A charge off is an entry on the credit report that indicates a creditor has tried and failed to get payment, and has given up. The creditor closes the account but the debt appears as charged-off on the credit report and the creditor may continue to report the past due amount. Often creditors charge off  … Read More

When a car is repossessed or voluntarily surrendered, the vehicle is generally sold at auction. If the amount received at auction is less than the amount owed, there is a deficiency and the lender can still sue for that amount. Your lender will send you a statement showing the amount received from the auction, and  … Read More

The first step in filing chapter 7 bankruptcy is to have a detailed consultation with an experienced and knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who will take the time to listen to your situation and provide expert analysis. Once you have made the decision to file chapter 7, you will provide all the documents your attorney has requested  … Read More

There are different chapters in bankruptcy. These chapters are found in a book called the United States Bankruptcy Code. When persons and companies are experiencing financial difficulties, they consider filing bankruptcy to relieve themselves of debt they are unable to pay and to get a fresh start. The chapter of bankruptcy they choose is determined  … Read More

If you have been laid off due to COVID and are collecting unemployment, the extra $600.00 per week will probably end in July, pending Congressional action. If possible, try and conserve your resources now in anticipation of the future. If however, you are unable to pay your bills, contact your mortgage lender or landlord and  … Read More

The new legislation provides some relief for certain homeowners who have federally backed mortgages, including those purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, insured by the FHA, or guaranteed or insured by the VA or USDA. However, YOU MUST REQUEST THE RELIEF! It is not automatic. The relief will initially be granted for up to  … Read More

If you have a federal student loan, the payments are deferred through September 30, 2020, without penalty or interest. Collection activities against borrowers who were already behind on payments will also be suspended. Students who leave school for a coronavirus-related reason will have student loan obligations canceled and won’t have to return grants.

1. Check and replace your furnace air filter frequently. 2. Run the fan all the time to keep the warm air circulating throughout the house. 3. Shut off vents in unused areas of the house, but do not shut off too much of the house so the furnace does not overheat. 4. Close the blinds  … Read More

Timeshares are notoriously difficult to resell, even at a substantial loss. As more people try to get out of unwanted timeshares, criminals are targeting owners with direct mailings, telemarketing, and offers of free lunches and dinners. The scammers claim they can get timeshare owners out of their obligations for an up-front fee, sometimes as much  … Read More

1. Checking your credit score yourself does not affect the score, but if you apply for a loan or credit card and your score is checked, it lowers your score temporarily. That is the difference between a soft pull and a hard pull. 2. Getting married does not affect your credit score since each person  … Read More