Debt consolidation can seem like a lifeline when you’re juggling multiple loans or credit card balances. The idea of combining everything into one monthly payment with a lower interest rate sounds appealing. This financial strategy can often reduce stress and...
Bankruptcy can offer relief from serious financial trouble. However, it is not always the right answer. Knowing when it helps and when it may not is crucial for making the best possible decision in your circumstances. Below are some key points that may help. When...
There are many reasons why people who might benefit from bankruptcy are hesitant to file. In some cases, people worry about social stigma. They don't want their neighbors or employers to learn that they have struggled financially. Other times, plans for the future can...
The realization that you’re in over your head with debts and regular life expenses can be disheartening. There will likely come a point when you recognize that you need to do something to get control of those debts while still keeping up with normal bills. Two...
The decision to file for bankruptcy is one that usually is not made easily. Most people wait until they’ve exhausted all other options. If you’re considering taking the steps to file for bankruptcy, it is critical to ensure that you understand exactly what this means...
People often turn to bankruptcy during financial emergencies. If they cannot afford their financial obligations and face aggressive collection efforts, they may consider bankruptcy. Foreclosure can lead to people losing their homes if they fall behind on payments....
Before you can file your Chapter 7 bankruptcy petition, you must first qualify for filing under that chapter. Think of the means test as the dividing line between those whose indigence prevents them from meeting their financial obligations and those who simply don’t...
If you’re married and struggling with debt, deciding whether to file for bankruptcy alone or jointly with your spouse is a big decision. You might be concerned about protecting shared assets or how filing will affect your credit scores. The answer depends on your...
Income taxes consume a significant portion of an individual's earnings each year. In cases where people have multiple streams of income, pay their own taxes as self-employed professionals or have other complicating tax return factors, taxpayers may unintentionally...
When someone lives paycheck to paycheck, they may feel relatively stable in a financial sense. They can pay their bills and make ends meet. But they must receive that next paycheck to do so. A disruption to their earnings, such as job loss, could mean that they are...