Blog - Consumer Debt Relief

Is There Any Way to Predict a Wage Garnishment?

March 2, 2012 By Marilu Nieto Leave a Comment

What is a wage garnishment? A wage garnishment is a common tactic used by creditors in an attempt to collect a debt where they take a portion of your paycheck.

According to Missouri wage garnishment laws, creditors can take up to 25% of your paycheck or 10% if you are head of household. When it comes to Illinois wage garnishment laws, 15% of your paycheck can be taken, regardless of whether you are the head of household.

Do you have to have a certain amount of debt for your wages to be garnished? Is there a specific time that creditors will wait before they garnish your wages? No. There isn’t a common time or amount of debt that causes creditors to garnish your wages. A wage garnishment does cost time and money to put into action.

Creditors can’t put a garnishment on your check without first going through the proper channels. They must file suit against you in regards to the debt, get a judgment against you for the amount you owe, and file an order with the court in order to garnish your wages. Unfortunately, this could be a routine practice for some creditors. If it isn’t much of a hassle, you may see a garnishment on your check sooner than you thought or for a relatively low amount of debt.

Garnishments come with a time limitbut many creditors just continue to renew the garnishment until the debt is paid. That means you could be stuck giving up a portion of your paycheck indefinitely. A garnishment isn’t just embarrassing, it reduces your ability to support and protect your family. Fortunately, there is a way to stop a garnishment on your check.

Missouri or Illinois Chapter 7 bankruptcy can put a stop to your wage garnishment and help you eliminate your debt. A St. Louis bankruptcy attorney can also assist you in getting protection from foreclosure, stopping repossession, and preventing your creditors from calling you or taking any more action against you.

Wondering if Missouri or Illinois Chapter 7 is the right solution to your debt? Take the time to make sure you understand every option you can choose for relief. Remember, doing nothing changes nothing. In order to get out of debt, you must make some tough decisions. Start by researching free articles, blogs, and bankruptcy FAQ from reputable attorneys in your area. Many attorneys will offer a free consultation but the best bankruptcy attorneys will offer you free information before you even set foot in the door.

Author: Jim Brown
Is There Any Way to Predict a Wage Garnishment?

Filed Under: Foreclosure

How Can I Stop Creditors from Bothering Me After Bankruptcy?

March 2, 2012 By Marilu Nieto Leave a Comment

It isn’t just the elimination of your debts that makes bankruptcy truly wonderful. The peace of mind that comes from getting your creditors off your back is invaluable. Now you no longer have to worry that every time the phone rings, it is a creditor!

The automatic stay stops your creditors dead in their tracks. Bankruptcy is a very powerful federal law and it prevents your creditors from discussing any debt with you that was discharged in the bankruptcy. Creditors are no longer allowed to send threatening letters, harass you by phone, or discuss the debt at all.

Even when you are done with your bankruptcy case, your creditors are prevented from contacting you about debts that were discharged. Contacting you is prevented by the discharge order from your bankruptcy.

What a relief! There are guidelines that third-party creditors are required to follow but it is not uncommon for them to break the rules set forth by the FDCPA. Some of the common yet terrible tactics of bill collectors include abusive language, adding additional, unauthorized charges, bothering you at work even after you’ve asked them to stop, and harassing your family. It’s not a surprise that getting rid of your creditors was a priority!

A creditor can, however, attempt to collect a debt that was created post-bankruptcy. Sure, the debts involved in your bankruptcy are protected by the discharge order. Debts you incur afterward, however, are fair game for creditors.

Getting back into debt after just getting out is not a wise move to make. You’ll have to relive the consequences of debt you were so wanting to get out of in the first place–except this time you won’t be shielded from them by a St. Louis bankruptcy attorney. To stop this from happening, you must be careful with your post-bankruptcy spending. Getting right back into debt after eliminating it through bankruptcy is simply unwise.

Life after bankruptcy can be wonderfulas long as you are cautious about your spending habits and follow the guidelines to make the most of your fresh start. There is no reason to have this issue arise–as long as you are spending responsibly. The ability to prevent it is all up to you. Find a bankruptcy lawyer willing to do everything he or she can to help you, including easing the process itself and your life afterward. There is no reason that you shouldn’t be told the best tactics and tips for getting back on your feet after bankruptcy.

