filling out paperwork to file..expense questions

[deadbroke99]

I am in SC, over median family of four. We gross about 6100 a month.

So far for my budget this is what I have going by my bank statements for the last 6 months..

Mortgage $1433 inluding tax and ins.
Electric $284.00 avg last 6 months
Water Sewer $68.95
Telephone and Internet $88.40
gas/oil heat $23.22 (gas fireplace)
cable $65.68
Home repairs/upkeep $40.00 (guess)
Groceries $800
Dining out $200 (work fulltime and go to school fulltime)
Clothing $75 family of four average
Laundry and dry cleaning $15.00
medical expenses $150.00 (prescriptions, eyeglasses for two members)
gas, repairs and maint on auto's $300 (I drive 30 miles one way 5 days a week)
Entertainment, recreation, movies, books, cigarettes 175.00 (dh smokes pack and half a day at $4.00 a pack!! bad I know)
Charitable 40.00 comes out of paycheck
Life Ins $95.00
Auto payments 540.50 for two vehicles
Taxes on cars 45.00 (about 550 a year for both)
daycare 100.00
personal care items $50.00 haircuts, etc.
cell phone for three of us $123.71


What do you guys think of this budget? Anything I am forgetting? Do you think the trustee would tell my dh to quit smoking? (wish he would)

[deadbroke99]

There is not a place to take into account fed and state taxes, medicare and ss so I hope they subtract that as well!

[kathy4530050]

Just a few thoughts based on my own consultations with attorneys:

Was told my budget for eating out should be $0 and my monthly entertainment should be $25 or less. Unrealistic, but that's what I was told. I was also told I couldn't include cable (TV). I could include internet, for my work, but not cable.

Also--

I don't see any car insurance in your budget.
Do you want to add dental expenses?
Laundry & dry cleaning seem very low for a family of 4.
Clothing seems low.
How about household cleaning supplies?
Any pet expenses? dog/cat food, vet, grooming, Frontline, etc
Any professional magazines, journals, memberships?

Other than that, I think your budget looks pretty comprehensive--best of luck!

Kathy

[deadbroke99]

Thanks Kathy,

I forgot auto ins because it's deducted from my husband's paycheck that is another $100 a month.

Thanks for the advice!

[jennordhavn]

There is not a place to take into account fed and state taxes, medicare and ss so I hope they subtract that as well!

On Sched. I there is a place to subtract out taxes from your income.

[jennordhavn]

Just a few thoughts based on my own consultations with attorneys:

Was told my budget for eating out should be $0 and my monthly entertainment should be $25 or less. Unrealistic, but that's what I was told. I was also told I couldn't include cable (TV). I could include internet, for my work, but not cable.

I included satellite with no problems.

Clothing and housing maintenance seem a bit low for a family of 4, you could probably up those a bit and it would still be reasonable. Also, laundry could probably be a bit higher.

I included under 17. ("Other") school fees/supplies, diapers and gifts.

[OhioFiler]

Your "Home Repairs/Upkeep" is WAY low! Unless you live in a garden shed you will on average spend at least $200 per month on home maintenance. You don't have to spend in every month to list it.

[StartingOver08]

The cable TV or satellite TV is a district specific thing - in my district the judge thinks satellite is a luxury item. Maybe it is the same in Kathy's district too.

[LuciluS]

I'm 100% disabled and my husband is OTR Truck Driver who is gone Sun am - Fri. pm. I cannot cook him decent meals on weekends to and we eat out. I usually have a Graham Cracker for breakfast and a Yogurt or a Lean Cusine for Dinner while he is working.

I don't even take a Shower (basin bowl bath during the week) unless hubby is home because of fear of falling which I do anyways as our home is not conducive for a handicapped person. Thank goodness I have really dry skin and hair huh?

Our Attorney told me it wouldn't be a problem showing we eat out. Usually it is less than $20 for the both of us, but that's $40 a week.

You think he knows what he is talking about? The Trustee will be able to see I'm disabled as I use a scooter, wear a brace on my left foot and carry a Cane on my scooter.


I am a smoker (2 cartons a month) and my husband smokes cigars. I haven't determined that monthly expense yet.

We are under Median because I don't have to include my SSD except for when determining the Bottom Number (deficit).

Luci

[deadbroke99]

Thank you guys, I appreciate your help. I am sooo nervous. I have been reading and reading since December and plan to file in the next week or two!

[jennordhavn]

The cable TV or satellite TV is a district specific thing - in my district the judge thinks satellite is a luxury item. Maybe it is the same in Kathy's district too.

That's true, I have heard some districts are more picky about cable/satellite expenses.

As to the OP, I included my eating out (and my DDs school hot lunches...only once per week) in my food amount. My amount was slightly over the IRS average for a family of 4.