Can gym membership be added to Sched J

[amd25]

We have a gym membership that I would like to keep and not bankrupt...is this looked down upon as an unecessary expenditure being that it's recreational?

[HHM]

You would not list the membership as a creditor. Only creditors are notified of your BK.

You might list it as an expense (but it may not be an allowed expense).

[amd25]

Thanks, that's what I was looking for....I wasn't sure if it seemed like an "unnecessary expense" that may be looked down upon.

[Phillymanhere]

I will share what my lawyer said. He's a trustee and seemed really sharp. He thought fitness was a reasonable expense within limits (no luxurious fitness memberships for someone on my salary). I actually asked him about taking some swimming lessons in the near future and he said if that was a part of my regular lifestyle, it would be ok.

Maybe the bk courts in my area have this particular philosophy. Or my attorney could be completely wrong, though I doubt that because he seemed quite sharp and is a trustee.

Working out can be extremely important for many of us. I have conditions (depression, adhd, back pain, arthritis, excess weight) for which working out is highly highly recommended. Frankly, I think working out and fitness is now seen by the medical community as extremely important for pretty much all of us.

I anticipate putting fitness expenses on my Schedule J.

[amd25]

I agree...my background is personal training. With that being said, I do not think that having a membership to a gym is that far fetched or 'luxurious'. Thanks for your input Phillymanhere.

[HHM]

I did not mean to imply that the gym membership would be a disallowed expense. The amount involved is usually token (less than $50 per month). Simply list it on schedule J, but do not list them as a creditor.

[morallyBR2]

It's not unecessary if a doctor says you need it. I have recently found that my doctor feels that I need a lot of things. Thank God...

[jwbbx]

Yes, my attorney has adjusted a few expense items because I am diabetic. My gym membership is only $38/month but it is a required part of my treatment. Food goes up a bit too when you have to buy the 'whole grain' stuff and a lot of fresh fruit.

[amd25]

Thank you ALL for your excellent input!