I'm stumped. I'm not so sure what is the answer to your question. I'll do some investigation and get back to you if I got an anything. You should email the people at Lending Tree as they probably could give you help..

Have you already been discharged from your bk because I received my "First Premier Unsecured Gold Card" (the one with the high fees) about a month after my discharge. I considered it for about three days and decided to wait for better offers (secured, but relatively high interest cards) to come but they didn't..

All I know about the First Premier card is what I read here; the good - they report to all three credit bureaus, the iffy - they have so-so customer service and the ugly - high start up fees - approx. $200 - 230 (the average starting CL reported here and on other boards I frequent is only $250, plus a monthly membership "fee" so you'll always owe a balance while you have the card even if you don't use it. Still, this card is recommended if you have no other choices..

I'd wait at least a few months post discharge to see what other offers you received. About two weeks ago (approx. two months post discharge) I received a slightly better unsecured offer from Providian. No upfront fees, no yearly "fee" (don't know how long this will last though), variable APR 16.9%. Since I don't want to run huge balances on a fixed income, I did apply for this one. I also sent for an American Pacific Bank (secured card) application and just received it a few days ago.

You have to send a copy of your income statements and your discharge paper if you haven't been discharged at least one year. And no serious reported delinquencies which is why I urge you to get your credit reports 30-60 days post discharge because chances are very good that on a least one credit report you'll show a "charge off" or a "paid/unpaid collection" on accounts that you included in your bankruptcy..

I am sorry I don't have an answer to your question about how an application for a First Premier Card will be reported before your discharge. As far as I know applying for any new credit before your discharge is considered a "no-no". I've even read that your bk could possibly be dismissed, but I don't that this is a fact. I urge patience and caution. Go on to Bankrate.com and you'll have to hunt around for a while for their list of secured cards. There are probably other sites with lists of secured cards too.

The only caveat about using credit unions is that some of them do not report to the CRA's which would be a bad thing if your objective is to establish positive new trade-lines (but not a bad thing if you only need some cash)...

Mary.

Received a letter on Saturday (2-22-03) that I was approved for a $2000 CL by Providian. I should be getting the card itself within a week. Providian has a so-so reputation, too, but at least it was a better deal than First Premier. Wishing you good fortune on the journey...

Mary all states have programs to help with the cost of child care..

You can check out:.

Http://nccic.org/statepro.html.

Click on your state and see if you qualify. I am assuming you are a single parent because you didn't say anything about your husbands income...

Thank you for your post..

My pension income exceeds the income standard for a household of 2 for daycare services..

(I used to determine eligibility for those programs).

It would help if I could get some assistance, since I am about $500 over the income limit; yet someone close to the limit will probably pay less than half of what I'll have to pay..

Just the way the government works!..

I can relate. My disability income exceeds the threshold for many free or reduced cost disabilty services. I have to pay full price for every service not covered by Medicare (such as personal caregivers/assistants) despite nearly half my income going to pay the first and second mortgages. I just am fortunate that my kid's daycare days are behind them...

What about babysitting in your home? One or two kids to expand your income, without your own expense for childcare?..

I have considered that, but I'm 45 years old and it's difficult keeping up with my own 2 year old!.

Not sure I can physically handle other children..

I may consider some before/after-school-care for older children..

I'll let you know how it goes!.

Thanks for taking the time to consider my plight!..

Mary, that's a good idea. Me, I couldn't imagine caring for a "pack" of toddlers at 45 either, LOL. But you could probably manage "before/after school care". In many areas it's definitely "understaffed" and there's certainly not a lot of affordable, more formal programs, like school "aftercare" programs. Just make sure you're versed in the local requirements (do you need a "day care license" for example)..

Again good luck! And keep on posting...