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These 3 steps sum up any Financial Freedom plans. “Financial Freedom” means different things to different people. The simplest definition is when you don’t have to worry about everyday expenses. Adding onto that definition, it’s when you have enough income to meet your monthly expenses, and fix things when they need to be fixed (such […]

If you have bad credit, or none at all, it can be difficult to find the right credit card.  But you should use a credit card (if you trust yourself to be careful with it) to improve your credit score, and for the convenience of having one. Financial services firm WalletHub  worked out a list

There are a lot of “bankruptcy myths”  out there. Most of the myths that are criticisms are just NOT TRUE. They started with how it “used to be” or by creditors trying to stop people from getting the help they deserve. Below is a list of some of the most common myths: 1. You Will

TV ads abound for Debt Settlement Companies, but they may cost you far more than their promises.  These companies promise fast, inexpensive solutions. You should at least be wary of them.  As a bankruptcy attorney, I’ve seen plenty of people and friends who’ve tried these companies, and then come to me in a panic when

Debt problems often lead to divorce which in turn can lead to bankruptcy. Studies have shown that the biggest single stressor on a marriage is debt and money issues. You may have many other reasons to seek divorce, and the reasons often overlap. You may not “want” to save the marriage.  But anytime eliminating debts

Your credit score is important in so many ways. You’ll obtain loans at lower interest rates; find it easier to rent an apartment, a job, and utility service: and your car insurance premiums might even come down. Okay, so most people know that. Most people know the importance of avoiding late payments. Most people know

There are new rules for credit reporting agencies, starting July 1, 2017 What is NOT Reported Starting July 1, 2017 the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Transunion, and Experian) will stop reporting most judgments and tax liens on consumer’s reports. They will also remove the already existing judgments and tax liens on reports, which

Lots of people feel poorer in Ocala, Marion County, or anywhere in mid-central Florida. The recession, inflation, and lower wages make most Americans feel poorer… because they are!! THE GREAT RECESSION Mid-wage occupations (paying $13 and $21 per hour), made up about 60% of the job losses during the recession. In economist talk, the recession

Disability, even temporary, is an unwanted life event that can wreck your finances. Disability income never replaces total income.  Bankruptcy might help if you’re off-track because of an accident or illness. You should know these things about disability. #1 Disability Payments Are Exempt in Bankruptcy Bankruptcy allows you to keep disability payments.  This is true

If Your Car Is Underwater – What Are Your Options? Would you be surprised to discover that your car is underwater? Not underwater in the sense of being wet, but in a financial sense. You are “financially” underwater if you owe more on your car than what it’s worth. According to Edmunds.com, a lot of

7 Things to Know About Renting an Apartment or House After Bankruptcy Many clients ask me about renting an apartment or house after giving up their house in bankruptcy. First, you usually don’t have to give up your existing house or apartment, but it might be choice you’d make. This can be because your trying

WHEN CAN I GET A MORTGAGE AFTER I FILE BANKRUPTCY? This is a question I am often asked when someone is considering bankruptcy. Most people already have a sense that if a mortgage is their goal, clearing up old debt will be a good step towards that goal.  The short answer is that most lenders

4 Options to Get a Loan with Bad Credit If your credit is bad or you’re just starting to build credit from scratch, you might feel shut out of opportunities to borrow money. Having bad credit can be a roadblock for a loan from a traditional lender. The good news is that there are alternative