Will you look over my expenses and give help

[geye]

Fallen...our 401k had to specifically be listed as "mandatory contribution" (we are in Michigan, too...not sure if it's our district's rules on what's allowed or just to keep us from being questioned on it). We used to contribute more than the 1% auto, but couldn't afford to after not using any credit cards (what an eye opener!) If you're truly hurting for money, now is not the time to be contributing.

We are a family of 6, and I was told to be prepared to defend my $240/mo. clothing. And why so much for cell phones, plus a home phone too?

We were not allowed a birthday or xmas expense.

[Fallonedward]

Geye: Did your lawyer tell you that you had to list it as "mandatory contribution"? I have receipts for all of my clothing and with a family of 5, my kids are growing like weeds. I purchase everything on clearance and was able to get some great deals on shoes at a recent 85% off sale but with winter coming and boots and coats the cost does add up.

Fallen...our 401k had to specifically be listed as "mandatory contribution" (we are in Michigan, too...not sure if it's our district's rules on what's allowed or just to keep us from being questioned on it). We used to contribute more than the 1% auto, but couldn't afford to after not using any credit cards (what an eye opener!) If you're truly hurting for money, now is not the time to be contributing.

We are a family of 6, and I was told to be prepared to defend my $240/mo. clothing. And why so much for cell phones, plus a home phone too?

We were not allowed a birthday or xmas expense.

[ccsjoe]

Hi Fallon,

Your expenses actually look ok to me. None seem excessive at this point considering you are a family of five. Even if the trustee took issue with your 401K contributions and your cell phone or home phone bill, you would still be negative, so there would be no point.

Please bear in mind that so much of what gets through the trustees is subjective, and varies not only by district but by trustee. Ultimately, your attorney can tell you best since presumably he/she knows the trustees and what thy will accept or question. As an example, I was able to list ALL our real expenses, including non-mandatory stuff, home and cell phone bills, cable, gym memberships, recreation, bday/christmas, 401K contributions, etc. Nothing was questioned.

Bottom line, if it is not excessive AND you can argue for it AND you can still be negative if taken away, you should be just fine.

[Fallonedward]

Joe, thanks so much. I meet with the attorney on Monday and I hope to feel better after the meeting

Hi Fallon,

Your expenses actually look ok to me. None seem excessive at this point considering you are a family of five. Even if the trustee took issue with your 401K contributions and your cell phone or home phone bill, you would still be negative, so there would be no point.

Please bear in mind that so much of what gets through the trustees is subjective, and varies not only by district but by trustee. Ultimately, your attorney can tell you best since presumably he/she knows the trustees and what thy will accept or question. As an example, I was able to list ALL our real expenses, including non-mandatory stuff, home and cell phone bills, cable, gym memberships, recreation, bday/christmas, 401K contributions, etc. Nothing was questioned.

Bottom line, if it is not excessive AND you can argue for it AND you can still be negative if taken away, you should be just fine.

[Fallonedward]

Joe: Just meet with our attorney yesterday and he stated the same thing. The only expense he questioned was my clothing expense but then he stated that even if the trustee lowers that one, I'm still so far in the negative that its a mute issue.

I feel so much better now

Hi Fallon,

Your expenses actually look ok to me. None seem excessive at this point considering you are a family of five. Even if the trustee took issue with your 401K contributions and your cell phone or home phone bill, you would still be negative, so there would be no point.

Please bear in mind that so much of what gets through the trustees is subjective, and varies not only by district but by trustee. Ultimately, your attorney can tell you best since presumably he/she knows the trustees and what thy will accept or question. As an example, I was able to list ALL our real expenses, including non-mandatory stuff, home and cell phone bills, cable, gym memberships, recreation, bday/christmas, 401K contributions, etc. Nothing was questioned.

Bottom line, if it is not excessive AND you can argue for it AND you can still be negative if taken away, you should be just fine.

[ccsjoe]

Good deal Fallon, thanks for the update.

[Fallonedward]

I'm two weeks away from filing, and I finally feel relief