Student Loans

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

Student Loan Debt is Taking a Mental Toll on Young People

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Over the last decade, student loan debt has jumped to an all time high of $1.4 trillion.  The average outstanding balance for college students is $34,144.  According to a recent survey, 80 percent of working professionals with student loan debt said it is a source of “significant” or “very significant” stress.

Many millennials said student loans have impacted their ability to go on vacation, buy a car, pay rent or afford necessities like food and clothing.  Then there are the long term effects, such as buying a home, getting married or having children.  A number of young adults have to put these major milestones on hold.

For a graduate with a bachelor’s degree, the typical student loan payment is approximately $265 a month, but some students have $400, $800 or even $1,200 a month in student loan payments.

According to a separate report, more than 60 percent of those surveyed said they fear their student loan debt worries are spiraling out of control, even more reported suffering from headaches or lack of sleep from the stress.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Student Loan Debt Forgiven, but Tax Bill Remains

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Wounded war veteran Will Milzarski’s student loan debt was forgiven, but the IRS wants him to pay $62,000 in income taxes on the loan cancellation.  The retired 1st Lt. is a lawyer specializing in disability rights and took a leave from his state job to return to the Army to attend Officer Candidate School.

His two tours of duty in Afghanistan left him with a traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder and hearing loss. The Department of Veterans Affairs considers him totally and permanently disabled, which lead to a cancellation of $223,000 in student loan debt.

But what he didn’t expect was the IRS notice that followed.  Milzarski is facing $8,000 in Michigan taxes, penalties and interest in addition to federal taxes- that’s $70,000 in total. Milzarski’s high student debt is largely attributed to his law degree, which he earned in 2002 from Cooley Law School.

He was able to subtract his other debts to bring down the amount of income attributed to the loan forgiveness to $161,000. But that pushed him into the top tax brackets.

While there are some exceptions, canceled debt is often considered income.  Milzarski said he is facing garnishment of his disability pay and a lien against his home.  Milzarski led soldiers on 244 combat missions and 43 engagements with the enemy. Among his 18 awards are Purple Heart and Meritorious Service medals.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

South Florida Federal Court Shuts Down Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Company, Freezes all Assets

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A student loan debt forgiveness company has been ordered to stop doing business by a South Florida federal court. The court issued a temporary injunction against Student Debt Doctor and its president, Gary Brent White Jr., and froze all assets of the corporation.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accused Student Debt Doctor and White of violating federal trade and telemarketing laws by promising to reduce or eliminate student loan debt for an upfront fee.

The FTC filed its complaint Oct. 2 seeking an injunction as well as financial relief for the victims. The defendants operated an unlawful student loan debt relief business since January 2014, preying on borrowers’ anxiety in repaying their loans, according to the complaint.

“Defendants often have promised falsely to reduce or eliminate consumers’ monthly payments and principal balances by enrolling them in repayment or debt-forgiveness programs,” the complaint said.

The consumers who signed up for the services discovered that Student Debt Doctor failed to enroll them in a program or reduce or eliminate their debt, even after charging an upfront fee of $750, according to the complaint.  Telemarketers promised borrowers enrolled in the program student loan debt forgiveness in five years or less.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What you Need To Know Before Cosigning a Loan

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Co-signing a loan puts more than your name on the line.  It is an all too common practice that gives you the opportunity to help another person, usually a loved one.  But it is important to remember that when you co-sign a loan, you essentially agree to repay the loan yourself. For example, you might co-sign for a car you never drive, a house you never live in or even a student loan for someone else’s college education.  Nearly 40 percent of cosigners found themselves paying some or all of a loan when the primary borrower they co-signed for was unable to make the payments, according to a survey conducted by creditcards.com.

