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Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief

The Dangers of Subprime Credit Cards

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When someone has less than perfect credit and is looking to improve his or her credit score, it can be tempting to look to a subprime credit card. In fact, many consumers looking to start from scratch in rebuilding a low FICO score choose subprime credit cards as their preferred method of rebuilding credit. These credit cards, while they work for some, come with their own set of hidden dangers that should be understood before signing on the dotted line.

A subprime credit card is a credit card issued to individuals who carry a lower, substandard credit score or who have a very limited credit history. Normally, these cards have a higher interest rate than other types of credit cards granted to prime borrowers. In addition to the higher rates, these cards also come with extra fees, as well as lower credit limits.

It is estimated that approximately 40 percent of millennials have what is known as subprime credit, according to credit reporting agency, TransUnion. Of the over 16 million Americans who have credit scores lower than 600 have at least one credit card. Many of them have more than one card, each card holding a significant balance.

Many people are under the misconception that to rebuild credit, an individual needs to get a card and maintain a balance, while paying the minimum payments. When the advertisements pop up on these individual’s computer screens, promising a way to build credit through a subprime credit card, it can be very tempting to click on the ad and sign up right then. However, many of these individuals do not understand what the cons are to sign up for a subprime credit card, and they do not do their homework in researching the negative aspects before signing up for the card.

Hidden credit card fees are oftentimes where people get hit the hardest. Fees can even get as high as being 25 percent of what the available credit balance is on the very first day the card is used. At that rate, it can be nearly impossible for the consumer to catch up.

Subprime credit cards also tend to carry nonrefundable yearly costs. Of the unsecured subprime credit cards surveyed, all nine of them had some type of nonrefundable annual cost. On average, this cost is just a little over $150 on the first year the card is used. The annual percentage rate (APR) for these cards can range as high as 30 percent, which keeps the balance high, no matter how hard the cardholder tries at paying down the balance.

TransUnion reported that the average American who has a low credit score carries 2.5 credit cards. Of these individuals who were surveyed, approximately $300 of their income annually goes towards paying the high credit card fees that went along with those cards, not including the monthly interest that they pay on the balance held on each card.

Occasionally, a subprime credit card will have an annual fee that must be paid from the start. These credit card annual fees will appear on the card statements and can take up 25 percent of the cardholder’s credit line. Ideally, the credit utilization ration will be 10 percent, but for individuals with subprime credit, this number is impracticable.

It is for this reason that many credit advisors recommend that a secured credit card be used by someone just coming out of a bankruptcy or in a bad financial situation to rebuild credit. Unlike a subprime card, a secured card holds lower fees and less risk. Many secured cards offer a graduation program, meaning if the cardholder can establish a good payment history, eventually that person will move up to an unsecured credit card with a good rate. Examples of secured credit card programs include the Capital One Secured Mastercard and the Discover it Secured Card. Secured cards often require the cardholder pay an initial deposit through a connected bank account, or, if someone does not have a bank account, programs exist that allow for a secured card to be issued through an approval process and low annual fee.

It is important that the credit card not carry too high of a balance, and that the cardholder pay the minimum balance every month on time. Only use the card for small, manageable purchases, and keep an eye on the cardholder’s FICO score to monitor any changes in a positive or negative direction.

Click HERE to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

More Millennials Carry Credit Card Debt than Student Loan Debt

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Student loan debt has said to have been the biggest financial burden the Millennial generation will face, but more and more individuals in this generation say they are in fact, struggling with credit card debt. In fact, credit card debt – as opposed to student loan debt – is the most prevalent type of debt among the group.  According to a recent NBC News/GenForward survey, 46 percent of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 34 carry credit card debt. Approximately 36 percent of them carry student loan debt. The survey reported that around three out of four Millennials carried some type of debt. More than 75 percent of those surveyed said they carried at least one type of debt, including credit cards, student loans and car loans. Only one in five Millennials reported having a mortgage debt.

One-fourth of these Millennials who carry credit card debt have balances of more than $30,000. One-fourth say that their balances are below $10,000. Around 11 percent of those in this age group surveyed have over $100,000 in debt with 22 percent of them being debt free.

