The most important advice for newbies

[Help!]

If you could say only one thing to someone getting ready to file for BK, what would it be? Only one turn and we all have to keep it short.

I'll go first...

If you're above the median, it doesn't matter how broke you are now. It's how broke the means test makes you look in the six months prior to filing that matters.

[soleprop]

good thread idea! hmm, here goes:

you use the federal allowable expenses as the basis for your expenses on the means test; you use your actual expenses on schedule J, regardless of whether they're in line with the federal allowable or not.

[epiphany]

Man I feel like I'm being censored but here goes:

Educate yourself

ep

[MomIcantFindmy]

341= do not use 10 words when 3 will do.

[laurannm]

Don't settle for the first attorney you consult with...ALWAYS interview at least 3-4 (if not more) attorney's before making a decision on who to go with

[Flamingo]

"It is not the end of the world."

[AngelinaCatHub]

Other people got through it, you will too. 'Hub

[southernbelle]

Find an atty you trust and will communicate with you.
Keep your answers short and sweet at the 341.
Submit any and everything the Trustee or your atty asks for in a timely manner.
Be organized and have all of your paperwork in one place.

[almost]

"Plan your BK". Keep all your paper work. Read everything you can on the most up to date bk laws, be informed, even if you think your atty will take of everything.

[Minnymouth]

REMEMBER filing bankruptcy is a "business decision" to protect and rearrange the financial future for you and your family.

[AngelinaCat]

Purchase nolopress.com's C7 book. That will become your textbook. Purchasing through their website saves almost half the price of what it costs in retail bookstores. If a 'freebie' is offered along with it, take that too.

[woeisme]

If you're filing CH 13, obtain car(s) that will make it though the 60 months before you file.

[needingsomehelp]

"Everything Happens for a reason". Try not to beat yourself up over this, it happens, another lesson learned. Also there is nothing to be ashamed of.

[JustMeJaneD]

Don't take money out of your 401K?

[justplaintired]

Since starting all this I now I have the serenity prayer as my screen saver. So that is what I read everyday, everytime I come to this site or research BK. Someone on another thread mentioned this long ago, So here goes:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
courage to change the things I can, and
the wisdom to know the difference.

I know maybe this isn't just about BK, but I find these words very encouraging.