Author Archives: Site Administrator
Phantom debt scams in Florida
When people receive a call saying that they owe money to a creditor or the IRS, they may want to verify that they owe the money before making a payment. Called phantom debt scams, fraudsters will call people and state that they owe money to the government or an organization. Fraudsters will often be… Read More »
Struggling with medical debt
About a quarter of the working-age adults in Florida and around the country struggled with past-due medical bills in 2015 according to a study published on March 1 by the Urban Institute. The Washington, D.C., think tank says that younger Americans and those who earn less than $35,000 per year are more likely to… Read More »
Keeping a home while filing for bankruptcy
Florida residents who are applying for bankruptcy may be able to keep their homes. Bankruptcy allows exemptions for some property. However, keeping the home will depend upon several factors. One of those is whether an individual files for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The latter allows more exemptions. However, if people are unable… Read More »
The benefits of dealing with debt now
It is common for Florida residents to have personal loans, credit card debt or student loans. Therefore, there may be less urgency to pay it down as soon as possible. However, it is still a good idea to eliminate debt as quickly as possible. One of the best reasons to pay off debt quickly… Read More »
Do you have an unpaid hospital lien in Florida?
A hospital claim of lien arises after you visit an ER at a hospital following your accident, and one of the following is true: You did not have health insurance or were unable to pay at the time services were rendered. Your health insurance only covered part of your hospital bill. The hospital became… Read More »
Credit card debt after death
One of the many financial issues that may have to be addressed after a loved one’s death is his or her remaining credit card debt. Florida residents should be aware of how to handle this type of a liability. Surviving family members may be liable for a deceased person’s debt if they applied for… Read More »
U.S. credit card debt exceeds $1 trillion
Credit card debt in Florida and around the country has reached levels last seen in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis as more and more families turn to plastic to make ends meet. The amount owed by Americans to credit card companies exceeded $1 trillion as 2016 drew to a close, and $650… Read More »
Chapter 13 and tax deed sales
Florida is one of many states that allow homes to be sold in order to collect back property taxes. There are strict notice and other requirements, and sometimes the former owners are able to successfully challenge the sale or obtain other benefits in that regard. Another such state is Pennsylvania, and in 2016, the… Read More »
Will your lender truly help you with your loan modification?
The threat of foreclosure is unsettling. Unfortunately, if your family has fallen on hard times, it can be difficult to meet your monthly obligations. You are not alone. Over 63,000 Florida homes were repossessed by the banks in 2016. This was the highest number of repossessions in the nation. In an attempt to save… Read More »
Debts to pay off before retirement
Florida residents might want to consider paying off as many debts as possible before they retire so they will not be saddled with these obligations on a fixed income. Paying off a mortgage can be particularly significant in allowing a person more disposable income after retirement, and it may be possible to refinance and… Read More »