The survey found that Millennials with college degrees were more likely to have credit card debt with 56 percent reported graduating with credit card debt. Forty percent who held credit card debt did not have a college degree.

When it comes to having a personal savings, 62 percent of Millennials owed more in debt than they had in a savings account. Only less than one-fourth had more in their savings account than owed in debt. Approximately one in three Millennials have less than $1,000 in savings. One-fourth of Millennials have no savings at all.

Entering the workforce with such a large amount of debt pushes young individuals to hold off on saving for the future, which leaves many of them unprepared in the event of an emergency. It also puts them at a slower start in preparing for retirement.

When asked if they would have trouble paying on an unexpected financial expense of $1,000 or more, two-thirds of them stated they would have a hard time meeting that obligation. Out of the group surveyed, those who were African-American or Latino would have the hardest time paying these obligations, although the difficulty was not exclusive to just these two groups.

If the Millennials were parents, around 48 percent of them reported that they would have a great deal of trouble in the event a financial crisis; for example, a job loss or medical emergency. Of the Millennials who did not have children, 39 percent of them reported this fact.

Credit card debt and student loan debt have caused a number of Millennials to postpone major life events like starting a family, purchasing a home and saving for retirement.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How to Spot a Debt Collection Scam

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Debt collection scams are an all-too-common occurrence these days as scammers look for ways to take advantage of people already in a bad financial situation. A recent scam has been reported by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where scammers have been calling residents regarding fake power bills. These callers are threatening to turn off the person’s electricity if they do not immediately pay them over the phone.

Last year, the FTC received a total of 2.7 million complaints with debt collection scams being the largest category of complaints. Not all scams are the same, and some scammers, like the utility ones, are far from sophisticated in their schemes. However, the FTC is reporting that many collections scams have become more advanced. The individuals contacting the callers are using names of real local businesses or are posing as lawyers. Some of their claims are so believable that the person on the receiving end of the call believes they are legitimate.

It is important to always have your guard up. Ask for the name of the business contacting you and do the research before simply paying the debt. Also, be aware of what methods the company is using to make threats. For example, if the company trying to collect upon a debt is saying that they will only accept payment in the form of a prepaid gift card, that is a red flag that the caller is perpetuating a scam. The same goes for a company threatening to have someone arrested for nonpayment. Other legal avenues are available for a company collecting on a payment, and the first option is not to have that person arrested.

When someone gets a call from a potential scam, after asking the name of the company, it is recommended that the caller get off the phone and call the company back by using the phone number accessible via the consumer’s own records. Inform the company that someone has made contact and is demanding payment. That company will want to know whether its name and identity is being used. The company will also be able to verify whether any actual debt collection is being pursued against the caller.

If the person on the other end of the phone is a legitimate third-party debt collector and is still using harassing techniques, the consumer still has rights. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) a consumer is protected from debt collectors who are using unfair, abusive or harassing debt collection practices. Many debt collection agencies resort to scare tactics to get individuals to pay on their bills, but these tactics can become illegal if they cross the line from persuasive to abusive.

If an individual is facing debt collection proceedings, bankruptcy may be a viable option for him or her. After a petition for bankruptcy has been filed, an automatic stay goes into effect which puts an immediate stop to any pending collection proceedings which can give the individual relief from ongoing collections attempts and contact from debt collectors.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief

Tips for Eliminating Credit Card Debt

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Credit card debt is a problem for many people today. While having a credit card is not necessarily a bad thing, if you are unable to pay off the entire balance each month, the interest, fees and finance charges can accumulate quickly.  This can eventually cause your credit card balance to spiral out of control. It helps to know what steps to take to eliminate credit card debt before it becomes too big of a problem.

  1. Use all your resources.

One tip that helps in attacking credit card debt is to maximize all the resources available to you. It can take a lot of time and dedication, but it does get the job done. To be successful with the method of throwing all your resources at your debt, you need to do the following:

  • Rely on cash-only to pay for expenses. Make sure these expenses are essential in nature and not frivolous, causing you to waste more money rather than make progress.
  • Put together a list of all credit card debt, detailing the interest rate for each card and the minimum payment on each card.
  • Use the debt avalanche method to attack the debt. What this entails is the person chooses the card with the highest interest rate, and he or she uses all extra money that he or she has available at paying off that card. After that card is paid off, the money that was used to pay that card goes to the next one, and so on. The idea is the money that goes towards the card snowballs in size, helping to pay each one down quicker than the person would be able to do with just meeting monthly minimum payments.
  • Find extra money to pay towards credit cards by creating a realistic budget and sticking to it.
  1. Consider a Balance-Transfer Credit Card.

