From what I've read here, you are only allowed a certain amount of cash on the day you file. I'm assuming that means in a bank account/actual cash. You are allowed to spend it down, but are there any restrictions on how the money is to be spent? I know the wise thing to do is to use it on necessities (stocking up on non-perishable items, eye glasses, medical, car & home repair), etc. Is a wkend getaway a no-no? (hotel accommodations?)

I don't have that much and a huge chunk of it will go to the attorney anyway. I "thought" I would be able to keep it to live on after BK, since the only income I have right now is Ebay and that's pretty unpredictable.

What really makes me sick is that the money I do have was my 403(b) ret. account and it would have been exempt had I left it there. But, at the time, I was desperate to pay cc's & mortgage.

Also, when can you start stashing again with no thread of the TT taking it? After filing, after 341, after discharge or after closing?