When you have taken the step to file for bankruptcy and are struggling to make ends meet, you may have wondered if your home will soon go into foreclosure. If you’re filing for bankruptcy, it’s likely that you’ve been struggling with finances for several months – even years – and may already have come close […]
How to Save Your Home if You File for Bankruptcy Read More »
Many people who are filing for bankruptcy wonder if they are able to have back owed income taxes discharged during the bankruptcy process. The short answer is: Maybe. The type of bankruptcy you are filing will determine whether you can include back owed income taxes in your bankruptcy, or not. Educating yourself on the different
Can I Include Back Owed Income Taxes in My Bankruptcy? Read More »
Q: Why do 866 numbers keep calling me? Are they scammers? A: Scam calls from the 809 area code and similar numbers like 649, 284, and 866 are more than just annoying—they’re potentially expensive traps. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warns consumers that these calls often lead to costly international charges or phishing schemes designed
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If you’ve been paying attention to any conversations about debt in America lately, you’ve no doubt heard phrases like moral hazard or moral obligation thrown around. American individuals and families owe a collective $11 trillion in consumer debt, including car loans, mortgages, credit card bills and more. At the same time, a recent analysis by USA Today
Do You Have a Moral Obligation to Pay Your Debt? Read More »
If you’re like me, you’d like to simplify your summer finances. After all, summer is the time to relax a bit more, spend extra time with family and friends, and maybe even indulge in a little getaway if a summer vacation fits into your budget. So chances are, money matters are the last things you
6 Ways to Simplify Your Summer Finances Read More »
If the current economic conditions are still impacting your finances, you may want to declare bankruptcy as a way to get a fresh start. In recent years, bankruptcy filings have been on the rise, with a notable increase of 16.2% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 504,112 filings. This trend is
6 Things to Do Before You Declare Bankruptcy Read More »
Two new studies suggest that your mental state – specifically being distracted and experiencing stress – can have a serious, negative impact on your finances. Northwestern Mutual recently surveyed 1,000 Americans 25 and older to analyze their financial tenacity and self-discipline. Not surprisingly, the bulk of those polled admitted they were lagging in those areas.
Got Stress? Your Finances Could Suffer Read More »
When my husband, Earl, left his job as a national accounts manager for book publisher John Wiley & Sons, the very last email he sent from his corporate account carried the subject line “Independence Day.” Like many people who leave a job, Earl (shown at right, and above with me) used his parting missive to
Why Independence Day Means Financial Freedom to Me Read More »
Whether you’ve lost your job, are carrying an excessive amount of credit card debt, or have big medical bills and are dealing with mounting debt, you may have considered filing for bankruptcy to get a fresh start with your finances. A recent FindLaw.com survey revealed that one in eight Americans, or 13% of us, have
Top Reasons Your Bankruptcy Filing May Be Rejected Read More »
Q: I received a 1099-c form from the mortgage company I used to have a loan with. My ex-wife and I were both on the mortgage. She took the house in the divorce and never got my name off of the loan. She then filed bankruptcy. I received the 1099c form that simply showed the
Q: Hello Lynnette ! I am an international graduate student who worked as a part time contractor to the United Nations in 2010 for about 6 months. They did not subtract any tax from my income, and the UN does not provide a W-2 or any tax form. My supervisors don’t know what I should
If you’re about to get married, or have recently tied the knot, chances are you and your mate talked through virtually every aspect of the wedding ceremony. But what about a thorough discussion of the money matters that will affect your life together after the Big Day? Unfortunately, studies show that most couples are loath
4 Financial Questions You Should Ask Your Future Spouse Before You Get Married Read More »
If you or your child has just graduated from college, your number one goal may be getting a job. Of course, that’s a lot easier said than done, with unemployment rate around 9% and even higher–a staggering 16%–for African-Americans. Still, there are many steps recent college graduates can take to put themselves on the road to
Financial Advice for College Graduates Read More »
Q: If I change my mind and decide not to file for bankruptcy, how should I make the 3 credit agencies aware of what I’ve done and will this weigh heavily on my credit score? A: The current status of your bankruptcy should be reflected on your current credit reports from the credit agencies (including
If I File For Bankruptcy And Change My Mind, What Will Happen To My Credit Score Read More »
Here’s a tale about two 40-year old guys who are best friends. We’ll call them Bill and Skip. From the time they were teenagers both Bill and Skip dreamed of becoming successful corporate sales executives and enjoying the finer things in life—you know, nice house, sporty cars, designer suits, the whole works. Bill and Skip
The Story of Bill and Skip: Why Your Credit Score Matters Read More »
