There are scores of inaccurate beliefs about what happens to someone after they've received bankruptcy protection. What people read on the Internet, hear from friends and family, see in advertisements from “tax repair” services, “credit repair” services, “debt consolidation” services and the like is often (at best) misleading or misinformed, and (at worst) downright criminal. Here … [Read more...]
I’ll Just Ignore the Certified Letters
April 16, 2010 By
Some people think they can tie their creditors' hands by ignoring requests for payment or by contesting their debts with a credit bureau. They also call our offices for help cleaning up their credit reports, which is not a service we offer. If you wish to dispute an entry to your credit report, we suggest you use this letter guide, provided courtesy of the Consumer Credit Counseling Service … [Read more...]
Debt Consolidation/Relief Part 2 of 2
March 8, 2010 By
In the first part of this series, we covered the misleading things that businesses advertise on television, radio and elsewhere for "debt consolidation" or "debt settlement" services. If you decide to enter into an agreement with a creditor, or want to fix a bad credit score keep these five things in mind. How to proceed with the agreement Get the settlement terms, in writing, from the … [Read more...]
Debt Consolidation/Relief Part 1 of 2
March 5, 2010 By
Hardly a day goes by without seeing on television, or hearing on the radio, a commercial for "debt consolidation" or "debt settlement" services. Often, the ad includes a statement to the effect that if you owe more than $10,000.00 in credit card debt, you have the "legal right" to settle for less. Further, we frequently see clients who have paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars to a debt … [Read more...]
Credit Score News
September 24, 2009 By
This week's USAToday ran a helpful story analyzing changes in credit scoring in the face of developments in this Great Recession. Highlights: Lenders are closing credit card accounts and lowering credit limits for millions of consumers and business owners who have never paid late. Some lenders are reporting mortgage modifications in a way that dings consumers' scores, dealing a setback to … [Read more...]
I don’t want to file, but should I?
August 4, 2009 By
Some people are not good candidates for bankruptcy, including: Those with too many non-exempt assets; for them, we develop asset planning & protection strategies Those who cannot afford to file bankruptcy Those with no income or who have so few non-exempt assets that they are essentially “judgment proof” Those with finances so complicated by trusts and tax shelters … [Read more...]
In Financial Distress?
June 25, 2009 By
We help clients facing these financial difficulties: Foreclosures, wage garnishments, creditor harassment and repossessions Creditor negotiation (including credit card companies) to lower debt and avoid bankruptcy Restructuring, liquidating and winding down troubled operations Negotiate unpaid taxes with local, state and federal agencies Asset planning and protection after a harmful … [Read more...]