Update on my situation

[wrinkleigh]

I have the second meeting with my lawyer tomorrow. He shows us a video, collects our paperwork, and his fee of course. So -- hopefully we are on the road to stopping all these damn phonecalls.

One question -- I have an AMEX card that was issued for travel expenses related to my job. It is in my name, but does not appear on my credit report, I guess because it is issued through my job. I am required to submit payment on it. This is the ONLY card I still have, all my others were shredded months ago.

The card had a 0 balance. Last week my daughter was sick, and her perscription was $180.00. I had the cash at home (not in my checking account), and the pharmacy would have been closed before I could have gotten back. SOOOO -- I did what I had to do and put it on the AMEX.

:, so I could do a money order -- BUT I could also use that on my expenses-- so what would you suggest?

[Grace]

Either immediately write a check for the balance, $180, and send the check to AmEx, or pay the balance in full, $180, online. Since you have the cash on hand, it shouldn't be a problem. Explain it to your lawyer.

If these types of expense might come up in the future, you should consider carrying $500 cash in your wallet or special traveling currency type device. Once you file, you won't have the ability to use CCs to pay these types of expenses. You'll need to have the cash on you.

[SinkingFast]

Either immediately write a check for the balance, $180, and send the check to AmEx, or pay the balance in full, $180, online. Since you have the cash on hand, it shouldn't be a problem. Explain it to your lawyer.

If these types of expense might come up in the future, you should consider carrying $500 cash in your wallet or special traveling currency type device. Once you file, you won't have the ability to use CCs to pay these types of expenses. You'll need to have the cash on you.

Many Members of the Forum have Corporate CC's, Grace. Accts that were/are not included in BK's. In most cases, the Corporate CC's are the "property" of the company the Members are employed with. This sounds like a Corporate AmEx and not a personal acct.

Wrink,..........

Just buy a MO with the cash you have set aside and send it to AmEx when the bill comes. That way, you pay the bill in full and there's no paper trail associated with your Bank Acct.

[lrprn]

Either immediately write a check for the balance, $180, and send the check to AmEx, or pay the balance in full, $180, online. Since you have the cash on hand, it shouldn't be a problem. Explain it to your lawyer.

Whoa....slow down, Grace! Since the amount was less than $600 and was used to buy medicine for a sick child, it's very doubtful that a trustee would make this a case for bad faith filing or see this as a preferential payment.

Wrinkleigh, talk to your lawyer first - he/she is most familiar with what is ok with the trustees in your bankruptcy district. Do whatever your lawyer recommends.

If these types of expense might come up in the future, you should consider carrying $500 cash in your wallet or special traveling currency type device. Once you file, you won't have the ability to use CCs to pay these types of expenses. You'll need to have the cash on you.

Grace, I have two words for you....debit card. It's not necessary to carry much cash at all if you get a debit card tied to your checking account before filing - that's what we did. Since the card isn't a credit card, your bank or credit union may approve a debit card even after filing and you don't have to have your trustee's permission to get one.

Wrinkleigh, ask your lawyer about whether trying to get a debit card from your bank or credit union makes sense in your situation too. I'm very glad your child is feeling better!

[SinkingFast]

Good advice, Lrprn.

I certainly didn't mean to sound sneaky.

All my pre-filing paranoia is wearing off. Before we filed I watched every transaction that would post to our Bank Acct. Knew where every penny was spent. Saved every receipt. We didn't have any charges so no need to worry about a preferential treatment complaint.

[Spartan]

You can burn those boxes of receipts now, SF. Roast marshmallow with them.. lol

[wrinkleigh]

Thanks everyone -- I also think the MO is the best idea -- BUT I will check with the lawyer today.

My AMEX is a corporate card, so I will have to have it in the future.

I appreciate the help. My appt is 5:00 today with my lawyer to "get the ball rolling". I am nervous.

[ekelly4200]

I have the second meeting with my lawyer tomorrow. He shows us a video, collects our paperwork, and his fee of course. So -- hopefully we are on the road to stopping all these damn phonecalls.

?

Now that you have retained and paid a lawyer when the collection calls come in just give them your lawyers name and number. May take a couple of days for their systems to update and reflect that info.