Author: Jim Brown
How Can I Stop Creditors from Bothering Me After Bankruptcy?

Filed Under: Foreclosure

Unsecured Personal Loans Bad Credit Online Cash Borrowing With Poor Credit Score

February 29, 2012 By Marilu Nieto Leave a Comment

A few years ago, the only way that people with bad credit could access credit financing was by pledging some asset as security on the amount of cash that they planned to borrow. The pledged asset also had to have some value close to the amount being borrowed. This is not the case anymore as some lenders are now giving out unsecured personal loans bad credit where the credit scores of the borrower also do not matter.

How to get better terms on the loans

Unsecured personal loans bad credit have very high interest rates as a measure by the lenders to reduce the risks of losing their unsecured cash to people with records of poor repayments and defaulting loans among other things. The loans are also given at very strict terms and any violations will attract huge penalties. The borrower should therefore try to find better terms before applying for the loans by:

Comparing lenders- this is quite easy especially when done online and you first need to come up with a number of lenders who offer these unsecured loans. You then need to compare them to find the one whose quote on unsecured personal loans bad credit reflects:

More flexible terms and conditions

Lower interest rates

An amount that will handle your needs

Dealing with reputed lenders- choosing to deal with a lender known for good reputation is another way you can get better terms. The borrower should take time to carefully go through the reviews posted by previous borrowers in the website of the lender and this should greatly help in making the right decision. There are also some online sites that can help you on this as they give reviews and ratings of different lenders.

Improving credit scores with unsecured personal loans with bad credit

People with bad credit can use these loans to raise their credit scores as this can later help them to easily obtain other types of loans. All they need to do is borrow the loans and then make prompt repayments while keeping in line with the terms agreed on these loans. Keeping an extended but clean credit period can also help to improve credit scores.

Even if you dont have any valuable assets under your name, its now easy to qualify for bad credit loans. Most lenders are now offering unsecured personal loans bad credit in a bid to gain more customers and all you need is to carry out a quick search to find them, apply for the loans and get the funds.

Author: Farold Haefen
Unsecured Personal Loans Bad Credit � Online Cash Borrowing With Poor Credit Score

Filed Under: Getting out of Debt

Can A Person Be Successful After Bankruptcy?

February 28, 2012 By Marilu Nieto Leave a Comment

The purpose of a bankruptcy is to help a consumer relieve himself or herself from crushing amounts of debt and allow the person to finally begin to live a debt free life.

The decision to file for bankruptcy is difficult for many reasons but as soon as a person decides to get our from under debt, they will once again take control of their life. Asking a bankruptcy attorney for credit card debt help, protection from foreclosure, and relief from the harassment of creditors is a responsible move and can be seen as the first step toward the needed relief.

Debt Relief With Bankruptcy

Many now successful people that we would not think have filed for relief did so in fact to start over and fully follow their dreams. Here are some of history’s most famous examples of people who wiped the slate clean and became the massive successes we know them as today.

1. Henry Ford filed for bankruptcy after his Model T prototype failed. Getting rid of his debts allowed him to reorganize his finances and start the Ford Motor Company.

2. Milton Hershey had to file bankruptcy after his first attempt at opening a candy shop. Once he got rid of his debts he was able to open up the Lancaster Caramel Company and become one of the biggest candy makers in the world.

3. Walt Disney had to file for bankruptcy protection after many failed attempts at making movies. After filing, he created Mickey Mouse and released “Steamboat Willie,” launching him into success and allowing him to become a legend that young and old still love.

Though these three people are all very different, but they share a common beginning. They all knew that in order to succeed, they must first get help with their debts. Simply by seeking help and getting rid of their debts allowed them to become some of the biggest successes in American history.

These three aren’t the only ones who’ve seen great success after bankruptcy. Many actors and actresses, professional athletes, and even business people have found bankruptcy to be fundamental in their success. George Foreman, Willie Nelson, Cyndi Lauper and Donald Trump are just a few of these celebrities and like these there are many more famous people who have sought protection from their debts. People who have filed bankruptcy, celebrity or not, have some of the greatest success stories this country has ever known.

