Tag: debt

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

New Survey Reveals the Hidden Cost of Debt

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A survey of more than a thousand U.S. adults conducted by Harris Poll revealed that over half of the respondents said debt had negatively impacted their life.  Some of the top sources of concern among respondents included: “relationship tension” with a spouse or partner (21%) causing them to mislead family or friends about their “financial situation” (11%), many worried about their debt in general, (31%), at work, (18%) and before they went to bed (25%), according to the survey.

All of these worries led many to stress about everyday financial decisions because of their debt (28%). Some of the respondents received letters and calls from collection agencies (19%).

However, it was Millennials who showed the greatest signs of stress, with 68% saying debt has had a “negative impact” on their everyday life, a higher percentage than other generations surveyed such as Baby Boomers (48%) and GenXers (59%).

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 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

Debt Questions you may be Afraid to Ask

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Talking about debt can bring up all sorts of emotions, leaving some to worry in silence about their own debt or a family member’s finances.  Here some answers to some of the most common questions about debt.

Can I inherit my spouse’s or family member’s debt after they die?  This depends on the debt. The assets left behind after a death typically go towards paying off that individual’s debt.  After that runs out, the creditor typically suffers the loss.  Co-signers when it comes to student loans, mortgage debts and joint credit cards will likely be on the hook for any remaining balance.  Know the dangers co-signing a loan and make sure and carry enough life insurance to cover all of your debts.

Is there a limit to the amount of debt I can take on?  The answer is no, but it depends largely on the type of debt.  Lenders sometimes offer you more credit than you can pay back.  Think of a loan you would take out to start a new business or taking out a mortgage to purchase a new home.  Even if you qualify for the loan, be realistic about what you can afford to repay.

Can I be arrested for outstanding debt?  The answer is no.  The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) bars debt collectors from harassing and threatening you with arrest or jail.  However, they can sue you for payment.  Know your rights when dealing with debt collectors and consult with an experienced bankruptcy attorney before receiving a court summons or being sued by a creditor.

If I file for bankruptcy, will ALL of my debt be erased?  Alimony and child support obligations cannot be erased in bankruptcy.  Student loans, certain tax debts and judgments against you can be difficult to get discharged as well.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you have any questions on this topic or are in a 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, 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.

Credit, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Good News for Home Buyers with Student Loan Debt

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Mortgage lender Fannie Mae has just made significant rule changes that should make it easier for former students with costly student loan debts to purchase their first home or do a “cash-out” refinancing to pay off debt.

These new policies could be game changers for a large number of consumers. Approximately 43 million Americans are carrying student loan debt, totaling $1.4 trillion nationwide. Costly student loan debt not only impedes on borrowers’ ability to save money for a down payment, but it is also a key reason why so many young, potential home buyers remain renters or are living with their parents.

Below are three big changes that Fannie Mae has made that could affect you:

  • If you’re one of the 5 million borrowers who participate in federal-reduced payment plans on your student loan, your actual monthly payments, as reported to the credit bureaus, will count toward your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio calculations. For example, if your payments were originally supposed to be $500 a month but you have had them reduced to $100 through an income-based repayment plan, only the $100 will be added to your monthly debts for DTI purposes. Previously, lenders were required to factor in one percent of your student loan balance as your monthly payment on the student loan, even though you were actually paying a fraction of that.
  • For an estimated 8.5 million American homeowners who are still carrying student debt, Fannie Mae has lowered the costs of a “cash out” refinancing, provided the extra cash you pull out from your equity is used to retire your student debt. Among the potential beneficiaries: parents participating in “parent plus” programs that help pay off their kids’ student loan debts, and parents who have co-signed for their children’s student loans. Fannie is eliminating the usual extra fee it charges for cash-outs, as long as the funds that borrowers withdraw pay off student loan debts.
  • If you have nonmortgage debts that are being paid for by someone else such as your parents, these will no longer be included in your DTI computation, provided the payments have been made steadily for 12 months. This should improve the DTI ratios of young buyers who are still getting a little help from their parents.

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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, 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, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Puerto Rico Files for Largest U.S. Municipal Bankruptcy

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Last week Puerto Rico filed for municipal bankruptcy with a total of $123 billion in debt and pension obligations. It is the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history, far exceeding Detroit’s $18 billion bankruptcy filing in 2013.

Governor Ricardo Rossello said, “Given the deficit that we inherited, it is my responsibility to guarantee the best interests of the Puerto Rican people.”

The court proceedings could potentially make the island solvent again for the first time in decades. However, many of the prominent Wall Street firms who own Puerto Rico’s bonds are not too happy about the bankruptcy filing because they fear they won’t get paid back the money they are owed.

Puerto Rico has been in an economic recession for more than a decade and the unemployment rate is 11.5 percent.  The island’s financial crisis is so bad that Congress installed a Fiscal Oversight Board last year to call the financial shots. However, the board stopped negotiations with creditors last week and filed for bankruptcy.

