Opinions all? BK 7 or 13?

[Whittio]

I agree that unless people change their habits that got them INTO this mess, they will wind up in the same mess again. BUT, sometimes BK is the only way out.

I am here to get my mom through BK. She has done everything in her ability (she has even tried to stop smoking but can't!) to cut back and live within her means AND repay her debt. But medical problems got her into debt in the first place, not the bills themselves, but being off work for medical reasons, and living off her credit cards.

On my mom's (and others) incomes, there is no way to live within your means AND repay your debt, BK is going to help that.

We can't judge anyone here. I owe as much on my cards as my mom does, and then I have an equity line of credit that I bought my van with. I still have to charge certain things on my cards each month (like my van maintenance that was $550 last month), I am in no better place then probably 80% of the people in the U.S., my only difference is because I am frugal, I can afford to live and whittle away at my debt.

There will come a time, probably sooner rather then later, that I will have to re-fi my equity line of credit, so I can pay off my CC's. Doesn't mean I'll be free from my debt, just a better rate and more manageable income. But again, if I don't learn to save up some money (all our "extra money" goes towards cc debt now).. I'll be right back up there with even MORE cc debt.

It's all a learning process. I think most people have come to their "bottom" and have realized what they need to do. This is just a tool to let them do what needs to be done.

[herekitty]

rukidding me - I really hate to say this, but I think it's important that you take a break from this forum.

I don't mind that people come on this forum that are not planning on filing for bankruptcy and are going about it in a research front - Whittio is NOT filing, but has been nothing more than a support group for all of us that are.

I feel it's necessary at this time to stress that this is a hard time in most of our lives (including you and I'm sorry you feel cheated), and the last thing any of us need is someone passing unneccessary judgement on us, especially when you are not aware of our circumstances.

[hhou812hh]

This has got to be my last entry in this forum for a while b/c I just go crazy here. The internet I can see, you are at least trying to do research and get information. The tobacco, allowances, eating out, clothes and direct tv..come on. Live within your means or change your means. I have cancer in my family too and it can be done. In my house of 4 there is no eating out except once a month. Husband and I take lunches to work. I plan meals in advance...there is a lot to sacrafice that you are not sacraficing. I walked away from a $70k year job b/c of my daughters cancer. We are struggling, really struggling but bk will not be an option unless I have cut everything out but food and shelter. You have not.

The DirectTV is actually in line. Whether it's Satalite or cable they're priced almost the same and some folks here list cable which is allowed. Just as long as you don't add all the movie channels, sports programs, etc. As for the rest of the list I think the US Trustee is going to be setting up a meeting to talk about some of these expenses and either put you in a ch13. Some of it is too far off from the IRS based expenses. I'm just basing it on the Schedule J and I don't see an area to put gifts or tobacco not to mention the $75 in clothes per person. I guess your atty will clean this up.

[Whittio]

I pay $36 a month for my satellite. And that's with paying local channels AND a second room. :s I just worry that if a few things are inflated, then they would question EVERYTHING then.

[InDebtInMD]

I pay $36 a month for my satellite. And that's with paying local channels AND a second room. :s I just worry that if a few things are inflated, then they would question EVERYTHING then.

$55 is in line for DirectV. I have expanded basic version w/ local channels on 2 TVs and it costs $50.98 per month.

The US Trustee did not question me on this. What I did get questioned on is a $74 per month expense I had listed for offsite storage, and the $900 per month I had listed for childcare. I was able to answer her on each of these.

Thing is, even if tkd gets pushed into a 13, it's better than getting sued if you can not make the minimum payments.

Good luck!

[Lightning]

I think the point is that satellite and cable television are not necessities and possibly should not be considered as valid expenses for people filing bankruptcy. In certain areas it's possible to sign up for basic cable which provides a signal for the major network channels for about $10 a month.

[Whittio]

I think the point is that satellite and cable television are not necessities and possibly should not be considered as valid expenses for people filing bankruptcy. In certain areas it's possible to sign up for basic cable which provides a signal for the major network channels for about $10 a month.

Ohhh.. now THAT'S what my mom needs to look into getting. She doesn't need anything but some basic channels, but cable wants $40 and I know satellite will be close to that too..

I'll call our cable company tomorrow and see what they have!!

[rockio]

don't go.

today was my first time here. I ran into a couple of your posts and it seems you have some trully great advice. I would not suggest you stop posting. Your a form of balance for people debating on whether bankruptcy is the thing to do. I am still in the middle having posted today 08/22/05. Who knows how many people you may have inspired not to file who simply did not bother posting

This has got to be my last entry in this forum for a while b/c I just go crazy here. The internet I can see, you are at least trying to do research and get information. The tobacco, allowances, eating out, clothes and direct tv..come on. Live within your means or change your means. I have cancer in my family too and it can be done. In my house of 4 there is no eating out except once a month. Husband and I take lunches to work. I plan meals in advance...there is a lot to sacrafice that you are not sacraficing. I walked away from a $70k year job b/c of my daughters cancer. We are struggling, really struggling but bk will not be an option unless I have cut everything out but food and shelter. You have not.