A few years ago, I met someone who sells gadgets at installment basis. This person became a good friend and eventually I became her gadget reseller. I offered it primarily to my officemates as they are the ones whom I see almost daily. I did that to also protect myself from scammers since I am pretty new to the business.

After a few months of succesful operation, I started entertaining inquiries from friends and former classmates. Business was good and I have not encountered any problem with all my clients. A friend and former classmate ordered several gadgets at the same time. She is a good friend so I let gave her the items upon receipt of the down payment. Her succeeding installment payments were on time and everything between us was ok. After the first three installment payments though, she started having delays. To avoid incurring any penalties, I used my own money to pay in her behalf to my supplier. I am very careful that my relationship with my supplier becomes damaged so I shouldered my friend’s payments.

But I only have so much and I am so worried already that she has ran away. She was not texting me and I do not know what is happening to her. I am having mixed emotions already and my family relationship is starting to be affected. I was stressed most of the time and was so worried that all my savings have gone into waste because I wanted to earn a little more. I was so close to looking for an attorney to regain my almost bankrupt account.

Good thing I remembered where she lives. My husband accompanied me there but my friend was not there. They do not even know where she is! But I made sure I collected what is due before we left. By hook or by crook, I need to get my hard-earned money back.

After that incident, I no longer ordered gadgets from that supplier. I looked for another one but this time, I financed it myself. I set a limit on how many items I can afford to have on installment terms and I just offered it to people to see daily. Aside from that, I strictly follow the penalties, no friends, no special considerations. It was a lesson learned the hard way. Also, I made sure not to use my savings anymore. I allotted money from what I earn for business purposes. Lastly, I became more honest to my family specially about financial issues.

I am participating in a blogger campaign on bankruptcy in california by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.