quick question!

I just filed for bankruptcy today, signed the papers and got my filing number. I don't go before the judge or meet the trustee until closer to the end of March though. My question is this:

I've been paying for a prepaid cellphone, buying a prepaid card each paycheck rather than going on a monthly contract plan. My mother brought to my attention a plan through a national provider, and suggested I try to sign up. I tried, and it allowed me to with no deposit. The reason I chose to do this is because the monthly cost of the plan is less than what I currently pay for the prepaid minutes on my current phone. Now, my question is, will this month to month payment have any affect on the bankruptcy? On the expenses sheet, I did add in what I currently pay for phone/cell phone...and I'm sure what I'm asking is a stupid question, but I don't want to do anything wrong that would mess up the bankruptcy.

thanks for any advice,
anna

Doesn't sound like a problem to me. From what I can tell, cell phones are totally legit expenses.

Having a plan is almost always cheaper than the prepaid phones. What you would spend for 2 hours of airtime on a prepaid phone would cover an entire month on a contract plan. Since you already had the expense and listed the phone charges as they are, you are actually saving money with the cost difference. I don't know whether you are filing a Chapter 7 or 13 but if you are filing a 13, I would take the difference in your former bill and this new contractual plan and save that money on the side cause you will definately need it in the months/years to come.

Having a plan is almost always cheaper than the prepaid phones. What you would spend for 2 hours of airtime on a prepaid phone would cover an entire month on a contract plan. Since you already had the expense and listed the phone charges as they are, you are actually saving money with the cost difference. I don't know whether you are filing a Chapter 7 or 13 but if you are filing a 13, I would take the difference in your former bill and this new contractual plan and save that money on the side cause you will definately need it in the months/years to come.


As an aside, I would urge anyone who only needs a cell phone only for emergencies, the occassional "hey, i am going to be late" or peace of mind to check out the Virgin Mobile Plans (no contracts). VERY affordable if you're not a gabber. And if you are, please hang up and pay attention to the road in front of you, the person waiting on you, the police lights behind you..etc...

EP