While on the campaign trail, Donald Trump said he would not “bail out” Puerto Rico. He repeated that again in a recent tweet. His budget director also said that the White House pushed hard to ensure no federal dollars would go toward paying the island’s debts in the latest Congressional budget deal.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, 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, 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.

Related Resources:

http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/03/news/economy/puerto-rico-wants-to-file-for-bankruptcy/

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/03/business/dealbook/puerto-rico-debt.html?_r=1

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

5 Last Minute Tax Tips You Need Before Tax Day

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Tax filing day is rapidly approaching us on April 18th as countless Americans are scrambling to gather up their paperwork and get their returns in on time. Here are five last minute tips that can reduce what you owe or increase your refund.

  1. Report all of your income. If you try to hide some of your income that you have received throughout the year, you may end up on the IRS audit list. Any time you receive income, whether it’s payment for a freelance job, a dividend check or interest from your bank, you’re required to report that income and pay taxes on it. In fact, you should receive a 1099 form from each issuer that pays you.
  2. Know your tax credits. Tax credits work by reducing your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. For example, a $1,000 tax credit means you get to automatically deduct $1,000 from your tax bill in full. As you prepare to file your return, take some time to read up on the various tax credits out there. For example, there are tax credits geared toward parents, students and low earners that can add up to huge savings.
  3. Don’t estimate your deductions. On the other hand, tax deductions can save you money by excluding a portion of your income from taxes. Some of the deductions that are available to tax filers include: mortgage interest deductions, medical expense deductions and deductions for charitable contributions. However, you need to check your records and make sure your numbers are 100% accurate.
  4. Contribute to last year’s IRA. If you failed to put money into an IRA last year, here’s some good news: it’s not too late! You can make a contribution that counts for the 2016 tax year. In fact, you have until Tax Day, April 18th, to make a contribution to the previous year’s account.
  5. File Electronically. Filing electronically can help to eliminate math errors. If your return contains a major mistake, you could get audited or cause your refund to be delayed. In 2014, the IRS identified almost 2.3 million math errors from the previous year’s returns.

 

Click here to read more on this story.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, 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, 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, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

The Effects Debt Has On Your Emotions

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The average U.S. household carries debt- more than $132,000 in fact, including mortgages.  Approximately 40 percent of households have credit card debt.  The interest on credit cards alone is costing as much as $1,300 per household per year.

If you are struggling with debt, understanding the common emotions and actions surrounding debt can help you take positive steps moving forward to help improve your financial and mental health.

Powerlessness. If you have a large amount of debt, it can make you feel powerless.  The best way to fight back is to take control.  Get on a budget and stick to it.  Knowing that you are taking control and have a plan in place will help you regain a sense of power.

PTSD-like symptoms. A recent survey found that one in four people who are in debt have symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. That number is even higher for millennials. Among people age 18-34 who are in debt, 36 percent suffer. Symptoms can include denial, avoidance (such as not paying bills), and not being able to sleep.

Fear & Anxiety.  Debt can make us anxious.  Be proactive and set up auto-pays on recurring bills you have.  It will give you one less thing to think about.  Put credit cards away (only temporarily, remember not to close out the accounts).

Retail Cravings. Nearly two-thirds of women and 40 percent of men have spent money to improve their mood, according to research. If you overspend, any euphoria you experience will surely diminish once the bills arrive in the mail.  When you feel yourself wanting to spend, ask yourself what’s really going on. Think of the HALT acronym: Are you hungry, angry, lonely or tired?   Address these feelings head-on without the use of a credit card.

Lowered defenses.  Lowered defenses might be caused by anything from having a couple of glasses of wine to a break-up, to battling a cold. Be smart about your spending.  To resist online impulse buys, delete credit card information stored on your computer and mobile devices.

Celebration. Did you recently receive a bonus or land a big account?  When it comes to the risk of debt, feeling overly happy can be just as dangerous as feeling overly sad, which can oftentimes cause a financial splurge. Put any financial gain toward your debt or into savings.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, 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, 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.

Related Resources:

http://www.wbrc.com/story/34555906/6-ways-debt-can-wreak-havoc-with-your-emotions

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What Happens to Your Home When You File for Bankruptcy?

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Bankruptcy gives people a chance for a fresh start and to have their debts forgiven.  Through Chapter 7 bankruptcy, filers are essentially saying they do not have the money to make payments on their debt and want to have their debt eliminated.  As part of the process, consumers may have their assets seized to pay off a portion of their debt.

However, not all assets can be seized.  These exemptions include: retirement accounts and pensions, your home and your car, based on how much they are worth. So, it is possible to file bankruptcy and keep your home and your car. Exemption amounts vary from state to state.  But generally, any assets with equity lower than the exemption amount cannot be seized.

Chapter 13 bankruptcy is a  process where consumers can work out a payment plan over three to five years to pay off their debt. Consumers who file Chapter 13 will not lose their property as long as they keep making payments on time. And consumers who start off filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy but then realize that their property may be seized may be able to switch to Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which would allow them to keep their assets and get current on payments.

