I notice that a lot of people on here are really down on filing chapter 13

[toojerm]

Like I said, the worst part is the lack of mobility. I can't sell a house in WA (I moved to IA) even at a loss because of the need for the court to approve the terms. Buyers will not wait around. However, since I filed in July 2008, we had a second child, I finished my degree, changed employers, and moved 1,700 miles. When it is all done, I will have a $27,000/yr tax free raise and no debt. 15.5 months to go.

[BKAttyMI]

I find that many people are afraid of a Chapter 13 until I explain the details to them, what it will do for them and give them an estimated payment. The people I see having problems with 13s are really those that have no ability to budget. Honestly, with the budgets some of my clients have, I can't imagine how on earth they're having trouble making payments or what on earth they could be buying! Their Ch. 13 budgets are higher than MY living budget!

[highnndry]

Wow..... we can save while in ch 13???? Please tell me how? Is this something I need to put it in my ch-13 plan or exemption schedule? Thanks in advance.

[toojerm]

If you're in a 100% plan, then yes (They can't take more than what you owe plus trustee fees.). If anything else, then saving is a little more tricky.

[LadyInTheRed]

Wow..... we can save while in ch 13???? Please tell me how? Is this something I need to put it in my ch-13 plan or exemption schedule? Thanks in advance.

You HAVE to save to survive a 13. There is no line for savings on Schedule J. But, there are expenses that don't occur every month. You must budget and put money away every month for those kinds of expenses. Other than that, you set your own budget limits below what the expenses were on your Schedule J wherever possible. I have an automatic transfer from my checking account to my savings account that is for a larger amount than I really think I can save each month. I do my best to get to the end of the month without transferring any money back to checking. It's amazing how often I succeeed!

[highnndry]

Thanks you LadyInTheRed, So if I squeeze a few thousand dollars in my savings account the trustee won't come after it? Thats good to know, tonight I'll post my expense schedule and see what you guys think about it, get some feedback from you all.

[karm43]

Still new chap 13 person but I think alot depends on trustee too. I have been living without credit cards for a long time before I filed, but my chap 13 is more money. I think people get upset cause they cannot file a chap 7 can you blame them. It would be over in 6 months instead 60 months, I try not to think about it and stay away from chap 7 forum depressing. On a good note no more lawsuits and I could be free, had I filed the first time I thought about it I would be in it for 3 years but I waited. It is what it is, now my every worry is my payment will go up. I like that I am able to fix the problem through a chap 13 I hate that I cannot make anything extra if I wanted to.