The front-page stories of many newspapers across America are saying that the end of the recession may be in sight. After third quarter growth rates that we haven’t seen since the recession hit in 2007, the spirits of Americans everywhere have lifted. It seems that the highly publicized “Cash for Clunkers” program along with the tax incentive for first time home buyers has sparked some consumer spending, resulting in… Continue reading
Facing the truth about the relationship between you and your credit card can be hard. It’s always there for you when you need it—but is that what it’s really being used for? Continue reading
There is a new precedent that may change the way bankruptcy cases are processed in court. In “The White Plains Case,” a borrower had filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy to save her home. In an attempt to speed along the slow-moving mortgage company, her lawyer requested proof that they even held the mortgage at all.
And, man, is she lucky that he had enough experience to do… Continue reading
If you’re looking for a really good bankruptcy attorney in Missouri or Illinois, you’re not alone. It is sometimes hard to know what to look for in a good attorney. The advertisements always promise the same things; so how do you know? Here are a few tips for finding the right attorney to help your particular situation:
There are now very few things you can’t pay for by the swipe of a card. Just recently, church offerings and Salvation Army donations joined the list. While at first it sounds like a new convenience, what is this change really saying about us?
Putting everything on a delayed payment plan has become a completely accepted practice. I’m sure it comes as no surprise that it’s getting people
The idea of obtaining a free credit report is particularly tempting in these hard times. The banks aren’t handing out loans quite like they used to which has resulted in talk about having and keeping a good credit score. But what are you really getting for free?
Consumers can obtain a free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com but it does not come with the elusive “score.” It is really a… Continue reading
The 55 and older crowd has been experiencing an increase in bankruptcy filings—and it’s no surprise. Bankruptcy can provide protection for many kinds of people experiencing debt but it has some special considerations for senior citizens. Many retirement accounts, including IRAs, are usually 100% protected, depending on your state. That does not, however, mean that you can dump large sums of money into a retirement account right away. In… Continue reading
Harassing creditor calls are frustrating and sometimes scary. While it may seem that creditors have no boundaries, they actually do. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prevents them from harassing you, cursing at you, lying to you, adding charges to your balance, etc. They also shouldn’t call you an “unreasonable hour”, usually considered before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
While the claim that debt collectors are making is… Continue reading
With all of the talk about identity theft and the importance of good credit, it is hard not to be tempted by the idea of getting your credit score, especially for free. Commercials urge that in order to be safe, you must monitor your score on a regular basis. But before they hook you with their catchy jingle, you might want to pay attention to… Continue reading
The first question I often get when someone comes into my office is, “When will those %$#@! creditors stop calling?” The answer? The moment you retain me. We can take care of the harassing creditor calls that wake you up at night and bother you all day. And no, I’m not a miracle worker. An experienced bankruptcy attorney is just able to use the law to help you get… Continue reading