Here are some important facts you should know before you co-sign a loan:

  • The effect it will have on your credit report. Once you cosign a loan, the debt appears on both of your credit reports.  This means, the loan can help both the primary borrower and the co-signer build a positive credit history if payments are made on time.  It can have the opposite effect if the primary borrower begins to miss payments.  These late or missing payments will land on your credit report and remain there for several years.  You can even end up paying late fees and have your wages garnished as a co-signer.  This may also limit your ability to borrow in the future.
  • You will be treated the same as the primary borrower. As a cosigner, the lender will expect you to pay the loan just as the primary borrower agreed to and will come after you for the payments.  Typically, lenders will target the person with the better potential to pay.
  • A warning about private student loans. These type loans are particularly difficult for the co-signer to escape.  Unlike federal student loans, private student lenders frequently require a cosigner since student borrowers are often young and without credit history or income.  Approximately 90% of borrowers who request cosigner release are rejected, according to a report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Here are some tips for managing your risk as a co-signer:

  • Know the borrower. And know them well.  Know their credit history and ability to repay the loan.
  • Review your budget carefully. If the primary borrower defaults on the loan, can your budget handle the added strain of another monthly payment?
  • Get copies of everything. In addition to the loan signing documents, request to have duplicate statements sent to you as well so you can keep track of the loan and confirm the primary borrower is not falling behind on any payments.
  • Get out as fast as you can. Have the primary borrower agree to refinance the loan under his or her name at some point in the future, as soon as their credit history and finances are better established.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any 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, P.A. 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, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Steps to Take if You Are Facing a Medical Debt Lawsuit

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If you have been sued by a debt collector or medical service provider, you know how stressful it can be.  According to the National Consumer Law Center, half of the collection items on consumers’ credit reports are from medical debt.  You may be tempted to ignore a medical debt lawsuit and hope it goes away.  But this is one of the worst things you can do, because the debt collector will automatically win by default.

Here are some steps you can take if you are facing a medical debt lawsuit:

  • Confirm the debt. You cannot properly address the lawsuit if you do not understand where the debt came from. Look back at all past medical bills and find the date of service and itemized list of services rendered. Mistakes can happen, so make sure and confirm all details are accurate.
  • Seek advice. Consumers sometimes make the mistake of representing themselves in these type cases.  Hiring an attorney to advise you is a wise move and does not have to cost a lot.  Many lawyers provide a free consultation before taking you on as client.  During this consultation, they will advise you on the best course of action for your particular situation.
  • Prepare for court. You must first prepare an answer to the lawsuit, including any defenses and countersuits. This will involve filing paperwork, mailing paperwork and showing up on the initial court date.
  • Understand wage garnishment. If you are found liable for the debt or you fail to answer the lawsuit, the judge will rule against you and the court may issue an order allowing the debt collector to garnish your wages. By federal law, they cannot leave you with less than 75% of your income or $217.50 per week — whichever is greater. Medical debt collectors are able to garnish your wages, but they cannot garnish Social Security benefits, disability insurance payments, unemployment insurance payments, VA benefits, pension distributions, child support payments, or public assistance benefits.
  • Watch out for balance billing. This happens when your hospital or medical provider bills you instead of (or in addition to) Medicaid or Medicare. This is a forbidden practice and you are not responsible for any amounts due when this happens. You can prove if you were a victim of balance billing by requesting an “Explanation of Benefits” from your insurer that states the amount they covered and the amount you still owe.
  • Stop lawsuits before they happen. Make sure the hospital did not make an error that resulted in a larger bill.  Have your bill examined by a medical bill advocate, who is familiar with medical billing and coding and request they review the charges.  You can start your search with the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy Consultants.  Debt collectors, hospitals, and other medical providers do not want to take you to court.  It costs them money, too and the odds of getting the full amount owed is slim.  They are almost always willing to work with you before filing a lawsuit.  Try to negotiate and apply for financial assistance.  You can also set up zero-interest payment plans directly with your healthcare provider.  Most importantly, keep the lines of communication open.
  • Consider bankruptcy as an option. At any point in the process, you can choose to file for bankruptcy, which can completely discharge your medical debt. There are two types of bankruptcy: Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.  Chapter 7 bankruptcy is often considered the most straightforward kind of bankruptcy and allows consumers to gain a financial fresh start.  This requires you sell off your assets to discharge your debts. Despite what many people believe, it does not automatically mean you will lose your home, your car or your retirement savings.  If you file for Chapter 13, you do not have to sell off any assets, but the debt will not disappear.   Instead, you will be put on a 3-5 year payment plan in order to settle.

