Author Archives: Jay Butchko
5 Mistakes People Make before Filing for Bankruptcy
If done right, bankruptcy can provide you with a fresh financial start and a new outlook on life. However, we have seen people commit some common errors before filing. These mistakes can cause the court to reject your bankruptcy petition, and they can be costly to fix. Before filing for bankruptcy, make sure to… Read More »
4 Things to Do After a Bankruptcy Discharge
Congratulations! You have received your bankruptcy discharge and are ready to move onto the next chapter of your life. However, before getting ahead of yourself, you need to make sure you don’t backslide and become indebted again. Wiping out old debts is only half of the battle. Follow the tips below for making your… Read More »
2017 Was a Big Year for Consumer Credit
You might have been noticing more new cars in your neighborhood or more neighbors starting home improvement projects. There is a reason. According to a recent report from TransUnion, 2017 saw consumer credit grow at a steady pace, with more than 20 million new credit accounts opened in 2017 alone. TransUnion credits the strengthening… Read More »
How to Avoid Financial Disaster
Debt doesn’t matter—until it does. Credit card bills pile up, home mortgage rates shoot up, yet you don’t notice anything because you can continue to make your minimum monthly payment. Until one day, you find that you can’t. At that point, you might start panicking, wondering how you reached this point. If you haven’t… Read More »
Modifying a Chapter 13 Repayment Plan
Despite your best planning, sometimes life throws you a curveball. You might suddenly become ill, lose a job, or have your hours reduced. For most Americans, any unexpected drop in income can wreak havoc on their lives. But those with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy have another problem—you might not be able to continue making… Read More »
Will I Lose My Car in Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy can give you a fresh financial start, but it has some nasty side effects you should know about before filing. One concern many clients have is whether they will lose their vehicle if they file for bankruptcy. Without a car, it can be very difficult to get to work and meet family obligations,… Read More »
Will Filing for Bankruptcy Affect Your Career?
One reason people are afraid to file for bankruptcy is the belief that it will negatively impact their careers. Most people have some sense that a bankruptcy will be reported on their credit report and that many employers pull credit reports before hiring. It is a perfectly valid concern to have, but it shouldn’t… Read More »
Can Bankruptcy Help with Federal Tax Debts?
Of all the debts people owe, federal tax debts are some of the most worrisome. Uncle Sam insists on being paid. The federal government has shown little hesitancy placing liens on people’s properties and garnishing their wages. Could a bankruptcy help? Generally, you cannot get rid of federal tax debts in bankruptcy, but a… Read More »
Can I Discharge a Court Judgment in a Bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy is an efficient and quick way for Florida residents to wipe out most unsecured debt, like credit card debt or medical debt. But what about court judgments? If you lose a lawsuit, the court will enter judgment against you, which tells you how much money you need to pay to the person who… Read More »
How Debt Negatively Affects Your Marriage
Couples have enough trouble keeping their marriages together today. With work, child care activities, and taking care of elderly relatives, couples rarely have enough time for themselves anymore. Unfortunately, debt is another burden for married couples, and it can easily lead to a divorce. In fact, financial difficulties are one of the major reason… Read More »