Need to purchase a new computer, is this ok to do

[dr618]

My computer crashed on Sunday, I am using a friend's for now. I need to purchase a new one, probably will cost somewhere around $300, and since I am not paying any creditors I have the extra money. Is is ok to make this purchase, I will be paying with my debit card. I have read lots of things here about purchases before filing, but what about now after filing. Thanks in advance

[JRScott]

Have you filed already?

Have you had your 341?

[AngelinaCatHub]

Unless you need a computer for work, it could be considered a luxury item. It depends on the price of the unit and the usage. How old is your crash? It is/was my trade for forty years, mainframes to micros. Also software. If you crashed physically the hard drive probably went bad. Otherwise, you could reimage the hard drive. You could purchase a small sized (capacity) hard drive for about $59, and reimage it. PM me if you need help to fix the old. 'Hub

[dr618]

Need it for work, I filed already and the price is around $300

[Intoodeep80]

My advice would be to NOT pay with your debit card then.

My lawyer advised me not to keep a cash balance in the bank, in case somebody froze it. So I pay cash for most everything (sans auto lease, insurance). When my Bk7 is over, then I will use the bank account for everything like I used to.

[TEW]

Buy it you are not in debtor prison.

[dr618]

Buy it? It's ok to make this purchase after filing? It will be paid with my debit card.

[Intoodeep80]

If you havent had your 341 yet, it might be a problem. Im not sure though, have you asked your lawyer, if you have one?

Like I said, personally I'd ix-nay the debit card purchase for the computer and pay cash.

[AngelinaCat]

Buy it? It's ok to make this purchase after filing? It will be paid with my debit card.

It's okay to purchase it. I would go cash if at all possible. Life happens after you file, and you have to purchase things, especially if it is a tool you use and it has broken down beyond repair. Just keep your receipts.

Good luck!

[journey]

How about if you have all ready had the 341 meeting is it okay to buy a computer or any luxury.

[AngelinaCat]

Once you have had your 341, you can purchase just about anything is my understanding. If the refrigerator goes out, obviously you have to repair or replace it. This is why many posters suggest building an emergency fund into your budget, for unforseen calamities such as broken car, medical emergency, etc. Your budget also contains a line-item for 'entertainment'.

But you can't just go out and happily start charging up again. For one thing, you don't have the means--that's why you're bankrupt. Another, is that any new debt you accrue cannot be discharged this time around. You would have to wait a minimum of 8 years before you can file another Ch7.

Now, a computer can be a tool or a luxury, or combination of both. If you are a webmaster, or do office work, or any type of graphic arts, a computer is a tool. If you primarily want a computer that is used mainly for gaming, then it can be considered a luxury.

The main choice comes down to deciding which category the item falls into: is it a NEED, or is it a WANT? If it is a NEED, then buy it. If it is a WANT, but you can't afford it right now, save up for it.

'Hub and I like to go out now and again for a nice seafood dinner. The restaurant we like to go, to we know that we that we won't leave without it costing about $70. That is a WANT, and when we have an extra $70 in hand, then we go an treat ourselves.

[TEW]

Buy it? It's ok to make this purchase after filing? It will be paid with my debit card.

good that's a cash transaction. Everything is as of your filing date.

[journey]

Okay. i only have single plan Cell Phone. I am wanting to upgrade it to a family plan so my mother will have one. I am in the 60day club all ready had my 341. Would the Trustee get upset if i did this.

[TEW]

no the trustee wants assets he can sell and pay your creditors. Cell phone plans are not assets.

[relief13035]

I'd buy the computer - but then again I am a rebel. Pay cash.