Consumers are struggling to keep their credit scores up in this economy, and it appears the credit reporting agencies are not making it any easier. The three major credit agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion produce billions of credit reports per year and of this mass amount of reports, an estimated 25 percent contain errors. The errors can be as minor as an incorrect name or birth date.
Consumers are filing complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, but changes to the system are slow to come. The complaints are citing a breach of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The large amount of errors on consumers’ credit reports is especially troubling, as these are not only accessed by companies issuing credit cards, but also by banks, employers, insurers and many others.
The credit agencies reportedly hired a number of foreign workers to produce credit reports and pay them as little as $0.57 per hour. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has been made aware of this issue and is expected to take major steps in addressing the problem sometime this month. It is likely that lawsuits will be filed against some of the credit agencies due to this problem. Consumers are urged to keep a close eye on their credit reports and to report any errors to the Federal Trade Commission.
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
Tag: Bankruptcy
Student Loan Defaults Increase Nationwide
The Sun-Sentinel reported that across the nation, former students are defaulting on their federally backed student loans at rapid rates. In return, the government is filing lawsuits against former students who default on these loans. The report also stated that more than 4,300 lawsuits were filed across the country against former students who defaulted on their loans in 2011. South Florida reported that 183 lawsuits were filed against residents in 2011 that were unable to make their student loan payments.
Across the state, federal statistics reflect that more than 19,000 residents have defaulted on their student loan payments in the past two years; approximately 1.7 percent more than the national average of those who began repayment in 2009. The number of lawsuits and defaulted loans are expected to continue climbing due to unemployment rates.
Many former students struggling financially are choosing to file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy to relieve some of their debt. Although student loan debts are non-dischargeable through bankruptcy, this is a primary way for former students to avoid a lawsuit.
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
Thousands at Risk to Lose Retirement Benefits from American Airlines
American Airlines and its parent company recently filed a lawsuit against the Committee of Retired Employees to stop providing health care and life insurance benefits to current retirees. The airline is currently paying 40,000 retirees life insurance and health care benefits and wants the bankruptcy judge to rule that it can end the benefits as a way to cut costs in “sound business judgment.” American Airlines reported that during 2010 paying retirement benefits cost them a reportedly $1.26 billion.
American Airlines and its’ parent company AMR Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection on November 29, 2011, after its reported $10 billion losses since 2001. The company is taking steps to restructure, such as layoffs and pay cuts, and ultimately hopes to save $1 billion through these efforts.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.startribune.com/business/161620245.html
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
South Florida’s Bankruptcy Filings Fall for the Third Month in a Row
After a major surge in bankruptcy filings earlier this year, May was the third month in a row where South Florida experienced yet another decrease in bankruptcy filings. The U.S. District Court of Miami released a statement saying that during the month of May bankruptcy filings dropped 2.75 percent from April filings in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties combined. In Broward County, 732 consumers filed for bankruptcy, in Palm Beach County 412 filed and in Miami-Dade 1,293 filed.
Bankruptcy and foreclosure trends tend to go hand in hand. Therefore, foreclosure cases in South Florida have also decreased over the past three months. From March to April this year, foreclosure cases were down approximately 15 percent in Palm Beach County, down 36 percent from a year ago. Foreclosure cases were down 31 percent from March to April in Broward County. In April, there was some speculation from attorneys that bankruptcy filings were down due to consumers waiting for new qualification factors beginning May 1st. The new qualifications include a change on income limits that would make filing for bankruptcy easier for financially distressed consumers.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/fl-bankruptcies-may-20120602,0,1862683.story
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
8 Tips to Improve Your Credit Score after Bankruptcy
Thoroughly examine your credit score post bankruptcy. You want to make sure that creditors know the debt that you were relieved of has been wiped clean from your credit report. The items should have a “BK” notation next to them to show you were relieved of them.
2. Re-examine your credit score several times, because even after your debts are discharged, it may take some time for this to reflect on your credit report.
3. Create a strict budget for yourself. Review your finances several times per week to ensure you are sticking to your budget.
4. Do not avoid applying for new credit; in fact, responsible credit spending is a great way to begin building up your credit score.
5. Set up automatic payments for your cable, Internet and phone bills, so you do not miss your payment due date. Again, watch your finances closely so that you know when money will be coming out of your account.
6. Student loan payments are a top priority. Student loans are not discharged after filing for bankruptcy and paying these timely can be an excellent way to improve your credit score.
7. Pre-paid credit cards can be a great way to improve your credit score if you are having trouble getting approved for a non-secure credit card. Be very cautious of companies that have high annual charges.
8. Defaulted loans are not the only item that impacts your credit score. Having your credit cards to the max will have a negative effect on your score in the same way. Bottom line: Never max out your credit cards.
