Home Equity Loan

Many people think of the quick fix solution of I could take out a home equity loan to pay off my credit card debt.  This is not a good idea.  When you take a home equity loan, you bet your home against your ability to repay the debt.  All that unsecured debt has now become secured by your home.  You would then lose your home if you are not able to pay. 

Not all home equity lines are tax deductible. 

You may be given a high interest rate, remember, when you have a financial problem you become high risk.

Do not put your home in jeopardy!!  Contact our office today for your free bankruptcy consultation.  Through Chapter 7 Bankrupcty you can discharge all that unsecured debt and get a fresh start while keeping your home.  The same through Chapter 13 if you are above income or behind on your house payments!

We have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Bills, Bills, Bills

Well we had fun shopping for Christmas and now too many bills are rolling in.  We can help you with that problem.  Ever consider filing for bankruptcy.  It is more common today than you would think.  We can help you wipe out all the unsecured debt and get a fresh start for the new year! 

Contact our office today for your free consultation, we have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Convenient Locations

We have 3 conveniently located offices to serve your bankruptcy needs.  Offices in Eastgate, Middletown or Fairfield.  We offer a free consultation, fair fees and flexible hours.  Contact our office today for your for your free bankruptcy consultation.

FREE BANKRUPTCY CONSULTATION

Are you considering filing for bankruptcy?  If you are then you should contact our office today for your free consultation.  That's right it is absolutly free to come and speak with an attorney regarding your situation.  If you decide to move forward we will accept a small retainer fee and then monthly payments until your case is filed. 

We have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Will Creditors Stop Harassing Me?

Yes, they will!  By law, all actions against a debtor must stop once a bankruptcy case is filed.  Creditors cannot initiate or continue any lawsuits, wage garnishments or telephone calls to collect debts.    If you want some peace of mind from these actions, maybe bankruptcy is the answer for you.  Contact our office today for your free consultation, we have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Considering Bankruptcy

If you are considering bankruptcy you should contact our office today.  We offer a free consultation, accept monthly payments and have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Would Debt Consolidation Be Better?

Won't I get a better credit rating if I just go through a debt consolidation company?  No, you will not.  It will cost you less money and you will rebuild your credit rating faster if you file for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.  Be cautious if you are considering using a credit counselor or debt consolidation company.  Also read about the problems of unscruplous companies in the credit counseling industry and the action the IRS has taken against "non-profit" credit counseling groups following widespread abuse.

If you are considering these options you should contact our office today for your free bankruptcy consultatin to discuss your individual situation.  We have office in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Bankruptcy Laws Are Designed to Help

Job loss, divorce, a medical emergency or other catostrophic event can make it hard to keep on top of debt.  Millions of people have used US bankruptcy laws to get a fresh start. 

Every day people just like you decide to file for bankrutpcy.  With the economy, bankruptcy doesn't hold that old stigma it may have a decade ago.  Most of us are struggling with debt, and many of us have lost jobs due to the economy.  Bankruptcy has helped millions of Americans get out of debt.  It also stops creditor harassment through the bankruptcy automatic stay

If you're thinking about filing for bankrutpcy, you're probably wondering how it affects credit.  It's true that bankruptcy stays on your credit reports for up to 10 years, but once the slate is essentially clean after a succesful bankruptcy filing, people can instantly start re-builing their credit.  In fact, many people even gain stronger credit scores after filing and their old debt is gone and they can start a fresh start.  Think about it, your credit probably isn't that great to begin with.  Bankruptcy is designed to clear debt and give people a fresh start.

Call our office today for your free consultation to discuss your individual situation.  We have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

How often can you file bankruptcy?

You may receive a full Chapter 7 discharge every 8 years.  However, if something arises in between you may file a Chapter 13.  You can then receive a full discharge if it has been 4 years since a Chapter 7 discharge.  However, you can still file Chapter 13 if 4 years have not passed and stop all interest and fees.  You may receive a full discharge in Chapter 13 every 2 years from filing date. 