Those who have experienced illness or injury and found themselves overwhelmed with medical debt should contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney. In bankruptcy, medical bills are considered general unsecured debts just like credit cards. This means that medical bills do not receive priority treatment and can easily be discharged in bankruptcy. Bankruptcy laws were created to help people resolve overwhelming debt and gain a fresh financial start. Bankruptcy attorney 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, P.A. 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.wftv.com/consumer/clark-howard/clark-your-life/before-you-respond-to-a-medical-debt-lawsuit-take-these-10-steps/616709645

Bankruptcy Law, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

FTC and 11 States Announce “Operation Game of Loans” Targeting Deceptive Student Loan Debt Relief Scams

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 11 states have announced a first of its kind federal-state law enforcement initiative that targets deceptive student loan debt relief scams. The nationwide crackdown includes 36 actions by the FTC and state attorneys general against scammers who allegedly took more than $95 million in illegal upfront fees from struggling student loan borrowers over the years.

It is alleged in these actions that the defendants charged consumers illegal upfront fees, falsely promised to help reduce or forgive student loan debt and pretended to be affiliated with the government or loan servicers, a violation of the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule and the FTC Act.

Operation Game of Loans also includes law enforcement actions by Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and the District of Columbia.  Here is a recent case filed in Florida:

Student Debt Doctor (SDD): In an action filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the FTC charged that Fort Lauderdale-based SDD and its owner, Gary Brent White, Jr., collected at least $7 million from consumers struggling to pay student loan debt. According to the complaint, the defendants charged illegal upfront fees of $750 or more. Using social media, e-mail, and telemarketing, SDD promoted its services across the United States, in English and Spanish. SDD falsely promised loan forgiveness often in as little as five years or less, and told consumers not to communicate with their loan servicers. The defendants also fabricated income, unemployment status, and family size information on relief applications in order to qualify borrowers for eliminated or reduced monthly payments. The court entered a temporary restraining order (TRO) on October 3, 2017.

Click here to learn more about the five new cases filed against 30 defendants as part of Operation Game of Loans.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

50% of Millennials Would Give Up this Fundamental Right to have Their Student Loan Debt Forgiven

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Student loan debt now stands at $1.33 trillion, according to the U.S. Department of Education and millennials pay on average $351 a month.  According to a recent survey, half of the nearly 500 respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 with student loan debt, said they would give up their ability to vote in the next two presidential elections if they could have their student loan debt forgiven.

Although, college graduates are more likely to vote than those with less education, half would prioritize their immediate financial well-being over their political beliefs.  Here are some tips for millennials struggling with student loan debt:

  • Know what you owe.
  • Millennials who have graduated and have jobs often qualify for better rates than when they had little to no income at the start of school.
  • Get help at work. A number of companies, including Fidelity and PwC, are offering employees help with paying down their student loan debt.
  • Seek forgiveness. Certain professions, such as public service jobs, offer student loan forgiveness. Others include public defenders, law enforcement officers, doctors, nurses and some teachers.  For example, teachers who work in low-income school districts and teach certain subjects may qualify for complete cancellation of their student loans.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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.

Debt Relief, Foreclosures, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Lennar Offers Millennials Unique Mortgage Opportunity that Helps Pay off Student Loan Debt

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It’s no surprise that the amount of student loan debt many Millennials have, has been holding them back from purchasing a home.  A National Association of Realtors (NAR) study showed that only 20% of Millennial respondents own a home, while the majority of them carry an average student loan balance of $41,200, which exceeds their average annual income of $38,800.

Among the Millennials surveyed who do not own a home, 83% said that their student loan debt affected their ability to purchase a home.

