Borrowing and repaying small loan before BK

[Caleb87]

My question involves bankruptcy in the state of: Ohio. So, we are trying to save up enough money for a chapter 7 filing. Of course things are getting tight since i no longer make the money I used to. I've thought about a second job but don't want to risk our BK. It's been suggested that I get a small installment loan like 400 bucks from a predatory lender or that type of places and pay it back before filing (as we have done before) however as I understand it this puts us at risk of messing up our ability to file as it would be considered preferential payment. Am I correct in thinking this would be a bad move?

[FireMedic1]

Yes. The trustee could say you paid back the loan but not your creditors. Thats where the preferential kicks in. If its that bad. Try a pawn shop. Its usually $20 per $100. If you dont pick it up in 30 days. You pay the $20 to renew the next 30 days. Cheaper than a loan shark but it doesnt report on your credit file. As a last resort to survive.

If you can stay under the means test in your state with a second job. That would be a better choice of course. Above is to put food on the table and gas in the car only.