Hmmm..... many people here already responded with solid advice, so I'll just add a few cents.
Like you, I live in a very expensive area of NY (actually, I live in NYC proper). Although my gross income is $200k (please, no coughing on the boards), I ran up some high credit card bills over a couple years and have high fixed expenses (mortgage, etc.)... the real linchpin though was a disabled baby that me and my wife had (we are a family of 7--so all that income goes fasasssssst). Anyway, like you, I had to file Ch 7. I never thought I would, but I had to. (You can read more of my details in another post (search my name).)
Be honest. Be calm. Listen and read advice on here. Check the boards and read the NOLO book. Try to switch to cash. Try to modify your lifestyle a bit. I know it is hard, but pull back on the higher end things. Conserve cash. If you find yourself with extra, *stick it under your mattress* (or buy silver bullion)... you get the idea. Don't spend it on nonsense.
The fact that you went to casinos might not *look good*, but there is no law against it. I spent on a few small items I probably shouldn't have, but try to remember that, for the most part, the BK Trustee will focus on any assets s/he can get at and sell off (they make a % of sales). If s/he finds nothing, s/he'll probably move on as long as everything else looks about right.
HOWEVER, I should add that in NY, the US Trustee seems a bit aggressive when it comes to higher $$$ people. This is what I was told, and I witnessed it firsthand when the UST picked up my case and filed a motion of abuse. Let's face it, the UST office in NYC is HUGE. Have you seen that place down on Whitehall Street? Wow. Not to fear though, prepare yourself, keep a spreadsheet and trust your atty (which you do). Be as honest as you can. You do not need to blurt out that you just had your nails done (note: do NOT get them done in Fire Engine Red nailpolish on day before 341 mtg!), but be reasonable.
Hang in there. You might have a slightly bumpy road ahead with some drama and emotions (Klonapin, anyone?), but it will be worth it for the fresh start you need.
Just my $0.02.
Like you, I live in a very expensive area of NY (actually, I live in NYC proper). Although my gross income is $200k (please, no coughing on the boards), I ran up some high credit card bills over a couple years and have high fixed expenses (mortgage, etc.)... the real linchpin though was a disabled baby that me and my wife had (we are a family of 7--so all that income goes fasasssssst). Anyway, like you, I had to file Ch 7. I never thought I would, but I had to. (You can read more of my details in another post (search my name).)
Be honest. Be calm. Listen and read advice on here. Check the boards and read the NOLO book. Try to switch to cash. Try to modify your lifestyle a bit. I know it is hard, but pull back on the higher end things. Conserve cash. If you find yourself with extra, *stick it under your mattress* (or buy silver bullion)... you get the idea. Don't spend it on nonsense.
The fact that you went to casinos might not *look good*, but there is no law against it. I spent on a few small items I probably shouldn't have, but try to remember that, for the most part, the BK Trustee will focus on any assets s/he can get at and sell off (they make a % of sales). If s/he finds nothing, s/he'll probably move on as long as everything else looks about right.
HOWEVER, I should add that in NY, the US Trustee seems a bit aggressive when it comes to higher $$$ people. This is what I was told, and I witnessed it firsthand when the UST picked up my case and filed a motion of abuse. Let's face it, the UST office in NYC is HUGE. Have you seen that place down on Whitehall Street? Wow. Not to fear though, prepare yourself, keep a spreadsheet and trust your atty (which you do). Be as honest as you can. You do not need to blurt out that you just had your nails done (note: do NOT get them done in Fire Engine Red nailpolish on day before 341 mtg!), but be reasonable.
Hang in there. You might have a slightly bumpy road ahead with some drama and emotions (Klonapin, anyone?), but it will be worth it for the fresh start you need.
Just my $0.02.
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