When to modify home bills

[GatorDan]

First, let me say how wonderful this forum is. I have lurked for a while and it has become very informative and comforting. I appreciate all the people here with their varied experiences.

My question has to do with my bills. I have my 341 on 8/5 and my estimated payments are ~$2000/month. Clearly, I need to change some of our bills (e.g. cable, car insurance, cell plans, etc.) to fix the situation that got me here. When can I do this? I am afraid that if I do it prior to confirmation, I might get questioned and have to show documents. Confirmation seems like forever away and I want to be sure I have the money to feed my new twins in the meantime.

Also, if I were to stop out long-standing 403b contributions (~$1000/month) does that become "income" and thus cause me to pay back more to the trustee?

Thanks again for everyone's collective wisdom and support.

[newbie2]

First, let me say how wonderful this forum is. I have lurked for a while and it has become very informative and comforting. I appreciate all the people here with their varied experiences.

My question has to do with my bills. I have my 341 on 8/5 and my estimated payments are ~$2000/month. Clearly, I need to change some of our bills (e.g. cable, car insurance, cell plans, etc.) to fix the situation that got me here. When can I do this? I am afraid that if I do it prior to confirmation, I might get questioned and have to show documents. Confirmation seems like forever away and I want to be sure I have the money to feed my new twins in the meantime.

Also, if I were to stop out long-standing 403b contributions (~$1000/month) does that become "income" and thus cause me to pay back more to the trustee?

Thanks again for everyone's collective wisdom and support.

If you can hold off until confirmation that would be the safest thing to do. So much is district specific..what one trustee looks at another may not blink an eye about. Of course feeding your family comes first. Please make sure you have enough in your budgeted expenses in your plan to take care of those babies. I'm afraid that if you have to cut in other areas that perhaps you haven't (or your attorney hasn't) given you enough expenses for the babies care.

Ditto on the 403b contributions. That amount may seem high in your district, in others it may not. If you stop contributing then the trustee may see it as money that can go to your unsecured creditors. Ask your attorney about this please, he/she will know what is the norm in your district.

[NoTomatoCan]

Also, if I were to stop out long-standing 403b contributions (~$1000/month) does that become "income" and thus cause me to pay back more to the trustee?

Almost certainly, yes, it will become "income". If your district allows 401k/403b contributions (particularly since yours is long standing), and you already have enough DMI to fund your plan, then by all means keep contributing.

As Newbie points out, it might be considered high, depending on your distict.