Consumers who are thinking about filing for bankruptcy should speak to an attorney and research the bankruptcy exemptions in their state to know exactly how much of their property is at stake.  It is important to know that certain debts, such as student loans, tax debts and child support obligations, cannot typically be discharged in bankruptcy.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, 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, 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.

Related Resources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/get-there/wp/2016/07/26/what-happens-to-your-property-when-you-file-for-bankruptcy/?utm_term=.26292275820e

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What to Consider Before Paying Christmas Bills with a Tax Refund Loan

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If you are planning on paying off your Christmas debt with your tax refund check, you may want to think again. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that some taxpayers will experience delays at the beginning of tax season in 2017 due to a new law that requires the IRS to hold refund checks until February 15th. There may also be delays due to weekends and the President’s Day holiday. As a result, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to count on their refund checks until the week of February 27th.

However, some taxpayers are planning to use tax Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) or Refund Anticipation Checks (RACs) to tide them over between the holidays and tax season. If you are planning to do so, here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Interest Rates: In most RAL agreements, the taxpayer agrees to repay the RAL at tax time, plus interest. Some states limit the amount of interest that a lender can charge, however, in some instances, the annual percentage rate (APR) of an RAL can exceed triple-digits.
  • Fees: In addition to high interest rates, RALs oftentimes come with hefty fees that can diminish the remainder of your refund check. According to the National Consumer Law Center, some add-on fees they observed in a 2013 report included application fees; data and document storage fees; document processing fees; e-filing fees; service bureau fees; transmission/software fees; and technology fees.
  • Uncertainty: Keep in mind that you have to repay the entire amount of the loan even if you receive less than you anticipated. This means that you have to estimate the amount you will receive back on your taxes when taking out a loan.

 

Click here to read more on this story.

If you are in financial crisis and considering filing for bankruptcy, 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, 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, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

8 Mistakes to Avoid on Black Friday

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Millions of Americans wait all year for Black Friday to come around. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, seven out of ten people stock up on holiday gifts during Thanksgiving weekend. With the right planning and research, you can save a ton of money this holiday season.

Here are some mistakes to avoid during the busiest shopping day of the year.

  1. Failing to make a list. Start by making a list of the items you wish to buy. Then research the places with the best prices for these items. If you are unsure of the items you need, determine who you are shopping for and then do some research online.
  2. Paying full price for add-ons. One of the most common mistakes Black Friday shoppers make is paying full price for add-ons when shopping for electronics. These include batteries, cables and chargers. It is important to keep in mind that you do not need to get add-ons the same day or at the same place. Strategize where you can buy each commodity for electronics at the best price. Saving these items for Cyber Monday is a good choice!
  3. Buying toys. The sales on toys typically extend into the first two weeks of December. According to DealNews.com toys are generally cheaper in the first two weeks of December.
  4. Choosing the wrong time to go. Many of the stores who participate in Black Friday deals have started their sales on Thanksgiving in recent years. According to retale.com, 54 percent of shoppers said they would prefer to stay home on Thanksgiving. This gives shoppers a chance to beat the Black Friday crowds.
  5. Opening store credit cards. It is tempting to open a store credit card to save an additional 10 to 15 percent off your purchase. However, going into debt over the holidays is not worth the savings.
  6. Not using a price-comparison app. If you are planning on shopping on Black Friday, using apps like RedLaser, ShopSavvy and BuyVia will help you find the best prices.
  7. Falling for “fear of missing out.” Oftentimes shoppers fall for the belief that sales are short-lived or that items are in limited supply. This is not necessarily true. Retailers have been preparing for this day weeks in advance and have ample supplies of what they expect to be top sellers. Keep in mind that many of the door-buster deals that are in limited supply are cheap quality, as well as cheaply priced.
  8. Forgetting about Cyber Monday. If you do not find what you need on Black Friday, don’t forget about the Cyber Monday deals. Shopping online makes it easier to compare prices and stock up your cart with items you might not have been able to find in stores.

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, 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, Debt Relief, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Credit Card Debt Approaches Post Recession Levels

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 According to the Household Debt and Credit report released by the Federal Reserve Bank, total household debt balances grew slowly throughout the second quarter of this year. As of June 30, 2016, total household debt had reached $12.29 trillion, up $35 billion from the first quarter of 2016.

At the same time, the nation’s cumulative credit card balance reached $729 billion, which is up $17 billion from the first quarter. While still below its peak of $866 billion in the fourth quarter of 2008, economists say that the numbers are on track to reach pre-recession levels of credit card debt around the second quarter of 2017. However, economists also say that conditions might change and previous numbers do not necessarily mean we will enter into another recession.

While credit card debt is up, credit card usage is actually down substantially from previous highs. Credit card usage peaked in 2008 at 68 percent of borrowers, then swiftly declined to 59 percent during the recession due to banks reactively and proactively closing accounts.

Click here to read more on this story.

If you 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, 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.