looking for expenses

[eddiep]

The auto insurance seems low, could you increase your plan to include collision? that should send that bill through the roof!

Is that $56 a month for cigarettes? A carton around here costs $48, hope I can go higher on this one.

charitable contributions $50/month (I heard that they will look at old tax returns to see if this is what you have given in the past)

I think the gas/maintence could be higher, you have two cars right?

Husband OTR Expenses 225.00 What is this???

[LuciluS]

I don't see homeowner's insurance policy on your list???

Our real estate and homeowner's insurance is included in our house payment.

I did forget about AAA. Did you include that in car insurance or magazines/subscriptions etc.

BTW, I have our homeowners at $500 deductible (the lowest State Farm would go) and the max they would allow on replacement value. Also, both cars of $100 deductible and $300,000 medical liability. The minimum in Arkansas is $25,000.

I was riding in a big 4WD pickup with my husband and the bumper which had a big ball to pull the our large camper in 3/05 was hit by a truck. He had the miniumum of $25,000. It was just settled in Feb. (2 days before court hearing) and I got a measly $5,000. But the guy who hit us didn't have a 'pot to p*ss in, so no since in going to court.

I had severe whiplash and that started our downward spiral as I've had 5 surgeries from that wreck 5/1/05-11/27/07, have a Spinal Cord Implanted like Jerry Lewis, had a Breast Cancer Scare in Feb. & just had skin cancer surgery 2 Mondays ago on my chest and my husband had 5 bypass surgery in 2/07 & pacemaker implantation 6/07 at age 50. I was an Accountant before the Accident.

I believe our Medical and Prescription bills will go up before we file. I'm like Floridian.... wish we were able to claim medical mileage like you do on Income taxes as hubby and I drove over 4,500 miles to doctors/tests etc. last year.

Trucking companies insurance is the pits and my Medicare and Supplement is not all that great, but better than hubby's insurance. Thankfully, his employer pays his insurance and dental insurance for both of us.

I also need to refigure my groceries as I did not include our eating out. There is just NO way I can stand to cook a decent meal for my husband. He is a big guy 6'6", wears a size 16 shoe.And then there is me, 5'2",6 1/2 shoe and 110 lbs.

I go tomorrow to be fitted for a leg brace on my left foot up to my knee as my toes do not move and that is why I fall all the time. Hopefully, this brace will help; however, will still have to use a Cane in house and either a rollator or my scooter outside of the house.

I tried to lay down and go to sleep for a bit tonight. But I kept wondering what it would be like to be 'Normal' Again. When hubby is gone during the week, I do not go anywhere except to doctors/tests, church and my monthly Chronic Pain Support Group. He fussies at me because I don't get out of the house.

Where am I supposed to go? I can't grocery shop, because you can only put so much between me and my scooter. I don't like to waste gas just to be going someplace. I am getting sick and tired of medical bills. I just knew 2009would be a Better Year Not! Skin Cancer, hubby's only kidney blood tests are way out of whack. I February I just paid $4,664 for dental work and now have a tooth that is cracked longwise because of the pain pills I take. Dental insurance is the pits...$50 deductible & $1,000 max for the year. Of course, they pay for cleanings.

I'm beginning to wonder, even after Chapter 7, if we will be able to survive in this screwed up economy. We don't want to lose our house as it is just right for the two of us (bought 12/20/07, right before housing market went kaput) and located near my son & grandkids. Hubby doesn't want to lose his truck, even tho the payments are high (extra warranty) as it is hard to find a vehicle he can fit in being so tall.

My van is equipped with a mechanism with a remote control that allows me to get my scooter in and out without having to lift. It maybe slightly over the retail value allowed, but I'm going to take pictures of the inside and state it as a medical necessity (did get prescription for scooter). My van is 10 yrs old, but hasn't rolled over to 100,000 miles Yet..getting close. It's a Toyota, so I think it will last me awhile.

Would drop down to one vehicle, but hubby drives 39 miles to work, leaves early and sometimes gets home late on Friday night.

O I could raise our church contributions, but last quarter of 2008 we were so broke paying the Attorney off, we were not able to contribute much and I'm afraid to go over what we claimed on our 2008 taxes(if I ever get them finished LOL!).

I'm just worried about the tobacco expenses and Yes! I know I need to quit smoking and Did 3 months before and after ALL my surgeries, but just one little pressure put on me and back to smoking I go. I have changed brands to cut the cost and 2 cartons will last me a whole month. It's hubby who has gone nuts over Cigars. Smoking them in the Big Truck instead of snacking due to boredom.

O I'm just rambling. Will stop.

Luci

[eddiep]

OMG Luci, 2009 has got to be better for you!

[LuciluS]

The auto insurance seems low, could you increase your plan to include collision? that should send that bill through the roof!

Is that $56 a month for cigarettes? A carton around here costs $48, hope I can go higher on this one.

charitable contributions $50/month (I heard that they will look at old tax returns to see if this is what you have given in the past)

I think the gas/maintence could be higher, you have two cars right?

