Utility bill

[RLOPE]

So I wean off of the credit cards that support my current standard of living (which isn't luxurious by any means), and start to seriously cut the fat from our household expenses so that we can live within our means. If I reach a point, where I cannot afford the utility bill (power, water, sewer, trash) of $288 for 2 months, can I include it in the BK?

[LadyInTheRed]

Yes.

But, as was pointed out to you in another thread, if you can't pay all of your living expenses without using credit cards, you have problems that bankruptcy won't solve. You should solve those problems before filing or you will end up back in debt.

[keepinitreal]

So I wean off of the credit cards that support my current standard of living (which isn't luxurious by any means), and start to seriously cut the fat from our household expenses so that we can live within our means. If I reach a point, where I cannot afford the utility bill (power, water, sewer, trash) of $288 for 2 months, can I include it in the BK?

RLOPE, before you decide you can't pay for the 2 months of $288 utility bills you're behind on and will include them in a bankruptcy filing, be aware that even though you won't owe those previous 2 months any more once you're discharged, you will probably be required by the utilities to pay a large deposit in order to start up with them again.

The deposit could conceivably be larger than the amount you will have discharged.

It may be smarter to figure out how you would pay the deposit and use that money to catch up with your utility bills.

[DebtHater]

If you write up a monthly budget prioritizing your expenses you will have the money to pay your utility bills. The top three priorities in any budget is food (groceries, not eating out), shelter, and utilities such as electric and heating. These three item should be paid before you even consider anything else.

If you are serious about cutting the fact, you can cut cable, getting any food out anywhere, including coffee. Do you have car notes? If so, sell them. No one in your situation can afford a new car.

Since you are still using credit cards, is it safe to assume you are still paying them? If so, that is the last thing you should itemize in a budget. Stop paying them now! That should free up a good bit of money.

Now as far as "weening" yourself off the cards, don't. Cold turkey works best. Take the cards and cut them up. That way there is no temptation and you will be forced to live within your means.