Spending money on non-essentials...

[reallynervous]

Are all your expenditures (made via cash, not credit) in the months before filing looked at to be sure they were only for necessary items?

Ds's birthday is next month and we would like to purchase him a few gifts. His Gamecube system stopped working (it is mostly all he plays with) and I was hoping to see if I could find a used replacement for it on E-Bay. He also would like to have a few of his friends go bowling with him for his birthday. Would we get in trouble for these type expenses?

Using the same scenario, what about expenditures after you have filed but before the 341 meeting? It may be that we will file a week or so before his birthday (as long as all continues to go well with dh's employment). Could we use dh's paycheck that next week to pay for gifts? That may be too late for an Ebay purchase, though.

Thanks,
reallynervous

[HHM]

I think you need to back-up and take this opportunity to assess your spending habits and start making adjustments NOW so that after BK, you won't end up right back in debt.

You are filing BK, after all, time to tighten the purse strings.

[BKTango]

It depends on the state, district, and trustee. Some trustee's want every bank statement for the past 6 months prior to filing (therefore might see some questionable expenses), while others don't care, don't ask. It's hardly the case that one would look over you with a fine tooth comb to know every little purchase made though, unless you give them a reason to.

It's hard on a family especially the kids to adjust. But sometimes you have to. I would never want to have a child go without on their birthday, and wouldn't let my own child do so. I agree with HHM though, this is a time to learn and accept what you need and want. It's time to teach the kids that sometimes, freedom is better than having a gift that we really shouldn't have purchased. By all means treat your child to a birthday, just make sure you keep your finances within your families budget, otherwise you will never gain from a new start after bankruptcy.

[JRScott]

You might could find an older game machine and some games at a yard sale in your area or in a second hand paper that is common in many areas. I know its not quite the same but it means you might can get something for him until you can get through the troubling times. (Heck you might get lucky and find a gamecube for him in good shape that is reasonable )

As for the bowling its been so long since I bowled I can't remember what it costs. If its reasonable and within your budget then that might be nice, however he might have to chose between the bowling or game cube to help you through this time. Perhaps making it up to him at Christmas or something.

Money earned after the filing though is not part of the bankruptcy estate. However some Trustee's do want to see bank statements etc from the date of filing til the 341 and they may question to see what sort of pattern you are establishing.

[NoName]

Check your local Craigslist website - www.craigslist.org. I know that in my city I constantly see Gamecubes one there (most with games and controllers) for well under $100.

[reallynervous]

I am honestly not sure how much bowling costs either. I haven't checked yet as I wasn't sure that we would be able to go. I do know that our attorney is putting in a $125/month entertainment expense into our monthly expenses as he said that amount is allowed, so it would seem there is some understanding for some of these types of expenses.

Thank you for the suggestions on where else I might find a game machine.
reallynervous

[CindyLou]

As long as your not charging these things on your credit cards, I wouldn't think it would be questionable expenses. I can't think of any time anyone during the process would really even ask you where $100 went and I think "a birthday present and bowling for my son" would be an honest and appropriate answer! Enjoy.

[reallynervous]

Thank you, CindyLynn. No, we would definitely not be charging anything.

reallynervous