Tag: student loan debt

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

Student Loan Borrowers Awarded $3.75 Million from Citibank

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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said in a consent order that Citibank improperly misled borrowers into believing they were ineligible for a tax deduction on interest they paid on certain student loans.  Student loan borrowers who were effected, will share $3.75 million in payments from Citibank for financial practices that forced them to make overpayments, a federal watchdog said this week.

In addition, the bank incorrectly charged late fees and extra interest to borrowers who were still in school and eligible to defer repayments on their student loans.  Citibank also misled borrowers about their monthly bills and failed to disclose required information after the bank denied borrower requests to release loan co-signers.

“Citibank’s servicing failures made it more costly and confusing for borrowers trying to pay back their student loans,” Richard Cordray, the consumer bureau’s director, said in a statement issued with the announcement.

Federal law allows student loan borrowers to deduct as much as $2,500 in annual interest they pay on student loan debt. However, Citibank made statements that suggested the borrowers had not paid qualified interest or were ineligible for the deductions.

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 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.

Credit, Debt Relief, Student Loans, Timothy Kingcade Posts

How the Tax Reform Could Affect those Paying off Student Loans

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As lawmakers consider two different bills that would overhaul the tax code, several changes on the table could affect Americans who are paying student loans. The House version of the bill would eliminate some tax benefits for those with college costs. However, the Senate version of the bill would leave most of them untouched. Both bills would eliminate many tax breaks, however; they would also roughly double the standard deduction.

If you are currently paying off your student loans, you can use the student loan interest deduction to lower your taxable income by as much as $2,500. It is an “above the line deduction,” meaning it can be claimed without itemizing. It is available to borrowers with modified adjusted gross incomes up to $65,000 or $130,000 of couples filing jointly. The current tax deduction saves people a maximum of $625 per year. The proposed House bill would repeal the deduction while the Senate bill would keep it in place.

If you are paying for your child’s tuition you can currently claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for up to $2,500 per child enrolled in college each year. The full credit is available to couples earning up to $160,000 per year and an individual earning up to $80,000 per year. The proposed House bill would expand eligibility to a student’s fifth year at a reduced benefit and the Senate version would keep the credit as it is.

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 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

When Unpaid Student Loan Bills Mean You Can No Longer Work

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Many former students across the country have realized that the loans they took out to pay for their education are now derailing their careers. In 20 different states, government agencies can and have been seizing state-issued professional licenses from residents who default on student loans.

As debt levels rise, creditors are taking increasingly tough actions to pursue people who fall behind on student loans. Across the nation, firefighters, nurses, teachers, attorneys, massage therapists, barbers, psychologists and real estate brokers have all had their licenses suspended or revoked.

In the past, lenders have pursued delinquent borrowers by filing lawsuits, garnishing their wages, putting liens on their property and seizing tax refunds. However, lenders believe if borrowers are faced with losing their licenses, they will find the money. On the other hand, critics of the laws say that enforcing these terms will shove some borrowers off a financial cliff.

Florida is among the 20 states that can seize state-issued licenses if a borrower defaults on student loans. The other 19 states include: Washington, California, Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, Kentucky and Massachusetts.

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 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

Most Student Loan Fraud Claims Involve For-Profits, according to recent study

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An analysis of Education Department data reveals that students who attended for-profit colleges filed more than 98 percent of the requests for student loan forgiveness alleging fraud by their schools.  Century Foundation found nearly 100,000 loan forgiveness claims (known as borrower defense to repayment) have been received over the past two decades, which paints a troubling picture of the state of for-profit higher education in the United States.

The study found “a disproportionate concentration of predatory behavior among for-profit colleges” that raises “serious concerns about the federal government’s current approach to providing relief to students who have been defrauded and misled.”

For-profit colleges expanded rapidly over the past two decades, with enrollment rising from around 230,000 in the early 1990s to a record 2 million in 2010. These for-profit schools recruited aggressively, targeting more “non-traditional” students, usually older people who had jobs and could only study part time.

They also heavily targeted women, people of color and veterans. But after graduating, many students struggled to find jobs they were promised or had difficulty transferring credits to other schools.  This lead to a massive increase in student loan defaults.  A 2010 government study found that all of the 15 for-profit colleges evaluated by undercover agents made deceptive statements to prospective students and four of them encouraged fraudulent practices.

The report comes as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos faces criticism for not moving forward with two Obama-era regulations that would have added protections for student borrowers.  The rules, known as borrower defense to repayment, were developed after a series of high-profile collapses of for-profit chains such as Corinthian Colleges and ITT Technical Institute left thousands of students with worthless degrees and mountains of student loan debt.  The regulations were scheduled to take effect on June 30.

However, the review of tens of thousands of claims has stalled and the AP reported last month that the department is considering abandoning the practice of full loan cancellation in favor of partial forgiveness.  Student advocates are pointing to the Trump administration’s ties to the for-profit industry and accuse DeVos of putting industry over students.

Click here 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 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, Timothy Kingcade Posts

What you need to Know about Student Loan Interest

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Most college students are unaware how loan interest or capitalization works, according to a recent study.  Opting to delay payments after college or graduate school can determine how much you pay over the lifetime of your student loans.

When the interest on a student loan capitalizes, the accrued interest is added to the principal balance, which is the original amount borrowed.  For that reason, the interest charges increase because it is now based on the new higher principal.

Here are 5 examples of when capitalization occurs with federal student loans:

  1. Not making interest payments during school and during the grace period. For undergraduate and graduate unsubsidized Stafford loans, interest begins to accrue immediately after the loan is dispersed.  Subsidized loans are the best option for students, where the federal government pays the interest while the borrower is in school.
  2. Switching from an income-driven repayment plan. It is important borrowers know that just because they are enrolled in an income-driven repayment, Income-Based Repayment Plan or Pay As You Earn (PAYE), this may not be covering all of the interest accruing on the loan. While some income-driven plans stop capitalizing interest after 10 percent of the original loan balance has been paid, there are consequences from switching out of these plans. For example, unpaid accrued interest will capitalize when a borrower no longer qualifies for a financial hardship, fails to provide proper documentation for the plan’s annual enrollment or exits the plan.
  3. Forbearance or deferment. A borrower needs to be careful when selecting these options and know the consequences. Interest is still accumulating on student loans even though the loans are in forbearance or deferment.  This loan interest can accumulate quickly.
  4. Consolidation of federal loans. Consolidating multiple loans into one direct loan, means you are creating an entirely new loan.  It is important to consolidate right after graduating as a measure to reduce the capitalization interest that comes with federal loan consolidation.  Waiting longer to do so typically increases the principal balance.
  5. Defaulting on a student loan. Interest that was outstanding at the time of default will be capitalized.  The principal amount will not only become larger, but the entire balance will be due and payable immediately.

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 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 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, 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