Monthly Archives: May 2018
Want to Avoid Debt? Build an Emergency Fund
Many consumers have no intention of ever falling into debt. They don’t use credit cards irresponsibly, and they don’t live luxurious lifestyles beyond their means. Nevertheless, millions of people will fall into debt whenever an emergency strikes. To avoid this situation, you need to build up an emergency fund. Unexpected Expenses The purpose of… Read More »
How to Amend Bankruptcy Filings
To file for bankruptcy, you need to fill out many forms. Some of these forms ask for detailed information about your assets, whereas others request information about your debts. It is very easy to make a mistake and leave information off, especially if you are trying to represent yourself. So how do you amend… Read More »
I Have to Attend a Meeting of Creditors. Should I Be Worried?
Debtors who file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy must attend what is called 341 Meeting of Creditors, named after a section of the bankruptcy code. This meeting is unavoidable, so you are not about to encounter something that millions of debtors before you haven’t survived. Read on to learn more about this meeting. The Purpose… Read More »
What is a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
Federal bankruptcy law provides for different bankruptcies, which are identified by their chapter in the code. A Chapter 11 is an unusual bankruptcy for consumers, the vast majority of whom will choose either a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13. However, a Chapter 11 bankruptcy makes sense for some of our clients who have… Read More »
Five Surprising Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy
Many people understand that bankruptcy is an effective way of wiping out certain unsecured debts like credit card or medical debt. But bankruptcy also has many benefits you might never have heard of. Some of the more surprising benefits include the following. You Change the Payment Terms on Your Car Loan Many debtors are… Read More »
Bankruptcy and Your Tax Refund
Now that the tax filing deadline has come and gone, you might be expecting a refund on your taxes. However, if you are planning to file for bankruptcy any time soon, you need to understand how filing will affect your tax return. In certain situations, consumers might choose to file a different bankruptcy or… Read More »
Bankruptcy and Supplemental Security Income
Many of our clients are just getting by, unable to work because of a disability. Some of these clients receive Supplemental Security Income, or “SSI,” from the federal government. Each week, we field questions from clients who are worried that they will put their SSI benefits at risk if they file for bankruptcy. Read… Read More »
Yes, Medical Debts Cause Bankruptcies
A recent article in Forbes tries to underplay how high medical expenses drive many consumers to bankruptcy. Titled “Exposing the Myth of Widespread Medical Bankruptcy,” this article simply reaffirms that many consumers struggle with debts caused by medical crises. At Nowack & Olson, we meet with clients every day who have suddenly fallen behind… Read More »
Fewer Florida Consumers filing for Bankruptcy in 2018
Recent statistics from the American Bankruptcy Institute are good news-bad news for Florida residents. The good news? Consumer bankruptcy filings are 8% lower in March 2018 than they were in 2017, suggesting that the strengthening economy has allowed consumers to manage their debt. The bad news? Filings in March were up 31% over February…. Read More »