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Bankruptcy Law, Debt Relief, student loan debt, Student Loans

Student Loan Borrowers Diagnosed with Cancer Still Waiting for Promised Relief

Posted on July 5, 2019by Admin

In September 2018, President Donald Trump signed a bill into law, allowing student loan borrowers who have been diagnosed with cancer to delay their federal student loan payments. This new law was created to allow these individuals to focus on their treatment and not their student loan obligations through the course of their medical treatment and six months afterward. However, just nine months after the law took effect, borrowers who have requested this deferment are still waiting for approval.

The delay seems to be due to the U.S. Department of Education not yet providing student loan providers that administer its federal student loan programs an official application through which qualifying borrowers can apply. While the law may be in effect, service providers have no way to implement it.

The Department of Education insists that they are taking steps towards resolving this problem and creating an application for the cancer deferment. However, many borrowers are questioning why this was not done previously. As of January 2019, the Department of Education asked that the Office of Management and Budget conduct an emergency review and approval of the cancer deferment form created.

The Department of Education is also requiring a 60-day comment period on the proposed form, which is delaying the process even further. With cancer patients, time is of the essence. Many consumer advocates question why the comment period was not shorted to 30 or even 15-days.

Student loan servicers are offering temporary forbearances for borrowers who are seeking the cancer deferment. However, forbearance does not stop interest from accruing on the debt while payments are paused. Deferment, on the other hand, puts payments on hold while pausing interest from accruing, as well.

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. There are ways to file for bankruptcy with student loan 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 has been helping people from all walks of life build a better tomorrow. Our attorneys help thousands of people every year take advantage of their rights under bankruptcy protection to restart, rebuild and recover. The day you hire our firm, we will contact your creditors to stop the harassment. You can also find useful consumer information on the Kingcade Garcia McMaken website at www.miamibankruptcy.com.

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

Forbes’ Ten Easy Steps to Achieve Financial Success

Posted on April 5, 2013by Admin

Many Americans have struggled to regain control of their finances and subsequently, their life. Take these ten easy steps to achieve financial success!

1. Spend less than you earn. One problem in America is that many people spend more than they make and live beyond their means. A simple solution to this is to live within your means.

2. Pay yourself first. Each month, remember to pay yourself first. This can be in the form of a savings account, a retirement plan, an investment account, etc. Many Americans pay their bills first and save what is “leftover.” The problem with this is there is little or nothing leftover.

3. Insure big risks. Think about your own unique situation in life and the biggest financial risk that is posed. If you are a single parent, life insurance is the best thing for you to consider. Consult with a financial advisor to measure the risk and pricing options.

4. Know your numbers. Many Americans are disconnected from their finances. It is not uncommon for people to pay their bills and not pay attention to anything beyond that or simply gather data for their CPA’s. It is better to know where you stand, what you make, what you spend, your debts and your net worth and monitor all of these things closely.

5. Understand your money attitude. Your attitude about money determines your behavior with money. Whether you are a spender, saver or an avoider, it is better to know how you act with money. Think about your history with money, this can help you succeed and avoid financial failures.

6. Discuss your musts. Many people choose not to talk about money and their views regarding money. However, it is in your best interest to discuss your life and what is most important to you. You can decide what is a financial MUST for you and the best way to get there.

7. Invest. Most Americans are scared to invest in stocks because the media portrays this as a surefire way of losing all of your money. This is simply not true. Educate yourself on stocks, speak with a financial advisor (whom you trust) and invest in stocks. If you can live without immediate gratification, it will payoff for you big time in the future.

8. Be willing to give up potential return for short-term needs. Short-term money and emergency funds should not be invested in the stock market. While it is good to invest, you should be rational and always have an emergency fund available for the unexpected.

9. Protect yourself from the stupidity of others. Everyone has known of someone who has had a “get rich quick scheme” or at least been victim to one. Do not allow yourself to be fooled into these types of schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

10. Goals are important. Everyone needs to set goals for themselves. Think about your goals both long-term and short-term. Think of where you want to be in five years and ten years. This will enable you to set personal and financial goals for yourself.

Click here to read more about Forbes’ ten easy steps to financial success.

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.

Credit, Foreclosures, Timothy Kingcade Posts

10 Items you ABSOLUTELY Need to get a Mortgage

Posted on March 13, 2013by Admin

Many people believe that owning a home is unattainable after filing for bankruptcy. But in fact, the average waiting period from mortgage lenders after filing for bankruptcy is just two years. As long as you stay on top of your payments and do not accrue more debt. Below is a laundry list of documents you will need to start a mortgage application.

