Actual expenses -- is it what you spend, or what you would spend if you had the $

[sillywalks]

Sorry -- I know it's a weird question! I was reading on the boards about the actual expenses worksheet and I was wondering -- when you are filling these out, do you put in just what you are currently, actually spending? Or do you put in what you need to spend to pay for all necessities?

For example, I am not currently saving anything for car maintenance or home maintenance, or even career related expenses (continuing ed expenses). Would I list those under my actual expenses -- because I do need to be putting money into these categories -- or just the basics that I am currently paying?

It's probably a dumb question, but you just never know with the government!

Thanks!

[tcreegan]

Hi sillywalks,

It depends on whether you are filling out the means-test or schedule J On schedule J you put down what you 'reasonbly anticipate' your expenses will be post BK. It is supposed to be 'forward looking' Means test is a whole 'nother animal....

Tom in Colo

[sillywalks]

Hey, Tom! Yes, I meant schedule J, thanks! I thought that's what it meant, but I wanted to be sure (just in case).

Is it normal or a problem if my anticipated expenses are more than my income?

[AngelinaCat]

When we were at our pre-filing credit counseling, the lady looked over our paperwork. We had provided six months bank statements, and a proposed budget worked out from that. While most of it was okay, we had not thought of some things:

"What about your personal grooming? Who does your hair?" We had not thought about hair cuts at all. 'Hub's hair usually averaged about $16.00 every two months, and mine, $24.00, not counting any tips. We don't have anything else done, just the haircuts, as those are expensive enough.

Then she said she thought we had not allowed enough per month for Entertainment. If I remember right, I think we budgeted between $25.00 and $50.00. She indicated that she thought $50.00 too low. We said we used to eat out every Sunday, but had cut that to perhaps one day per month and that was how we arrived at the figures. She let that stand. But she did tell us that with our present income and outflow (and this was BEFORE I lost my FT job) that she thought we were better suited to a CH7 rather than a CH13, which was what we were trying for.

When I lost the FT job, then we had no choice but to do a CH7.

Good luck!

[tobee43]

we sort of did both....we moved and still did know exact amounts but had the old bills to prove what were were paying.

we did put $400 for monthly house expenses...i about died...but our atty said that was normal...if we needed roof repair...a/c repair etc...ok...i'll go with that...

also about the hair cut thing...i have always done my own...well the firm made me put down money for that and clothes....ok...that worked also.

now...i put $400 for food...that not only sent a red flag to the trustee, but i was actually asked how i fed the family on that amount...there was some laughter there and the trustee said..don't tell my husband that!

so really, my point is if you write down "reasonable" amounts for your area...they will not be questioned. frankly, now...i understand what the trustee meant because food cost are so much more expensive here then where we came from. but it all work out!

good luck, i'm sure you will do fine!