Contact our office today for your free consultation to discuss your individual situation.

Can Bankruptcy Stop a Garnishment?

Yes, bankruptcy can stop a garnishment.  Even if there is already a judgment against you and your wages are being garnished, once your file for bankruptcy protection they must stop the garnishment against you.  If you are struggling with debt call our office today for your free consultation to discuss your individual case.  We have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

FINANCIAL PROBLEMS PLAGUING YOU?

We may be able to help!  Find out how bankruptcy could help you get back on the road to financial recovery.   You could escape the downward spiral of debt and get a fresh start.  Find the guidance and assistance you need to file for bankruptcy.  Get the right financial help to get you out of the red and into the green!  Call our office today for your free consultation to discuss your individual case, we have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Offices

We have offices in three convenient locations of Eastgate, Middletown or Fairfield to serve your bankruptcy needs.  Call today for your free consultation to discuss your individiual case.

Can I Purchase a Home After Bankruptcy?

Yes, you will be able to purchase a home after bankruptcy.  It will take a couple of years for you to re-build your credit but it will happen.  The important thing after bankruptcy is to not have slow pays or accounts going to collection.  Keep your credit clean and you will be able to purchase a home after bankruptcy.

Contact our office today for your free consultation to discuss your individual situation.

FREE CONSULTATION

If you are thinking of filing for bankruptcy you should contact our office for your free consultation to discuss your case.  If you decide to move forward a retainer of $250.00 will get your case started and then we will accept monthly payments until your fees are paid in full and then we file your case.  While you are making your payments you can refer your creditors to our office.

Call today for your free consultation, we have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

What debts are dischargable through bankruptcy?

Most unsecured debts such as medical debt and credit card debt are dischargable through Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.  Secured debts (debts secured by collateral such as a vehicle or home) can also be discharged if you decide to let the collateral go back to the creditor.  Reinstatement fees for drivers licenses are also able to be dicharged through Chapter 7.  Some IRS debts may even be able to be discharged depending on your individual situation.

Call us today for your free consultation to discuss your individual situation.  We have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

What's the point?

Many people right now are suffering from financial losses in their lives and feel that bankruptcy will not even help them out.  But it would.  It would get the creditors off of your back and protect your wages when the economy comes back and there are jobs to be had, this could also help you with potential employers who may look at your credit prior to hiring.  Give us a call for your free consultation, we have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Chapter 7 v. Chapter 13

What are the differences between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcies?  The main difference is that in a Chapter 7 you do not pay back any of your debts except for things that you would like to keep. 

In Chapter 7 you can keep your home and vehicle if you are up to date on your payments and do not have too much equity in your property.  All of your unsecred debt would be discharged through the case and you would no longer be responsible for these debts. 

Chapter 13 is designed to help you possibly save your home from foreclosure or your vehicle from repossession.  You would pay a percentage of your unsecured debts.  Chapter 13 is a 3 to 5 year process which allows you to pay back a percentage of your debts while most interest and late fees will stop.  This will also stop a foreclosure and allow you to pay the amount you are behind over the 3 to 5 year period.

Both chapters can be beneficial under the right circumstances.  Contact our office today for your free consultation and to discuss your individual situation.  We have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Tired of Being Harassed by Creditors?

Are you sick and tired of being harassed by your creditors all day and night.  You might find financial relief by filing for bankrutpcy.  We will give you personalized assistance and walk you through your case.  You may be able to eliminate credit card, medical and other types of debt.  Start today and get your life back on track.  Call our office for your free consultation, we have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

I will not be able to get credit after bankruptcy.

Many people believe that if they file bankruptcy their credit will be ruined for life.  This is not true at all.  If additional credit is what you want you will be suprised at the number of credit offers you will receive after your bankruptcy filing.  The most important thing after you file for bankruptcy is to make all of your creditor payments on time and not have anything go to collection.  Everyone deserves a second chance and creditors will be willing to give you a second chance after bankruptcy by following these rules and your credit rating will continue to get better as you do these things.  Call our office today for your free consultation and see if bankruptcy is the answer for you.

