Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out many of your debts and allow you a fresh start in your financial life. However, not all debts are treated the same way. Secured debts, in particular, come with added complexities because they are backed by collateral -...
Year: 2024
3 reasons the holiday season can inspire substantial debt
The holiday season comes with a lot of pressure. People want to wow their children or impress their spouses. They spend hours recreating a family recipe to uphold tradition or planning a family trip. Researchers have found that approximately a third of all adults in...
The trap of title loans
When faced with a financial emergency and few resources are available, it’s not uncommon for people to start looking at “fast cash” options. One of these is a title loan, which allows you to borrow money using your paid-off vehicle as collateral. While title loans can...
3 reasons medical debt may push people into bankruptcy
People file for bankruptcy for many different reasons. In some cases, a professional loses their job and cannot continue meeting their financial obligations. Other times, slowly growing credit card balances leave people unable to meet all of their financial...
3 types of debts people can’t discharge during bankruptcy
People considering bankruptcy generally struggle with high levels of debt. Sometimes, they may inaccurately assume that they can eliminate any debt not secured by significant assets. However, the rules for debt discharged during bankruptcy proceedings actually exclude...
The financial stress of being underwater with your mortgage
Many of us have bought into the American dream of owning a home. Homeownership is often seen as a symbol of financial stability and success. But sometimes, the dream can become a nightmare, especially if you are underwater with your mortgage. What does it mean to be...
Common consequences of a creditor filing a debt-related lawsuit
Creditors owed money by individuals have a variety of options available when collecting on a debt. They can send strongly-worded collection letters, make collection phone calls and report the matter to the credit bureaus. In more serious cases where individuals cannot...
Does bankruptcy get rid of student loan debt?
In addition to a degree, millions of Americans leave college with an overwhelming amount of student debt. The current average amount of this debt is over $29,000. When combined with mortgage and car payments, student loans can stretch monthly income to its breaking...
The dangers of self-filing for bankruptcy
People often go it alone when filing for bankruptcy for various reasons. Some do it to save on legal fees, while others wish to maintain direct control over their case or believe their situation is straightforward enough to manage independently. However, self-filing...
5 common myths about bankruptcy
Both people and businesses sometimes require the protection of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy proceedings begin with a court filing that prevents collection activity and may end with a discharge of eligible financial obligations. Many individuals dealing with financial...
