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If your bills and debts are becoming overwhelming, you may be tempted by advertisements from debt-settlement companies claiming that they can talk your creditors into settling your unsecured debts for pennies on the dollar. This could be a big mistake. While debt settlement may work, debt-settlement companies are in business to make money, not to help you out.  If you are not careful, you could actually worsen your situation and wind up owing more due to added fees and interest charges. It makes much more sense to speak to a… CONTINUE READING

When times are tough and you are hit with problems such as unexpected layoffs or major illness, bills rapidly pile up to the point where you may be considering filing for the relief that bankruptcy can bring.  You may wonder just how much debt you have to be in to file for Chapter 7. There is no strict answer, because Ohio bankruptcy laws don’t require a certain minimum debt amount to be eligible for bankruptcy. While your debt amount is a significant factor, deciding whether bankruptcy is the right choice… CONTINUE READING

As Americans grow older, we face increasing challenges, and too many of us are facing a new problem in what should be the “golden years” of retirement -- the need to file for bankruptcy. According to an article in The New York Times,  citing a study from the Consumer Bankruptcy Project, the rate of people 65 and older filing for bankruptcy has tripled since 1991. From February 2013 to November 2016, there were 3.6 bankruptcy filers per 1,000 people aged 65 to 74; in 1991, there were 1.2. Older Americans also… CONTINUE READING

Carrying crushing debt can become unbearable.  Bills pile up, and you’re harassed by creditors and may be faced with foreclosure of your house, repossession of your car, utilities being shut off, and garnishment of your wages.  You feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn. You are not alone. Overall household debt stands at more than $13 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve. That includes $8.8 trillion in mortgages, $1.4 trillion in student loans, $1.2 trillion in car loans and more than $1 trillion in credit card debt. If serious debt… CONTINUE READING

If you are struggling financially and overwhelmed with debts that have become unpayable, you may wish to consider the “fresh start” that bankruptcy can bring.  To receive a “fresh start”, you need to know how to file for bankruptcy in Ohio. Bankruptcy, a legal way to have many debts forgiven, can put you on the road to financial recovery.  If you’re a good candidate for bankruptcy, filing can keep creditors from harassing you and seizing your possessions, allow debts to be forgiven, and provide a way for you to keep… CONTINUE READING

People are often confused when it comes to  Chapter 7  bankruptcy and taxes, as it is a common belief that bankruptcy cannot eliminate (discharge) tax debt.  Fortunately, this is not always the case.  While -most taxes are not dischargeable, you may be able to discharge federal, Ohio, and local income tax debts through Chapter 7 -- if they meet certain qualifications. If you do not qualify to file Chapter 7, you may be able to discharge some tax debts through Chapter 13 bankruptcy, as well. Bankruptcy, a legal way to… CONTINUE READING

Student loan debt is an ever-increasing problem in the United States and has become the second highest consumer debt category, right behind mortgages. Money owed on student loans has reached $1.5 trillion, and the average student in the Class of 2016 has $37,172 in student loan debt. Ohio is among the worst states for student loan debt, rating No. 5 on financial planning website WalletHub’s list of worst states for college debt. Since many people cannot find a job after graduation with pay high enough to meet expenses and cover… CONTINUE READING

Can You Declare Bankruptcy on Credit Cards Only? While credit card debt is a major reason people wind up filing for bankruptcy, you cannot file for bankruptcy on credit card debt alone, as the law requires that all your debts be listed in the bankruptcy documents. However, because bankruptcy can eliminate credit card and other unsecured debts, filing will often put you in a better financial position that allows you to keep your home. Keeping a house is a major concern for most people filing for bankruptcy in Ohio, and… CONTINUE READING

Chapter 7 is the most common form of bankruptcy and has certain advantages, but that doesn’t mean it is the best solution for you.  Depending on your situation, Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which allows you to consolidate your payments and repay some or all of your debt affordably over a three- to five-year period, may be more advantageous. How do you know which form of bankruptcy is right for you?  If you are facing a situation where your debt is getting to be more than you can handle, there is help… CONTINUE READING

Student loan debt takes such a big toll on marriage that it can even lead to divorce.  Financial problems are the leading cause of stress in a relationship, and student loan debt, which now stands at an all-time high of $1.5 trillion, can be a burden that becomes too much to bear. The debt puts tremendous pressure on young couples who are struggling to get established in their careers and wish to buy a home or start a family. The average outstanding balance for student loans is now $34,144, up 62 percent… CONTINUE READING