Bankruptcy Happens to Good People

People have been struggling with debt for centuries.  In ancient Greece if one could not pay their debts then the entire family would be put into debt slavery until the time that their debts were paid.  But today bankruptcy is available to people going through hard times.  It is usually not your fault that you cannot pay your debts, the credit card companies offer more and more credit and there are things that are just needed to survive.  Bankruptcy is there as a safety net when you hit those hard times and it does not mean that you are a bad person, you are just a good person going through bad times.  If this describes you call our office today for your free consultation.  We have offices in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Getting ready to divorce?

If you and your significant other are getting a divorce more likely than not it will probably be to both of your advantages if you were to file bankruptcy together before divorcing.  Debt created in a marriage is usually too much for each partner to carry on their own, and then you have the conflicts of that's your debt or my debt.  It could be just easier to file bankruptcy and get a complete fresh start with your life.  If you file before you are divorced you can file together but once your are divorced you will need to file seperate cases.  Call us today for your free consultation to discuss your individual situation.

Thinking of Bankruptcy?

Are you tired of those harassing phone calls and letters?  You may find the relief you are looking for by filing for bankruptcy.  You can eliminate credit card, medical and other types of debt.  We can help you.  Call today for your free consultation to your life back on the right track.

Free Consultation

If you are struggling with debt contact us for your free bankruptcy consultation.  We have locations in Eastgate, Middletown and Fairfield to serve you.

Can I keep my car in Chapter 7?

Yes you may keep your car, if that is what you want to do.  If you want to keep your vehicle you will need to be current on your payments and basically re-sign on your debt by signing a reaffirmation agreement.  There is also a redemption option where a finance company could re-finance your vehicle for the current value if you are upside down on your vehicle. 

However, if you do not want to keep your vehicle it is not necessary to keep it.

Benefits of Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is a 3-5 year payment plan to re-pay a percentage of your debts and receive a discharge.  This percentage can range from 1% to 100% depending on your individual circumstances.  At the completion of your plan you will receive your discharge, this is the legal determination that your unsecured debt balances that remain after the plan are wiped away and cannot be collected on, giving you a clean slate.

If you are behind on your home or vehicle Chapter 13 can stop foreclosure or repossession. 

The Chapter 13 office can also resume your regular house payments, upon completion of the case the Bankruptcy Court will issue a statement that the payments are current.  This means the lender cannot come back and say there are additional attorney fees or other charges.

Sometimes it is possible to strip a second mortgage from your home.  This means that if you have a second mortgage there is a possiblity that it could be turned into an unsecured debt and the lender would have to release their lien on your property upon receipt of discharge.

Chapter 13 can help you get back on your feet and keep all of your assets.

IRS DEBTS

Not very many people know that some IRS debts can be discharged through bankruptcy.  If you are struggling with IRS debt contact our office for a free consultation to review your individual case.  You may be able to discharge your IRS debts through bankruptcy.

Life Happens

As we go along this path called life sometimes we hit bumps in the road that are out of our control.  This could be job loss, death of spouse, illness, divorce or a number of other events that make our financial roads more difficult.  Bankruptcy may be your saving grace during these troubling times.  Bankruptcy is nothing to be ashamed of, it is there for a reason, to provide relief to people when they need it most. If you are struggling call our office for a free consultation, we have three convenient locations to serve you.

Don't Become Depressed

Hiding from your situation will not make it go away.  It is normal and understandable for you to get upset or feel depressed when you're in a difficult situation.  Unfortunately, avoiding your debts will not make them go away.  Sometimes bankruptcy is your best solution.  Bankruptcy does happen to good people.  Call us for a free consultation to discuss your individual situation.

I will not be able to keep my house if I file bankruptcy.

This is a completely untrue statement.  As long as you are current and do not have too much equity in your home you will be able to keep your home in a Chapter 7 and discharge all of your unsecured debt. 

