It is well-known that eating nutritious food is key to maintaining good health, but it can be expensive to buy a variety of nutritious foods. Especially in this economy, every penny counts. But there are some strategies that you can use to eat well and economize at the same time.
You may want to look into the possibility of growing at least some of your own food. If you have a yard, you can turn all or part of it into a garden where you can grow vegetables and herbs. Squash, cucumbers, peas, beans, peppers and tomatoes are popular and fairly easy vegetables to grow, but you can try growing anything you like that will thrive in your area. If you live in an apartment, growing your own food is a bit more challenging, but you can still grow some items in pots on a windowsill. Herbs can do especially well in pots, and being able to snip fresh oregano, parsley and sweet basil to use in your recipes can save you from having to spend money on those items at the store.
If you are intent on saving your home at all costs, for whatever reason, then take a look at all the loan modification programs that are available. Admittedly, there are very strict requirements that must be met, and you must, above all, prove ability to pay, which is difficult under the strict rules that are in place. If you think you can qualify, however, apply for these programs. Most of them are underwritten by the government, so you have a much better chance of being approved than in previous times. If you do choose to modify your loan, you will likely be put on a "trial period", in which you must make all payments in a timely fashion. It would be wise to have an outside party involved, to ensure that you will not be denied in the end. This could be a government entity or a private attorney, though the latter could be an expense that you cannot afford. Above all, be persistent and keep records of each and every conversation you have with the mortgage provider. Also, send all payments and correspondence via certified mail, with a signature required.
BAPCPA added a few requirements to the Chapter 7 process. The earliest of these requirements that you'll encounter are the new provisions that require you to seek assistance with your debts before filing. You'll need to consult with an approved credit counselor and take a personal finance class. This is not simply a formality; the counseling you receive may well provide you with alternatives to filing. It is also in your best interests to get this counseling because failing to do so can be used as grounds for a bankruptcy court to deny your debt discharge.
The biggest change that the 2005 laws brought to Chapter 7 is the means test. This is a basic analysis of your current and projected future income. You will be subject to the means test if your income is above your state's median income level. Typically, your monthly income is compared to both an absolute lower limit and your overall level of debt. If you do not meet the bankruptcy means test, it is still possible to file, but you will require a special circumstances exemption.
It is possible to eat well on a budget. Grow your own, buy locally and shop judiciously. It may take a little extra planning, but the health benefits and the monetary savings are well worthwhile.
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