finally meeting with attorney tomorrow

[inajam37]

and I am scared out of my wits!! Terrified to think of what the payment will be in a chapter 13. We make too much money to file Chapter 7...unless by some miracle!! How excrutiating is the plan? Can we keep our satellite, internet? Will there be money for birthday gifts and Christmas? Can we expect 5 years of no rented movies or occasional pizza delivery. Thanks.

[rrockinggramma]

although living within a chapter 13 budget is by no means "easy" it isn't the end of the world either. I believe that a lot of one's success in a chapter 13 depends on whether or not the filer is willing to make changes to their lifestyle and also is committed to making it work. You can still have some things but within limits. You might have to get creative with some christmas giving, perhaps drawing names or putting spending limits or making the gifts but christmas can still be had. You just have to plan for it and make the adjustments. I order pizza with delivery every now and again and I still go to movies etc just not every weekend and just not on a whim. If you have children you need to be up front and honest with them about your budget limitations and let them know that perhaps they won't get everything on their christmas list etc. But I have found that children are very understanding and helpful when included and allowed to be a part of the decision making process. But a chapter 13 is a change in lifestyle. It is giving up the urge to run right out and get whatever. You will have to budget and plan. But with the right priorities (housing/utilities/trustee/ then extras) your plan can be successful.

[inajam37]

thanks for the info...it's a relief. I just want to get this on and over with asap. I know it'll be a long haul but it's a wake up call that we've needed for awhile. We need to learn to budget and save. Also, any idea on whether or not we can keep any type of savings in our bank account? We are in Indiana. Thanks.

[minime]

thanks for the info...it's a relief. I just want to get this on and over with asap. I know it'll be a long haul but it's a wake up call that we've needed for awhile. We need to learn to budget and save. Also, any idea on whether or not we can keep any type of savings in our bank account? We are in Indiana. Thanks.

Im also in indiana ms miller is my trustee. I havent had a problem with savings or checking accounts. As long as you make your payments on time thyey won't have reason to check your accounts. It was hard for me at first paying roughly 400 a week but I got use to it and the raises I received made up for what I was paying out. It got to the point where I didn't miss it. Now I am able to save that amount myself. It is surely an eye opener.
Good luck you will do just fine.

[Dirk Squarejaw]

Im also in indiana ms miller is my trustee. I havent had a problem with savings or checking accounts. As long as you make your payments on time thyey won't have reason to check your accounts. It was hard for me at first paying roughly 400 a week but I got use to it and the raises I received made up for what I was paying out. It got to the point where I didn't miss it. Now I am able to save that amount myself. It is surely an eye opener.
Good luck you will do just fine.

Just curious, are you in northern or southern Indiana? I've heard the southern district can be a little rough.

[inajam37]

Met with our attorney this evening and it seemed to go pretty well. Still stressful but not judgmental like I thought it would be. Hoping to get everything filed by the end of the month. Was feeling okay but now a little scared after reading the last post about the Southern district. Is that really true? Also, does anyone know how it works when it gets put in the paper? Does it go in the newspaper in the county you live in or the Indianapolis paper for the "southern" district? Thanks for the info.