Timothy Kingcade Posts

Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

6 FREE Shopping Apps to Help You Save Money

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Below are six FREE apps that will allow you to shop and save, while using your Smartphone:

1. RedLaser: This app is one of the best apps for comparing prices. It is available for Androids, iPhones and the Windows Phone 7. When you are in need of an appliance, pair of shoes or a cosmetics product, simply scan the product’s bar code with the RedLaser app and it will tell you the best available prices and the closest place near your location to find it! You can even choose the “BUY NOW” button and the app will take you directly to the website where you can purchase the item.

2. Slice: This app is great for tracking your online purchases. It is available for Androids and iPhones. The way this app works best is if you sync it with your Gmail or Yahoo account. The app will search through your inbox for online orders and track your purchases. The best feature on this app is that it will detect price drops and alert you on your recent purchases that have experienced a price drop. Some merchants will offer you adjustments, such as Kohl’s and Walmart.

3. AMEX Sync Your Card: This app is available for Androids and iPhones. It allows you to sync your card to your social media accounts where you can qualify for exclusive deals, credited to your statement. In most cases, you will need to post a tweet or check in on FourSquare to get these deals.

4. Decide.com: This is a great app to help you save when you are buying electronics. It is available for Androids, iPhones and iPads. This app will let you know whether you should buy now or wait for a price drop or model upgrade, based on historical data.

5. Coupon Sherpa: This is a coupon app for Androids or iPhones. This app allows you to choose from hundreds of coupons from major retailers and grocery stores from your phone. In most cases, you can show the coupon to your checkout person for the deal.

6. Key Ring: This app allows you to use your consumer loyalty to get deals. It is available for Androids, iPhones, iPads and Blackberrys. The Key Ring app allows you to flash your phone for your loyalty card, rather than carrying your plastic loyalty card on your keychain.

Click here to read more on how you can shop and SAVE!

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

South Florida Families Struggle with High Cost of Living

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According to a recent report by the Center for Housing Policy, approximately 41 percent of the low to moderate-income households across the three South Florida counties are spending more than half of their incomes on housing. Financial experts recommend families devote no more than 30 percent of their paycheck to housing costs. Although the economy in South Florida has shown signs of recovery in unemployment rates and lower home prices, the rental market and lack of salary growth are keeping housing costs high across Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties.

According to the 2011 U.S. Census data, some of the factors contributing to high housing costs include:

• Property owners taking control of the rental market.
• Former homeowners not qualifying for mortgages because of poor credit.
• Some would-be buyers either not having enough money for a down payment or facing a shortage of properties for sale.

Click here to read more about South Florida families struggling with the high cost of housing.

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between whether or not you can keep your home. A well-qualified Miami foreclosure defense attorney will not only help you keep your home, but they will be able to negotiate a loan that has payments you can afford. Miami foreclosure defense attorney Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the website, Kingcade & Garcia, P.A.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Credit Reports More Accurately Reporting Debts Discharged in Bankruptcy

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As a result of a class-action lawsuit settlement, the three major credit-reporting bureaus have made efforts to properly update credit reports after consumers have filed for bankruptcy. When you file for personal bankruptcy protection and you have debts that are discharged as a result, your credit report is supposed to be updated to show that you no longer have those debts to pay. Although the bureaus are working to ensure consumers’ credit reports are more accurate, consumers should be aware that their discharged debts will not immediately disappear from their credit reports. Prior to the class-action lawsuit, the bureaus were frequently failing to update consumers’ reports, making it hard for them to be approved for credit after filing for bankruptcy. An incorrect credit report not only incorrectly reflects their debt-to-income ratio, but it also makes it hard for consumers to improve their credit score.

The class-action lawsuit started as multiple lawsuits in 2005 and 2006. The case said that the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, were issuing credit reports stating that consumers were delinquent on loans and other forms of debt that had been eliminated through bankruptcy. Some plaintiffs in the case claimed that the three credit bureaus did not look into the errors, even after they had filed a complaint. Although the lawsuit was thrown out in the appeals court, improvements to the bureaus’ bankruptcy reporting procedures were already underway. A $45 million financial settlement in the suit was approved by the trial court, but later thrown out by the appeals court because the court claimed some plaintiffs in the case stood to benefit more than others.

