bank account for the difference he owed at the time of the short sale.
Now I don't know if they did it as a warning or what because they only took a small amount. It may have been the garnishment was only allowed for that amount per month.
So without knowing what would be next (like garnishing his wages) he had decided to file bankruptcy so they couldn't come after him any further. Part of his bankruptcy requirement is to go through a Consumer Credit Counseling course.
While attending his online course his credit counselor suggested he check out some sites to help cut down expenses. He had told me about them and a lot of these are pretty cool so I had him send me the links.
Check out these sites below. With the money you save on everyday expenses you can turn around and put the money save towards your debt.
1. TheKrazyCouponLady.com-If you're looking for deals on breakfast foods, medicine and household supplies, this is the place to start.
2. RetailMeNot.com-The site puts out great coupons for big name retail stores like L.L. Bean, Kohls, Victoria's Secret and thousands of other web sites.
3. Dealighted.com-This site is particularly good for tech gadgets and some department stores.
4. CheapStingyBargains.com-This site may be the best place on the web to find computer coupons. They also advertise some sweet deals on other electronics like cameras and even smart phones.
5. CouponMom.com-Has a simple and attractive mission statement: help shoppers cut their grocery bills in half. The site advertises free samples and of course, grocery store coupons. But one of the best features on this site is a breakdown of grocery store deals by state.
6. RedPlum.com-Here you can find coupons on essentials like cereal and flu medicine. The site also lets you search for coupons for restaurants by zip code.
7. CouponCabin.com-This site has an incredible variety of offers. According to the site, there are nearly 45,000 coupons and deals currently active.
8. SmartSource.com-This site specializes in advertising printable grocery coupons in your local area.
9. Coupons.com-This site is great for finding deals on household goods and gifts.
10. CoolSavings.com-Grocery coupons that you can print and use in grocery stores.
Before you start bookmarking these sites and printing out coupons, it's important to stay organized.
One site, TipNut.com, has several good suggestions for doing this. Get an accordion folder or binder to put your coupons into and arrange them either by expiration dates or by products. Before you go shopping, make a list of what you plan to buy and then check off which items on that list you have coupons for.
The following may be of help in reducing your monthly grocery bills:
1. 1-800-771-2303 FeedingAmerica.org (national network of food banks)
2. AngelFoodMinistries.com (provides low cost, high quality food through churches and civic organizations in many states)
3. MealsonWheels.org (Food for Seniors) 703-548-5558
4. TheTreasureBox.org (Western US)
5. Alice.com (purchase nonperishable grocery items online with any coupons automatically applied, no shipping charges)
6. Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Using food stamps can help you fill your grocery bag. It’s easy to find out if you’re eligible and to apply. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and is accepted by most grocery stores.
These sites will take some time to go through, but it's worth it in the long run. Happy savings!
We also suggest:
Will a short sale hurt your credit score?
Do I have to pay back the difference on a short sale?
What if my house is worth less than I owe?
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