If the person has a good credit rating, it is possible that he or she could open a new credit card with a lower interest rate for the sole purpose of transferring the balance from a current card with a higher interest rate. Many cards offer promotions for zero-percent annual percentage rates (APRs) with no balance transfer fees during that limited time period. This idea may seem like a bad one since it encourages the person to rely on a credit card to pay off another credit card. However, it can be a good idea if the person has good credit and is dedicated to paying off the balance on the new card, once the old balance is transferred. It is also important that the card holder take advantage of the introductory period to make sure the interest rate stays low while the amount is paid off. Once the period is over, the interest rate could jump up, thus bringing the cardholder to square one.

  1. Credit Consolidation Loan

Another method that is possible to pay off credit card debt is through a credit card consolidation loan. These loans are also referred to as debt consolidation or personal loans. Many of them are unsecured, meaning the person does not need to have assets or collateral to cover the obligation. The interest rates on these loans are usually lower than what the credit card interest rates would be, which makes it a little easier for the borrower to pay back the loan and make progress rather than pay the minimum payment owed on the credit card. Another benefit is the loan allows the person to only make one monthly payment rather than several different minimum payments on various credit cards. It is possible the borrower will need a cosigner, depending on his or her credit score, to back up the loan.

  1. Debt Management Plan

Another option that is available to individuals struggling to pay off credit card debt is a debt management plan. Debt management plans line the debtor up with a credit counselor who works with that person to create a budget and a plan to pay back the debt. The counselor will also speak with the person’s creditors on behalf of that individual and can often negotiate down the debt amount or terms of repayment. It is important to find a quality company when choosing a debt management company. Do research before jumping into the first choice and ensure that the company is legitimate and not a scam. An average debt management plan can take anywhere from four to five years for a person to successfully clear his or her debt.

  1. File for Bankruptcy

If none of these options work or if the debt is simply too much, bankruptcy may be the best option. Chapter 7 is the fastest form of consumer bankruptcy and forgives most unsecured debts like credit card debt, medical bills and personal loans.  There are certain qualifications a consumer must meet in regards to income, assets and expenses to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which is determined by the bankruptcy means test.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2018/06/26/credit-card-debt-5-cost-effective-ways-you-can-erase/714014002/

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

U.S. Consumer Debt Increases in the Month of May

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Recent data shows that U.S. consumer debt rose in the month of May by the most it had in the last six months, showing that Americans were more confident in their spending habits halfway through the second quarter.  The increase was seen in revolving debt, which includes credit card debt along with non-revolving debt like student loan debt and auto loans.

As of May 2018, Americans owe more than 26 percent of their income on consumer debt, up from 22 percent in 2010. That means Americans are on track to accumulate $4 trillion collectively in consumer debt by the end of this year. Americans have been accumulating more debt, particularly over the last two years, where consumer credit has grown at a rate of 5 to 6 percent annually.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Miami Residents Carry Second Highest Credit Card Debt Balance in the Country

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Credit card debt is a problem for many people and breaking the cycle can be even more of a challenge. While no one specific timeline works for every person when it comes to paying off credit card debt, it can take years of dedication and regular payments above the minimum to finally pay off a credit card. According to a recent study, it takes the average Florida resident around two years to get out of credit card debt.

The study published by CreditCards.com reported that people living in the Miami metro area, which includes both Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, carry the second-highest credit card debt balances in the country, second to San Antonio, Texas. Texas was reported as being a state with three of the five cities that reportedly had the highest credit card debt.

According to the study, Florida residents holding this much credit card debt would need an estimated 21 months to pay off the current card balance. Those living in San Antonio were reported as only needing one more month, meaning 22 months, to bring the balance to zero.