The famous people who’ve filed for bankruptcy can teach us something. You must do whatever you need to do to follow your dreams. If that means seeking an attorney to help with a bankruptcy and help with credit card debt, protection from foreclosure, and relief from your creditors, then so be it. Your bankruptcy can be the inspiration for your future success too.
“The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire, the size of your dreams, and how you handle disappointment along the way.” -Robert Kiyokaki

Filed Under: Bankruptcy, Debt, Debt Help, Debt Relief, Foreclosure, Getting out of Debt

Bankruptcy Or Unpaid Debt Can Ruin Your Life!

January 26, 2012 By Marilu Nieto Leave a Comment

Looking for a job and or a promotion and you filed bankruptcy in the recent past? Let’s say within the last 7-10 years. I am going to start this article by first stating that it is illegal for an employer not to hire or promote a possible employee or current employee because this person has filed a bk in the past. This is illegal, but it is legal to consider bad credit, which usually comes before a bankruptcy.

Bad credit is wide spread and it affects everything you do. From loans to home rentals. Almost half of the credit checks reported result in possible employees having bankruptcies, judgements, liens and collection accounts. Credit checks are very common for companies that are involved in accounting, valuable merchandise, finance, cash, or if a security clearance is needed.

Here is some advice we offer in the event you are in such a situation with unpaid debt or a past bankruptcy.

Part of your job application may be to have a credit check. Ok, but first you will be asked to sign a permission slip authorizing the procedure. You know your financial situation. Be truthful. If you lie, you will surely be fired or not considered.

There maybe a credit report run or you maybe asked to give permission for a background check to be run. It is your right to ask what the background check includes and how they intend to use the information. Make sure you take this advice. In the event they do run a credit report, ask for a copy. You can be prepared by running a copy of your report yourself. There are many sites on the internet where you can get credit reports, background checks and more.

You can check here Instant Background Checks includes criminal background check, property value, lawsuits, judgments, bankruptcy, liens and much more.

Assuming or knowing your credit needs repair or you have filed bankruptcy, be ready to provide a short direct explanation to your interviewer. Have proof about your story, for example a divorce, medical problems, death, unemployment, etc. You must be able to explain your strong points showing that your poor credit does not affect your working abilities. Reference your former employer and have the interviewer call. The fact that a potential employer pulls a credit report on a potential employee does not mean that the job candidate will not get the employment.

Generally, when a company does a background check they also do a credit check. The credit check would be in addition to and the job decision is not based soley on the credit. It maybe used as an extra reason to deny credit, but not the primary reason.

Not getting the job is disappointing, but being qualified and meeting all the requirments at times is not enough. If you do suspect a company is using your bankruptcy as the reason not to hire you, don’t be afraid call and ask if your credit was the problem and which area of your credit or unpaid debt was the issue.

If the answer they give you is bankruptcy, you can file a complaint with the EEOC, US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and call the US Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Response Center at 1-877-382-4357. You can also contact the local consumer protection agency or your state attorney general.

Remember you are dealing with government offices so do not expect much action on their part but do make the effort to contact them and be persistent. If you are a low-income earner, you can seek help from legal aid.

These are agencies you may contact:

US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

US Federal Trade Commission Response Center 1-877-382-4357

FTC “Fact Sheets About Employers Use Of Credit Checks

Privacy Rights Clearing House “Fact Sheets 16, 16a and 16b”

Fair Credit Reporting Act

Credit is a major component in our society so it stands to reason the bankruptcies and unpaid debt, collections and damaged credit weighs heavily on work opportunities. There are ways to clarify potential problems as addressed above. The best way to get a clearer picture of your situation is to run a credit check and background check on yourself. Easily accomplished with todays internet content. If you know that credit has been an issue then do yourself a favor and run a credit check and background check before applying for a promotion or before seeking work.

Interested in avoiding bankruptcy? Check here.

”By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius

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Filed Under: Uncategorized

Work With A Legitimate Credit Card Debt Consolidation Company

December 7, 2011 By Marilu Nieto 6 Comments

Almost all American’s are infected with the habit of making their indiscreet use of credit cards that eventually incur them an overwhelming credit card debt. When people are under the burden of outstanding credit card debt and want to come out of it, they can pursue credit card consolidation. Credit card consolidation is a process that allows you to consolidate all your credit card bills into a loan that offers low interest rate. However, you can consolidate your credit card debt on your own, or you can hire the services of a credit card debt consolidation company

Role of a legitimate credit card debt consolidation company:

A credit card debt consolidation company works as a negotiator. They act as a buffer between the debtors and the collectors and try to reduce the pay off amount of the debt that is acceptable to the creditors.

