vacations

[j2dat28]

What's the general rule of thumb when it comes to vacations and Bk? I dont intend to file for a couple of months and I want to go somewhere. Do I even dare?

[ready2puke]

lol vacation? What the heck is that? I havent been anywhere in over 12 years...Be careful, be very careful

[Flamingo]

Keep in mind prior to filing that for six months to one year you will have to provide all sorts of information that will show what you have been doing with your money for that time period and where it is going. Most people getting ready to file BK cannot afford to go on vacation because they are insolvent (bankrupt, broke) and cannot pay their bills. I would consider saving the thought of going on any kind of vacation until after your discharge or until you recover from filing BK.

[Kansas1960]

I went to Hawaii....YIKES

Last November the DW and I went for 9 days to Hawaii. Last July I redeemed my frequent flier mileage so the air fare was free. I did have to pay for a condo which was 85.00 per night and a rental car and meals. The vacation was really pretty cheap compared to what one would think. Last July BK was not even on the radar screen. When we took the vacation I begining to realize we were in not too good of shape. It was our 5 year anniversary so we took it anyway...Split a $5.00 Subway every day for lunch and had fresh fruit for breakfast. We did dine out in the evenings. I am a little worried about the questions which is one reason I want to drag this BK thing out until late Fall if possible. I used my cards on very little except did buy a camorder while there. My advice to you is if you go make it a cheap vacation and travel by car and use cash. I know how you feel vacations have been part of my life since 1960. Our family always took 3 weeks in the Summer to travel the country. As an adult I always took 3 vacations a year. Even though we have always been frugal as possible it still takes its toll on a budget. Last year we only took the one vacation and that was to Hawaii.

[j2dat28]

I just want to take the kids on a small trip in the minivan. What do you guys think? Use cash as much as possible?

[Trixie007]

I would say probably use cash exclusively. But then, I'm so paranoid I wouldn't use my debit card at McDonald's... maybe a bit excessive! Have fun!

[AngelinaCat]

I just want to take the kids on a small trip in the minivan. What do you guys think? Use cash as much as possible?

Hi, welcome to the forum. Yes, take your kids and yourselves on a weekender. There is nothing wrong with that. You have GOT to keep yourselves healthy for the sake of the young ones. Sitting around and staring at a computer screen watching PACER change is NOT healthy.

When you go out on your minivan adventure—treat it like that—you are exploring this wonderful world we live in.

Go ‘cash only’ as much as possible. ‘Hub and I have been doing this with varying success. We budget $50.00 per night w/o taxes and all that crap. And we also try to look for the small ‘Mom and Pop’ types here and there.

Avoid the chains that are on the interstates as much as possible, though some of them can be reasonably decent. It means you have to stop and shop each and every place.

If you have any type of discount cards or any thing—a school discount? Whatever? Use your imagination.

My husband always sends me in to negotiate because he says I look like the stereotypical stern Librarian. I guess I do. But I go in, ask the rates and if the clerk or his/her manager won’t negotiate with me, I walk out, saying something to the effect: “Thank you very much, indeed, but since you will not work with me, I will take my business elsewhere.”

Remember this: YOU ARE THE CUSTOMER. YOU have the power in this economy. Go for it, and have a GREAT time.

Please give your kids a big HUGG for me.

[j2dat28]

Thank you for the kind post. There are so many decent people in this forum and it makes me feel much better to read from others. It's the "I'm a failure" fatigue that just drains on a person. Thanks again. I'm hugging my kids right now...

[AngelinaCat]

j2dat28, Honey, your decision to declare bankruptcy is NOT a failure. It is a WISE BUSINESS choice.

There are many other entities out there including insurance companies that may think otherwise--I've been dealing with a few.

But the truth is you have got to cut your losses, draw a line and start over. And I am serious about this: go 'cash only'. If it ain't in your wallet, you don't spend it.

'Hub and I are bad about this, and we have to keep telling each other: "If it is in the wallet, then okay, otherwise not." We have had some meaty arguments about this. But you have to do it if you are going to learn to be free of the chains of debt.

There is more I can say, but not now. Good luck to you!

[j2dat28]

Has anyone gone on a vacation and then been called out on it at their Bk "meeting"?

[mkuki]

Good Question...

I've been invited to Toronto, Canada for a wedding in mid-May. From that, we are planning to roadtrip to Orlando (from Toronto) for a 1 - 1.5 weeks.

Mind you, we will be staying in a timeshare that I own, so no hotel expenses here...all we bring is food & pay for gas.

If I am planning to file in mid-June, will this be looked at strangely?

[CatsInTrouble]

Just. GO. Cash.