Questions about "luxury" items

[hereforinfo]

I don't really understand the obsession about not using the cards. Honestly, if you still have credit available on credit cards, why are you even considering bankruptcy? Would you go hungry to save Chase or Citibank a few dollars?
I mean think about it people, you're worried about going before a US Trustee and maybe being asked about a dinner at Olive Garden, while these CEO's are going to Washington asking for handouts at the same time paying themselves millions in bonuses.

LOL, that is true! I seriously doubt anyone is going to raise an eyebrow about a dinner out. But I think the point we are trying to make though, is that you are going to have to get used to using cash and not cards, otherwise you'll just end up right back here in a few years.

And while it seems like the banks "deserve" to get screwed since they are screwing the rest of us, two wrongs don't make a right. Besides, those CEO's aren't going to suffer - they'll just raise the price for the rest of us - consumers and taxpayers.

[keepmine]

LOL, that is true! I seriously doubt anyone is going to raise an eyebrow about a dinner out. But I think the point we are trying to make though, is that you are going to have to get used to using cash and not cards, otherwise you'll just end up right back here in a few years.

And while it seems like the banks "deserve" to get screwed since they are screwing the rest of us, two wrongs don't make a right. Besides, those CEO's aren't going to suffer - they'll just raise the price for the rest of us - consumers and taxpayers.

Plus, you want a clean bk if at all possible in addition to preparing for life post bk. While AP's are rare, they can happen and one way to defuse a potential AP is have as much time as possible lapse between card use and filing.
If you stop paying all debt you wish to discharge and you still can't make ends meet then, bk is not gonna fix your problem.

[TEW]

LOL, that is true! I seriously doubt anyone is going to raise an eyebrow about a dinner out. But I think the point we are trying to make though, is that you are going to have to get used to using cash and not cards, otherwise you'll just end up right back here in a few years.

And while it seems like the banks "deserve" to get screwed since they are screwing the rest of us, two wrongs don't make a right. Besides, those CEO's aren't going to suffer - they'll just raise the price for the rest of us - consumers and taxpayers.

[jeb]

I mean think about it people, you're worried about going before a US Trustee and maybe being asked about a dinner at Olive Garden, while these CEO's are going to Washington asking for handouts at the same time paying themselves millions in bonuses.

Ah, Cat - I hate to say this but you do understand that there are different rules for different classes in the US, right? - jb

[taramaxed]

I would say that tanning, eating out, and Gap clothes aren't neccessities and you really need to stop using your credit cards if you are planning to file bankruptcy. If you are desperate for groceries, that is one thing. But I would cut out ALL spending that isn't completely necessary.

Just to clarify. We are no longer using the cards for fun or anything. We did that before we realized what kind of trouble we were in before they completely cut out my DH's overtime pay. I work part-time and have been looking for another job but there is nothing. We have been using them for necessities like food and gas. Honestly, we sat down yesterday and did a whole budget and I don't even know how we would survive without them because we do not have any cash left over after all bills are paid. Hence, the reason we are claiming bankruptcy. What an eye opener!! I think we literally were blind to how deep we were in.

I went tanning a few months ago(before OT pay cut) and used my Gap card recently because I have no cash to buy clothing for my kids. Not because I just wanted expensive clothing. BTW clothing on sale is typically between $2.97 and $9.99. I didn't go on a shopping spree. I think I charged about $75 bucks. We only recently in the past month considered bankruptcy as an alternative. My question is are they going to scrutinize little things like that. We are no longer charging anything except in an emergency and like one poster said I am going to use the card if my kids are hungry or need new clothes because their pants fit like floods and its 0 below outside. Believe me I am not too proud to shop at the Salvation Army, but you need cash for that. We have even been charging the co-pays at doctors offices and CVS.

I do understand how my post may have come across-now that I am re-reading it. I just want to be clear.

[catleg]

Ah, Cat - I hate to say this but you do understand that there are different rules for different classes in the US, right? - jb

Exactly. If we ever lose our 500 channels of cable tv, there's going to be a revolution. The Romans understood the need to entertain the mob, and the principal of bread and circuses holds true today.