Click here to read more about credit reports more accurately reporting debts discharged in bankruptcy.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Don’t Let Your Credit Card Rewards Points go to Waste

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Credit Card Rewards points are a major marketing factor for credit card companies; however, few people are actually cashing in on the points they earn. A recent study conducted by thepointsguy.com showed that nearly 73 percent of credit card holders enrolled in a rewards program or frequent traveler program do not know how many points they have accumulated. Below are some tips on the best ways to accumulate, track and maximize the points you earn.

• Shop Differently: One expert says he never buys anything online without first checking airlines’ shopping malls. You will find that items are the same prices and you can get bonus miles in addition to what you earn on your credit card. After you rack up some points, use them to upgrade your flight from coach to business or first-class.
• Minimize Programs, Maximize Rewards: Mike Sprouse of Sprouse Marketing says the best way to maximize your rewards programs is to keep them to a minimum. This will make it easier to track and accrue points. Sprouse says that most of the companies that offer rewards programs count on you never redeeming them and having points spread out over fewer programs will ensure your redemption opportunities are on your mind.
• No Credit Card? No Problem: Even if you opt out of using credit cards or credit cards that offer rewards programs, you can still cash in on points programs. For example, Southwest’s Rapid Dining Program allows you to earn points by eating somewhere or going to certain clubs. Do your research and find the points programs that work for you.

Click here to read more on tips to use your credit card rewards points.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Doctors Driven to Bankruptcy

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This reads as an unlikely headline, but recently a number of doctors have been struggling to keep their medical practices financially sound. According to the American Bankruptcy Institute’s Health Care Committee, Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings by physician practices have recently spiked. In recent weeks, there were at least eight filings, which is unusual for the industry.

In many cases it is not major medical malpractice lawsuits leading doctors to file bankruptcy, it is the struggling economy that has been blamed for this growing trend. Patients are cutting back on doctor visits and elective procedures due to their own financial hardships. Doctors attribute their financial struggles to shrinking insurance reimbursements, changing regulations and the rising cots of malpractice insurance, drugs and other business necessities.

Click here to read more on doctors being driven to bankruptcy.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Casey Anthony’s Bankruptcy Hearing Set for May 8th

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A hearing date has been set in Casey Anthony’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy case for May 8, 2013. Zenaida Gonzalez and Roy Kronk filed defamation lawsuits against the infamous former murder defendant and continue their fight to salvage their lawsuits. Both lawsuits were put in jeopardy after Anthony filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in January. Gonzalez sued Anthony after she claimed that a similarly named nanny kidnapped her daughter. Although the nanny did not exist, Gonzalez was linked to the case in the media and claimed this ruined her reputation. Kronk was the man who found Caylee’s body in the woods near Anthony’s home. He filed a lawsuit against Anthony after he claimed her lawyers made statements wrongly implicating him in Caylee’s death.

Anthony has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, which would discharge her of all debts and any other claims against her. Kronk and Gonzalez have filed motions with Anthony’s bankruptcy judge requesting their suits be exempt from discharge. Anthony’s bankruptcy lawyers filed paperwork stating that she has completed a “personal financial management course,” required of her bankruptcy. In her filings, Anthony listed more than $792,000 in debt and less than $1,100 in assets. Her largest creditor is to her criminal attorney Jose Baez, whom she owes $500,000.

Click here to read more about Casey Anthony’s Bankruptcy Hearing set for May 8th.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Credit Card Delinquencies Reach New Lows

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According to Fitch Credit Ratings, preliminary results indicate that credit card ABS data improved across the board through the end of March. The report also indicated that 60+ day delinquencies are expected to hit an all-time low for general-purpose card issuers. Additionally, retail delinquencies are expected to reach 7-year lows. The data supports the ongoing positive performance and stability for U.S. credit card ABS.

Fitch’s Prime 60+ Day Delinquency Index is projected to decline to an all-time low. It fell below 1.60% during the March 2013 reporting period. The report also suggests that monthly payment rates are likely to improve. Chargeoffs are expected to remain flat for the Prime Credit Card Index. Fitch’s Gross Yield Index is expected to rise to over 19% for the first time since October 2011. Retail 60+ Day Delinquency Index is expected to decline to its lowest level since January 2006.

