How to Avoid Bankruptcy
Although bankruptcy offers some people a clean slate, it is by no means an easy solution. Bankruptcy will destroy your credit and may possibly force you to sell your assets. It could also affect your future employment. In addition, 2005 bankruptcy reform laws made it more difficult to file for chapter 7 bankruptcy, and limited other bankruptcy rights. If you want to preserve your credit, you will be much better off if you do whatever you can to avoid bankruptcy. Although it’s not easy, it’s worth the effort. Follow these steps to avoid bankruptcy. Total All Your Debts Only once you have a true picture of your debt can you take the next steps to avoid bankruptcy. Gather every bill, every statement, and every document that has an effect on your financial situation. Total up both your debts and your assets. Include your mortgage as a debt and the value of your home as an asset. Now break down those debts into good and bad categories. Good debts are home loans and student loans. Bad debts are credit card debts, personal loans, high-rate car loans, and medical bills. You should also list the interest rates and minimum payments for all your debts. Reduce Your Expenses Now total up all your expenses — everything you spend. Even the $1 you spend in the vending machine at the office should be included. Divide those two figures into necessities and non-necessities. Necessities are items you need to survive, like groceries and housing. Non-necessities are nice things to have, but which you don’t need, like that vending machine candy bar or designer sneakers. Add up the minimum payments on your debts and the monthly cost for necessities. This is the minimum amount you need to cover your bills for the month. If you don’t earn enough to cover them, then you need to find a way to reduce your minimum debt payments or necessities. Even little steps like switching from name brands to generics and canceling cable can help. If you can cover your monthly bills, but aren’t making enough to pay down debt, then start cutting non-necessities until you free up enough money to reduce your debt. Consolidate Debt If you have multiple small debts, getting rid of any one of them can be a challenge. By consolidating debt, you not only reduce the total number of bills and minimum payments you owe, but you also reduce the interest rate. So you can reduce your debt faster. In addition to consolidating debt, you can get out of debt faster by paying more than the minimum payment every month. Funnel as much money as you can towards your debt every month. Consult a Credit Counselor Contact a reputable credit counselor if you need help totaling your debts, finding ways to reduce expenses, or consolidating debt. In addition to teaching you money management, they can help you qualify for a consolidation loan, whether it’s in the form of a home equity loan or a personal loan. In some cases, they can help you set up a debt management program. Although there are fees, it may be what you need to avoid bankruptcy. Consider Debt Settlement If your debt vastly outweighs your income, then you may need to consider debt settlement. A credit counselor may be able to negotiate with your creditors to reduce the balance owed. Although debt settlement will ding your credit, it’s not as big a hit as bankruptcy. Debt settlement shouldn’t be taken lightly, but it is a way to avoid bankruptcy if you’ve exhausted all other options. No matter how you got into debt, you can get out of it without resorting to bankruptcy. Although there are situations where it’s the only reasonable option, it’s best for your credit and your financial future to avoid it.Justin narin has 5 years experience as a financial adviser; his key areas are loan consolidation, debt relief, mortgages etc. For more free articles and advice visit http://www.bills.com/avoid-bankruptcy/
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Filing for Bankruptcy in California
There are many reasons to file bankruptcy — large medical bills, loss of a job, unsecured debt, etc. These debts can get very large, very quickly if not properly managed. Nationwide, courts are seeing sizable increases in the number of people filing for bankruptcy protection. And not surprisingly, bankruptcy filings have increase the most in states that have experienced foreclosures due to defaulted loans. Filing for bankruptcy is not something you should do on your own, as you likely are unaware of bankruptcy laws. It’s very important to find a lawyer who is experienced and has a track record of success. Save yourself the headache and let a skilled, experienced attorney help you. The Sexton Law Firm (http://www. jamessextonlaw.com), a California bankruptcy firm, has provided suggestions on how go about filing: A bankruptcy lawyer’s main job is to review your personal information and help you determine the best course of action to take. They will advise you on what kind of bankruptcy you can file and ensure you get the best possible outcome. When you meet with your bankruptcy lawyer, be sure you are prepared. 1. Ask what kind of bankruptcy you should file for. Chapter seven requires you to use non-exempt assets to pay off your creditors, this can be extremely detrimental. Chapter eleven and thirteen, do not require this, but are much harder to qualify for and more expensive to file for. 2. Ask how to go about filing for bankruptcy. There is a lot of paperwork to file, so be sure you have it checked by your attorney, as they will be able to direct you on everything you need to fill out. 3. Educate yourself on the fees you will have to pay for filing. They differ depending on the kind of bankruptcy you are filing for. Following these steps will help you achieve a thorough understanding of the process. The Sexton Law Firm offers free consultations and never charges to speak with an attorney. Get experience you can trust. Speak with an attorney at the Sexton Law Firm today about your bankruptcy case and get the information you need.The Sexton Law Firm proudly serves the San Diego area. Get your questions answered by an experienced and knowledgeable California attorney. To speak with a local attorney for free, contact The Sexton Law Firm to set up an appointment. Phone: 619-476-9436 Fax: 619-476-9258 http://www.jamessextonlaw.com
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Don t Lose Your Home! Contact a Bankruptcy Attorney Today!
The decision to file bankruptcy is a serious decision but it is a decision that can give you a fresh start if there is no other way out. Bankruptcy is a legal way to discharge unsecured debt that can provide an overwhelmed debtor with a new beginning. It may be possible to keep your present home and your car after filing bankruptcy. A law firm such as the Malaise Law Firm, with attorneys skilled in San Antonio baenkruptcy law can help you decide if bankruptcy is the correct decision for your particular situation. If the decision is made to file bankruptcy, they will explain to you the pros and cons of the two types of bankruptcy available to individuals, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. Chapter 7 is what most people usually think of as bankruptcy. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, a debtor s non-exempt assets are liquidated or sold with the proceeds used to pay toward unsecured debts such as credit cards, loans, and medical bills. In the majority of bankruptcy cases people do not lose any property and the unsecured creditors get nothing. Several months after filing bankruptcy the unsecured debts are discharged and the creditors can never collect on the debt. A secured creditor may still enforce a lien to recover property secured by the lien. Chapter 13 is a debt reorganization or consolidation bankruptcy. If a debtor has regular monthly income, their debts including mortgage arrears, car payments, credit card bills, medical bills, loans, student loans, etc. are combined into one low monthly payment. Since the debtor is paying back their creditors through a repayment plan, the debtor does not risk losing their assets as they may under Chapter 7 bankruptcy laws. During the repayment plan creditors are prevented from contacting the debtor without first going through the debtor s bankruptcy attorney and the court. Millions of people declared bankruptcy in 2007 to get the fresh start they needed. Contrary to popular belief, your credit is not permanently damaged and it is still possible to get credit after filing bankruptcy. At the Malaise Law Firm, our San Antonio bankruptcy attorneys have over 40 years experience helping people file bankruptcy, with two board certified attorneys. We put our emphasis on helping our clients do what is in their best interest and our clients needs always come first. The Malaise Law Firm serves the residents of San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Brownsville, and McAllen, Texas with all of their legal needs including bankruptcy. If you would like to see what we can do to help you please contact The Malaise Law firm today at http://www.malaiselawfirm.com/contactus or call 1-800-BANKRUPT for immediate assistance. or call 1-800-BANKRUPT for immediate assistance.Tom Moss writes about <a href ="http://www.MalaiseLawFirm.com">Bankruptcy San Antonio</a> laws.
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