New job after filing not a good thing?

[debtjumper]

I am kind of worried - my situation might be worse. I filed on October 13th, 2005 and I am still awaiting my 341 (April 11th). The court had no answer why it has taken 6 months just for the 341 but its gonna happen.

About three weeks after my filing, I got a new job and I make more money but not that much more; I bring home about $500 a week. Is it possible that the trustee will throw out my case?

They are asking me to bring the usual (SSC,DL), last three pay stubs, and my 2005 return (i have to pay $55 to IRS this year).

Income is $2150/month take-home.

My expenses currently are $900 for rent+utilities, $500 for food, $290+100 for car/insurance, $100 in miscellaneous == $260 in average leftover monthly cashflow.

Now I won't fall under the new rules supposedly since I filed prior to Oct. 15th 2005 but will the Trustee see that as "not good enough"??? (I'm single,no dependants in Mich.)

Should I say I got fired and the quit my job? I would rather look for a new job then have to do a Chapter 13 charade.....i need a freakin lawyer...

[FilingOnMyOwn]

Well, the damage is already done so you'll have to be honest about it. But 2200 a month should not put you over the median income. So you need to increase your expenses in a rehearshed fashion, that would prepare you to amend your expenses in your filing if necessary. Increase your insurance coverages such as auto, health, and life. It should be pretty easy for you to wipe that extra 260 out. If and when the trustee asks about your wages or raise specifically, you can also tell him your expenses have increased more than enough to wipe out the difference and you can amend your filing if necessary.

[SinkingFast]

Don't forget to add in for haircuts. Even if you don't go like clockwork every 6 weeks, add in for it.

Auto maint and repairs.

Gifts.

Entertainment.

Laundry expenses and dry cleaning

Pet supplies and medicals.

Newspaper and magazines.

How much to license your car, tags and taxes.

Any school activities?? Our daughters swim at the High School and that alone adds $35/month.

Think of all those little things that aren't in your face as major cash out-flow, but we all spend money on anyway.

You might find some extra expenses to eat into your $260/month.

[BassBoy]

My experience, well, I got a new job about 5 weeks before we filed.......a $7500 increase per year..........and not a word about it from the trustee or anyone else. Now, I do pay more for my insurance premiums, but it doesn't offset the increase by that much.......so.......that's how it went with my case.

[debtjumper]

Cool; thanks for the advice. Trust me; the notion to not even mention my new job was up there (i.e. file my 2005 1040 without putting down my new job and then refile later) but I will follow the "rules" and be totally up front.

I just realized that I have a pet St.Bernard named "Scout" that eats like a horse! Since I have about a week and a half left before the 341, do I even have to amend my papers since they are pretty much true down to the bone as far as my situation prior to filing?

I can whip up a new mix of expenses and have bills to prove.

What I don't get is that I rent and live at a friends house. I pay him cash and we have no formal "lease". Theoretically my rent could be like $950/month even though I'm single <30 with no dependents -- right?

What a web I weave... I am still frustrated that it has taken almost 6 mos. to the day to have my 341

[aa06a47]

Best think in my opinion, don't volunteer any information, but don't lie if asked. Since your chapter 7, it shouldn't matter much because I believe under the old laws, all they care about is where your at the day you file (except for some great windfall like inheritance, ect)

[FoolAndHisMoney]

Cool; thanks for the advice. Trust me; the notion to not even mention my new job was up there (i.e. file my 2005 1040 without putting down my new job and then refile later) but I will follow the "rules" and be totally up front.

I just realized that I have a pet St.Bernard named "Scout" that eats like a horse! Since I have about a week and a half left before the 341, do I even have to amend my papers since they are pretty much true down to the bone as far as my situation prior to filing?

I can whip up a new mix of expenses and have bills to prove.

What I don't get is that I rent and live at a friends house. I pay him cash and we have no formal "lease". Theoretically my rent could be like $950/month even though I'm single <30 with no dependents -- right?

What a web I weave... I am still frustrated that it has taken almost 6 mos. to the day to have my 341

I wouldn't go this route if I were you. From all the research I have done and advice we all got from the great BKFiler changing your paperwork to add expenses always seems to raise flags with the US Trustee. It just smells rotten to them and they will question you about it. Just my opinion.