New here, nervous with bk timing questions

[Freddy03]

Hi all,

Just made the big decision that after many years of denial I am headed for BK. I am meeting with a lawyer beginning of January but am hoping to get some expert advice re: timing before then. Here's my story:

Owe $35K on cc's. Due to a recent pay cut I can no longer make my cc minimum payments which are about $710 per month. Actually, at the end of the month I have about $25 after paying all other bills. I am under the median income by about $10k per year so should not have a problem filing chap 7. My problem is some charges that I made before my pay cut. Here's the timeline:

September: Sold $13k in private stock. Used all but $400 to pay off Amex.
October 15: Large purchase on paid off Amex ($6200). This was a luxury purchase - no question.
November 10: A/C unit dies - New one put on same AMEX ($3850). Pay cut goes into affect. Put car insurance and other assorted bills on same Amex. Amex balance back up to $17,500. Try to sell remaining stock to pay it off. Told by company that they are not allowing any sales at this time.
December: Realize we are in real trouble here. Try to stop using credit cards but used the Amex once last week for food.

So, we have officially stopped using our credit cards. I know we need to put a period of time between those charges and filing. Will it help us that we paid that credit card $12,500 in September? Will it at least show that we had no intention of filing (we really didn't). Finally, how long would you wait to file and would you pay the Amex if you had the means to until you filed? Not sure that we will but we will be getting our tax refund in 6-8 weeks so that will help...

LOL Hub I was quoting the OP. I haven't used credit cards in 2.5 years

[tobee43]

LOL No not for me. Shoot I didn't use my credit cards for almost 2 years before I filed...lol

I was just wondering for the OP sake. Because I was never asked by the trustee to see credit card statements but my attorney sure did reason being that if there was a purchase made he wanted to make sure the item was exempted and listed in my house inventory.

come up freddy, you've been shopping again, haven't you?? LOL!!!! been at mall eating 6200 worth of pizza, come on, you know it's the truth!!!

[Freddy03]

come up freddy, you've been shopping again, haven't you?? LOL!!!! been at mall eating 6200 worth of pizza, come on, you know it's the truth!!!

LOL!! I was just thinking my credit must be really really bad b/c I'm 2 months post discharge and haven't received one credit or car offer in the mail.

[tobee43]

LOL!! I was just thinking my credit must be really really bad b/c I'm 2 months post discharge and haven't received one credit or car offer in the mail.

i'm sure you'll get one for Christmas LOL!!

[AngelinaCatHub]

LOL!! I was just thinking my credit must be really really bad b/c I'm 2 months post discharge and haven't received one credit or car offer in the mail.

pheeew I'm glad you cleared that up. You are a long timer waiting to file then worrying (like all of us). I could not believe you would spend big bucks before your discharge. Why did I get you mixed with the OP? Must be the memory thing again. "What's her name" just brought me my morning coffee. Hey, where'd I put that cup? 'Hub or whatever.

[Freddy03]

i'm sure you'll get one for Christmas LOL!!

I received 2 credit card offers in the mail yesterday....LOL!!! They went right in the trash

[tobee43]

I received 2 credit card offers in the mail yesterday....LOL!!! They went right in the trash

see freddy!! i just knew you get a few for Christmas. we get them every single day!!

OH!! and if i don't get a chance since we are leaving tomorrow for the holiday have a very merry happy!!!

[Freddy03]

see freddy!! i just knew you get a few for Christmas. we get them every single day!!

OH!! and if i don't get a chance since we are leaving tomorrow for the holiday have a very merry happy!!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours also!! Have a safe trip.

[tobee43]

Merry Christmas to you and yours also!! Have a safe trip.

thanks! we will, i hope!!