Husband OTR Expenses 225.00 What is this???

He is a Over The Road Truck Driver. Usually leaves home on Sun. am and get back Fri. am. By IRS rules he is allowed 85% of $52.00 a day for every day he is out overnight.

When we met with our Attorney in Sept., you think he told us we needed to start keeping receipts on his expenditures? No! So hubby started in January and we will most likely be filing Sept. 30, 2009. He usually buys milk, cereal, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, low fat cheese, deli meat and low fat pop tarts to take with him. But man, you can't expect him to eat in the truck all the time. Buying a meal at a truck stop is not CHEAP! Yes, there a hamburger can cost you $10.

I've had State Farm since I was 18 yrs. old and I've got the MAX on everything. No chargeable wrecks or tickets for either of us. Only other would be an Umbrella Policy and I'm not sure that would fly with the Trustee.

I've read that Insurance Companies will raise your rates on auto and homeowners once they find out you've filed for bankruptcy. I hope and pray with the economy like it is, they relax those rules quite a bit.

Luci

[LuciluS]

Yea, when we put new tires on hubby's truck (big tires) and on my Van, they car maintenance will go up. I need the 90,000 mile maintenance on my Van. Toyota wanted almost $2,000. Shop in our little town will do it for about $1,000. Needs new belts and whatnot. Yes, I have AAA Insurance as my closest doctor is 35 miles away.

$56.00 a month is for 2 cartons of Misty Cigarettes. I quit smoking Capri 120's as they were so expensive. Hubby doesn't buy them in Arkansas, because they just raised their tax to $11.60 a carton. He gets them in Kentucky or Missouri (cheaper) depended on where he is going.

Now keep in mind, some posters on here have said Tobacco/Cigarettes are not allowed, nor my husband's son's Student Loan. So my thinking it is include them, but have a deficit to cover if Trustee throws the amounts out the door.

For all you who don't agree with smoking, I know the ramifications of it. I'm not a heavy smoker and Life just hasn't been Medically Easy the last couple of years for either of us. I forgot, hubby only has one kidney and blood work was not good this month. So they did another test and don't have results.

My husband is a Saint. He had around the world back surgery in 11/03 where they took out a rib, Vascular Surgeon cut his stomach open & put in 4 cages, stapled him up and rolled him over. Neurosurgeon put in 4 rods and 8 screws in his back. He drives a Big Semi, does all the grocery shopping, mows our .67acres and gives the dog a bath once a week. I'm amazed he is able to drive a Truck after back surgery , 5 bypass (2/07) and pacemaker surgery (6/07). That's another thing that hurt us financially. Although his employer paid his health insurance DOT regulations required he be off 7 1/2 months in 2007 and that was without Pay.

Of course, the inside of the house is a different story. I'm not supposed to use a Vacuum Cleaner, but you can't except hubby to do it. I'm praying after Bankruptcy is finalized, we can find some money to pay someone to come change the sheets, dust and vacuum every two weeks.
Luci

[Help!]

It's not unusual for people to greatly reduce or eliminate their charitable contributions during those months prior to BK that they're struggling. I think very few debtors head straight to bankruptcy without doing everything they possibly can to keep up with payments, and charitable contributions are one of the few expenses that are optional. Don't be afraid to start contributing again.

[LuciluS]

It's not unusual for people to greatly reduce or eliminate their charitable contributions during those months prior to BK that they're struggling. I think very few debtors head straight to bankruptcy without doing everything they possibly can to keep up with payments, and charitable contributions are one of the few expenses that are optional. Don't be afraid to start contributing again.

I've already started back contributing to our Church.

However, I've got about $1,000 worth of more Medical Bills I would like to get paid before August as hopefully we will file in Sept., if I get the 'All Clear' on my Skin Cancer.

I've heard Pros and Cons on not paying medical bills. One of mine is for MEMS (Ambulance). Finally, this month insurance paid their portion from July 2008. I owe them $185. I owe my old Pain Management Doctor $159.00. I owe the Surgical Center where I get the nerve roots burned in my neck and lower back $225.46. The Breast Biopsy and Skin Cancer surgery will be $250 a piece and our Prescription bill runs about $245 a month.

I know is I don't pay the Surgical Center, no more services as they are Baptist Health. I'm not sure about MEMS, but with my husband being gone and all my neighbors work, I can't take a chance they won't come out if I need them. I gotta pay the Biopsy and Cancer place because I have Serious Breast Cancer in my family and was told the 1st year of getting Skin Cancer is the year when you might have more.After the 1st year, the % drops down 30%.

I have to see a Pain Management Doctor every month to get my morphine and 5 other prescriptions. That's $35 a visit. Hubby's insurance is the same for Specialty Doctors.

Lordie Mercy! I think I just overloaded my Brain LOL! Niters

Luci

[lrprn]

Luci, here's an interactive bk expenses website to cross-check your expenses list against - http://www.goainc.com/fraley/calcula...alculator.html

Also go back through your checking account for the last year looking for the irregular expenses - things like property taxes, vehicle taxes, car and house upkeep and repairs, assorted ongoing medical costs, etc. Whatever you can verify may be possible to include unless your local court has a custom to not allow it. Your lawyer can give you insights about that.

