Personal Finance Archives - Rubin & Associates

What do I do if i can’t pay my credit card debt?

Missing one credit card payment is stressful. Missing several is worse. The calls start, the interest charges pile up, and the balance grows faster than you can pay it down. If you are in that position right now, you have more options than you probably realize, and doing nothing is the only choice that never improves the situation.

Here is a clear look at what is actually available to you in Texas, and how to tell which path fits your circumstances.

Start with an accurate picture

Before you decide anything, write down every account, the balance, the interest rate, and the minimum payment. Then compare that total against what you have left each month after housing, food, transportation, and utilities. If the gap is small and temporary, a short term fix may be enough. If the gap is large, or if the balances keep growing even while you pay, you are dealing with a structural problem, and short term fixes will only delay the outcome. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-08-27T11:14:08-05:00August 27th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance|

How do you choose the right bankruptcy lawyer?

Deciding to file for bankruptcy is never an easy choice. By the time most people reach out to an attorney, they have already spent months worrying about mounting bills, collection calls, and the fear of losing something they have worked hard to keep. Choosing the right bankruptcy lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make in that process, because the person you hire will shape both the outcome of your case and the way you feel while going through it. The good news is that a thoughtful, informed choice is well within your reach. Knowing what to look for makes the difference between a stressful ordeal and a steady path toward relief.

Thes three questions will help you choose the best bankruptcy attorney for your situation:

Does the laywer specialize in bankruptcy law?
Does the firm handle both Chapter 7 and and Chapter 13 cases?
How is the customer service – will you be treated fairly?

(more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-09-01T16:54:11-05:00July 30th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance|

Can you rent an apartment during a bankruptcy case?

If you are struggling financially and facing bankruptcy in Texas, you are probably worried about more than just your debts. You are worried about the day-to-day reality of life: keeping a roof over your head, getting to work, and finding a place to live if you need to move. One of the most common questions people in the Dallas area ask is whether they can rent an apartment while a bankruptcy case is active. The short answer is yes. The longer answer involves a few details worth understanding before you start your apartment search. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-08-21T15:38:53-05:00May 28th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Will it affect your spouse if you file for bankruptcy?

If you are considering bankruptcy and you are married, one of the first questions on your mind is probably about your spouse. Will your decision hurt their credit? Will it affect their property? Will they have to file too? These are smart questions to ask, and the answers depend on a few specific details about your situation.

The short answer is that filing bankruptcy on your own does not automatically put your spouse into bankruptcy with you. In most cases, your spouse can keep their separate credit, their separate property, and their financial independence. There are exceptions, however, and Texas community property law adds some wrinkles that are worth understanding before you file. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T08:57:49-05:00April 27th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Is there a minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy?

One of the common questions we hear from potential clients is: “Is there a minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy?” Many people assume that bankruptcy is only for individuals with overwhelming six-figure debt. Others worry that their debt is “not bad enough” to qualify for relief. The truth is simple and reassuring.

There is no minimum debt limit to file for bankruptcy.

If you are struggling to keep up with your financial obligations, bankruptcy may be an option worth exploring, regardless of whether you owe $10,000 or $10,000,000.

We have helped Dallas-area individuals and families across every spectrum of financial hardship. We have successfully filed bankruptcy cases for clients with as little as $10,000 to $15,000 in debt. We have also represented individuals with hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in obligations. Bankruptcy relief is not determined by a specific minimum debt threshold. It is determined by whether filing would meaningfully improve your financial situation. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T08:59:04-05:00February 28th, 2026|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

What is a bankruptcy trustee?

When people who are struggling with debt begin exploring the possibility of filing for bankruptcy, one of the first unfamiliar terms they encounter is usually “bankruptcy trustee.” Many clients ask us what a trustee actually does, how they fit into the process, and whether they’re there to help or to make things harder. Understanding the trustee’s role can remove a lot of uncertainty and help you feel more confident as you move through your case.

The trustee’s role in bankruptcy

A bankruptcy trustee is an impartial third party appointed to oversee your case. Trustees are not employees of the court, nor do they work for you or your creditors. Instead, they act as an administrator who ensures that all aspects of the bankruptcy process follow federal bankruptcy law and that all parties are treated fairly. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:03:20-05:00October 29th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Repossession, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you file for bankruptcy more than once?

Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen to good people more than once. An unexptected hospital bill, the loss of a job, a reduction on pay, or any other financial setback can cause spiraling debt. Sometimes, lightning does strike twice. If you are struggling with overwhelming debt and considering bankruptcy, you may be wondering whether it is possible to file for bankruptcy more than once. The answer is yes — individuals can file for bankruptcy multiple times. However, the timing between filings, the type of bankruptcy previously filed, and the outcome of that case all play critical roles in determining your eligibility and what protections you will receive.

At Rubin & Associates, we understand that financial hardship can strike more than once, even for higher-income families. Whether you have previously filed a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 case, it is important to know how the law handles repeat filings and how we can help you strategically plan your next steps. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:08:34-05:00June 20th, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Money Management, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Does my spouse have to file bankruptcy with me?

One of the most common questions we hear from potential clients is “Does my spouse have to file for bankruptcy with me?” This question is especially relevant for higher-income residents in Dallas, Texas, who often manage complex financial portfolios and obligations. There is no rule requiring that a spouse also file for bankruptcy, but in certain situations, it may be benficial to do so. Let me explain the nuances so you can ease your mind and make a clear decision. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:09:07-05:00May 22nd, 2025|Acquisitions, Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Personal Finance, Texas Bankruptcy|

Can you file for bankruptcy during a divorce?

One of the most common questions about bankruptcy is, “Can you file for bankruptcy during a divorce?” The short answer is yes, but there are several considerations to take into account before moving forward with both legal processes simultaneously. Understanding the potential advantages and complications can help you determine the best course of action for your financial future.

Bankruptcy and divorce: two separate legal processes

Bankruptcy and divorce are both complex legal matters, and while they may overlap in certain areas, they remain distinct processes. Bankruptcy is a federal legal procedure designed to help individuals eliminate or restructure debt, while divorce is a state-level legal process that involves the division of assets, liabilities, and determining responsibilities such as spousal or child support. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:10:27-05:00March 3rd, 2025|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Personal Finance, Repossession, Taxes, Texas Bankruptcy, Videos|

Is there an income limit to file for bankruptcy?

Financial struggles are more common that most people think – most Dallas-area residents are only one financial bump in the road away from out of control debt. One of the most common questions we hear in initial consultations with clients is if there is an income limit to file for bankruptcy. One of the most common misconceptions about bankruptcy is that it is only available to people with very low incomes. This simply is not true. Whether you are earning a modest salary or have a high-paying job, bankruptcy can still be a viable option for getting your finances back on track. (more…)

By Mark Rubin|2026-06-29T09:15:33-05:00November 30th, 2024|Bankruptcy, Bankruptcy Myths, Debt, Financial, Foreclosure in Texas, Money Management, Personal Finance|