The CreditCards.com study reviewed median income across the country to average credit card debt by taking data that was provided through the credit reporting company, Experian. The data looked at high debt burdens when the balance on the card was significantly high as compared to the residents’ income being reported as average or below average.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, San Francisco, a well-known area for residents living with higher-than-average income, was reported as having the lowest-reported credit card debt. The average San Francisco resident can pay off his or her debt in 13 months. The reason that debt can be paid off so quickly is the average San Francisco resident earns enough income to pay off this debt comfortably.

Other cities that reported lower debt burdens included Minneapolis, Boston, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

The report indicated that the size of the debt was not so much the problem in the Miami area but rather the debt-to-income ratio. \South Florida residents are taking on more credit card debt than they have the income to handle.

The CreditCard.com study is not the first one that had reported that many Miami-area residents suffer from low income and high financial obligations. An additional report recently shows that Miami residents paid the highest proportions of their income on rent than any other area in the nation. In fact, it has been reported that the Miami-area is one of the least affordable places to live in the nation.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Private Debt Collectors a ‘Most Serious Problem’ at the IRS – Here’s what you need to Know

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The IRS reactivated a program previously instituted where private debt collectors are used to collect upon unpaid taxes owed by individuals with delinquent tax debts. This IRS Private Debt Collection (PDC) program, however, has been identified as a serious problem, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate.

According to a recent report, taxpayers who had debts assigned recently from the IRS to these private debt collection agencies ended up entering into repayment agreements they simply could not afford. Approximately 43 percent of them were earning income well below their allowable living expenses.

The PDC program also ends up costing the U.S. Treasury Department more than it is worth. In fact, experts criticize these programs as the private collection companies are allowed to keep 25 percent of what they end up collecting, which means the programs cost the Treasury more than the money that comes in after all is said and done.

This brings the question to many taxpayers of how they know whether they are likely to be contacted by a PDC. The taxpayers who are normally chosen are those who have IRS debts that are considered by the IRS as an inactive tax receivable. A tax debt is declared “inactive” after the IRS removes it from the active case list due to either lack of resources or the inability to find the individual. If more than a year has passed since the taxpayer had any communication with the IRS for the collection of the over-due tax, the debt will be considered “inactive,” as well.

When a PDC contacts a debtor, they will normally request full payment of the debt from the taxpayer first. If the taxpayer is not able to make full payment immediately, the private collection agency will then offer the person an installment agreement. However, many times, the installment agreements that are offered and later accepted by the taxpayer end up being more than that person can handle.

What Agencies Have IRS Authorization?

Currently, four PDC agencies have been selected by the IRS to operate the private debt collection program. Only these four firms should be contacting taxpayers, and they include:

  • CBE Group in Cedar Falls, Iowa;
  • Conserve in Fairport, New York;
  • Performant in Livermore, California; and
  • Pioneer in Horseheads, New York.

Phone Scams

Phone scams have been on the rise after individuals have reported being contacted via phone by a person who claims to be affiliated with the IRS and receiving demands for immediate payment. The IRS will not call taxpayers to collect on a debt. Rather, any demand for payment from the IRS will be by a letter on official IRS letterhead, called a Notice CP40. The letter will tell the taxpayer that the tax debt has been assigned to a PDC. The PDC will then confirm in a separate letter that the tax case has been assigned to them. In both of these letters, the taxpayer should see a 10-digit identifier number in place of the taxpayer’s Social Security number. The purpose of this number is to allow for two-party authentication between the taxpayer and the PDC.

Other Red Flags 

The IRS has also provided other red flags taxpayers should be aware of when receiving any questionable communication from someone claiming to be from the IRS. These red flags include the following: 

  • PDCs will not ask the taxpayer to pay them for any fees or owed taxes, and they will not accept payments from the taxpayer. Rather, these companies will inform the taxpayer that any payments for these tax debts should be paid by check directly to the IRS or paid online through the IRS website.
  • If a payment is made by check, it should be written payable to the “United States Treasury.” The IRS nor the PDC will take payment in the form of a gift card, prepaid debit card or iTunes gift cards. Scammers have been known to regularly request payment in these forms.
  • If a taxpayer is contacted by a tax collector, the taxpayer should call the IRS to confirm first that the debt has been assigned to a PDC before working with that company.
  • The PDC cannot enforce collection actions against the taxpayer, including issuing a levy or filing a notice of federal tax lien. Instead, they must follow all IRS rules per the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA).

