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4 Tips to Avoid Bankruptcy

For many Americans, debt is a way of life. When that debt continues to pile up, many people think that filing for bankruptcy is the only way to solve their financial problems. While bankruptcy can definitely help erase debts and start you on a fresh path,  it’s not always your only option. Many times, your financial situation might not be as hopeless as you think it is.

You should start by looking at your overall debt situation and assessing the status. If you’re not too far gone yet, these four tips can help you reduce your debt load and avoid bankruptcy. They’ll take time and dedication, but with some patience and hard work, you’ll be able to climb out of your financial hole and start over again.

1. Don’t add any more debt

When your debt spirals to the point where you can no longer pay it off, bankruptcy becomes your only option. The trick is to stop the downward spiral before it’s too late. Don’t add any more debt to your current load – no new loans, no new credit cards… nothing. If you need extra money, consider selling a few minor assets instead of taking out a loan or opening a new credit card.
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By |2019-11-26T14:46:59-06:00November 26th, 2019|Bankruptcy, Debt|

7 Tips for Saving Money and Avoiding Debt

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As we’ve mentioned in the past, the easiest way to avoid bankruptcy is to avoid accruing debt in the first place. Millions of Americans live with thousands of dollars in debt, and a single bump in the road like a car accident or the loss of a job can send them spiraling towards uncontrollable debt.

The sooner you form responsible spending habits, the sooner you’ll build a solid foundation that will help avoid the possibility of bankruptcy. If you follow these 7 simple tips, you’ll be able to save money and avoid accumulating debts that you struggle to pay off.

1. Plan all of your meals

Eating out is the biggest monthly expense in most households. If you plan all of your meals each week and cook at home, you’ll save money – and you’ll probably eat healthier as well.

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By |2019-09-28T16:37:15-05:00September 28th, 2019|Bankruptcy, Debt, Saving Money|

5 Tips to Lower Your Debt

5 tips to lower your debt

Sometimes, we talk to potential clients who are surprised when we tell them that bankruptcy might not be their best option. During every free consultation, we map out the financial picture for a potential client, then walk them through every available option.

Many times, people are overwhelmed by their mountain of debt. Someone told us recently that they felt like they were trying to dig a hole using a single chopstick. Even though it feels like a lost cause, many times you can avoid bankruptcy by using one or two of these tips:

1. Talk to your creditors

It never hurts to ask for a little help. Hopefully, you know everyone that you owe, but if you’re not sure, pull your credit report. Make a list of everyone you owe, and how much you owe each institution. Figure out how much you’re able to pay each one. Call each company you owe and tell them that you want to pay off your debt, but you’re only able to afford a certain amount. Sure, debt settlement will go on your record – but it’s better than not paying anything and letting your debt continue to spiral out of control.

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By |2022-06-01T11:07:56-05:00January 31st, 2016|Bankruptcy, Debt|

What happens after bankruptcy?

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One of the most common questions we hear from our clients is “So – what happens AFTER bankruptcy?” Most people are so caught up in the overwhelming debt, the collection calls, and the possible repossessions or foreclosures that they don’t take the time to think about what will happen once bankruptcy gives them a fresh start.

At the end of your Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, you receive your discharge. Now that your financial troubles are settled, it’s time to move forward. You’ve got to start rebuilding your credit and forming solid financial habits that will keep you debt-free.

Keep a copy of your paperwork handy

It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes creditors might try to harass you to collect on a debt, even after it’s been settled by your bankruptcy case. Even though they can get in serious trouble, it does happen every once in a while. If you’ve got your paperwork handy, it’s easy to stop them cold with your discharge.

Make sure your credit report gets updated

A few months after your discharge, get a free copy of your credit report and check it out. Sometimes it takes a while for the report to get updated after your bankruptcy, but it SHOULD show that each debt included in your discharge is listed as “discharged in bankruptcy.” If you find any that still show that you owe, you can send a copy of your discharge and the schedule that shows the debt was included in your bankruptcy case. (more…)

By |2015-07-28T13:07:46-05:00July 28th, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt|

Rapper 50 Cent Files For Bankruptcy

50 Cent files for bankruptcy

In case you hadn’t heard yet, rapper 50 Cent has filed for bankruptcy in a Connecticut court. While the Internet has been making punchlines for the last few days since the news broke, most people don’t seem to know the details of the case.

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson III, filed for Chapter 11 protection immediately after losing an invasion of privacy case last Friday. He had posted a sex tape on his site with his own audio commentary, and was ordered to pay $5 million in damages.

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By |2015-07-20T16:42:57-05:00July 20th, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt, Personal Finance|

Is Chapter 13 Right For You? [VIDEO]

Bad things happen to good people all the time. If You’ve hit a bump in the road and you’re struggling with overwhelming debt, Chapter 13 bankruptcy might be the answer you’ve been looking for. Our latest video walks you through the basics of a Chapter 13 filing – we can stop collection calls immediately, save your home from foreclosure and your vehicle from repossession.

Call us today at 214-760-7777 for a free, no obligation debt consultation.

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By |2022-06-01T11:09:46-05:00May 28th, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt|

How Will Bankruptcy Affect Your Income Tax Refund?

The most common question we hear at this time of year is “What will happen to my Income Tax Refund if I file bankruptcy?”

IF you’re filing for Chapter 7, it’s likely that your refund will be protected, as it’s considered an asset. IF you’re filing during tax season, your attorney can work with you to be sure you’re maximizing your refund. Many times, we encourage clients to file when they get their refund, as this extra money can be put towards the cost of your case.

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By |2015-03-26T14:19:09-05:00March 26th, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt, Money Management, Videos|

Eliminate Income Tax Debt With Bankruptcy

eliminate income tax debt with bankruptcyIt’s tax season again, which means we’re getting more questions about income taxes and tax debts. Many times, we talk to clients who’re already struggling with overwhelming debt, and the possibility of additional debt to the IRS is incredibly stressful.

The government tightened bankruptcy laws in 2005, but in many cases, it’s still possible to reduce an income tax debt. You’ll definitely want to meet with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who can explain your options and any possible relief you might be able to achieve.

If you’re already being audited, a bankruptcy proceeding won’t stop your audit. It will, however, stop any collection action while the bankruptcy is pending.

If you didn’t file a tax return (or if you didn’t file several), you’re not allowed to discharge any of the debt. Before you file for bankruptcy, your attorney must prove that you filed your four most recent tax returns.

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By |2015-03-18T10:42:53-05:00March 18th, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt|

Is Chapter 7 Right For Me?

If you’re like most Dallas area residents who are struggling with debt, you’re wondering how you’re going to catch up – and if possibly, bankruptcy might help you. Many of our clients call us because they’re not sure how bankruptcy works, or which chapter they should file. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys will walk through your financial picture, then explain your various options.

If you’re curious about Chapter 7 bankruptcy, our latest video explains the primary difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. If you think that Chapter 7 might apply to your situation, please call us – we’d be glad to help get you the fresh start you deserve.

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By |2015-01-30T15:05:04-06:00January 30th, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt, Videos|

What can bankruptcy do for me?

Are you struggling with overwhelming debt and asking yourself, “What can bankruptcy do for me?” – then our latest video will answer all your questions. We’ve helped hundreds of Dallas area residents by erasing their credit card debt, stopping foreclosures, stopping repossessions, and more. Watch our video for more details about what bankruptcy can do and how it can help you get the fresh start you deserve.

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By |2015-01-22T05:39:09-06:00January 22nd, 2015|Bankruptcy, Debt, Videos|
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