To read more on this story visit: http://articles.marketwatch.com/2010-08-26/finance/30762498_1_credit-report-filings-credit-rating/2
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
New Credit Scoring System, ‘The Extended View’ Released to Aid the Poorest of Consumers
“The Extended View” launched by Experian is a new credit scoring system that has the potential to bring as many as 64 million Americans without a credit score, back into the lending fold. The new system will help the poorest of consumers, taking into account the traditional credit scoring system. The Extended View will look at factors such as rental payment history, payday loan repayment history, missed child support payments, financial histories and public records. The scale will be similar to the one used by VantageScore which ranges from 401 – 900.
The president of Experian Consumer Information Services reported that approximately 15 lenders, both large and small were already considering using The Extended View scoring system. The lenders range anywhere from banks and auto lenders- to telephone and utility providers. Studies show that the number of ‘underbanked’ Americans will grow in the coming years, which is most likely the reason lenders are considering the new system. The system will allow a lender to request an “Extended View” score if the consumer has no traditional credit score.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/14/experian-new-credit-score-extended-view_n_1596943.html
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com
“Taxmaggedon” Expected to Throw the U.S. Back into a Recession
At the end of the year, the Bush Administration’s tax cuts are set to expire. The Obama Administration’s payroll tax cuts are also set to expire along with cuts for several federal agencies, such as the Pentagon. All of these changes are expected to send the economy into another recession beginning in early 2013. If no changes are made to the expiring cuts, the economy will take an estimated $607 billion hit.
As of now, the Republicans and the President are not in agreement on how to avoid the recession. President Obama has made it clear he will veto any attempt at continuing Bush’s tax cuts, which is precisely what the Republicans want to happen. President Obama has threatened to veto any effort to amend current policies unless Republicans agree to let the Bush tax cuts expire for households earning more than $250,000 a year.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/cbo-taxmageddon-would-throw-us-back-into-recession/2012/05/22/gIQAblvliU_story.html
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
IRS Makes More Changes to Help Taxpayers gain a ‘Fresh Start’ with their Finances
On May 21, 2012 the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a change in the terms of the Offer In Compromise presented to taxpayers to promote the ‘Fresh Start’ initiative. An Offer In Compromise is a leniency accessible to financially distressed taxpayers who meet certain guidelines. The new terms for the ‘Fresh Start’ initiative reflect the government’s attempt to help struggling taxpayers resolve their tax debt in 1 – 2 years, as opposed to 4 – 5 years.
The changes to be made to the guidelines for an Offer In Compromise include:
• Calculating a taxpayers future income will now include only one year if payment can be made in 5 months or fewer, or two years if payment will be made anywhere from 6 months to 2 years
• Taxpayers will now be allowed to pay student loans as part of their living expenses
• Taxpayers will be allowed to pay delinquent state and local taxes
• Taxpayers Allowable Living Expenses will be expanded to provide a more fair and consistent plan
To read more on this story visit: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=257542,00.html
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
South Florida Ranks Number One in Credit Card Delinquencies
CredAbility, a non-profit credit counseling agency, conducted a study of 25 metro areas in the United States to determine the financial standings of major cities across the country. According to the study, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties ranked highest in overall consumer credit card delinquencies. South Florida also ranked fourth of the 25 metro areas with the highest number of bankruptcy filings during the first quarter of 2012.
Much of the credit problems in South Florida can be attributed to lenders handing out credit cards to freely during the recession. Many South Floridians used their credit cards as spending money as they suffered pay cuts and job losses. Over time lenders began taking steps to hold borrowers to higher standards and not lending out money as freely as before. The financial problems for many South Floridians are not expected to ease up until the job market becomes more secure, which could take a couple more years.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-worst-credit-rating-20120515,0,2146740.story?track=rss
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com.
Bankruptcy filings decrease as many Americans Struggle to afford the Filing Fee
In recent years, filing for bankruptcy has become a luxury for people who have seen their debt snowball out of control due to events like job loss, foreclosure or medical emergency during the economic downturn. The average cost to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, the most common form of consumer bankruptcy, is more than $1,500, according to recent research submitted to the National Bureau of Economic Research.
The cost of filing for bankruptcy has risen in recent years as a result of the 2005 Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, which aimed to reduce the number of bankruptcies taking place by adding more requirements to the filing process — including additional paperwork and the credit counseling and debtor education.
The research, conducted by a group of professors from Columbia University, the University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis, examined how bankruptcy filings spiked after people received their tax rebates in previous years. They estimate that another 200,000 consumers, who would otherwise not have enough money to file, will use their tax refunds to pay for bankruptcy this year.
Gerri Detweiler, director of consumer education for Credit.com warns consumer of ‘going it alone.’ “Make one mistake and your case is dismissed,” she said. “A dismissed bankruptcy hurts your credit just as badly as one you complete. So you are stuck with all of the downside without the fresh start.”
She also warns against ‘low-cost document preparation services’ claiming to help consumers fill out necessary documents. “It’s easy for consumers to think they’re getting sound legal advice even though the preparers aren’t lawyers,” she said.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/money/money-some-seeking-bankruptcy-are-too-broke-to-file
If you are in a financial crisis and are considering filing bankruptcy, contact an experienced 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, P.A. at www.miamibankruptcy.com