Schedule J

[bkstuff]

I have some questions on the schedule J for expenditures.

1.) What is an appropriate amount for recreation? (sports for kids, etc) or I guess what would be considered too much?

2.) Food - does this include school lunches, and my spouses work lunch (he is not always near a kitchen and always buys lunch). I told him he may need to start bringing one

3.) DO I include the 2nd mortgage if we are doing a "strip", or student loans (which may be payed in the plan).

[HHM]

1. Put what you actually spend? Then let the trustee object. However, think common sense for a moment; what would you tell a judge if you were asked; why should your creditors not get paid so your son can attend karate classes at $400 per month?

2. All food, groceries, dining out, etc, go here.

3. Yes, but don't expect it to count.

[bkstuff]

schedule J

Ok- sounds like I am on the right track then. The only item on recreation that I thought might be objectionable to a trustee is a select team that our teenager plays on ( in the hopes that it will one day help pay for some college). But it is only about $1500/year.

[forgotten]

re: Food

I was told our trustee objects to anything over $250/mo per person for groceries. We put $280/mo per person, but have some special diet restrictions.
I had my attorney add a seperate line item for "Work Lunches" at $120/mo, wasn't sure if it would fly but there were no objections to that.

[debtinohio]

re: Food

I was told our trustee objects to anything over $250/mo per person for groceries. We put $280/mo per person, but have some special diet restrictions.
I had my attorney add a seperate line item for "Work Lunches" at $120/mo, wasn't sure if it would fly but there were no objections to that.

Wow I would have loved $250/per person allowance for food. That's high.

[DYLAN150]

Wow, I have diabetes and spend alot more than $250 per month. On the other hand, I don't eat much fast food but do spend alot on drugs. (for diabetes)

[debtinohio]

Wow, I have diabetes and spend alot more than $250 per month. On the other hand, I don't eat much fast food but do spend alot on drugs. (for diabetes)

I guess the difference is that on a per-person basis feeding multiple people costs < than feeding 1. If I was single, I would spend more than $250/person but with a family, the per-person cost basis is less.

[simplicityof]

Don't know if this has been posted elsewhere or whether it applies to schedule j but take a look

http://www.justice.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/20091101/meanstesting.htm

[bkstuff]

schedule j

Thanks everyone. What I noticed on the schedule J is that is does not list anywhere to put down things like haircuts, and toiletries, etc.

your advice is very helpful as we process all this info!