Over the weekend I received a large manilla envelope from my lawyer with copies of all the forms they submitted for my bankruptcy and with all my court documents. The big news is that I now have a case number, a trustee and a scheduled date for the “meeting of the creditors.” My big day is December 15. That works perfectly, because I will be on break from school, and not yet out of town on vacation. So far, this is the best bankruptcy I’ve ever had! I hope my financial affairs keep improving as they have been lately, because I’m enjoying having money.

Yesterday I went to the supermarket and paid cash. I even came home with $11 that I didn’t spend. My money management skills are getting better, though I did make a few impulse buys this weekend.

Also this weekend, I bought a high quality Analon non-stick wok on Amazon because it was discounted 60 percent and I really need a non-stick pan. Also, I’ve always wanted a wok. I like cooking stir fries and such, and I don’t consider it a very extravagant purchase at $39 and some change.

What do you think?

Now that I am not sending all my money to creditors, I have more for myself. I’ve been planning a budget and investment plan.

Here’s my financial state of affairs in a nutshell:

- Savings account: $270.51 (I’ve already made one cent in interest! Wowza! I’m rich!)

- Checking account: $307.93

- Cash: $145

- Money is now trying to find me: I just got a $300 paycheck from a part-time consulting job over the summer that I haven’t yet deposited. As well, I have a $350 check for my last apartment that is due any day. Both will go into savings to start my highly liquid emergency fund.

- I will get paid for my main job on the November 1, but before I do, I need to set up direct deposit on my new FREE Washington Mutual account.