May 2009 be a MUCH better year for the two of you!

[LuciluS]

Luci, here's an interactive bk expenses website to cross-check your expenses list against - http://www.goainc.com/fraley/calcula...alculator.html

Also go back through your checking account for the last year looking for the irregular expenses - things like property taxes, vehicle taxes, car and house upkeep and repairs, assorted ongoing medical costs, etc. Whatever you can verify may be possible to include unless your local court has a custom to not allow it. Your lawyer can give you insights about that.

May 2009 be a MUCH better year for the two of you!

[COLOR="DarkRed"][B]Thanks a Bunch. I'm a tad bit concerned as the paperwork we received from our Attorney (Arkansas) does not state expenses for gifts or Recreation and Entertainment.

I have 3 young grandchildren and on their birthdays and at Christmas, I give them a check for $30.00 with a deposit slip for the college fund and a $10.00 bill. I have a Card Maker on PC, so I make them cute cards for Valentines and Easter and give them $5.00 a piece. At the time (3 yrs. ago) I loaned by son & daughter in law a Substantial amount of Money. First Christmas rolled around and I just gave them a Card stating loan was forgiven, but presents would be a long time coming. This year, I bought my son a billfold and my DIL some Jewelery for $45.00 total. I sent a Gift food basket to my 89 yr. old father and his wife. We bought Rick's mom a Christmas gift. All of this adds up. But is Trustee going to say 'You knew you were filing Bankruptcy (he's gotta know cause we quit paying 98% of our credit cards last Sept.), why were you buying Christmas Gifts??

But then again, My 89 yr. old father would probably have a Stroke or heart attack if he knew or ever finds out we filed Bankruptcy as he gave us some money 4 months after the wreck(05), when I realized I couldn't work, to help with the CC bills and he made a comment 'None of My Daughters are Going to File Bankruptcy'. BUT I can't keep letting him bail us out. Like ya'll have said, It was a Business Decision that needed to be made by me and Hubby.

As for as Entertainment we have been to two shows at Alltel Arena in Little Rock, AR. Last one being this last Friday (The Gaither (Big Gospel Group) Homecoming). O, it was so Awesome. We were on the Floor, 1st row, seats 1 and 2. There was room to park my scooter against the wall going up into the stands and I used my cane to get to my seat. They sang from 7 pm - 11 pm. Tickets were $36.50 purchased back in Oct. 08. It was my birthday present from hubby.

I don't know, I'm back to the 'Overthinking Stage'. I just do not want to be 'Chastized' and expenses removed by the Trustee.

[hopefulbk]

Hmm.. I think my head is going to explode again. Can I start to "acquire" these expenses before bk such as cable tv? I mean, I haven't had cable in about 5 years due to finances. Is that something I can do?

[hopefulbk]

Does anyone know if we have to "prove" these expenses? Sure I can send in my elect. bill, and other bills I get but if I budget for car repairs but I had no car repairs done in 4 months, is that still included? I mean I better not have a car that needs repairs every month. Another example- I had my family fitting for glasses and contacts- that exam plus the cost of glasses/contacts is ridiculous and averages out to be about 65 per month if I budget since I don't usually have 700 laying around for our eye care- does that count?

[LuciluS]

Does anyone know if we have to "prove" these expenses? Sure I can send in my elect. bill, and other bills I get but if I budget for car repairs but I had no car repairs done in 4 months, is that still included? I mean I better not have a car that needs repairs every month. Another example- I had my family fitting for glasses and contacts- that exam plus the cost of glasses/contacts is ridiculous and averages out to be about 65 per month if I budget since I don't usually have 700 laying around for our eye care- does that count?

I think you are able to use the maximum standards used in your State. I'm not sure tho that you can mix n match. Say take the National Standard for Car Maintenance, but not for Groceries.

Yes, glassses/contact count under Medical and Dental Expenses. Any co-pays to see the doctor.

As for the Cable TV, acquire ASAP. I did not reduce our expenses like cutting Satellite, pay a premimum for free long distance, Because I knew I was going to need those Expenses.

Using lrprn calculator she put in this post as a Guide.

I want to be Over the Deficit as much as I can. I want to do a ride through on our Truck loan (US BHank) and that payment is $437.98, so I've got my work cut out for me LOL!

Luci

[catleg]

If you're worried about being denied treatment due to ability to pay, there is a law called EMTALA that regulates hospitals. I'm not sure how it would apply to other medical providers like ambulance services.

You can read more at http://emtala.com

[floridian]

ok, because i have no dependents, i have minimal life insurance... if i were to buy a healthy term life policy, how long do i have to pay on it prior to filing, to claim it??

[OhioFiler]

ok, because i have no dependents, i have minimal life insurance... if i were to buy a healthy term life policy, how long do i have to pay on it prior to filing, to claim it??

I would make a annual payment on it as soon as possible.

P.S. Do you need a beneficiary?