I filed on 2/22

[helpmeout]

I filed last Monday and just got my case number today. I might have gotten it yesterday, but there was no mail delivery due to snow. I go in on March 22 for my 341. My attorney tells me that I have nothing to worry about, but I can't help it. What if I get so nervous that I mess up? Plus, I really don't like where it is. The last time I was in the city that it is in, I got lost. That city is not a place that you want to get lost in. It's not safe. I will do a dry run on a week-end that I don't have the kids as that is not a place that I want to get lost with them in the car. Would a GPS be considered a luxury purchase?

[BKDefender]

If you've already filed chapter 7 bankruptcy then the trustee's ability to control your spending (unless the money is coming from a non-disclosed bank account) is over and done with. Feel free to spend your money however you want. It's only buying a luxury item BEFORE filing bankruptcy that is a problem.
And to be honest, a $100-$300 purchase WITH CASH or debit card is not a luxury item.

--William

[jamesd1967]

I think when we say "luxury" you are referring to an automobile, a home, even a $9000 used automobile. Not a $250 GPS or even a $650 television.

[tigergem]

Computers are dumber than people. Write that down. So when a computer tells you to drive off a bridge, you shouldn't put your unwavering trust in its ability to navigate. Nevertheless, people keep driving stupid places (like down a snowmobile trail or a dead end alley) because a GPS dared them. Your GPS doesn't care if you live or die! It's dumb, remember.

GPS is also one of the first things that will get your car broken into in a higher risk area, because it is easily stolen and easily fenced. So you might want to invest 10 minutes on mapquest online, instead of a GPS, print directions and go with that.

The 341 is comprised mostly of questions that you can answer Yes or No to. If you were honest in all of your previous disclosures to your attorney and the trustee, it's pretty hard to mess it up. You do know your name and social security number, right? ;-)

Breeeeeathe. Everything is going to be alright. Seriously. You'll be ok.

[BKDefender]

jamesd1967: Actually, the bankruptcy code defines 'luxury items' in various places as any one item costing $575.00 or more, but in the context of items purchased on credit not items that can be exempted under the state's exemption.
If one pays cash for a 'luxury item' then there is nothing to pay back so as long as it is an exempt asset then it won't matter.

--William