Physical receipts vs. Debit card transaction log

[Chicago]

I haven't used any of my CCs since March 15 and stopped paying on them later that month/early April (couldn't get one or two auto-debits stopped in time) and pay everything now with my debit card or checks. And I rarely use cash anymore. Will the trustee want to see the physical receipts from these purchases or will the transaction log from my bank statements suffice? Just curious how anal they are about that.

[Jeepy89]

Our trustee asked for proof of expenses and we provided our bank statements since we always use our debit card and we didn't hear anything else from the trustee.

[tofargone]

Depends on the trustee. We didn't show our trustee anything and he was fine with what we submitted. Luck of the draw I guess.

[jal1129]

Could also be the difference in a chapter 7 and 13.

[Chicago]

I should fall into a Chapter 7. I've started keeping receipts in an envelope as well as logging expenses in a notebook along with the online debit card log from my bank. I'll keep it up just to be on the safe side.

[desperation]

Hmm....I wonder what trustee will say about small charges I didn't get receipts for? Like soda from the machine, or money put into the coin machine at the car wash. I've tried to hang onto every receipt I can, but there are instances where I just don't have one. Any advice?

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Create a Log

Hmm....I wonder what trustee will say about small charges I didn't get receipts for? Like soda from the machine, or money put into the coin machine at the car wash. I've tried to hang onto every receipt I can, but there are instances where I just don't have one. Any advice?

It wouldn't hurt to create a personal log book, NOW even. Think back on dates the little things you might have spent your "change," on and just log it in and if no rcpt, maybe give reason. Might even get it notarized and see if the Trustee will accept that. You have nothing to lose!

Best of Luck, CMIYC

[desperation]

Thanks CMIYC

I appreciate the advice. My 341 is in 12 days. I will try and remember the little things I spent money on.

My attorney did say that the only time the trustee want's receipts is when it's for out of the ordinary expenses....ie $700.00 for dry cleaning or such.

I have all receipts for the larger amounts spent.....utilities, bike payment, insurance payments, cell phone....etc

It's just the every last penny thing that worries me....a 60 cent soda counts?

[ilovemycaitybug]

Our Trustee didn't ask for anything but our IDs (Drivers Licenses and SS Cards), bank statements for last few months, and car titles (maybe something else, but my attorney is awesome and had everything lined up for us). We didn't keep receipts for anything, but then didn't buy anything out of the ordinary either (well, a last-minute Wal-Mart Christmas shopping catch-up for $5XX.XX). But that's about it. I'd say as long as you haven't bought anything that's super expensive then you should be okay, but then it's always up to the Trustee if they want more information. Good luck!

[lrprn]

It's just the every last penny thing that worries me....a 60 cent soda counts?

Believe me when I say that the trustee will not care about you buying a 60 cent soda, so don't go overboard here.

Generally any reasonable, everyday cash or check purchase that isn't a luxury (groceries, health care, dentist, clothes, etc) in the 90 days before filing will not be a problem. Just don't use your credit cards for these or any other purchases during those last 90 days.

It is a good idea to have at least one or two months where you do capture every penny you and all other family members spend, but that's so you know exactly where your money is going which makes for much better budgeting on your new cash-and-carry lifestyle.

There's no need to write down every penny you spend for the trustee unless you have something about your case that is likely to make the trustee want to look very closely at your expenses.

[desperation]

Thanks Irprn.

When I decided to file I went to a cash/money order only basis, and this whole receipt thing has made me crazy. No luxery items, just food, gas, haircuts, basic necessities.

My attorney believes that I have pretty much a straight forward case. No red flags or anything that is going to stick out. I think the only concern the attorney could see was being the beneficiary of my other halfs life ins policy, but thats about it.

Thanks again!