Tax Debts That Cannot Be Assigned

Lastly, the IRS cannot legally assign a tax debt to a PDC in cases where the taxpayer is deceased; the person is under the age of 18-years-old, or to a person in the military who is in a designated combat zone. If someone is the victim of tax-related identity theft, is classified as an innocent spouse and is currently involved in an exam, installment agreement or offer in compromise, he or she is exempt.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Why Waiting to File Bankruptcy Can Hurt You

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The decision to file for bankruptcy is never an easy one to make. There are a number of myths surrounding filing for bankruptcy, which can oftentimes lead people to wait.  It often can seem like an admission of personal or financial failure, and for this reason, many filers will hold off on filing for bankruptcy for years, allowing their financial issues to only worsen. In fact, the longer people wait to file for bankruptcy, the more likely they will end up struggling, according to a law review study recently published. By the time the individual files for bankruptcy, their personal life and well-being, as well as their financial situation will be damaged to the point where getting a fresh start can be extremely difficult.

Waiting Can Be Draining

The period of time before an individual files for bankruptcy is often referred to as a “financial sweatbox.” The filers are already under an immense amount of stress, are facing debt collector phone calls and lawsuits and are going without basic necessities to avoid the inevitable: having to file for bankruptcy. This “sweat it out” period can end up lasting for years before the person finally comes to the decision that bankruptcy is best for him or her. A recent Notre Dame Law Review piece titled “Life in the Sweatbox” focused on this period of time, showing how waiting it out can be more damaging than making the leap to file for bankruptcy sooner rather than later.

The study used data from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project, which is a long-term academic research project that focus on people who end up filing for bankruptcy, reviewing the reasons why they file, as well as the consequences. The data includes information from approximately 3,200 bankruptcy cases between the years 2013 and 2016. “Life in the Sweatbox” focuses on 910 of the 3,200 filers.

Of those surveyed, over 66 percent of them were determined to be “long strugglers,” meaning they had been in the sweatbox for over two years. Approximately one-third of them waited five years or more to file for bankruptcy. They reviewed statistics from 2007 which showed that the number of people who were “long strugglers” doubled in numbers.

The problem is the longer the people waited, the worse their financial situation became. Those who waited had half the median assets compared to other debtors who did not wait or did not wait as long. In addition, the median debt-to-income ratio of these long strugglers was over 40 percent higher than other debtors. Approximately 50 percent of the long-term strugglers were facing debt collection lawsuits while only 35 percent of the others were facing them.

It was discussed that the stigma that exists around filing is what keeps people from making that decision to file for bankruptcy. However, bankruptcy laws provide the ability for debtors to get a fresh start. Prolonging the decision to file only allows for assets to be depleted making it even more difficult for the person to get a true fresh start.

When to File for Bankruptcy

If a person’s debts are more than 40 percent of his or her income, it is recommended that he or she reaches out for financial guidance. Also, if the person is using debt to pay for basic necessities or other debts, this is another red flag that perhaps that person is in over his or her head.

A bankruptcy attorney can review what debts are crippling the individual. If they are unsecured consumer debts, including credit cards, personal loans or medical bills, these can all be wiped out in bankruptcy.  Lastly, if the individual is forgoing basic necessities such as food or medical care, it is highly recommended that he or she discuss options with a consumer bankruptcy attorney.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Credit Card Debt, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Beware of ‘Get Out of Debt Quick’ Scams

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Getting out of debt is a goal for many people, and in a perfect world, a ‘get out of debt quick’ offer sounds too good to be true.  However, just like the ‘get rich quick’ schemes, if it sounds too good to be true, odds are it probably is too good to be true.

Debt relief companies prey on consumers who are drowning in debt and going through a great deal of personal stress as a result. While some legitimate debt relief companies do exist, the majority of them are looking to scam individuals who are desperate to get out of debt at all costs and find relief from the numerous collection calls they are receiving.

