OMG: what a mess!

[tatt2monster]

I paid cash for so much including rent to my roommate and can't prove it, am I going to have to let another 6 months or so go by so I can correctly pass means and prove out income n spending?

Why in the name of you know who doesn't attorney advise on this? Don't they realize that people are fearful of liens prior to bankruptcy? I thought I was the only one withdrawing money and paying with cash. Now it appears like other people do it too based on what I'm reading.

So does anyone have any suggestions related to proper recordkeeping and banking? I can start with May 1st and plan on filing in November, I doubt my income will change much, even if I find full time work, I don't think I will have issues with passing means test based on current living situation.

P.S. Is 6 months an unusual wait time before filing? Will creditors hold out that long?

Ya know, I'm past the fear, I'm passed the crying....I'm pretty much smiling and laughing these days, I have been in so many of these catch-22 situations between the fraudulent gifting of my car and student loans that its all I can do. Maybe I can get away with filing after March 1st of next year so the lookback won't include the car? I might as well at this point. UGGGHHHH, I just want to go outside and yell at the top of my lungs.

[tatt2monster]

Just so you know, the amount of money I can't prove out is about 2000, 1450 went to rent/household, 400 went to allowance that covered things like gym fees n coffee, and 200 went to pet related expenses.

[DeadManCrawling]

At risk of sounding like a jerk, I would say that it is pretty much common-sense to save all expense records and receipts if you know you are going to be in a financial court.

Something a little more helpful: ask your attorney if the court would accept a statement from your roommate confirming you have paid these things, or if receipts can be written now. Of course, this assumes you are on good terms with the roommate.

[tatt2monster]

I'm sorry, but that IS offensive. I'm not supposed to know anything about all these things, thats why these forums exist and that is why I am here. Also, 99% of the questions that need to be asked here are being done by me, not the 2 different attorneys I've worked with and retained. Although the first attorney did feel that my roommates income and my own should be considered as combined household income to pass the means test.

I did not know back in January and February that I'd be filing bankruptcy and that I'd need the receipts from my lattes and underwear purchases. Geez! The idea crossed my mind, but I forced myself to consider alternatives.

[Allmixedup]

Now that I have read this I am wondering about something similar. If I am letting the house go with the bk and need to save for a rental then is it ok to withdraw money out of my account via the atm in amounts of 200-300 a week? I have not filed yet, will be doing that in about 2 or so months. I still have to pay the lawyer off. I just wanted to secure the money for a roof over my head first as my house in just about 90 days past due by next week. Any thoughts on that?

[teacher]

I'm sorry, but that IS offensive. I'm not supposed to know anything about all these things, thats why these forums exist and that is why I am here. Also, 99% of the questions that need to be asked here are being done by me, not the 2 different attorneys I've worked with and retained. Although the first attorney did feel that my roommates income and my own should be considered as combined household income to pass the means test.

I did not know back in January and February that I'd be filing bankruptcy and that I'd need the receipts from my lattes and underwear purchases. Geez! The idea crossed my mind, but I forced myself to consider alternatives.

I don't think what they said was offensive. If you just wanted someone to agree with you and go "yeah, you're right!" you've come to the wrong place.

They made a logical statement, the same type of statement a trustee or judge would make.

They aren't saying that you SHOULD have known to keep records, they are stating that one would ask why you didn't.

[LuciluS]

I paid cash for so much including rent to my roommate and can't prove it, am I going to have to let another 6 months or so go by so I can correctly pass means and prove out income n spending?

Why in the name of you know who doesn't attorney advise on this? Don't they realize that people are fearful of liens prior to bankruptcy? I thought I was the only one withdrawing money and paying with cash. Now it appears like other people do it too based on what I'm reading.

So does anyone have any suggestions related to proper recordkeeping and banking? I can start with May 1st and plan on filing in November, I doubt my income will change much, even if I find full time work, I don't think I will have issues with passing means test based on current living situation.

P.S. Is 6 months an unusual wait time before filing? Will creditors hold out that long?

Ya know, I'm past the fear, I'm passed the crying....I'm pretty much smiling and laughing these days, I have been in so many of these catch-22 situations between the fraudulent gifting of my car and student loans that its all I can do. Maybe I can get away with filing after March 1st of next year so the lookback won't include the car? I might as well at this point. UGGGHHHH, I just want to go outside and yell at the top of my lungs.

Calm down and Breathe. Everything will work out in the end. Start keeping receipts for Everything. I didn't know until late Jan. hubby needed to keep his expenses while he is working as an OTR Truck Driver as I've always just used the Per Diem rate allowed by the IRS.

We quit paying all but one of our credit cards late last Sept. Attorney just glanced at the spreadsheet we gave him and didn't realize some monies I received would be considered income. It dropped off in Feb., so we will be filing 9/30/09 using Mar.-Sept income.

At least Attorney is paid and we gave his name & phone # to our CCs when they started calling. We told them we would be filing in 12/08 or 1/09. I found out in early February I had skin cancer. Phone calls picked up in March and told them I wasn't filing until I got an all clear from my Doctor. I had two wish me Luck on my surgery in late March.

This past month, hubby was hospitalized for a week and off work most of the month. Almost lost him as his organs were shutting down. Haven't received all of the bills from my Surgery or hubby's hospitalization yet.

Attorney said don't answer the phone and most of the time I don't. We've received 4 collection agency letters. Attorney said he would file something (I forgot what he called it) if someone sued us. I believe someone up above is looking out for hubby and I.

I know it is hard, but try not to let this Bankruptcy Stress you out. If it comes to the point where BK is consuming your life, I would highly recommend a visit to your doctor and see about getting an Anti-Depressant to get you through.

I took one after a car wreck in 3/05 which ruined by Career as an Accountant for about 1 1/2 yrs. Can't take them now, because I'm on morphine 3 x a day.

Hang in there...You will get through this.


Luci

[tatt2monster]

Thanks Luci very much. I'll talk to you in general chat.

Teacher, your remarks were not appreciated or even necessary. These rooms are heavily moderated and as near as I can tell discourage arguing semantics. Besides, if someone had an issue with what I said, I would have been told by someone with far more than 59 posts. I don't mind constructive criticism, but characterisations don't need to accompany it.

[DebtEnder]

Are you expecting to have to prove yourself with the means test to qualify for a chapter 7?

If you are under the states median income the paperwork requirement was rather low. At least in my case. I simply stated what my bills were for the house, car, util's, etc and nothing was produced to prove any of it.

Just because you could be living rent free now, not that you are but paper is king for proof, does not mean you could end up in more "traditional" living arrangements. I think the courts understand people do some crazy things to try to avoid BK.

[teacher]

Thanks Luci very much. I'll talk to you in general chat.

Teacher, your remarks were not appreciated or even necessary. These rooms are heavily moderated and as near as I can tell discourage arguing semantics. Besides, if someone had an issue with what I said, I would have been told by someone with far more than 59 posts. I don't mind constructive criticism, but characterisations don't need to accompany it.

I'm sorry, it seems like you're living in your own world. Have a good time there.