Three done, two to go

[qwertysue]

Three years done. It's actually a relief to have a budget and know where exactly our money is going.

We've had a few hiccoughs--I had major surgery last year and was out of work for 2 months (thank goodness for aflac, disability and bonus). The mister lost his job in March, however, we had been able to save and make it through the transition of his new job this month without skipping a beat.

What's gotten us this far? A fanfreakingtastic attorney and discipline to stick to our budget. As mentioned, we've been able to actually save money.

Some of the saved money is truly *saved*, the rest is money budgeted for car/home expenses that haven't occured yet. When we need new tires, no problem--we have the money saved up. We also have at least 1 months rent and 1 months trustee payment in savings. We've got the mentality that just because we have money in savings doesn't mean that we have money to spend.

[researchnerd]

Some of the saved money is truly *saved*, the rest is money budgeted for car/home expenses that haven't occured yet. When we need new tires, no problem--we have the money saved up. We also have at least 1 months rent and 1 months trustee payment in savings. We've got the mentality that just because we have money in savings doesn't mean that we have money to spend.

Awesome ideas. Congrats on making it this far!!

[justbroke]

A Chapter 13 can be a blessing in disguise. You have mastered the hidden fact that you must budget and create a rainyday fund as well as SAVE during a Chapter 13.

[holding on]

Congrats!

A definite congrats on making this far! I like your philosophy of money saved does not mean you got money to be spend. So so true for those surprises that life throws you. keep it up!

[lrprn]

Big congrats on three years down, qwertysue! You are a great role model for all of us 13ers. Thanks for sharing your pearls of budget wisdom!

[pepperoncini]

Good work!!

[Flamingo]

Three years done. It's actually a relief to have a budget and know where exactly our money is going.

We've had a few hiccoughs--I had major surgery last year and was out of work for 2 months (thank goodness for aflac, disability and bonus). The mister lost his job in March, however, we had been able to save and make it through the transition of his new job this month without skipping a beat.

What's gotten us this far? A fanfreakingtastic attorney and discipline to stick to our budget. As mentioned, we've been able to actually save money.

Some of the saved money is truly *saved*, the rest is money budgeted for car/home expenses that haven't occured yet. When we need new tires, no problem--we have the money saved up. We also have at least 1 months rent and 1 months trustee payment in savings. We've got the mentality that just because we have money in savings doesn't mean that we have money to spend.

A Chapter 13 is the best budget teacher in the world and I say that on this forum constantly. You are finding that out. And, as you state, having a good attorney is a big plus. You will find out you will carry most, if not all, of your practices during your 13 years on past discharge but always know the credit trap is there ready to snap shut. Congrats and best of luck to you!