Investing in yourself

[VeeDubNut]

Hello all,

I am in the infant stages of my CH13 (see First year) and truthfully this CH13 is an excuse that I am using to 'keep myself from myself' (if you will)


I currently have a great 9-5. It pays the bills, satisfies my monthly trustee payment, and allows me to 'live' while still being able to set something aside every month.

I however have a 'hobby' that makes me (small amounts) of $$$ on the side, and well I want more. Don't misunderstand, I want more WORK (not necessarily the $$$ that comes with it) but adequately valuing your work is a necessary component if you want to have any level of success and longevity. What this would (ultimately) mean is I would have to become a 'business' and become 'legit' (filing taxes and keeping expenses etc)
OR would it?

Having any sort of 'success' scares the hell out of me right now, and I think this is one of the things that is keeping me from pursuing the appropriate training (and other 'investments') to bring it closer to a reality.

Sure I can 'write off' these said 'business expenses' but this is where the concern about my CH13 comes in.
How (or will) any sort of 'anomalies' in my budget affect my plan (if I decide to bring them to the attention of those Im responsible for paying?)
Should I just put my grandiose plans on hold for the next 5 and THEN try to pursue a new avenue of revenue and adventure?

Thanks so much in advance!

[LadyInTheRed]

If your income increases, you need to let your attorney know in case the increase must be reported to the trustee. It is possible the trustee would want to increase your plan payment in an amount equal to your increase in disposible income. That is no reason you should not strive to be successful, especially since you say it is not the money that is important. But, even if the money is important, you need to look to the long term and how investing in yourself now will be good for your future, well after you finish your Chap 13.