A credit card debt consolidation company also negotiates with creditors to reduce the interest rate, penalty fees and other charge-offs in order to fix the debt at an affordable repayment amount.

Once the creditors agree to the negotiated payoff amount, the consolidation company helps the debtors to pay off all their debts at once. They arrange for a loan with lower interest rate than the credit card bills and consolidate all the bills into the loan.

It is always beneficial to hire the services of a credit card debt consolidation company as they can effectively negotiate with creditors and reduce the principal amount of debt. But it is essential to hire a legitimate company. These days there are many companies who charge an upfront service fee promising the debtors to consolidate the debt and reduce the payoff amount, but ultimately do nothing. These scammers are always ready to prey on the debtors, so to avoid them follow a few simple tips.

Tips to hire a legitimate credit card debt consolidation company:

To find out a legitimate credit card debt consolidation company, contact the National Foundation of Credit Counseling. This organization can provide you valuable information about the debt consolidation company and can also provide you a list of debt consolidation counselors nationwide.

Also contact the Better Business Burea to determine the reputation of the company, and find out if any serious complaint has been filed against it.

Visit the attorney general in your state and find out about the image of the debt consolidation company in the market. The attorney general can also tell you whether or not the company is licensed to operate in your state.

Make sure the debt consolidation company you consider goes through your finances before offering a solution. Do not choose a company that suggest you what to do without knowing your financial background.

In conclusion, you can succeed in consolidating your debt if you hire the services of a debt consolidation company. But it is necessary to work with a legitimate company, or else you will get into a worse fiscal situation.

“It’s not the having, it’s the getting” -Elizabeth Taylor

Filed Under: Bankruptcy, Debt, Debt Help, Debt Relief, Foreclosure, Getting out of Debt

Divorce, How Will It Affect My Credit?

December 2, 2011 By Marilu Nieto 7 Comments

How does divorce affect my credit? Well this is a subject for much thought. I did some research and found interesting information to write about. I want to share this information with you. Let’s talk about the what can happen with your credit if you have to go through a divorce. Divorce is an uncomfortable subject but nonetheless, people go through separation and divorce every day. This is very common in our society. There are many things displaced because of the situation, and one of them is without a doubt your credit.

You should know that even the most friendly of divorce can leave you in financial distress. During your marriage, you probably, merged all of your finances, from your bank accounts, credit accounts, loans, gym memberships to ownership of your home. Everything together because that is what most couples do. Its most likely that one of the partners took most of the responsibility when it came to paying bills, which left the other person in the dark about what was paid and how much. When you are married and committed, this arrangement is common but when the marriage goes to divorce, these common place arrangements contribute to and become credit problems.

If you are headed for divorce, worrying about your credit score and making payments may be the last thing on your mind. However, even during the most difficult times of our lives, the world keeps spinning, life goes on and the fact is, divorce can greatly impact your finances and credit history. If you are seeking or have finalized a divorce, it is time to assess what needs to be done to preserve or restore your financial reputation.
Here is some advice you may consider before and after your separation.

When you get a divorce, it is your marriage that is ending and not the responsibility you have together to make payments. Even if your spouse is responsible for some or most of the debt incurred even without your knowledge during the marriage, you may be held responsible for it after the divorce.
This can be avoided if you take the proper actions and sever all financial ties with your ex spouse. This is the norm and in most situations the ex spouse will be more than happy to cooperate due to the fact that each wants to get on with their lives. This is true of the ex spouse, but not the creditors. That is why it absolutely necessary to cut financial ties sooner rather than later.

Remember credit accounts are reported for each individual associated with that account, so if you are listed as a joint owner, cosigner, or authorized user, you must deal with that account before the divorce. That means closing the account completely by paying it off or ensuring that one name is totally removed from the account.

