Cashed check and kept cash

[Unsure14]

Hi,
I was wondering, I cashed an insurance claim check and a couple paychecks and kept the cash. I didn't want to spend it. I can account for most of it, but some we used on a vacation, and the rest we just dipped into. This was about 6 months ago. Will I need to be accountable for where the money went so it doesn't look like I am hiding it somewhere. I don't have receipts for about 1/3 of it.
Also, what about cash withdrawls from my checking account. I have always kept cash on hand, and use it for a lot of small purchases etc.. I typically would withdrawl about $400.00 in cash a couple times a month. The money is used up for little trips to the store, birthday gifts, rollar skating, eating out etc.. How can I account for all this. If I have to bring bank statements with me, I am not sure how to show what I spent this on.
In a CH 7, do you have to show your expenses also, or is that just for a Ch 13 to determine monthly income. We are well below the median income for our area.

[Dollar Bill]

I would assume that it may not be as big a deal as you think. I know that if it were over 6 months ago, you will not use it to calculate for the means test. Only that of the immediate last six months.

It would be best to ask your employer for copies of your checks for as far back as they can go. At least the six months.

The trustee will want to know what you spent your money on.

As for the insurance question...I wonder myself whether it will be considered income to you. It may need to be included as income for the means test if received within the last six months that you plan to file.

[sweet1evie]

I'm curious about this too. Our attorney is asking us to keep track of our expenses now, but in the past we admit we didn't spend money right and it is why were in this shape I guess. Really though most of our money went on groceries rent and utilities, but we also wasted a lot and for instance a few months ago bought a dog from a pet store so you know we spent a lot on it. The attorney just looked at us like we were idiots. Is that held against us? Will they take our dog or expect us to explain who knows what we spent it on?

[jktrading]

I'm curious about this too. Our attorney is asking us to keep track of our expenses now, but in the past we admit we didn't spend money right and it is why were in this shape I guess. Really though most of our money went on groceries rent and utilities, but we also wasted a lot and for instance a few months ago bought a dog from a pet store so you know we spent a lot on it. The attorney just looked at us like we were idiots. Is that held against us? Will they take our dog or expect us to explain who knows what we spent it on?

Being "idiots" is why most of us are doing bankruptcy, quite honestly. If your attorney looks at you a certain way and doesn't make you feel at ease or explain things properly to you, why don't you look elsewhere? Atleast talk to a couple/few more. I'd dislike being stuck with someone who couldn't atleast show a little sympathy and understanding in a time like this.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

i dont see how they can track the insurance check??? I blew $2000 on my kittens way back when (my kittens are my family!) the trustee didnt take my kittens, rest assured he/she wont take your doggy! Some of the money you spent can be proven by utility bills/rent (if you used cash/cashiers check to pay for them). Obviously you need money on your basic needs (groceries/gas) as long as you dont go over the IRS standard deduction given than you shouldn't need receipts, anything over you might have some explaining to do!

Best of Luck, Catchmeifyoucan

[sweet1evie]

My attorney hasn't yet explained the deductions. Only for a few areas. She also hasn't said anything about using federal or state guidelines so I am not sure if she is going to see wht would work best or isn't even thinking federal. We are barely under on income but we are under. Our property doesn't amount to much so we are pretty good on it. I am glad to know they won't likely take our puppy. That would just be cruel.

As to the other comment about switching attorney's left above, yes, it is an option but this woman is charging us filing fees plus 450 to do it. that isn't bad at all and she only got short with me once when I interupted her because she was going so fast I couldn't keep up with her. Trust me, I won't tolerate much.