Click here to read more about Fitch’s Credit Card Delinquencies reaching new lows.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Chicago Bankruptcy Scam to Free Impounded Vehicles

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A Chicago man was arrested last week for soliciting payoffs from drivers whose vehicles had been impounded by the city. Daniel Rankins was allegedly approaching people whose vehicle had been impounded by the city and offering to help them get their vehicle back for a fraction of the price. Rankins would file phony bankruptcy petitions, which placed an automatic hold on fines and released the vehicle. A spike in the number of motorists claiming bankruptcy to circumvent the process raised questions among city officials. Soon after, the FBI began investigating the scam.

Since May of last year, more than 1,000 bankruptcy cases had been filed with the Revenue Department and the city’s auto pounds as the only listed creditors. An individual at the Revenue Department Office approached an undercover officer posing as a motorist, whose car had been impounded. The individual put him in touch with Rankins, who provided him with bankruptcy paperwork that was already completed except for personal and vehicle information. After the paperwork was complete, Rankins drove the officer to federal bankruptcy court to file. The officer later paid Rankins $600 for his services. Rankins told authorities he learned of the scam when his own car was impounded a few months prior. After Rankins recovered his own vehicle, he began working with the other two individuals to recruit motorists with impounded cars.

Click here to read more on the Chicago Bankruptcy Scam to Free Impounded Vehicles.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Foreclosures are Returning to Pre-Recession Levels

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The foreclosure filing rate has been dropping to levels not seen since before the housing market crashed in 2008. These include notices of default, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions. During the first quarter, the levels fell 23 percent from 2012. This is the lowest level since the second quarter of 2007. During March, the banks repossessed fewer than 44,000 homes, compared with September 2010 when the banks repossessed 100,000. RealtyTrac Vice President, Daren Blomquist said he expects to be back to normal foreclosure levels by 2014.

Foreclosure rates have been declining for the past couple of years because homeowners have been seeking alternatives such as filing for bankruptcy or a short sale. Government programs such as the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) have also helped homeowners avoid foreclosure. The $25 billion settlement deal between federal officials and the five largest mortgage lenders have also pushed the banks to agree to help struggling homeowners. As a result, the largest percentage of the foreclosure activity in the country is occurring in areas that are suffering severe economic problems and no longer in mid to upper-class neighborhoods. Many Americans who are now dealing with foreclosure are those who have recently been laid off or filed for divorce from their spouse.

Click here to read more on foreclosures returning to pre-recession levels.

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between whether or not you can keep your home. A well-qualified Miami foreclosure defense attorney will not only help you keep your home, but they will be able to negotiate a loan that has payments you can afford. Miami foreclosure defense attorney Timothy Kingcade has helped many facing foreclosure alleviate their stress by letting them stay in their homes for at least another year, allowing them to re-organize their lives. If you have any questions on the topic of foreclosure please feel free to contact me at (305) 285-9100. You can also find useful consumer information on the website, Kingcade & Garcia, P.A.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Six Ways to Control Your Spending Habits

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Debt is often thought of in a negative light. However, when it is used wisely, it can provide you with an education, a home, a car and a better life. South Floridians have struggled with some of the most substantial debt in the country throughout the Recession. According to Experian, South Florida’s average credit card debt is the nation’s highest, approximately $4,555 per person.

Below are six ways to better control your spending habits:

1. Determine what you owe and the interest rate each creditor is charging you. After you get a clear picture of what you owe, you should pay off the largest debt or the highest interest rate debts first.
2. Avoid spending money on things you really want. Frequently monitor where your money is going. There is a free website called DoughHound.com you can use to help control your spending.
3. Set a debt-reduction goal. When you are able to reduce your debt, reward yourself. After, you can set a new, higher goal for yourself with a bigger reward.
4. Don’t tempt yourself. Try to avoid leaving an excess of money in your checking account. Instead, you should use your extra cash to pay down your debt.
5. Get support from your family and friends. It is best to look for support from others who share your debt reduction goals. Keep a distance from your friends and family who are big spenders.
6. Beware of debt settlement organizations that offer a lot of promises. Typically, they charge you a lot and deliver less than they promise. Also, stay away from debt consolidation loans.

Click here to read more about the 6 best ways to control your spending habits and reduce your debt.

If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing 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, 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 website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.