1.) A valid driver’s license which verifies your identity, compliant with the Patriot Act.

2.) Secondary ID’s (a passport or social security card) as support for number one.

3.) Your most recent pay stubs for a period of one month.

4.) W-2 forms from employers for the past two years to prove employment and earnings history.

5.) Signed federal tax returns (with all pages and schedules) for the past two years.

6.) Most recent bank and asset statements (all pages) for a period of two months.

7.) Fully executed contract for the property you are buying.

8.) If refinancing, a copy of your deed.

9.) Name, address and phone number of your landlord

10.) Name, address, phone, fax numbers and email address for your attorney

Click here to find more tips to be approved for a mortgage.

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 Kingcade & Garcia, P.A..

Bankruptcy Law, Credit, Timothy Kingcade Posts

January the Most Popular Month for Divorce

Posted on January 2, 2013by Admin

The first month of the New Year is reportedly the most popular time of the year to file for divorce. Below are five financial reasons why:

1. Year-End Bonuses are a contributing factor of why many couples wait until January to divorce. In most states, once a divorce has been filed, any income that comes in after, is separate. Year-end bonuses are commonly fought over in divorces.

2. Cooling Off can be another factor in why spouses wait until January to file for divorce. Spouses are aware of the fact that their significant other might be less likely to settle if their holiday was ruined.

3. Holiday Shopping can be disastrous if spouses are angry at one other. The spouse that has been served the papers may go on a spree with the idea that he/she deserves it while the opportunity is present.

4. Tax Returns are commonly thought to be a contributing factor to whether a divorce is filed in December or January. While it really makes no difference when the divorce is filed, many couples are under the assumption its best to start the New Year with a clean slate.

5. More Time to Plan is available if a spouse waits to file for divorce in January. Both spouses have most likely had some time off for the holidays and are able to get end-of-year statements together. There is more time for spouses to sift through finances and gain a better prospective on what the future holds.

Timothy Kingcade Posts

Tips to Becoming Financially Stable in Your 20s

Posted on October 9, 2012by Admin

Most young adults face financial stress after graduation. The job market continues to remain relatively stagnant and most graduates are drowning in insurmountable student loan debt. However, financial planners consider age 22 – 35 the best time to stabilize a financial future.

Below are 11 tips for young adults to achieve financial security:

1. Analyze your finances: If you find yourself living paycheck-to-paycheck you need to track where your money is going. Find a balance that allows you to pay your bills but enjoy your life. The best way to do this is to thoroughly examine your expenses.
2. Make your own job: When the economy is suffering, young people might have more success in entrepreneurial endeavors rather than struggling to find a job. If you have a hobby or something you enjoy doing, try to utilize it in a way that will generate cash flow.
3. Examine your debt: Take a look at the interest rates on any loans you currently have. It will help you in the long run by paying down the loan with the highest interest rate.
4. Rent vs. Buy: Consider your home a used asset as opposed to an investment. Also, consider that the housing market is still suffering. If you buy a home and need to relocate, ask yourself if you will be able to regain what you have invested. In places such as South Florida, costs associated with buying a home are so high renting might be the best option.
5. Find a mentor: Research financial planning. Remember that your situation is different than everyone else’s. It would benefit you to speak with a financial planner who can give you personalized advice.
6. Start saving: You can no longer depend on social security or retirement. Most people do not stay in the same job throughout their adult life. As a result, saving for retirement is now a necessity.
7. Take care of risks: Planning for the future involves more than just financial stability. You should make a will, draw up financial and health directives and buy disability and rental insurance.
8. Positive Relationships: It is always in your best interest to develop and maintain positive relationships. You never can never predict when, “who you know” will help you out down the road.
9. Investing: Sometimes for small investors, mutual funds are the best option because of lower overhead and decreased risk. You may also consider individual stocks, bonds and exchanged-traded funds because they are flexible and the fees are extremely low.
10. Set up a 401(k): If you decide to set up a Roth 401(k) you will see tax-free growth and few restrictions if you need to borrow against it for a down payment on a home.
11. Live frugally: If you are married, you should be saving part of one spouse’s salary. Try to do so before you have kids. Live beneath your means so that you are not dependent on two incomes, in case you do have children and one of you needs to stop working for a while.
To read more on this story visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/08/v-fullstory/2685725/how-to-start-building.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.