If you are behind on your house or have too much equity in your home you may file a Chapter 13 which would allow you to pay your missed payments and a portion of your unsecured debt over a three to five year period.

Contact our office today to discuss your options on getting a fresh financial start.

Bankruptcy is Expensive:

This is not really true when you compare the small fee to the amount of debt you could be discharging in your case.  We offer you a free consultation, accept a small retainer fee and then monthly payments.  Once you retain our office you will be able to forward your creditors to our office until your case is filed.   Call today to schedule your first appointment and start toward your fresh start.

Should I Cash My Retirement to Pay Debts?

We hear this all the time, "well maybe I could cash in my retirement to pay off these debts."  That is not in your best interest.  You will need these funds in the future for your retirement.  These funds will most likely be protected in the bankruptcy.  So no this is not a good idea to cash in any retirement accounts to pay off debts.

Get a Fresh Start

Are you struggling with debt?  You are not alone, there are over 1.5 million bankruptcy filings each year in the United States.  Bankruptcy could be the way for you get get a fresh start.  Call us for a free consultation and we could advise you of your options.  We have 3 convenient locations to serve you.

Settlement Offers

When you fall behind on your credit card payments your creditors may offer you settlements to pay them a lower amount.  This may sound like a great idea at the time but what they may not tell you is that they can report this to the IRS as income, you could then be required to pay income taxes on this amount.  If you file bankrupcty on these debts you will not have to report them as income.  In the long run bankruptcy is much better for most people than settling with their creditors.

REINSTATEMENT FEES

Are BMV reinstatement fees dischargable?  Yes, many people do not realize that they can file on their reinstatement fees once in their lifetime and then re-gain their driving privledges as soon as they file their case.  This can help people get back on their feet and back to work in a timely fashion.

Gambling

Quick money sounds great and many people are obsessed with the idea. Instead of investing extra money on the month, that money is spent on lottery or some form of gambling. Chances of winning are slim and the amount of money spent can be damaging if there is not control on funds. There is nothing wrong with gambling. The issue comes from addiction and loss of control. Stay on top of it.

A Loan Is Not the Answer

When falling on hard times financially a loan may not be the answer. Just because you qualify for the loan doesn't mean the ability to pay is there. The loan officer isn't always diligent in determining if the ability is there either. Be mindful of exactly what the loan payment is and really budget out to see if it is something that can be kept up with.  Just accept the means that are available and take responsibility.

Responsibility

Remember who is responsible. Whoever has the contract, credit card, or mortgage on their credit or in their name is the one held responsible. It doesn't matter who it is that is supposed to pay the bill. Don't agree to to take on the responsiblity if you can't afford it.

Refinancing May Not Be A Good Idea

There is no guarantee with refinancing. It may cost more in the end than expected. There are fees and additonal costs to consider with a refinance. Not only this but it doesn't mean that budgeting skills will improve. Find out everything possible before moving forward with such a big decision. Don't trust commercials that tell you it is a good idea.

Don't Fall For It

Don't fall into the advertisements you see. You must think through whether or not you really need what you see. You may want it, but that doesn't mean you should purchase it or that you have the money to. Ads play on your senses and are very good at making you believe you need what they have. Take the time to determine if your budget allows for you to buy it now or if you should save for it if you really do want/need it. Be realistic and remember nothing is free.

Don't Forget

Don't forget that we have three convenient locations! We have offices in Eastgate, Middletown, and Fairfield. If you are interested in an appointment you should review our locations page you and see which office is nearest you. We also have evenings available by appointment! Call us so we can get you on your way!

Signs of the Debt Trap

Here are signs that one is caught in the debt trap:

1. Making minimum payments on debts.
2. Getting cash advances to satisfy other debts.
3. Purchasing groceries on credit.
4. Having no money left at the end of the month.
5. Seeking debt consolidation.
6. Not opening letters from credit card companies.

Once in this situation you will have a much more difficult time getting out of it.

