Can I take a vacation during bankruptcy?

[BCA2009]

Thanks! I too have a similar question about being able to take a vacation. For the first time in our adult lives my husband and I have been able to build up quite a bit in savings, and will continue to be able to. We have secure, well-paying jobs, we just made some big mistakes, one of which was buying an old house that has killed us with upkeep costs. I absolutely understand that I will want to have a as much in savings as I can, but if I can do that and still pay for a vacation, is there anything wrong with that?

that's totally a personal choice. Were dishcarged in April 2010 and my family hasn't a travel vacation in a year and a half becasue we just don't feel like we should spend the money that way. But it is a personal choice. Some people may feel comfortable with 1K in savings or some might want 5K before they can "afford" a vacation.

My point in the previous post was that it is nobody else's business how you plan your budget. I hope you make good decisions, but it's none of my business.

We do alot of one day, less expensive things rather than saving up for a more expensive week long vacation. We recently camped for one night in a nearby state park. It was $25 for one night. We go to beach every other week or so for the day (10 min drive). I have a friend that lives in a large condo complex that has 4 pools. We go "visit" frequently. You may not live at the beach like we do but I bet that there are a lot of fun things nearby that you can do on day trips inexpensively.

It's amazing how you can adapt when you have to. Did you know that Natual Light is not that much worse than Michalob Ultra.

[AnnieC]

I agree with some of the comments being made...a "vacation" can be something simple like a inexpensive hotel and lazy days at the beach..but..I wouldn't be posting pics on facebook of your family and you playing it up in FLorida in the Contemporary with Mickey and friends!!..

If you have come across to the BK as being in "dire" financial straits you may put yourself into a position of scrutiny.

My opinion...if you have waited this long for a vacation then wait a little longer...get your BK over with FIRST and then think about a vacation...also..don't advertise it as a big thing either..problem with many people is they go BK but still think the "Joneses!"

[backtoschool]

Thanks! I too have a similar question about being able to take a vacation. For the first time in our adult lives my husband and I have been able to build up quite a bit in savings, and will continue to be able to. We have secure, well-paying jobs, we just made some big mistakes, one of which was buying an old house that has killed us with upkeep costs. I absolutely understand that I will want to have a as much in savings as I can, but if I can do that and still pay for a vacation, is there anything wrong with that?

This is an old thread.

You have one post and no stats so I am not sure you filed yet, but your savings have to be exempt as cash assets or the trustee will take them as part of the estate.

If you are talking about having accrued savings after filing, but before discharge, then I think it would be prudent to wait until discharge to take the vacation, unless the savings are being exempt with your wildcard exemptions.

If you are talking about having accrued savings after discharge, then I see no reason why you shouldn't go on a vacation.

[Bell30656]

Right after I filed the stars lined up just right and my life changed for the better. Just before my 341 the company I work for announced that it had created a new position and it was offered to me. This position gave me a 30% raise! With trepidation I called my attorney. His advice was take it.

When I went to 341 he told the trustee about it in conversation. It had been announced in the papers. The trustee congratulated me and told me that bankruptcy filing is a snapshot of my financial situation a the date of filing and not a movie. Life continues on.

I accepted the position the next week then used the bonus to take my child to Walt Disney World for a vacation. The year leading up to the filing we had never taken a vacation, we didn't eat out and never went any where because even a tank of gas was out of the question. Christmas that year had been dollar store and Walmart for her nothing for me.

Your financial situation has been a strain on you and your family for quite a while if you are at this point. If a vacation can be fit into your budget then take it. I'm sure most will disagree with me but you know where you are at financially. If you can afford it, go for it.

[nc73]

People got into this mess because they thought they could "afford it." Do what you will. I don't care, and most people won't. I'd think you'd first start to save money not spend it. Some take advantage of the system because the laws allow them to do so. Who are we to judge...

[LSUTiger32]

People got into this mess because they thought they could "afford it." Do what you will. I don't care, and most people won't. I'd think you'd first start to save money not spend it. Some take advantage of the system because the laws allow them to do so. Who are we to judge...

Well said. Coming out of BK all I wanted was to have money in the bank incase another emergency hits. Now we have well over $4,000 saved for a rainy day and we continue to pile it up little by little. Also, I started putting more into both me and my wife's retirement funds. Right now, I am focused on getting my life straight....not a vacation. I love the people who justify it with the life has been so hard argument. Awwwww. Join the club.

We are only now even speaking of possibly doing something in Feb. of 2011. That will be 27 months since our last vacation.....and get this, we survived!