Many divorcing couples are confused by the role of the divorce decree. A divorce decree may specify who is responsible for accounts opened during the marriage, but it does not break the contracts with the lenders. There is still responsibility as long as your name is on the account.
If the spouse responsible under the divorce decree is unable or unwilling to pay and the contract has not been changed by the lender, the late payments still will appear on both credit reports and will have a negative impact on credit scores for both individuals.
The missed payments can occur years after the divorce and still will be reported for all individuals associated with the account. That certainly can be an unpleasant surprise.
In some cases, vindictive behavior during the divorce by one or both spouses can have a very direct, very negative impact.
An angry spouse may try to hurt their soon-to-be former wife or husband by making large credit purchases on joint accounts with the intent of punishing the other person with huge debts or wrecking their credit history. What they usually do not understand is that by doing so they also likely will destroy their own credit history at the same time.

There are many situations that can affect one’s credit report. Best advise would be to keep a constant vigil on your credit. There are many ways and many programs that are available to monitor your credit. Especially under a separation situation, it is best to be in full control of your credit. Problems may still arise but the element of surprise will not be a factor.

“Credit is like a looking-glass, which when once sullied by a breath, may be wiped clear again; but if once cracked can never be repaired.” – Sir Walter Scott

Marilu Nieto, The Home Biz Diva, is an experienced Real Estate Broker having helped countless families in the span of 24 years of service. If you would like more information regarding debt relief and debt relief services, visit my informative site at Consumer Debt Relief Info

I WAS SEARCHING FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM AND I FOUND IT AT BestMoneyMakingOnlineSite

Filed Under: Bankruptcy, Debt, Debt Help, Debt Relief, Foreclosure Tagged With: article directory, article marketing, bankruptcy, bankruptcy law, credit card debt, debt relief

Have You Been Scammed By a Debt Repair Company?

November 6, 2011 By Marilu Nieto 5 Comments

Let’s talk about credit repair scamms. Of course scamms are illegal but none the less they exist.

It is established that derrogatory credit can not be removed from a credit report if it is reported correctly and if not enough time has elapsed since the recording. That would be around 7 years for the majority of the derrogatory credit and 10 years for bankruptcies.

It is also a well known fact that the credit repair companies claiming to clean up bad credit within 3 months, six months, one year, etc. is advertising misleading information.

Well then why are these advertising gimmicks still employed and why is nothing done to stop them.

Every day you can find advertising trying to fool consumers that have poor credit histories. Scammers prey on consumers in this vulnerable situation.

First and foremost, the public has got to be aware that the poor credit can not be cleaned up. No matter how much money is paid for the service and it does not matter what company is employed.

Here are a few warning signs offered by the Federal Trade Commission. (FTC)

The credit repair company wants payment up front before they take your case.
The credit repair company recommends that you do not contact any of the credit bureaus directly, but leave it all in their hands.
The credit repair company does not review with the client, the legal rights of the client.
The credit repair company does not inform the client that he or she can accomplish what can be accomplished on their own for free.
The credit repair company advises the client to invent a new credit identity by applying for and EIN number, Employment Identification Number to use instead of a social security number.
The credit repair company advises for the client to dispute all derrogatory credit whether reported correctly or not.

The majority of this advise or methods to clean your credit is illegal. The client maybe committing fraud by employing these methods.

Another thing to remember is that if a person applies for a credit by telephone, mail or internet and knowingly enters false information, they may be guilty of a crime. This would be mail or wire fraud.

So you see, not only would these scammers be taking a persons money, but may potentially expose the person to an illegal action.

Take note, the following is good information to have:

It is illegal to lie on any loan or credit application.
It is illegal to intentionally misrepresent your social security number.
It is illegal to obtain a EIN number from the IRS under false pretenses.

Any and everything a credit repair company can do for you, you can do for yourself at little to no cost.

The best advise to be given in this article is that if you are not sure, contact a credit counseling agency. They can give you more detailed information and you will not run the risk of paying for a service that can not be given to you by a company that can not legally give you service. The internet is all about information. Research and find out what you can do to improve your credit. Whatever can be done to improve your credit you can do it yourself.

“A person’s credit report is one of the most important tools consumers can use to maintain their financial security and credit rating, but for so long many did not know how to obtain one, or what to do with the information it provided.” -Ruben Hinojosa

Filed Under: Debt, Debt Help, Debt Relief

Iva Debt help

October 23, 2011 By Marilu Nieto 3 Comments

Iva Debt help

Government debt assistance offers free and impartial advice regarding debt managment and debt consolidation

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