Having children: good for the family, bad for the pocketbook
I have often joked about how my father presented me with a bill for $250,000 immediately after my college graduation. He explained that it represented the cost of feeding, clothing, raising and educating me through college. Unfortunately for today’s parents, $250,000 would barely cover their children’s expenses through high school, let alone college. While many […]
Phone collection scam. Don’t be a victim
While other blogs have addressed collection law and lottery scams, there is a new scam which falls somewhere in the middle of the two. Consumers will receive phone calls from individuals claiming to be with non-existent government agencies, threatening criminal arrest and prosecution for non-payment of debts. Unlike a standard collection call, where the debt collector […]
Do’s and Don’t’s in Dealing with a Collection Agency
Even the most vigilant, conscientious consumers may have to deal with a collection agency at some point. It could be because a bill was overlooked at some point. It may be because the consumer disputed the debt, and refused to pay the original creditor. Or, it could be because the consumer is a victim of […]
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO FILE A BANKRUPTCY?
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY TO FILE A BANKRUPTCY? This is a common question that is asked by potential clients. The short answer is “no”. Bankruptcy law does not require that a debtor have an attorney in order to file a bankruptcy case. However, the Bankruptcy Court clerk’s office is not permitted to give legal […]
The Truth About Rapid Refunds: Refund Anticipation Loans May Not be Worth the Risk
Refund Anticipation Loans or “RAL’s” were originally marketed as “rapid refunds”, with the goal of expediting the receipt of income tax refunds for tax filers. What many filers believed was a refund was actually a loan made directly to the taxpayer by the tax preparer, with the refund being “assigned” to the tax preparer. The […]
AVOIDING THE POST-HOLIDAY BLUES BY PRUDENT DEBT REPAYMENT
Once the joy and good tidings of the holiday season have subsided, unpleasant reminders begin to appear in the mailbox in the form of higher-than-average credit card bills. Some consumers may be prepared for their credit card statements, while others may be overwhelmed. Either way, it is important to manage the way that the credit […]
WHAT YOUR BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY WILL NEED TO STOP A GARNISHMENT
Given the declining economy and subsequent rise in consumer debt defaults, creditors have become more aggressive in their collection attempts. This usually leads to legal action, and eventually wage or bank account garnishment. While a bankruptcy filing will stop or “stay” a garnishment, your bankruptcy attorney will need additional information in order to prepare your […]
Lottery Scams – Don’t be a Victim!
When economic times are hard, especially during the holidays, it is easy for some consumers to let down their guard and become victims of lottery or prize scams. A few things to remember if you should be contacted by anyone claiming that you have won a lottery or other type of prize contest: – If […]
Common Myths About Bankruptcy
Will you lose your house and retirement savings? When will you be able to borrow money again? Get the facts on these questions and more. Read More
The (Welcome) Aftermath of the Credit Card Reform Act of 2010
An oft-debated component of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 (BAPCPA) was with respect to the consumer protection from credit card abuses. Unfortunately, many of the recommended protections were left out of the final version of the bill, and it took 5 more years for Congress to revisit the need for […]