It’s simply not a good idea to use your credit card to pay for medical costs, especially now that a more consumer-friendly law was implemented nationwide last fall. Many Americans are smothered in credit card debt and others face mounting medical debt due to a...
Recognize that you have a credit card addiction
Addictions can run the gamut from watching too much television, eating an excessive amount of junk food or being attracted to dangerous activities. You may not have considered credit card addiction in that latter category, but it really is. Credit card addition can be...
How debt can affect young families
Raising a family can be difficult, especially in the early years. Your career is not yet mature, your children are not old enough to care for themselves and your bills pile up quickly. Debt can put major strain on a young family’s finances. But it can also...
What kind of property can I keep, and what will I lose?
After filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be worried about having to turn over your possessions to a bankruptcy estate. Not all bankruptcy cases require property turnover. In fact, many Chapter 7 filers will not have to relinquish any possessions at all.Even in...
Help! My wages are being garnished
We’ve all been there. You have had a rough patch where your income wasn’t as high as you’d like—and of course, your bills were higher than you’d like. But, now you have a better paying job and you’re getting back on your feet. That...
Your financial stress could be affecting your health
If you think nobody cares if you’re alive, try missing a couple of car payments. That is one true statement. Maybe it’s medical expenses, a divorce, you’ve lost your job or your business has failed, or your mortgage payments are too high—any of...
How To Build Credit After Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Some people needlessly delay declaring bankruptcy because of their worry about what it will do to their credit. In fact, one of the major concerns after declaring bankruptcy is how to rebuild credit. You may feel overwhelmed and powerless when you contemplate your...
Life after Chapter 7 bankruptcy: When can I get a home loan again?
If you are considering Chapter 7 bankruptcy, the first thing you should know is that your life is not over. Bankruptcy is a solution that allows you to rebuild your financial life, not end it.What life looks like on the other side of bankruptcy can look a little foggy...
How bankruptcy affects credit scores: a timeline
Most Americans experience some type of financial trouble in their lifetime. Struggling through the loss of a job, an unexpected illness or mounting credit card debt causes instability throughout your life. While most people are aware of bankruptcy as a potential...
Tips for rebuilding your credit
The transition into adulthood is both exciting and scary. There are a lot of new responsibilities. You completed school and went out to start your career. You moved into your own residence. You have a car to maintain and groceries to purchase. You are ready to take...