Avoid Credit Card Lures

Credit card companies that send pre-approvals use certain lures that you should be aware of and quite possibly avoid. Here are a few:

1. No annual fee
2. Product discounts
3. Exclusive access
4. Air miles
5. Rebates

The thing to remember is that most people don't take advantage of these and end up with revolving debt. In the end it usually isn't worth it.

Credit Card Trap

Do you ever wonder why people fall into debt with credit cards? Often common sense is not used and people rely on the criteria used by banks to determine an individual's credit line. If banks are experts in establishing credit limits then why do so many cardholders fail to pay their monthly balance in full?

The other problem is that credit card companies solicit so heavily. They send out pre-approved cards and only require minimum payments for statements. This is enticing and begins the cycle of only paying the minimum amount on the card which leads to added interest and soon a balance that is almost impossible to pay off.

Remember, Financing Can Hurt Your Credit

Here are some ways that financing can hurt your credit:

1. Repossession or voluntary repossession-credit can be severely damaged if you have a repossession on your credit.

2. Theft- if you finance a vehicle worth less than you owe, you will owe the bank the difference unless you carry gap insurance.

3. Accident- Pretty much the the same applies here as with theft.

4. Depreciation- Cars and trucks depreciate substantially. When you are done paying for a $15,000.00 vehicle, you are paying the same amount each month for a vehicle that has much less value than when you purchased it.

5. Repairs- No matter how well you take care of your vehicle there will be breakdowns and repairs that will cost a substantial amount. If you still owe on your vehicle you will still have that same obligation along with the costs.

If You Must Finance

If you have to finance because you have no cash, finance for as short a period as possible. The longer you finance, the larger the interest payment will be to the bank. Remember that when you finance a vehicle that they depriciate substantially. Keep in mind how short the life of warranties are especially if you drive a lot. Also, regardless of maintenance and repairs , you will still have the monthly obligation. Insurance on the vehicle is another item to consider. You will likely have a higher premium if financing a vehicle.

Renting and Buying a Home

There may be no equity or tax benefit in renting, but it is a way to help save money for a home. It is beneficial to save before you commit to a home. You have to work out the numbers. Of course you want a nice home in a nice neighborhood, but make sure you are comfortable with the numbers. Also, make sure you can keep up with the payment before you sign. Buying a home is the biggest investment you will ever have. Do your homework and you will keep yourself debt free.

Fairfield Office

The new office is up and running. We have appointments available for you. Give us a call and we can give you the details. Please check out the location page so you can see which office is closest to you.

Some Statistics

1. Nearly 2.7 million personal bankruptcies were filed in 2005.

2. 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.

Fairfield Office

Our Fairfield Office will be opening very soon! If you would like to set up an appointment please contact our office! The office is conveniently located on Dixie Highway. Our site has a map of the location!

Add Up the Little Things

If you have never really analyzed and written down how much you spend a year on recreation, clubs, entertainment, movies, newspapers, magazines, and the like then you should do so. You would be amazed how minor variations in these types of expenses can save hundreds of dollars per month. Just think of the little things that are not calculated on your monthly budget. Think of what you spend on birthdays, holidays, activities, and so on for your kids. Once you have analyzed this you may begin to rethink your priorities and better balance your budget.

Knowing What You Spend

Get a grip on the necessities.

A problem for many clients is that they have no idea how much they spend on food and the necessities. Before adding to your financial responsibilities (like a mortgage or a vehicle) you should write down what you actually spend on the items you need. You need items like food, clothes, electric, and gas for your vehicle. You also have to anticipate items like car repairs and medical expenses. This makes it more difficult because items are not a certainty. Once you have a handle of this you can begin to see where you stand financially.

New Office in Fairfield, Ohio

Our new office will be opening in the next month! More details soon.

A Couple More Bankruptcy Myths

The first myth is today is – I’ll never get credit after bankruptcy. This is a common thought, but you will get credit card offers again. They will be from lenders with higher interest rates.

Another myth is-it’s really hard to file a bankruptcy. It’s really not. With the free consultation offered by our office you can speak to an attorney about the process and see how easy it can be.