As the first part of bankruptcy filing, I collected all my personal financial information.  This includes a list of all secured and unsecured debts, my tax returns for the last two years, deeds to any real estate that you own, car titles, and any other loan documents.  While going over all this, I realized that I not only owed my brother a few thousand dollars, but I also owed a few debts to a couple of friends.  My brother loaned me the money because I badly needed it and had told me that I could take my time paying it back.  We’re family so we trust each other and he knows that I’m good for the money.  I just can’t pay it back any time soon, but he’s an investment banker and is doing well.  He’s not hurting for cash.  My friends, however, do need the money back.  A couple of investments and business deals didn’t go their way and now they could use any spare dollar they have or else they’ll be filing bankruptcy soon themselves.  I wish I could help them.  I really do, but, honestly, if I had the money, I’d pay back my brother first since he’s my brother.  But I don’t have the money right now anyway and can’t help them.