Weighing the pros and cons of making any decision is often important. When it comes to Missouri and Illinois Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, however, many people get the effects of a bankruptcy and the effects of their credit score confused. For example, many folks want to ask immediately, “Will this Missouri Chapter 7 raise my car insurance premiums?” when, instead, they may want to ask, “Will my current credit score raise my insurance premiums?” Continue reading

While the Credit CARD Act of 2009 was passed last year, the majority of the changes associated with it went into effect this past Monday. One of the biggest changes put forth by the bill is the new rules regarding marketing credit cards to students. Marketing to college students has been an ethical issue for big lenders like Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo for years. Continue reading

Though this tough economy is hitting everybody, it has hit Wentzville, Missouri a little harder recently. US Fidelis, formerly the 2nd largest employer in Wentzville, cut more than 500 employees in a massive set of layoffs in 2009. Now, the workers and their families are still feeling the effects of sudden job loss. Continue reading

The only reports that have come in about the national foreclosure rates predicted for 2010 aren’t looking any better than the national foreclosure rates in 2009. Some are even predicting that they will be worse until the employment rate (hopefully) swings back up in mid 2010. Unfortunately, Missouri and Illinois homeowners may not be able to wait that long. Continue reading

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t appreciate my clients in some new way. I want them to come away from their first bankruptcy filing with the tools they need to be successful. I simply hope that they never have to be in overwhelming amounts of debt again. Asking for protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help, and relief from creditors is certainly hard enough the first time. Continue reading

Congratulations. You’ve taken the hardest step. You’ve raised your hand and asked for help from an experienced St. Louis, Missouri or Fairview, Heights Illinois bankruptcy attorney. But, now that you’ve gotten your fresh start, how do you make the most of it? Certainly, making sure your job is safe and sound is one of the first steps you can take to make sure that you never have to be in that position with debt again. So, how do you explain bankruptcy to your employer? Continue reading

Getting a job after bankruptcy is usually at the top of the list of concerns for anyone that first comes to my office. The truth is that filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Missouri or Illinois doesn’t prevent you from getting job—and it does more positive things for your life than you probably expected.

Looking for a job in this economy is no easy task and you… Continue reading

All this talk about first mortgages may have you wondering: What about my home equity line? Missouri and Illinois Chapter 7 bankruptcy can offer you protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help and even stop a wage garnishment, but can it help you with your home equity line too?

A home equity line is typically considered to be a second or third mortgage. Mortgages are secured debt—tied to your… Continue reading

­Finally! Missouri or Illinois Chapter 7 has come to rescue you from your bleak financial situation. You can get protection from foreclosure, credit card debt help, and stop those creditors from calling you or garnishing your wages. So, what is the best way to go about filing? There are some secrets to having the best bankruptcy experience you can have—and they may not be as easy to figure out… Continue reading

Tax season is upon us—and with it comes a hard dose of reality. Taking a look at the whole picture of your financial situation for 2009 isn’t pleasant for most. It is often shocking for people to find that they still owe money for their real estate, income or business taxes. So, what do you do when you are hit with tax debt? Perhaps reaching out to a Missouri or Illinois bankruptcy attorney is the answer for which you’ve been looking. Continue reading