You might have seen your financial issues coming. Perhaps your spouse lost their job and your budget took a blow, forcing you to put staples like utility bills and groceries on credit cards. Doing so was a calculated risk, but it is easy to overextend yourself with...
Bankruptcy
Can bankruptcy save my home?
When homeowners fall into debt, they may get into a situation where their mortgage is only one of their many types of debts, and they may struggle to keep up with repayments on this loan as well as others. This is particularly common when a person has unexpectedly...
What is an automatic stay in bankruptcy?
One of the most stressful things about owing money to creditors and being unable to pay is having to deal with the collection attempts. Many creditors are ruthless in these attempts, which can include phone calls, letters, emails and even personal visits. Getting...
Can you keep your vehicle when you go through bankruptcy?
With Chapter 7 bankruptcy or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you may have the option of keeping your vehicle. However, there are requirements that have to be met. For example, in a Chapter 13 plan, the creditor needs to agree to your new repayment schedule. The plan will need...
How credit cards lure people into spending more than they can afford
Credit card debt is not the sole cause of consumer bankruptcies, nor even the most common reason. That honor goes to medical debt. But credit card debt does play a significant role. Many people who find themselves facing excessive debt are surprised by their own level...
What you need to know about child or spousal support and bankruptcy
Americans pay as much as $33 billion in child support annually. Yet, fewer than one-half of custodial parents ever receive the full amount that a judge orders the non-custodial one to pay. While many parents understand the consequences of not paying the child support...
How will your bankruptcy affect your spouse-to-be?
Your debt has reached the point where you’ve determined that bankruptcy is the best way to reset your financial situation and get a fresh start. You’re also planning to get married soon. You may be embarrassed to tell your soon-to-be-spouse about your plans and even...
In bankruptcy, will your child lose everything?
A bankruptcy can be scary, especially if you’re worried about other people in your family and their possessions. Many people with children worry that a bankruptcy will affect their kids and result in their losing the assets that belong to them. You might be concerned...
You might be the victim of ‘debt parking’ and not know it
As you prepare to file for bankruptcy, you want to get copies of your credit reports so that you have a clear picture of who your creditors are and how much you owe them. What happens if you see a debt you recognize? Maybe there is a large overdue medical bill you...
Here’s why you shouldn’t be ashamed to go bankrupt
If you have put off filing for personal bankruptcy because you feel embarrassed or ashamed, it may be time to think again. For years, bankruptcy has had negative connotations amongst many people. Yet not everyone thinks that way. Big businesses have never shied away...