One of the most important steps an individual can take before choosing to work with a debt relief company is to thoroughly investigate and research the company. With online resources available, as well as review websites, it is easy to find out quickly whether a debt relief company is legitimate or not.

Most importantly, never pay an upfront fee to one of these companies. If the company is requesting this, it is highly likely you will never hear from the company again after the initial fee has been paid. In addition, if the company is guaranteeing that they can eliminate all of your debt that should be a red flag as well. No debt relief company has the ability to guarantee that a creditor will forgive any debt. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has warned against these types of statements. If a debtor comes into contact with a company that makes any of these statements, the FTC encourages the individual to file a report and expose a possible scam.

The main question you should ask is: How much progress can be made through lifestyle changes and spending habits?

If smarter spending and lifestyle changes are sufficient, a debt management or debt consolidation program may be the best choice. These types of programs work on the balances with the highest interest rates first or consolidate debts by taking out a new loan with a lower interest rate to pay off older balances first. Debt management or consolidation normally requires a monthly fee. These companies will work with your creditors to lower the total debt balance.  The hope is that creditors will rather receive a lower lump-sum payment on the debt rather than risk not being paid at all in a bankruptcy situation.

However, sometimes the  debt amount can be just too much to handle. Debt settlement may be the best option in these cases, or even bankruptcy if the settlement of the debt is still not enough. Debt settlement can take anywhere from between two to four years for a company to work with creditors to pay down debt. If bankruptcy is the best option, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be completed in three to six months while Chapter 13 can take anywhere from three to five years.

Make sure and explore all of your options and make the best decision for your situation. A bankruptcy attorney can help decipher these options and give recommendations on what would be ideal and in your best interest.

Click here to read more.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

 

 

 

 

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Are Lawsuit Judgments Discharged in Bankruptcy?

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Some filers enter into bankruptcy with collection cases already at judgment level, with the hope that these judgments along with their other debts can be discharged through bankruptcy. However, getting a judgment discharged is not always so simple, and it depends on a number of factors, including:

  • What kind of case the judgment was for; and
  • Whether the creditor who has the judgment over the debtor has already placed a lien on the individual’s property.

Bankruptcy Discharge for Most Judgments

Generally, a judgment from a lawsuit involves unpaid debts. If the bankruptcy filer has not paid his or her medical bills, personal loans or credit cards, the next step for the unpaid creditor is usually filing a lawsuit against the borrower. If a judgment is obtained, the creditor can garnish the borrower’s wages or even go after a personal asset and have a lien placed on it to satisfy the outstanding debt.

Filing for bankruptcy activates what is known as the automatic stay, giving the filer reprieve from further collection calls and attempts.  It can also put a stop to wage garnishment and can wipe out the borrower’s obligation to pay back certain debts, even in a judgment. Once a bankruptcy case is filed, if a collections lawsuit is pending, the automatic stay in the bankruptcy will put a stop to the lawsuit. Even if a judgment has been entered against the borrower, the final discharge in the bankruptcy case will get rid of that judgment for most purposes, except in certain cases. If the judgment is for a debt that is considered nondischargeable, the bankruptcy will not get rid of the debt.

Nondischargeable Judgments

Some debt is non-dischargeable in bankruptcy. If the creditor has gotten a judgment against the bankruptcy filer for a debt obligation that includes one of the following debts, a bankruptcy discharge will not get rid of that judgment. These categories include:

  • Judgments connected to domestic support obligations, including child support or spousal support/alimony;
  • Judgments for criminal penalties, fines and/or restitution;
  • Most tax judgments;
  • Most student loan obligation judgments;
  • Judgments for any debts that were acquired under false pretenses or by fraud;
  • Judgments for injuries that were willful and malicious caused by the debtor; and
  • Judgments for any injury or death that was caused by the debtor’s drunk driving.

If you have questions on this topic or are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all of your options. As an experienced CPA as well as a proven bankruptcy lawyer, Timothy Kingcade knows how to help clients take full advantage of the bankruptcy laws to protect their assets and get successful results. Since 1996 Kingcade Garcia McMaken has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys’ help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Related Resources:

http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/bankruptcy/lawsuit-judgments-discharged.html