The decision to file bankruptcy, and which type to file, is a personal one and should only be made after consultation with an experienced bankruptcy attorney. We have found that one of the first areas to analyze is a person's monthly cash flow. If a person is spending more than they make each month, this is a warning sign that some type of corrective action must be taken. This means that a person has "negative" cash flow. Negative cash flow, sometimes for only a few months, can cause financial ruin. Something needs to be done to correct the situation at once. Quite simply, expenses must decrease or income must increase.

These forms will help you understand your average monthly cash flow. No two months are alike. However, writing down your average income and expenses will usually give you a good starting point in coming to understand your financial condition.