Eagle Home Mortgage, a mortgage lender and a subsidiary of Lennar, announced this week that it will offer a new mortgage program that will help home buyers pay off their student loan debt. Eagle Home Mortgage’s Student Loan Debt Mortgage Program offers borrowers as much as $13,000 that can be used to pay off student loan debt.

Here are some of the program’s terms and conditions:

  • Borrowers who use Eagle Home Mortgage’s Student Loan Debt Mortgage Program can direct up to 3% of the purchase price to pay their student loans, but only if they purchase a new home from Lennar.
  • Borrowers must meet credit and income requirements when using the Student Loan Debt Mortgage Program, and can qualify for loans with down payments as low as 3%.
  • The program is not intended for parents who took out loans to finance their child’s education.
  • The program’s maximum loan amount is $424,100, but Lennar said that in addition to the 3% contribution to student loan balances, buyers may also be eligible for other incentives – such as credits toward closing costs.

According to Lennar, the homebuilder will contribute up to 3% of the purchase price of a new home to be used to pay down student loans incurred while attending universities, colleges, community colleges, trade schools and other certificate-granting programs.  The Student Loan Debt Mortgage Program is being offered on a trial basis with new Lennar homes nationwide.

Click here to learn more about the program.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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.housingwire.com/articles/41396-lennar-targets-millennials-with-mortgage-that-pays-off-student-loan-debt

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

U.S. Cracks Down on Collection of Private Student Loan Debt

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The U.S. consumer financial watchdog has ordered National College Student Loan Trusts and its debt collector, Transworld Systems Inc., to pay at least $21.6 million for attempting to collect on out-of-date loans and possible non-existent loans.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) alleges that the companies sued borrowers without being able to prove the debt was even owed or pursued collections where the debt was too old, relying on false and misleading legal documents.  There were at least 486 lawsuits filed where the statute of limitations had expired on the debt.

As a result, consumers made payments of at least $3.5 million on debt they did not owe, according to the CFPB. Transworld agreed to settle by paying a $2.5 million, which is part of the total of amount of at least $21.6 million.

Offered by banks and other companies, private student loans do not provide the same borrower protections and repayment options as federal student loans.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Why Paying off Your Student Loan Debt Early Could be a Mistake

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The average college student who graduated in 2016 had approximately $37,172 in student loan debt.  While experts offer differing opinions on exactly which types of debts are considered good and bad, everyone agrees that debt on something that will end up making you money in the long run is essentially “good debt.”

A 2013 study based on Labor Department statistics showed that Americans holding a four-year college degree made 98% more per hour on average than those without a degree. Student loans are typically a low interest debt, as opposed to credit card debt which is typically the most expensive kind of debt.

The interest rate for undergraduate federal student loans disbursed in 2017 was 4.45%; the rate for federal graduate student loans was 6%. Compare that to the average credit card APR of 15.59%.

The Department of Education allows student borrowers to choose from up to eight different repayment plan options, several of which are designed for those with low income levels. If one repayment plan does not work, you can switch to another.

Private student loan debt is different and comes with a higher interest rate.  Private student loan lenders offer what is called “financial hardship forbearance,” which means you can suspend your payments due to financial hardship but the interest continues to accrue and is added to the balance.

Paying your student loan debt consistently overtime can lead to debt forgiveness.  Certain federal student loan repayment plans can result in automatic debt forgiveness. If you choose the Income-Based Repayment Plan, the Income-Contingent Repayment Plan, or either of the Pay As You Earn Repayment Plans, any balance you owe on your federal loans after 25 years will be automatically forgiven.  Student loan debt interest is also tax deductible, something you will see in your refund after filing your personal taxes.

Click here to read more on this story.

For borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt, relief options are available. Many student loan borrowers are unaware that they have rights and repayment options available to them, such as postponement of loan payments, reduction of payments or even a complete discharge of the debt. It is important you contact an experienced Miami bankruptcy attorney who can advise you of all 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, P.A. 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.